Elkhorn Insulation, Waterproofing, & Concrete Epoxy Coatings

The aprons are the section of concrete between the garage door and the driveway. This can be done as an option but is not standard.

Yes. The stem walls are a short concrete footing between the surface of the garage floor and the walls. If they are less than 6″ tall, they are included at no additional charge.

NO. These floor coating systems are designed to be very durable, and they offer good resistance to impact, abrasion, chemicals, and staining. But, they can still be damaged.

No. Polyaspartic urethane is non-porous and highly resistant to chemicals and staining.

No, our Artisans have installed a minimum of 250 residential garage floors each. We also have apprentices that are coming up through our ranks, but there will always be a skilled artisan leading your installation.

The Polyaspartic Urethane topcoat that we use on all of our systems is inherently UV-tolerant, and will not amber.The aggregates we use are uv-tolerant as well. However, floor systems with a light or medium flake spread may see a slow color-shift over time.

We are not able to move your belongings for you, we require that the garage floor is empty when we arrive.We are willing to assist you with large items such as refrigerators and tool chests.

We use anti-slip compounds in all of our coatings.However, you should ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN A FLOOR SURFACE IS WET or contaminated.

Simply mist it with water and use a soft foam squeegee to pull the water out. The soft-foam will take dirt, debris, and other foreign material with it. If you feel you need to use cleaning products, only use non-detergent cleaning products like Fabuloso, Ammonia, or Vinegar.

Acid-washing is not a method that is used by professionals. It does not create the textured-profile that is required for these types of coatings to properly bond to the concrete, and the method is not approved by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI).

Diamond-Grinding and Shot-Blasting are the only methods of surface preparation that we use.

The most common materials that we use in our garage floor systems include 100% Solids Epoxy (Low-VOC) and Polyaspartic Urethane/Polyurea.

We purchase all of our materials directly from some of the country’s top manufacturers. This allows us to source higher-quality materials at a better price, which allows us to provide you with a better value.

Yes, we can use a variety of cutting-edge materials to repair cracks and damage so they are no longer visible and making them much less likely to return.

Typically, you want to allow 2 days for installation, and then another 24-48 hours from the time of completion to allow the coating to fully cure.

1-day floors are great for us as contractors, but it may not provide you with the best product. But if time is of the essence and the conditions are right for a 1-day installation, we are happy to do so.

It depends on the specific conditions of the job. If the conditions are right, we can offer that option. Remember, there are many factors that determine which material or process is best for an individual job.

Caring for your epoxy flooring is easier than you may think. You can just sweep and mop your floor regularly to keep it looking its best. Epoxy flooring in a garage or commercial setting can even be pressure washed and squeegeed as long as you have adequate cove protection installed.While very hardy, epoxy flooring can still be damaged. Use mats at doorways to prevent tracking moisture and grit on your shoes onto the epoxy where it can become imprinted in the floor. Most cleaning products are perfectly safe to use on epoxy but you should avoid acidic products that can degloss the epoxy coating. Soap-based products won’t damage an epoxy concrete floor but they will leave a dangerously slippery buildup on the surface.

Epoxy isn’t just for commercial properties. In the garage, epoxy resists gas and oil spills, hot tires, dropped tools, water, and other hazards with ease. It brightens the garage, stops concrete dusting, and provides a bright, clean surface for working on hobbies or just storing belongings. It can also be installed on other interior concrete flooring in your home for a decorative and long-lasting floor system.

Epoxy floor coatings were originally designed for commercial environments. Epoxy is a clear choice for almost any industry because it both protects the concrete floor while creating a hard-working surface that can hold up against almost anything. Epoxy coatings are USDA approved and can be used anywhere sanitation is a concern, including food processing plants, kitchens, and hospitals. Its nonporous and seamless surface resists liquids and isolates spills on the surface for easy decontamination and cleanup. It can also hold up against forklift traffic, shopping cart wheels, chemical spills, abrasion, and more. Specialty formulations are available for intense industrial settings and areas that require waterproof flooring or static dissipation.

