encore-garage

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:57:29 GMT

Here’s how Encore Garage Ohio can unleash the untapped potential in your garage.

For most of us, the garage is the under-appreciated dumping ground portion of a home’s real estate, a place to stash tools, pile up past holiday decorations and store used-up sports equipment. Though you may do your best to avert your eyes from it and beeline for the door when coming home, what we see at Encore Garage Ohio is a blank canvas. Your home has untapped potential for customizing a dream space uniquely suited to your lifestyle.

When I meet with a client I’m in learning mode, finding out about how they live their life. I ask about their hobbies, habits and what makes them the happiest, then incorporate that into the transformation.

Do they love cigars? Great, let’s create a cigar bar. Is gardening a hobby? Let’s build an indoor garden station.

Are they looking to get in shape? Let’s create a home workout gym. Is their dog a beautiful disaster always tracking mud into the house? Let’s customize a dog washing station to clean up its act before coming inside. Is beekeeping a pursuit? Let’s design a station customized to all your specialized equipment. Do your grandkids play basketball? We can build a mini basketball court in the garage to keep them active all year.

Whatever your passion, we can create a warm, inviting and specialized space for it in the garage.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had a ball consulting with homeowners and watching their reaction to their new Encore garages.

Have I mentioned they’re great looking? Well, they’re gorgeous, and they can be reflective of the decor aesthetic inside your home. We’ve created Cleveland Browns themes and OSU themes, any college colors or style you can imagine brought to life.

People appreciate that we do everything from top to bottom, specializing in advanced floor coatings, commercial-grade cabinetry, organizational systems, lighting and painting.

Give me a call and schedule a free consultation to explore the possibilities that await—just outside your door. Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com . Check out the gallery of finished garages to discover fabulous ideas for your own untapped space.

You Get What You Pay For

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:15:42 GMT

About 15% of Encore Garage Ohio jobs are fixing or completely redoing botched workmanship, whether done by another contractor or a DIY homeowner.

I can pretty much guarantee if you call several contractors to bid on your garage floor remodeling job, I will not be the cheapest—and for good reason. There are significant differences between quality of materials, installation and know-how.

About 15% of our jobs are fixing or completely redoing botched workmanship, whether done by another contractor or a DIY homeowner.

Since 2007, we’ve relied on the best quality, industrial-grade polyaspartic flooring materials. What we use is head-and-shoulders above what you’d buy at a big-box store. Inferior materials mean an inferior finish that will peel, crack and lose its color. The issues aren’t just cosmetic, poor-quality materials can collect moisture and deteriorate the underlying concrete, causing costly structural repairs down the road.

Technique matters, too. Our seasoned crews are highly trained. We follow a strict multistep preparation process of layering and curing the product. Often when we’re called in for a redo, it’s because a company skipped steps and rushed an installation.

A lot of companies only do flooring. We offer the whole package, from flooring to cabinetry, organization systems and painting.

Accountability is another differentiator between Encore Garage and everyone else.

Clients like that they only deal with me throughout the job. I sell the jobs, make the jobs happen and own the company. What you see is what you get. I offer the best-quality job at the best price and have the five-star reviews to back it up.

I appreciate we’re all trying save money whenever we can, but if you tighten your belt too much with a garage renovation, it may cost you more in the end when you find yourself paying twice to have work redone. Give me a call for a free consultation.

Call Mike Padden at Encore Garage Ohio 330-922-4411 or visit EncoreGarageOhio.com for more information.

Goodbye Chaos, Hello Organization

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:33:11 GMT

Encore Garage Ohio creates beautifully organized garages tailored to hobbies, lifestyles and long-term storage needs

Winter is the perfect time of year to pause, look around you, take stock of your stuff and hit the reset button on organizing it.

For most folks, the garage rivals the basement and attic for status as a domestic dumping ground where useless junk can accumulate. That’s sad, considering it’s the first place you see coming home and last when you leave. And most people enter and leave their homes through their garage door, not the front door, so your guests are privy to the mess, too.

Studies have shown the value of organizing in reducing stress and anxiety while boosting productivity. Bottom line: Decluttering your life is good for your mental health. The confidence of knowing where everything is creates a sense of calm and well-being.

The garages we transform help keep things in sight and out of sight with a sleek décor aesthetic that’s reflective of your home’s interior.

For 20 years, we’ve done everything from top to bottom, specializing in advanced flooring coatings, commercial-grade cabinetry and organizational systems to turn your clutter into an attractive, functional and inviting space you’d be happy to come home to and invite your friends and family to.

We customize everything to the client; there are no cookie-cutter jobs to us.

In the past, we’ve created Cleveland Browns- and OSU-themed man caves and cigar bars, as well as gardening spaces for green thumbs, stylish overflow areas for entertaining or even extra play spaces for the grandkids.

We love helping clients maximize the potential of their garages, using the highest-quality materials, construction methods and installation techniques.

Give me a call and take us up on a free consultation to show you the possibilities that await just outside your garage door.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com . Check out the gallery of finished garages to discover fabulous ideas for your own.

When Function Goes Further

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:27:13 GMT

Your garage can be so much more than just a place to park. Transformations from Encore Garage Ohio add function, style and organization to the most versatile space in your home.

Wondering what’s the smartest, most affordable way to add square footage, functionality and storage to your living space?

The answer may surprise you.

Just ask Mike Padden of Encore Garage Ohio . For more than 20 years, he and his team have earned a name for themselves in Northeast Ohio for high-end garage transformations.

