At Packman’s Coatings, we’re supremely confident in the work we do with concrete coatings, epoxy coatings, deck coating and numerous related areas. We’re so confident, in fact, that we welcome comparisons to our competitors – this is the kind of thing all savvy home and business owners should be doing when considering services like ours, and we know we’ll stack up well.

When it comes to waterproof deck coatings, there are several important specific areas you should be thinking about as you canvass for the best professionals for the job. Here are some important questions to make sure you get the service you deserve.

Are You Licensed and Certified?

This may seem simple and obvious, but you’d be shocked at how many people and businesses in this sphere attempt to skirt the rules and operate without the proper licenses and certifications. Providing this kind of basic information should be no problem for any reputable deck coating company – most individual technicians will generally have a small pocket version of their license that they can show to any customers who want to see it. If there’s any issue here, even if it’s just some hesitance, this could be a red flag.

How Long Have You Operated?

Another important area to ask about is the length of time a given business has been in operation and providing deck coating services. Companies that have been around for a long time generally have more experience, and this is also a sign that they’ve been able to draw repeat business due to the quality of their services. At Packman’s Coatings, we’ve been in business for nearly 15 years.

In addition, don’t forget to ask for proof of this work history. Pictures and other samples are a standard part of these services – if a business can’t provide you with any, you might have cause to question their claims about work history.

Can You Offer References?

Another red flag? A coating company that can’t provide you with customer references for recent services, or attempts to lead you elsewhere instead of doing so. No company that provides the services it claims to has any reason to avoid customers passing on their success stories.

Is Waterproofing a Specialty?

In many cases, large-scale contracting companies include deck coating as one service in a vast sea of others – despite not actually training their technicians to carry it out properly. A contractor who specializes in roof repair won’t necessarily have the expertise to properly waterproof your deck, for instance. You want to be sure the company you hire has professionals who specify in this service.

What Are the Options for My Issue?

Another sign of a reputable deck coating professional is one who can answer your questions right away. When you call and ask about your deck issues, you should be given options for fixing your problems, plus detailed pricing estimates if you ask for them.

For more on the proper questions to ask before hiring someone to waterproof your deck, or to learn about any of our deck coating or concrete services, speak to the staff at Packman’s Coatings today.

At Packman’s Coatings, we’re proud to offer numerous concrete coating services to protect various areas of your home or business from the elements and potential wear and tear. One such offering is our waterproof concrete coatings, which we apply to decks and other areas to keep them looking great and limit your maintenance concerns.

Before we can get to work protecting these areas of your home, however, you have to first identify the signs that waterproofing might be needed on your deck. There are several notable red flags that might lead you in this direction – here are a few of the most common.

Stains Below

One of the first and most easily noticeable signs that your deck is in dire need of waterproofing is the presence of stains on the underside of your deck. If your deck is on a higher floor of the home, you’ll be able to see these stains easily when you stand underneath it. These spots will be most commonly found directly after a rain or snow storm, and are particularly visible on wood products. They also commonly show up on concrete decks as well, however, and this is a sign that waterproofing is badly needed.

Soft Spots

This is another factor that’s seen more often in wooden decks, though it can be found across all materials. If you’ve noticed plywood that’s become soft in certain areas, this is often a sign that it’s rotting – or that it’s being infested by termites, which is even worse in some cases. The sooner you catch this the better, as it will allow you to correct any infestation and also get a waterproof coating down quickly to preserve your deck.

Visible Cracks

Wood is known for the way it can expand and contract, and moisture is the primary cause of this behavior. When dry wood absorbs moisture through cracks or other openings, it expands and contracts in ways that lead to cracking and splitting in the deck. If you have a wood deck and you notice these issues beginning to form, chances are waterproofing is the best solution for you.

Peeling or Flecking

Has it been a while since you stained your deck? Know that many stain types will require re-coating after a given period of time, and they may indicate this to you through peeling or flecking of stain materials. If you notice this, it could be a good idea to re-coat the stain and entirely waterproof the deck.

Broken or Loose Material

Both concrete and wooden decks can be damaged by a few different things, including weather and various sources of moisture. Check metal flashing as well as the entire deck, and if you notice defects, consider whether preventing water from entering could have avoided these issues.