Traditional concrete isn’t as durable as it looks because it’s naturally very porous and prone to cracks, spalling, and other issues. An epoxy floor coating protects your concrete floor from stains and damage while increasing its tensile and compressive strength. Epoxy is seamless and nonporous to make cleaning your floors a breeze. It’s also highly decorative with endless ways to get the floor you are envisioning.

It’s a common misconception that epoxy concrete coatings are slippery. This is easy to understand because epoxy has a seamless and glossy surface. Generally, epoxy is very safe to walk on when it’s clean and dry with similar grip to a basketball court. If you are concerned about skid resistance, especially if the floor will get wet such as in a commercial setting or garage, we recommend a slip-resistant additive, epoxy quartz flooring, or epoxy flake flooring which all offer a textured surface.

The longevity of epoxy flooring depends on many factors like the quality of the epoxy, the concrete preparation, where it’s installed, and the hazards it faces. The good news is epoxy that’s installed well can last up to 20-25 years in a garage or basement. Just keep in mind your epoxy will need a new clearcoat every 5 to 7 years or so to maintain its appearance and performance. Epoxy can even last 10+ years in more demanding commercial settings.

Garage epoxy has a lot to offer and it makes a very practical choice for your garage. This durable floor system is applied as a liquid and bonds with your concrete floor. Once cured, it stops concrete dusting for good and protects your garage concrete from stains and damage. Our high-grade epoxy products are formulated to withstand all types of hazards like hot tire pick up, gasoline, oil, impact, moisture, and more. With a garage epoxy floor system, you can enjoy a brighter garage that’s easy to keep clean thanks to a seamless and reflective floor. Garage epoxy is a great investment in your home that can even boost its resale value.

Formaldehyde is a potentially harmful chemical compound used in many adhesives for plywood, particle board and other building materials, including some insulation. It is important to limit exposure to formaldehyde because of its potential hazards.

Vapor retarders are typically recommended for the interior side (i.e., the “warm in winter” side) of above-ground framed walls in your home, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, garages and attics. A vapor retarder is not required for basement walls, walls made of materials that can't be damaged by moisture or freezing, or any parts of walls that are below ground.

Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.Kraft-faced insulation should be installed in exterior walls, exterior basement walls, and attic ceilings by pressing the product into the wall cavity with the paper side facing outward, towards the installer. The insulation should be snug in the cavity, but not compressed. If the product needs additional support, consider using a staple gun to hold the insulation in place.

A material — either Kraft paper or plastic — is attached to the fiberglass insulation to help control moisture, mold and draft. Facing can also be applied separately from the insulation.

Many home insulation projects can be completed by DIY savvy homeowners. However, there are a few considerations that might warrant bringing in a professional.

The right tools and equipment make your insulation project go faster, smoother and more safely. Tape measure for measuring the insulation and the area being insulated.Straightedge such as a yardstick or 2x4 for cutting insulation.Utility knife for cutting insulation.Stapling tool for attaching faced insulation or polyethylene vapor barrier to framing or studs.Putty knife or screwdriver for forcing pieces of insulation into small places.Caulking gun and caulk to seal floor and ceiling plates and other gaps through which air may flow.Dust mask to minimize temporary irritation from breathing airborne particles.Safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from airborne particles and other potential hazards.Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt; long pants; and gloves to help minimize skin contact with insulation.Sturdy work boots for protection from insulation dust and equipment hazards

Insulating floors and ceilings is a key step in building a protective thermal layer around a home and maximizing energy efficiency. Adding insulation to both interior and exterior walls and ceilings helps protect the rest of homes from damp or cold basements and can reduce noise between different floors and rooms.

A crawl space is an unfinished, accessible area below the ground floor of a building. Proper insulation can help protect your living space from outside temperature changes and cold or hot air moving in through the bottom of a house.There are two types of crawl spaces: vented and unvented. Vented crawl spaces open to the outside, while an unvented crawl spaces is part of the basement – finished or unfinished.

A significant amount of heat is lost through the roof, which makes the attic an important area to insulate. Attic insulation works like a cap – it traps the heat inside, increasing comfort and efficiency and serving as the first line of defense when protecting against outdoor weather and temperatures.