“We love helping clients maximize the potential of their garages, using the highest-quality materials, construction methods and installation techniques,” Mike says. “Your garage is the first thing you see when you get home and the last thing when you leave. It’s how guests usually enter and leave, their first and last impression. So shouldn’t it be a stylish extension of your home?”

They do it all—from eco-friendly advanced polymer flooring coatings to commercial-grade cabinetry and wall and ceiling organization systems, as well as painting and lighting. And before any work is done, Mike creates a 3D CAD design for homeowners to visualize precisely what their space could look like.

“People have come to know us as the one-stop solution for all garage enhancement needs,” says Mike. “We probably won’t be the cheapest guy for any job, nor the most expensive, but I can tell you we’ll be the most dependable. A lot of work we do is fixing and redoing the work done wrong by other contractors or DIYers.”

A Time to Purge

Whether it’s pursuing hobbies, creating a haven for escape such as Cleveland Browns-themed man caves or cigar bars, or maybe adding luxurious overflow space for entertaining, Encore brings next-level makeovers to life.

Meet a recent client of Mike’s, Susan Klein. As a retiree along with her husband, she’s a good example of how Encore can help declutter, reorganize and customize each job.

When a malfunctioning furnace damaged the cabinetry in Susan’s garage, she was forced to take a long look at all the clutter and didn’t like what she saw.

“We not only had duplicates of most things, but we also had triplicates,” she says, laughing. “I called several garage makeover companies and Mike called me back right away and made an appointment for a consultation.”

The Kleins lived there for 20 years after downsizing, and it was high time for a purge.

“Before we created a plan for the space, we spent a lot of time going over the items they need on a daily basis and longer-term storage they don’t need to access often, like for holiday lights,” says Mike.

Susan adds she liked knowing that Mike was both the owner of the company and the only person she’d be working with.

Since it’s a 3.5-car garage with space for a golf cart, there was a lot of space to work with.

“Now that it’s completed, I feel less stress every time I drive in or leave,” she says. “If I’d known how much it would lower my blood pressure, I’d have done it years ago!”

A Green Thumb’s Dream

Customization and thorough consultation are two things that differentiate Encore from all the rest.

During Mike’s initial visit with Susan, he noticed gardening pots in different spots. “There were so many, you could tell this was her passion,” he says. “So, I designed a little garden center within the garage, with shelves, cabinetry, an organizational wall treatment for tools and products and a little sink for when she’s repotting. Now since there’s a window letting in ample light, she can get her springtime herbs, plants and veggies started well before springtime hits.”

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio. Visit the gallery of finished garages at EncoreGarageOhio.com to discover fabulous ideas for your own .

Stop the salt attack

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:47:15 GMT

They say nothing is more certain than death and taxes, but in Northeast Ohio, I’d argue that Old Man Winter’s frigid gales are just as inevitable. Soon, snow, sleet, slush and road salt will arrive, bringing their destructive forces to your garage’s concrete floor.

Concrete’s porous nature means it absorbs moisture, dirt and salt, creating a corrosive brine. This, combined with the freeze-thaw cycle, leads to serious surface deterioration like crumbling, chipping and staining. A polyaspartic floor coating system, however, can protect your concrete floor from these ravages. Encore Garage Ohio can resurrect your damaged floor and add a striking, durable finish designed for years of long-lasting protection.

Our service technicians will restore your garage floor by installing a multi-layer coating system that includes a wide selection of beautiful color deco flakes. Once applied, maintaining its gorgeous look is simple—just hose, mop or squeegee dirt away. This new, slip-resistant surface naturally repels oil, grease, paint, salt and moisture. This is a one-time process. No additional resealing is required, saving you time and money.

We use only the highest quality, commercial-grade materials, far superior to what you’d find at a big box store. Our polyaspartic floor coating typically cures in 24-48 hours, returning your garage to service almost immediately.

Ultimately, your garage is one of the most frequently used entry points into your home. Why not give it some much-needed care and maximize your living space at the same time?

Give us a call before the snow starts falling to winterize your garage for years to come. In addition to flooring, consider a complete garage makeover with our Encore Signature Series custom cabinetry and smart storage organization.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com .

SKIPPING THE DIY URGE

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:03:11 GMT

Hooray—summer has finally arrived, and it’s time to tackle those home maintenance projects that haunted us all winter. One of the biggest eyesores? That stained, deteriorating garage floor. It’s tempting to ride the adrenaline rush straight to the hardware store to grab a bucket of epoxy and take the DIY route. But hold the paint rollers, “You’re bound to walk away dissatisfied when it starts to fade, peel and wear excessively in six to 18 months,” says owner of Encore Garage Ohio , Mike Padden.

About 30% of our floor installations are replacements for homeowners who tried to do it themselves. We call this the “MEE” factor. It’s when homeowners feel the urge to tackle the job on their own. What many don’t realize is what a quality installation truly entails. “MEE” stands for materials, equipment and expertise.

When you consider what a garage floor must withstand from supporting a 6,000-plus-pound SUV to enduring UV rays, moisture and fluctuating temperatures—it’s easy to see how a floor can fail when it’s not installed by a professional.

Do DIYers understand the detailed prep work and material application techniques required for a superior installation? No.

Do they buy high-end commerical-grade materials that have superior abrasive and fading resistance? No.

The DIY homeowner is initially happy with their new epoxy floor installation, but within a few months, they call us to remove the coating. Their time and expense end up being all for naught.

If the “MEE” factor is calling you, do yourself a favor and don’t listen. This is a gamble you don’t want to take. With 20 years of experience in garage flooring, combined with commercial-grade equipment and professional-grade materials, the floors we install are built to last. There’s a good reason we back our work with impressive warranties. Give us a call for an estimate.