For more on signs that your deck needs waterproofing, or to learn about any of our deck coating or concrete coating services, speak to the staff at Packman’s Coatings today.

A common question we get asked is what is epoxy. People love to talk about all the benefits of adding epoxy to concrete floors, but they often skip over basic understanding of what it is.

This substance is made out of synthetic polymers. It forms a material that appears to be like plastic only much stronger and more durable.

Once it’s set, epoxy is nonporous, which is why it’s water resistant. It’s applied on top of concrete and can be multicolored or clear. Epoxy will yellow overtime if exposed to too much UV light, so many people prefer to use it inside the home.

Now that you know what epoxy is, it’s time to understand why it’s so popular. Here are 5 benefits of it.

1. Strength and Longevity

One of the biggest reasons that people like to add epoxy to their concrete floors is because it helps their pavement last much longer.

This substance is incredibly strong and scratch resistant. If you’re tired of your concrete showing wear and tear over the years look into adding an epoxy top coat. Even if your concrete has been in use for 10 years, the epoxy layer will still make it look brand new.

2. Easy Cleaning

This solution is not only water resistant but it’s also chemical resistant as well. That means you don’t have to worry about unforgiveable damages if an oil spill was left on it over night.

Simply spray down the area and within a couple of minutes your floor will look bright and shiny again.

3. Beautiful and Diverse

Concrete by itself can be made to look pretty. However, when epoxy is added it competes with some of the most beautiful flooring. In fact, with the high gloss finish, it might even be mistaken for tile.

Epoxy comes in a variety of colors and designs. You’ll easily be able to find an incredible look for your home and style.

4. Safer

Lastly, and most importantly, epoxy gives you and your family better protection. Not only is it environmentally superior than its alternatives but it’s also fire resistant. That extra layer of protection can go a long way when problems arise.

However, the benefits don’t end there. Epoxy coats are not slippery or rough. They are resistant to bacteria and germs, and they improve visibility.

This is especially beneficial when installed in garages.

What Is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a unique coating that greatly benefits the floor it is on. While we’ve mentioned some of the most popular benefits of this process, there are many more waiting to be discovered by you and your family.

Here at Packman’s Coatings we install epoxy coats to concrete floors. We’ve worked with the material hundreds of times. This makes it easy for us to answer questions like what is epoxy?

If you have any more questions about sealing coats, concrete or pavement call us today! We can’t wait to answer them.

Indoor concrete floors are a wonderful option if your home can support them.

Traditionally, when many people think of concrete floors, they imagine the foundation of the house or what’s underneath the carpet. Indoor concrete floors are much more beautiful than these types of floors and can be customized with dozens of designs and finishes. In fact, they can even be finished to look like tile, only at a much more affordable price.

Along with the stunning nature of epoxy-covered concrete floors, they have many other benefits that you, as a homeowner, will enjoy.

Low Maintenance

When concrete has been sealed with a topcoat, its surface becomes incredibly smooth and hard. This means that dirt and spills won’t be able to penetrate the surface and stain the pavement.

Because of this, indoor concrete floors are some of the easiest to maintain. To keep them clean, all you need to do is sweep and mop. Its nature means that you won’t have to be on your hands and knees scrubbing for hours to make it look new again.

Instead, just use a soft cleanser and a mop and it will be shining in no time.

Added Comfort

Another exceptional perk of concrete floors is that they can be heated.  Say goodbye to cold toes in the winter. Concrete slabs are great conductors for heated floors. While they allow heat to pass through, they’re also insulated just enough to prevent it from becoming too hot.

Talk to your installation expert about the possibility of running heated pipes underneath your concrete floor.

Finished concrete is also very smooth. While some tiles and grouts can be rough or jaded, concrete tends to stay smooth for the duration of its life. You won’t have to worry about stubbing your toes when you have concrete.

Longevity and Durability

The last benefit and one of the most valuable is its long life. Well-maintained concrete will look great for decades.

It’s incredibly strong. In fact, concrete is used on driveways and roads all across Utah. If it can handle tons of weight constantly passing over it, it can handle whatever is in your home.