It’s better to go low-tech according to Lane Burt, a building-energy expert with the Natural Resource Defense Council. Hire a pro to find all the leaks in your home and plug them up. This should cost much less than a new heating system, so you won’t be heating the outside of your home. The best energy efficiency measure you can take is insulating and air sealing your home A March 2014 report by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy looked at efficiency programs in 20 states from 2009 to 2012 and found an average cost of only 2.8 cents per kilowatt-hour – about one-half to one-third the cost of alternative new electricity resource options.

Consider focusing your search on insulation contractors who are members of the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA), the nonprofit trade association of insulation contractors and suppliers. You can find contractors in your area by visiting the ICAA contractor locator page. ICAA members must subscribe to the ICAA Members Code of Ethics. Get a written estimate before agreeing to any work.Before you hire a professional insulation contractor, take a look at Title 16, Section 460 of the Federal Trade Commission’s Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that consumers are provided essential pre-purchase information about R-values. Find out what insulation contractors must tell their customers. Local or state governments may have additional rules and regulations regarding consumer contracts.

The kind of insulation needed depends upon the region you live in and the space you are insulating.

Yes. Insulation is an efficient way to reduce unwanted sound, and it is commonly used to provide a more comfortable and quieter interior environment. Insulation effectively reduces noise transmission through floors and through interior and exterior walls. A professional insulation contractor can help you select the proper insulation for your needs.

Ideally, the entire home — from the attic to the crawl space or basement and everything in between – should be insulated.

ICAA-member professional insulation contractors devote their time to insulation contracting services and focus on your energy conservation and comfort. Proper installation is essential for insulation to perform properly. Knowledge of vapor retarders, air infiltration, ventilation, recessed lighting, and water pipes are just a few of the areas critical to installation techniques. Professional insulation contractors have access to a wide variety of training, are familiar with local codes and regulations, and can offer guidance about the type and amount of insulation to be used.

Every new home seller must put specific information about insulation in every home sales contract. See Federal Rule 460.16 for details. Local and state governments may have additional rules and regulations governing consumer contracts.

Once you have chosen an insulation contractor, make sure the contract includes the job specification, cost, method of payment, and warranty information provided by the insulation material manufacturer. Make sure that the contract lists the type of insulation to be used and where it will be used. Make sure that each type of insulation is listed by R-value. Avoid contracts with vague language such as R-values with the terms “plus or minus”; “+ or -“; “average”; or “nominal.” Beware of any contract or verbal offering that quotes the job in terms of thickness only (e.g. “14 inches of insulation”). Remember, it is the R-value — not the thickness — that tells how well a material insulates. When buying insulation, be sure not to get sidetracked by the thickness of the material.

“Insulation,” says Bob Vila, host of the nationally syndicated TV program that bears his name, “is the most efficient energy-saving expenditure.” Vila says homeowners should check attics to determine the amount of insulation already installed. “Most homes built before 1980 have inadequate insulation,” he said, noting that if insulation between the joists of the attic floor comes only to the top of the joist, it probably makes sense to install more insulation.The U.S. Department of Energy recommends home insulation R-values based on where you live. See R-value recommendations for your climate zone.Be sure your new home complies with current building code requirements for insulation. These building codes establish minimum levels of insulation for ceilings, walls, floors, and basements for new residential construction.

Insulation saves money, increases home comfort, and protects the environment by reducing energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. DOE statistics show that, typically, 44% of a homeowner’s utility bill goes for heating and cooling costs. DOE states that homeowners may be able to reduce their energy bills from 10% to 50% by taking certain steps. One of the major steps is increasing the amount of thermal insulation in their existing homes or purchasing additional insulation when buying new homes. Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Energy conserved is money saved, and the annual savings increase when utility rates go up. Insulation upgrades also add to the value of your home.

R-value measures insulation’s resistance to heat flow. It can also be referred to as “thermal resistance.” The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. All materials having the same R-value, regardless of type, thickness, or weight, are equal in insulating power. The R-value of different insulating materials must be based on test methods established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Don’t forget that R-values are determined by material type, thickness, and installed weight per square foot, not by thickness alone. Insulation helps keep your home cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months.