THIS IS NOT US

Mon, 05 May 2025 14:18:31 GMT

Encore Garage uses the best materials available in the industry and strong warranties to ensure your garage floor coating withstands the test of time.

Within the garage floor coating industry, we have a nickname for the inexperienced newcomers who paint their name on a vehicle, purchase watered down products at a big box store, and don’t bother investing in equipment or undergoing any training beyond a two minute You Tube tutorial.

We call them Chuck in a Truck, and you may have already met him.

He’s out to make a fast buck, offers no warranty and after the job hopes to never hear from a customer again. Ever.

I hope homeowners realize if they pay Chuck now, they’ll probably end up paying us later. We do a lot of rework to replace the poor quality installations, as well as that of DIYers.

Your garage is a harsh environment that requires a job built to withstand. We have found over the past nearly 20 years that the quality of high-end materials is crucial to the durability and longevity of the floors we take pride in creating. So, too, is the equipment we use in prep work-two aggressive pieces of machinery I call the “Mini-Zamaboni and the “Beast” to grind and prep floors prior introducing our Polyaspartic coating system.

Before each installation, proper preparation is critical. This includes checking the concrete’s moisture content and addressing any cracks or spalling. We also educate the customer throughout the process. In addition, we offer strong warranties and stand behind the work we do.

Three words: Beware of Chuck.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411

IMAGINE A BEAUTIFUL AND ORGANIZED SPACE EVERY TIME YOU ENTER YOUR GARAGE

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:29:14 GMT

Remember how your mom used to tell you, “There’s a place for everything and everything has its place?”

Well, turns out she was right.

Studies have shown that organization reduces stress and anxiety while boosting productivity. The simple act of decluttering your life is good for your mental health. The convenience of saving time looking for things and the confidence of knowing where everything is create a sense of calm and well-being.

Meet Susan Klein, a recent client of ours. As a retiree, along with her husband Johnny, she’s a good example of our clientele.

When a malfunctioning furnace damaged the cabinetry in her garage, she was forced to take a long look at all the clutter and didn’t like what she saw.

“We not only had duplicates of most things, we had triplicates,” she says laughing. “I called several garage makeover companies and Mike called me back right away and made an appointment for a consultation.”

She told me she needed to “adult-proof” her garage space. They’d lived there for 20 years after downsizing, and it was time for a purge. Before we created a plan for the space, we spent a lot of time going over the items the couple needs on a daily basis and those they don’t access often and can be placed in longer-term storage, like holiday decorations.

“It was great to know that Mike was both the owner of the company and the only person we’d be working with,” she says. “I also liked knowing he could do everything to make over my garage, flooring, cabinetry, reorganization and painting. They even painted the whole garage, which turned out beautiful.”

Since it’s a 3.5-car garage with space for a golf cart, there was a lot of space to work with.

“Now that it’s completed, I feel less stress every time I drive in or leave,” she says. “If I’d known how much it would lower my blood pressure, I’d have done it years ago!”

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com .

WINTER-READY GARAGE FLOORS

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:26:34 GMT

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, sort of like the Grinch stealing Christmas, but snow, sleet, slush and road salt are on their way to town. Nothing deteriorates concrete like the winter elements.

No matter how bad the shape of your garage floor—chipped, stained, falling apart—we offer a beautiful and functional solution: the Flex-Core Polyaspartic floor coating system. Our service technicians can restore the surface, then seal it and resurface it with decorative epoxy flakes that look like fine terrazzo.

The result is gorgeous, durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. For a clean and pristine surface, just hose it, mop it or squeegee it. And, no worries about stains going forward, as your new flooring will repel oil, grease, paint and road salt. The finished floor is also slip-resistant. We only work with the best quality commercial-grade materials, head and shoulders above what you’d buy in a big box store.

Our customers love the selection of styles and colors. Those who are passionate alums of their colleges have fun choosing their school colors. We’ve done lots of jobs in scarlet and gray, for instance.

Give us a call before the snow starts falling and winterize your garage for years to come. In addition to flooring, we also install custom cabinetry and smart storage organization.

For a free consultation, call EncoreGarage Ohio at 330-922-4411 . For more information visit EncoreGarageOhio.com .

SPICE UP YOUR GARAGE SPACE

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:24:43 GMT

Would you like to be the envy of all your neighbors just by pressing your garage door opener?

Over the past 20-plus years, we’ve transformed garages from dark and dingy to bright and beautiful.

It all begins with our FlexCore polyaspartic coating system, with the most advanced polymers available for residential garage floors. The three benefits to our flooring are that it preserves the underlying concrete and stops deterioration from salt and moisture, it’s esthetically pleasing, you can select from designer colors, and it’s a breeze to keep clean, you just quick mop and squeegee.

Our high-quality, seamless, polymer composition permanently bonds to the concrete. After the application, your floor will repel chemicals and stains while remaining slip-resistant.

While there are many floor coatings out there, I like to consider ours head and shoulders above the rest in terms of quality and installation.

We make the process easy. The work is done in as little as two to three days and you don’t need to be there when we do it. Come home to a beautiful new space that’ll make you happy every time you pull in the driveway. In addition to flooring, we also do organizational systems, cabinetry, painting and lighting.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com .

TAKE BACK THE GARAGE

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:16:25 GMT

"We wish we did this years ago.”

I hear that from most customers after we’ve transformed their garage from a junk pile to an inviting and organized space.

Trust me, there’s nothing more uplifting than purging with purpose. It’s the clutter in your life that could be weighing you down. Think about it, the first thing you see when coming home and the last thing when leaving is your garage.

Is it working for you?