You won’t have to worry about it getting dented or scratched, and even if it does crack, it’s quick and easy ways to repair. If you’re looking for a floor that you can install once and never have to think about again, concrete is a good option.

Learn More About Indoor Concrete Floors

Indoor concrete floors rival even the most expensive woods and tiles for beauty. It’s no wonder that so many people are flocking to this new trend.

Its long life and low maintenance also make it one of the most cost-effective flooring options available. Call Packman’s Coatings today to see how you can get started with an indoor concrete floor.

One of the best qualities of concrete is its durability. If you’re looking for pavement that will last for a long time and look good too, concrete is the right choice.

It’s common for concrete to last for 30 years with only minimal repairs and maintenance. However, in the best circumstances, this pavement will last 40 or 50 years.

That means you may not have to worry about your driveway or patio for half a century. Few other flooring materials and pavements can boast the same longevity.

How Much Maintenance Is Needed?

Not only does concrete last a long time, it’s also incredibly low maintenance.

Most of the time, early damages to concrete occur because it wasn’t installed properly. If the foundation wasn’t compacted, air pockets could be trapped under the concrete.

Over time, these pockets cave in, causing the concrete to sag and crack. However, even when this happens, you don’t have to scrap your concrete and start over.

Instead, a professional and experienced team can salvage your concrete and bring it back to its former glory.

Other maintenance tasks include fixing cracks with crack filler, adding stain coats for extra protection or design and lifting sinking slabs. Each of these tasks can be done relatively easily and affordably.

Which Is More Cost-Effective, Concrete or Asphalt?

One of the questions we get most often when people are adding a paved driveway is, what’s better, asphalt or concrete?

We won’t lie, asphalt is a cheaper initial investment. However, what you don’t see is that asphalt has about half the life of concrete and much higher maintenance costs as well.

In the end, if you’re looking for the best deal for your money, concrete is the way to go.

Where Can You Use Concrete?

With concrete, you’re not limited to just driveways or roads. This pavement has a variety of uses, some of which include stairs, garage floors, indoor floors, patios and much more.

With staining, epoxy and seal coats, you can choose from dozens of designs. You can make your concrete look like stone or tile without having to pay the high price of those materials.

Unlike asphalt or other materials, concrete not only looks elegant and sophisticated, but it keeps its form as well. It’s the best option on the market right now.

Ready to update your pavement? Give us a call! At Packman’s Coatings, we have expertise in using concrete in a wide variety of projects. We’ll help bring your dream pavement to life.

Old concrete can cause a beautiful home to lose some of its curb appeal. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money replacing the concrete to make your space look good again.

Replacing concrete is not always the answer, especially when it has relatively minor damage. Take a look at our tips to help you transform your old, stained concrete into the pavement that looks like new!

1. Power Wash

Over time, your concrete will accumulate grime and dirt. This comes as a result of a lot of foot and car traffic. However, before you decide to trash your pavement and replace it with a simple dirt road, first try cleaning it.

You’d be surprised how well a strong pressure washer gets out stains. You can also find cleaning chemicals made specifically for concrete to help get out stains from tires, oil, and dirt.

2. Resurface

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve your curb appeal, resurfacing your concrete steps and driveway is a great way to start.

We start by deep cleaning your concrete. Then we make minor repairs, filling cracks and fixing crumbling edges.

Next is the finish, which can come in a variety of colors or even a unique design.

This allows you to change your concrete without having to redo it. As an added bonus, concrete that has been resurfaced will last longer and need less maintenance.

3. Add Stain or Sealing Coats

Concrete is one of the most durable pavement options. It’s also incredibly affordable as well. The main concern that people have with it is that it looks bland when compared to stone or brick.

However, what these people don’t know is that you can upgrade your concrete to get a unique look without having to pay the high price. Staining concrete gives the pavement a polished and glossy surface, which can be a nice change from the dirty old appearance it might have right now.

Revive Your Old Concrete

Get the most out of your old concrete pavement with these simple revival techniques. Call our team to find out how easy it is to transform your concrete and save money at the same time!

Concrete flooring doesn’t get the widespread attention it should, at least in our opinion.

When you consider the different types of flooring you could install in your finished basement, garage workshop or anywhere in your home, concrete flooring might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, you may be worried about how you’re going to cover your concrete. But if you invest in an upgraded finish, you’ll to enjoy five little-known benefits.