Does it put you in a good frame of mind to conquer your days and nights? Or do you mindlessly shuffle past piles of junk, old bikes, dusty golf clubs and tools you can’t identify. This list goes on and on.

Purging with purpose is easier than it seems. Block off an hour or two and make three piles in your driveway, what to toss, donate and keep. Then give us a call. We handle every aspect of floor-to-ceiling garage transformation, from Flexcore polyaspartic floor coating to organizational systems, cabinetry and even painting and lighting.

Don’t you want a garage that’s the envy of all the neighbors? May is the perfect month to take a deep, cleansing breath and declutter your garage and your life.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com .

WITH A GARAGE MAKEOVER FROM ENCORE GARAGE OHIO, YOU CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME AND RECLAIM USABLE SPACE

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:09:01 GMT

When is the last time a neighbor walked up to your front porch and rang your doorbell to say hello?

Nowadays, a neighbor will pop into your garage when they see you. The garage is also how most folks enter your home. Not surprisingly, homeowners are giving their garages a second look when it comes to presenting a stunning first impression that mirrors the rest of their home’s décor, as well as maximizing living space.

Mimi caught up with Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio, for insight. He’s made a name for himself over the past 20 years by offering floor-to-ceiling garage transformations. The two-part process begins with Flexcore polyaspartic floor coating for an upscale touch. Then Mike and his crew come up with the perfect fit of organizational system and custom cabinetry.

“We find out about each homeowner’s lifestyle,” he says. “For instance, do they want more space to watch games on television, have overflow party space or—like me—need more play space for their grandchildren? After finishing my own garage, we installed a basketball net and taped off a court, so my grandsons can shoot hoops whenever they visit.”

He reports transforming your garage is also an economical alternative to a home addition. Most three-car garages can add about 1,000 square feet of space, or as Mike likes to think of it, untapped potential. It makes practical sense.

“April and May are our busiest months of the year,” he says. “Coming out of winter, people are looking to enjoy all the grad parties, family reunions and gatherings they hold outdoors. My wife and I just threw a catered party in our garage to celebrate the eclipse and it was amazing. You know the old saying that people always end up in the kitchen at a party? Well, for us, they end up hanging out in the garage.”

Why not reclaim your space and turn your garage into your new front porch? Encore has to power to make it happen.

Get started with a free consultation from Encore Garage Ohio by calling 330-922-4411 or visiting EncoreGarageOhio.com .

RECLAIM YOUR GARAGE

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:47:31 GMT

Every family cycles through phases—and so do their garages. The Big Wheels change over to bikes and helmets, then extra furniture for when the kiddos are between college dorms and apartments. At each point along the journey, the experts at Encore Garage Ohio can help.

Over the past 20 years, Encore Garage owner Mike Padden has offered trend-inspired, decorator-worthy spaces for this new frontier in home renovation.

“Whether your goal is to create a cozy family room or entertaining space, or simply purge with purpose and organize your excess stuff in the garage, we can make it happen,” he says.

From floor to ceiling, they do it all. Most jobs begin with Encore’s Flexcore polyaspartic floor coating, which adds a luxurious look covering old, stained concrete. It’s nonporous and repels oil, grease, paint, salt, etc. Then Mike and his seasoned crew customize organizational systems and cabinetry that’s as gorgeous as anything you’d select for a kitchen or bathroom renovation.

“Renovating your garage comes with significant value-added appeal, too, boosting any home’s esthetic appeal,” he says. “It’s no longer a domestic dumping ground, but rather prime real estate for stylish home reinvention.”

THE WINTER GRINCH IS AROUND THE CORNER

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 21:00:08 GMT

I know the last thing you want to think about right know is snow, ice, freezing temperatures and rock salt. How does a favorite winter song lyric go, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch?” But in a few short weeks, these cunning wintertime Grinches will be wreaking havoc on your garage floor. The time to stop these wintertime Grinches is right now—before they have the chance to do their worst.

Some of you may already be living with damage from previous ravaging winters, your garage floors bearing the nasty scars from years of punishing abuse in the form of pitting, cracking, and staining. Others may have newer garage floors and wish to extend the beauty—and lifespan—of their floors before the Grinch of winter can cause damage.

Regardless of where the condition of your floor falls on the spectrum, consider having it resurfaced with EncoreGarage’s Flex-Core Polyaspartic floor coating system.

Our Flex-Core Polyaspartic coating system surpasses traditional epoxy coating. It is non-porous, more abrasive and stain resistant. It repels oil, grease, paint and road salt to name a few.

EncoreGarage’s Flex-Core Polyaspartic Floor Coating system comes in a range of color choices that project a bright, aesthetically pleasing site when entering and exiting your garage. On top of that, there’s minimal upkeep. For a clean and pristine surface, just hose it, mop it or squeegee it.

Our Encore Signature Series cabinet systems keep clutter at bay. Our customizable cabinets are garage-tough, transforming the garage of many domestic dumping grounds into a well-organized space.

Now is a perfect time to have a new EncoreGarage Flex-Core Polyaspartic coating system and a Signature Series cabinet system installed, before the Grinch of winter invades your garage.

CREATE INSTANT CURB APPEAL

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:15:34 GMT

The real estate landscape is starting to come back down to earth amid rising mortgage rates.

Buyers are less likely to exceed the list price and pay top dollar, even as the available housing stock remains low. You can sell yourself short by giving buyers an excuse to back out or reconsider. Some buyers may not even reach the front door when they see the garage’s worn, discolored concrete floor.

A simple curb appeal correction can reverse the trend and earn you top dollar, explains Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio.