1. Easy Cleaning!

Finished concrete is one of the easiest surfaces to clean once it’s sealed. Since epoxy coatings and polished finishes provide a protective barrier, it’s unlikely that the concrete will stain.

Spills won’t even sink into the surface. It’s why it’s the floor of choice for many chemical manufacturing facilities — it’s safe and easy to sanitize. It’s also why it’s the floor of choice for many homeowners, auto shop repair owners and more. No crevices for bacteria and dirt to lodge!

2. Economical to Install

As one of the lowest-cost flooring options, it’s a wonder more people don’t go with concrete flooring. Concrete is a cheap building material, and the cost to install epoxy or an acid finish is much lower than the cost of purchasing flooring materials to cover the entire space, especially if you’re comparing concrete to real wood or high-quality tile.

You can get similar results for a much lower cost when you choose concrete flooring.

3. Myriad Design Options

When you’re selecting wood or tile floors, there is a limit on the number of styles and colors you can find. With concrete, your options are nearly endless. With the ability to match color, tone and overall design, you have much more control over the details, ensuring you end up with exactly the floor you wanted.

4. It’s the “Green” Choice

Since most floors already have concrete beneath them, you’re saving on sourcing other materials when you simply refinish the slab that’s already there. If you’re looking for the environmentally friendly option of flooring selections, this is it.

5. Durability That Beats the Competition

Everyone wants a durable floor, but wood gets scratched and tile cracks. You won’t have the same worries with concrete. It’s hard, strong and can last a lifetime if it’s maintained through regular sealing. What’s not to like?

Create Your Floor Your Way

At Packman’s Coatings, we’re excited to see your creativity. Do you want a toned, marble-like finish or a sleek, glossy, vibrant color? When our skills meet your vision, amazing things can happen, and we are ready to create the concrete flooring of your dreams.

When beautiful, finished concrete surrounds a sparkling, crystal-clear swimming pool, that’s when heat, stress and troubles melt away. You enter your backyard oasis, and your day instantly gets better. When you host fun summer parties, your friends don’t want to leave.

We believe your concrete pool surround is important. In fact, we think finished concrete makes your outdoor retreat shine.

Natural Stone, without the Cost

A finished concrete surface can replicate high-end stone, but it’s cheaper than the real thing. It can be costly to install authentic stone around your pool — a bill you might want to avoid after the initial pool installation and the ongoing cost of the upkeep.

Depend on our team to refinish dusty, gray concrete and make it into a work of art that catches more eyes than the pool.

You Get Custom Control

When you opt for finished concrete, you get complete control over the look. You can choose from a nearly endless array of colors and textures. For the homeowner with a clear vision for their back yard, you have more options than what plain old concrete can provide. You can get custom, and for an affordable price.

Weather the Seasons

A strong finish will help your pool deck hold up to changing seasons better than unprotected concrete. When your pool deck is sealed, it will maintain its integrity and its appearance and will be less susceptible to scaling. In Utah, this is key.

You might only be able to use your pool for a portion of the year, but you don’t want to have to make concrete repairs every season. Finished concrete helps prevent repeated repair costs.

It’s Not Just About Looks

Finished concrete is an upgrade in the aesthetics department, but it’s definitely not the top reason to work on your pool deck surround. You can create a nonslip surface that enhances swimmer safety and reduces the risk of injuries on your property. Pools are enough of a liability — do what you can to protect your guests and your interests!

Long-Lasting Beauty with Minimal Maintenance

If you could reduce the hours you spend preparing your pool area every year, would you? That’s what finished concrete guarantees. Yes, you’ll need to reseal it every few years, but it’s a definitive upgrade that sets your back yard apart and protects against stains and weathering damage. It adds safety and value while it improving aesthetics.

Make your guests ooh and aah: Get finished concrete today from Packman’s Coatings. We offer free quotes and plenty of rave reviews from past customers who can’t say enough good things about our work. Call today to learn more!

Concrete stain and dye are not the same thing. Though the results might look similar at first, the long-term effects are vastly different, especially if they were applied to outdoor concrete.

When you’re ready to move beyond boring, dull gray and decorate your concrete, deciding on either concrete stain or dye depends on the effect you are envisioning and the type of concrete structure you’re renovating.

All About Dyes

Dyes are a pigmented material that penetrate the concrete surface. They’re a popular concrete refinishing material because they are easy to apply as a DIY project. Dye is low in VOCs and does not require a wide array of specialized equipment. Many are water-based and easily applied with a sprayer, roller, brush or sponge.

Another great benefit of dye is the virtually unlimited color options. You can choose literally any color since the dye is fully customizable. The only problem? Dye isn’t UV stable. It will fade in just a few months, making it not the best choice for outdoor concrete.

Also, you won’t see much variation with concrete dye. It usually only produces a monotone color, unlike the variations and affects you can achieve with staining.

After the dye is applied, most manufacturers recommend applying a coat of sealer to lock in the color and protect the surface. This may have to be reapplied on a regular basis.

Different Types of Stains

Concrete stain is a much more detailed, specialized type of application. You can opt for either penetrating or acid-based stain. Penetrating stains are usually water-based and can be combined with other colors to create a unique shade.

Acid stains take the quality up a notch or two. This type of refinishing effort chemically reacts with the concrete, generating a natural-looking appearance. Some projects turn out looking almost like marble. Since acid stains require professional skill and special equipment to apply, they are slightly more expensive. However, since they are able to stand up to UV rays and regular, weather-related wear and tear, they are the best option to upgrade your outdoor concrete surfaces.

Which Is Right for Your Project?

The setting matters most when it comes to selecting the concrete stain or dye, but the most important fact to keep in mind is that concrete isn’t boring. It’s your blank canvas! Whether indoors or outdoors, you can use your concrete to exhibit your personality and design preferences.

Trust the Experts

Packman’s Coatings is Utah’s resident concrete stain expert and we aren’t afraid to brag about it! We have been transforming dull, gray concrete for over a decade. Our years of experience make us the right skilled contractor to choose for your concrete revitalization project. We want to hear about your ideas, and we’ll bring our own dash of creativity to provide you with plenty of options. Let’s talk details!

If you ask us, commercial concrete coatings are ideal anywhere. Flooring is one of the hardest materials to choose, mainly because business owners or operators are so conflicted. Should the floor add to the design? Should it be chosen based on durability alone? Is there a middle ground?

Choosing a commercial floor isn’t hard once you review all the options commercial concrete coatings provide. Many of the pain points you’re facing that make it hard to decide can be resolved with concrete coatings.

Here are four specific scenarios where commercial concrete coatings are ideal:

Auto Shop

You spill oil. You drop tire irons. There’s a lot of scraping, scuffling and spilling going on. That’s normal in an auto shop. But what about the floor?

If your garage is like most, you probably have regular old concrete as the foundation of your workspace. It’s probably cracked, chipped and stained. You sweep at the end of the day, but eventually, you give up. It’s not that an auto shop has to look pristine, but it’s frustrating that you can’t rid the floor of the grime or the smell.

That’s where concrete coatings come in. Not only is the coating resistant to chipping, it’s impervious to stains. You can spill as much oil as you want — it won’t penetrate the surface. It makes cleanup easier for your employees and it adds another level of professionalism to your shop.

Chemical Manufacturing

Flooring is a top priority in any manufacturing space. When employees handle harsh or hazardous chemicals, an absorbent floor poses a major risk. Since concrete coatings can withstand even the most corrosive elements, it’s one of the top choices for this setting.

Professional Office

Here’s a surprise — it doesn’t matter if the harshest chemical in your office is the days-old black coffee left behind in the kitchen. Concrete coatings are still a great choice because they’re beautiful! You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for durability, and that’s what makes them one of the most versatile flooring options you will ever find.

Warehouse Environment

When backing up the forklift and moving giant shelving units, it’s normal to get nervous about the wear and tear on the floor. Good news — an epoxy commercial coating is nearly impossible to crack or damage in any way. It works in the warehouse too!

From showrooms to retail stores to medical settings, there are commercial concrete coatings for every occasion. You just have to reach out and ask us which one is right for you. Contact Packman’s Coatings today to learn more and get a quote for your business.