Here, Mike explains the options to enhance the garage’s concrete floor.

Q: How can a homeowner protect and restore the garage floor?

A: It’s better to take care of your concrete floor before another winter in Northeast Ohio rolls in, depositing another layer of salt and sludge, adding to the deterioration.

Tearing the concrete out and replacing it wouldn’t add more protection than what’s there already.

After the considerable cost of replacing the concrete, you could protect it with an over-the-counter clear sealer, putting time and energy into repeated labor-intensive applications. While snagging a bucket of epoxy from a big box store might save a few bucks, within 18 months you’re back to square one when it starts peeling.

Our Encore Flexcore polyaspartic coating is more economical in the long run and adds value to your home, creating instant curb appeal.

Q: Why is polyaspartic coating better than new concrete?

A: Unlike concrete, it’s nonporous, repelling oil, grease, paint, salt, and other chemicals. That’s the beauty of it, plus it’s easy to clean.

CAN YOU DIY YOUR GARAGE FLOOR?

Fri, 12 May 2023 18:52:23 GMT

T he garage is what we put into it. Bit by bit, bric-a-brac piles up, and unsightly stains cover the concrete.

Inevitably, homeowners reach a point and say, “enough is enough” and decide to take control.

The garage is ground zero for home maintenance and refurbishing it might seem like another DIY project. But not every DIY project is worth the time, energy and expense.

DIYers who snag a bucket of epoxy from a big-box store are bound to walk away dissatisfied when it starts to peel in six to 18 months.

Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio , explains how a professional can make the garage work for the DIYer instead.

Q: What does a pro do differently from a do-it-yourselfer?

A : Professionals have the expertise and equipment to do the job right the first time. Before applying our Encore Flexcore polyaspartic coating, we prep the surface for a superior bond the DIYer can’t get with a bottle of acid etch found in an off-the-shelf coating kit.

Our diamond-studded grinders—nicknamed Zambonis, as we like to call them—expose and eliminate impurities to allow the base coat to penetrate the concrete pores and create excellent adhesion.

Q: What about the flooring materials?

A : Off-the-shelf, consumer-grade products are significantly diluted. Professional-grade products have 100 percent solids. The DIY kits come with a small packet of color flakes, resulting in a substandard appearance and poor wearability. We do a dense distribution until the floor rejects the chips, delivering a far more aesthetically pleasing look as part of our layering process, offering strength and traction.

Our quality control makes for a quality installation.

TAKE THAT TAX REFUND AND TRANSFORM YOUR GARAGE SPACE INTO SOMETHING YOU’LL LOVE COMING HOME TO

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:04:46 GMT

F or many of us, the garage is our front door, and passing through on the way in and out can be a harrowing journey. Although it might be our home’s primary entrance, it’s the last thing on the list for spring cleaning.

“People feel frustrated when the time comes to clean out the ugly mess winter left because it usually means tackling more than a few months of buildup,” says Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio . “Often, it’s years of neglect and accumulated junk as the garage turned into a domestic dumping ground. It’s enough to stress anyone out.”

Enough is enough. Bikes with flat tires, balls that don’t bounce, bags of golf clubs gathering dust, outgrown scooters and a Slip ’N Slide past its prime, tools, ladders, snow shovels, bulky bottled water stacks and unpacked moving boxes all need a new place to call home. If any of these usual culprits Mike and his crew uncover describe your own garage, it’s time for a transformation. Add making your garage into something worthy of the rest of your home to the top of your to-do list.

“Take a look at the garage floor, the unsightly stains and areas where salt has eaten away at the concrete,” Mike says. “We can restore it, sealing it with our Encore Flexcore polyaspartic coating system, so there’s no distracting eyesore every time you pass through the garage.”

The state-of-the-art coating makes concrete better than new and comes in various colors.

“The cost to put in another concrete floor is through the roof,” Mike says. “Our Encore Flexcore polyaspartic coating is economical and adds value to your home. Unlike concrete, it’s nonporous, repelling oil, grease, paint, salt and other chemicals so that these substances do not collect and get tracked inside the house. That’s the real beauty of it. On top of that, it’s low- maintenance. To clean it, simply mop it and squeegee it.”

The garage is no longer just the garage.

“The garage has become another room in the house that people proudly show off,” Mike says.

From floor to ceiling, Encore Garage uses its know-how and system of heavy-duty cabinets, spacious work surface, sturdy organization systems, and showroom-quality lighting to reclaim and redefine the space, reinvigorating garages to their rightful places as a natural extensions of the home.

“We match every job to the homeowner’s needs and personality—building a storage area and workbench for the resident gearhead or wrapping cabinets around a big- screen TV and emblazoning a Guardians logo on the wall for the sports fanatic,” Mike says. “If someone likes to garden, we can make a custom workstation to exercise a green thumb, rain or shine.”

All Encore Garage’s organizational systems are custom-made.

“Custom doesn’t mean costly,” Mike says. “It means we design with the homeowner to deliver the optimal organization system. We’re not pulling cabinets off the shelf like a big box store, and we mount—never hang—our cabinets 4 to 6 inches from the floor for easy cleaning. They’re what I call ‘garage-tuff’ and can withstand moisture and extreme swings in temperature. Doing the floor and remodeling the garage is usually less costly than remodeling a half-bath.”

As tax season coincides with spring cleaning, it bears mentioning that transferring the momentary joy of getting a return into a garage worthy of the rest of your home can turn a harrowing journey passing through on your way and in and out into many happy returns.

Top 10 Garage Clutter Culprits

The technicians from EncoreGarage have come up with an amusing checklist of common items you will often find in the average Northeast Ohio garage. How many do you have?

Bikes with flat tires. (More bikes than people living in the home)
Golf clubs, so many golf clubs!
Water bottles in bulk. (Can anyone possibly be this thirsty?)
A minimum of three ladders, all the same size.
Deflated balls. Too many to count.
Scooters, skateboards, and skates, oh my!
Tools, tools, tools.
A menagerie of defunct plastic water games, such as the Slip ’N Slide that has neither slipped nor slid for many years.
9. A plethora of snow shovels. (One for every member in the house)
10. Mystery moving boxes from your last move—13 years ago.

Set the stage for a clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing extension of your home with Encore Garage Ohio, based in Akron at 1570 Akron Peninsula Road, Suite 6. Get started and visit EncoreGarageOhio.com or call 330-922-4411 to schedule a free consultation.

WITH A GARAGE MAKEOVER FROM ENCORE GARAGE OHIO, YOU CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME AND RECLAIM USABLE SPACE

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 03:29:41 GMT

When you open the garage door, it’s open for anyone passing by and, for better or worse, reflects on the rest of your home. When a passerby pauses and rummages through a stack of old books you’d forgotten about or makes an offer on a box of baby clothes, you know it’s not for the better.

If it looks like you’re having a garage sale anytime you open the garage door, it’s time to declutter and make the space as stunning as the rest of your home.

A Domestic Dumping Ground
“After a lifetime of purchasing bikes, holiday decorations and gardening tools, the garage became a domestic dumping ground,” says Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio. “After the kitchen and baths, it’s the final frontier.”

Encore Garage uses its know-how and system of heavy-duty cabinets, spacious workbenches, sturdy organization systems and showroom-quality lighting to reclaim and redefine the space, reinvigorating garages long in hibernation.

“Many of our customers come to us after encountering lackluster results with their spring garage cleaning, when they tried to clear out the dirt and salt left over from the winter slush. But there’s always more than a few months of dirty build-up, and usually years of neglect,” Mike says.

A New Garage Floor
After so many years of deterioration, it’s time to refinish the concrete floor. Today, many are stepping up to a polyaspartic floor that’s flexible, durable, and designed to hold up through the years against anything it’s put through.

With new technological advancements, the garage is no longer just the garage.

“Polyaspartic floors are easy to clean, abrasive resistant, and the finishes are phenomenal,” Mike says. “The garage has become another room in the house that people are proud to show off.”

And it’s not as expensive as it looks.

“Doing the floor and remodeling the garage is usually less costly than remodeling a half-bath,” Mike says. “A garage sale might even cover it.”

YOUR GARAGE HAS A SECOND ACT

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:23:10 GMT

Empty nesters, your garage as a custodian of clutter, the keeper of long-outgrown Little League gear and toys, old furniture and appliances, and who knows what else has more than served its purpose over the years.

Now that the kids are out of the house, it’s time to reclaim your space.

While it may seem daunting as you enter the next stage of life, it doesn’t have to be, with the help of a professional organization company.

Underneath all that clutter, and between all those boxes, bags, and bins, your garage has a second act waiting, and that’s where Encore Garage steps in.

“After a lifetime of purchasing bikes, holiday decorations, and gardening tools, the garage became a domestic dumping ground,” says Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio . “With the kids moving along, empty nesters can finally reclaim their space and transform it into a clean, organized, aesthetically pleasing extension of their home.”

Encore Garage beautifies garages from floor to ceiling with Flex-Core advanced nonporous polyaspartic floor coating, garage-tough cabinets, spacious workbenches, sturdy organization systems and showroom-quality lighting.

“We encourage people to purge with a purpose and pitch, keep, or donate all the things that have been hanging around all these years that they don’t need anymore,” Mike says. “It’s a daunting task, but with two decades in the business, I’ve yet to have a customer who isn’t thrilled with the results.”

Set the stage for a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing extension of your home with Encore Garage Ohio, based in Akron at 1570 Akron Peninsula Road, Suite 6. Get started and visit EncoreGarageOhio.com or call 330-922-4411 to schedule a free consultation.

My Garage is Truly A Great Room

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:04:41 GMT

Every homeowner wants a great room, but few realize they already have one. While it may not be great yet, the garage can is most often the largest room in the house which makes it a wonderful canvas upon which a great room can be created. Most homeowners hate their garage, they pass thru it everyday when they leave in the morning and return to it everyday when they arrive home. Since it's the last room you see when you leave the home and the first you see when you return it is the room that creates the most lasting impression. When the garage is a messy, dirty, unorganized space filled with stuff, it's easy to develop negative associations with the garage. Those negative association can grow knowing that guests often enter the home through the garage, Having been in the garage enhancement business for almost ten years I have experienced many people reaching that disorganized garage breaking point. It begins with a phone call where within the first thirty seconds the caller proclaims "I can't stand my garage anymore, it's a complete disaster and I need help."

Once someone reaches the point of being appalled by this large room, I know they have begun to open their mind to the possibilities of how great this room can be. There is true benefit for a homeowner when the garage is redesigned of as an extension of the interior living space as opposed to a warehouse for cars and stuff. Approaching the garage from this prospective creates an excitement about the possibility of gaining living space and creating more order in one's life for a relatively modest investment. For some just the thought of having a garage space that reflects the style of the rest of the home is enough to energize them through this project.

I believe garage organization is about both style and functionality. A complete garage renovation should create a space that is clean, neat and organized. Aesthetics are a key element because we want the garage interior to feel like an extension of the interior space. This promotes the sense that the garage is part of the home versus an outside space. Organization is the other key element because the garage is the storage area for so many items that play a big part of everyday life. Whether it be bikes, sports gear, hobby equipment and the like, the garage's role is to storage them safe and securely while at the same time making them easily accessible.

The satisfaction of a complete a garage renovation can not be underestimated. Many home owners report it was one of the most gratifying home improvement they ever completed. I became involved in the garage enhancement business because one day several years ago I too got to the garage breaking point. Since then my garage has become a source of pride and a significant part of my families overall organization. We get compliments on our garage all the time, but nothing beats the feeling of pulling my car into a great room everyday.

#encoregarage #epoxy #floorcoating #garageenhancement #garagefloor #garagefloorcoating #garageflooring #garageorganization #garageorganizers #garagecabinets #garagemakeover #storagecabinets

Customer Testimonials - WHY CHOOSE ENCOREGARAGE!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:28:39 GMT

Utilizing the most advanced Floor Coating, Cabinetry and Organizer Systems, EncoreGarage of Ohio combines products, techniques and years of expertise to create garage space that is organized and attractive.

EncoreGarage of Ohio designers can help create advanced garage solutions to fit your life style and aesthetic preferences. Designing side by side with you we’ll help you select a garage floor coating system and cabinets that compliment your home and needs. We have endless options to transform your garage into any space you want it to be. We will find you the perfect solution to add beauty and organization featuring our cabinets and floor coating systems.

Visit our website at EncoreGarageOhio.com. Serving Areas in Northern and Central Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Medina, Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh, PA.

#encoregarage #customertestimonials #garagecabinets #garageflooring #garageorganization #akron #cleveland #strongsville #medina

HOW TO FIX AND RESTORE YOUR GARAGE FLOOR

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:21:36 GMT

A deteriorating, stained concrete floor can not only ruin the look of your garage, but it also devalues your home, laments Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio. Here, Mike explains the options for restoring your garage floor.

Q: What can a homeowner do to replace a deteriorating concrete floor?

A: There are four main options. The first is to do nothing and agonize over the way it looks, but it’s only going to get worse.

At the other extreme is having your concrete floor torn out and replaced. That is a messy, expensive process that puts you back to square one with another high-maintenance, porous concrete floor that will begin the same slow deterioration process that befell your original floor.

The other two options both involve covering and protecting your floor with an epoxy coating.

One is doing it yourself with an over-the-counter product from a home improvement retailer. You’ll save money on your initial investment, but it can cost you in the long run. T he do-it-yourself products ar e not of durable, long-lasting quality. Not being installed with professional equipment by skilled professionals, they typically begin to delaminate and wear out after a couple of years.

The final option is a professionally installed epoxy-based product like Encore ’s Flex-Core advanced polymer floor coating that not only beautifies your garage floor, but also protects it from damage.

Q: Why is epoxy better than concrete?

A: Our Flex-Core epoxy flooring is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below. It is stain resistant, even against oil and grease, and couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a water hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years. Flex-Core has a nearly unlimited variety of attractive colors and patterns, it’s long-lasting and you can only get it from Encore.

#epoxyfloorcoating #epoxyflooring #garageepoxyfloor #restoringconcrete #deterioratingconcretefloor #stainedconcrete #fixgaragefloor

What's Your Garage Personality?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:16:59 GMT

Proud of your garage's interior, or do you keep your eyes shut when moving swiftly from car to home? Is it a meticulously well-organized space, or a domestic dumping ground?

Your garage is really the first room people see as an extension of your home—and yourself.

Here's a quick quiz to reveal your true garage personality.

1. Describe your home décor

A) Shabby chic

B) Eclectic

C) Traditional

D) Contemporary

2. Number of hours your garage door is open in an average day

A) Zero - I park in the street and go in and out through the back door.

B) 24 - I haven't been able to close it for years—something's always blocking it.

C) 10-15 - I want my neighbors to take a gander at my sweet ride.

D) However many daylight hours there are - I like the way sunshine reflects off all the surfaces.

3. If you had one word to describe how you feel about your garage it would be:

A) Apathetic

B) Stressed

C) Proud

D) Perfect

4. Your favorite sport is:

A) Watching golf on television.

B) Baseball

C) NASCAR racing.

D) Fencing, I just feel better in a white suit.

5. The perfect date night would be:

A) A day at the golf course

B) Shopping at malls, garage sales, online, you name it.

C) Out for a lakeside drive in a mint condition 1965 GTO.

D) Drinking pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Mostly "A"s: A Hot Mess

You would clean your garage, if only you could clear a path between the car and the entry door. It's just short of a landfill. So much junk is piled on junk; you're just living off the stuff piled on top, and that's usually boxes of bulk products such as hundreds of plastic water bottles. You keep telling yourself it's fine and that you actually know where everything is, but you really don't.

Mostly "B"s: A Hoarding Hobbyist

Like Elsa said in “Frozen,” “Let it go!” The Hoarding Hobbiest won't let go of anything. You own more bikes than there are people living in your home, and most of them have flat tires (the bikes, not the people). There are duplicates of everything…kids' toys, skateboards, roller blades, deflated balls, and tools, tools everywhere with no place to call home.

Mostly "C"s: Hot Rod Obsessed

You still have a framed picture of your first car on your desk. Each Saturday morning is time for a carwash and wax. You hose off your concrete daily so nothing smears onto your tires. A consummate tinkerer, your garage is filled with tools, and, of course, it's heated so you can work on your ride 24/7.

Mostly "D"s: A White Glove

Your garage is as immaculately clean as your home. There is a doormat on top of your doormat. A doctor could handily perform major surgery on your cement floor. Tools, bikes, and toys are all smartly aligned and arranged alphabetically. Every surface of The White Glover's hollowed space is polished and gleaming.

EncoreGarage is a full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage storage systems and FLEXCORE™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems. EncoreGarage of Ohio serves clients in the Greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas.

#garagepersonality #garageorganization #garagestorage

Epoxy Flooring: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:12:58 GMT

Warmer weather is at last upon us, and so to is the urge to spruce up our home’s exterior and garage. But for those ambitious DIY-ers tempted to lay their own garage floor from a kit bought at a big box store, Mike Padden, owner of EncoreGarage, has a little sage advice.

Q: How does the floor coating process differ when done by a professional versus a kit?

A: Everyone wants a beautiful long lasting floor. Unfortunately few are able to achieve this goal with store bought DIY kits. Our floor installations begin by utilizing professional power equipment necessary to prep the concrete surface. We grind the floor with a machine I call a mini-Zamboni. This is commercial grade equipment a homeowner does not have easy access to. This aggressive machine scores the concrete with diamond-studded tooling. It cleans and refines the top surface to open up the pores allowing our epoxy basecoat to penetrate deeply for excellent adhesion and is far superior to the acid etching in the kits. A professional installer, like EncoreGarage will evaluate the current ambient and floor temperature before the epoxy coating process begins. Epoxy is influenced by weather and can affect curing times, viscosity, and adhesion. Material temperatures are monitored and maintained between 65 – 80 degrees at all times. Laser -Thermo guns monitor the floor temperature and our trucks incubate materials in cold weather and refrigerate in hot. Quality control insures a quality installation.

Q: Are the materials basically the same?

A: Not even close. DIY kits usually come with a diluted, water based epoxy coating, and a minuscule amount of color flakes intended to provide traction as well as a quality appearance. The DIY material deteriorates quickly–usually within 1 year, recognizable by hot tire peel up, blistering, cracking and fading. After experiencing the headaches and heartaches created when their floor doesn’t turn out like they expected, they call me to fix it. In the end, they’ve spent more time and money than they needed to and gone through an awful experience. Professionals, like EncoreGarage, use a coating system that is comprised of industrial grade, high performance solid epoxies, a layer of 100%+ coverage of decorative color flakes along with a polyaspartic top coat that is stain and abrasion resistant–that will look good year after year. If you want a coating that is attractive, durable, and long lasting, you won’t find it with a DIY epoxy coating kit.

EncoreGarage of Ohio makes over garages from flooring to cabinetry and organizational systems in homes and business in the Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas. Visit EncoreGarageOhio.com or call 330-922-4411 to schedule a free, in-home consultation.

#epoxyflooringinstallation #diyepoxyfloorkits #professionalepoxyfloorinstallation #concreteresurfacing

Garage Floor Coating and Storage Cabinets in Akron, Strongsville, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:09:34 GMT

In the Greater Akron area, home owners seem to take a special pride in their garages. Garage floor coating and garage cabinets in Akron have become one of the most popular home improvement services of the last ten years. Akron home owners regard their garages as an integral part of their homes. Much more than just a place to park their cars, garages are a place to store, organize and utilize. Whether hobby centers, man caves or kids sports play areas, garages in the Greater AKron area have taken center stage.

Garage organization starts with a plan based on first determining which items need to be kept and stored in the garage and which needs to go. Once it has been decided what will be kept, a design plan needs to be developed to allow for the efficient storage of all items. How the garage will be utilized, expectations and budgets need to be discussed. Garage storage in Akron generally includes a combination of closed cabinet storage, wall storage using SlatWall systems and overhead storage using ceiling mounted racks.

Homeowners want their garages to look and feel like an extension of the home itself so aesthetics play a big part. Garage floor coatings in Akron has become a must in any garage organization and enhancement project. Garage floor coating sets the stage for a space that will soon take on an entirely new and improved feel. An epoxy and polyaspartic flooring system providing a simulated terrazzo and granite look with a richness making the garage feel like an interior room in the home. Garage floor coating systems also protect the concrete and make it easy to clean and maintain.

Top garage design experts at EncoreGarage know how to take a project from start to finish to deliver a garage transformation that will add value to the home while significantly improving the homeowners quality of life.

#garageflooring #epoxyfloorcoatings #garagemakeover #garageorganization

Garage FloorEpoxy or Polyaspartic - Which is Best As Base Coat Layer of a garage floor coating system

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:05:19 GMT

At EncoreGarage we use a combination of a high-grade deep penetrating epoxy base layers with a clear polyaspartic or epoxy top coat layers. On day one of the installation process the concrete is mechanically prepared utilizing a dustless mechanical grinding process. This process removes surface contaminates and opens up the pores of the concrete so it can properly absorb the epoxy base layer. Next, all necessary patch and fill work is done in order to repair cracks and other surface imperfections and get the concrete ready for the coating installation.

The installation process starts by applying a thick layer of 100% solid deep penetrating epoxy. This epoxy is designed to absorb deep into the pores of the concrete surface. It's slow curing and deep penetrating chemical design promote much deeper penetration into the concrete pours than any other epoxy or fast curing polyaspartic thereby creating a superior adhesion. PVC flakes are then broadcast into this base epoxy layer. The following day the floor is scraped and cleaned for a smooth textured profile. A clear polyaspartic or clear epoxy top coat is then applied and the floor typically cures by the next morning. This two-day process is generally accepted in the industry as the superior application process.

We recently had a customer trying to decide between our company and a competitor. Our competitor was offering a one-day garage floor coating application using polyaspartic materials for both the basecoat and topcoat. At first thought a one-day install sounds enticing but is it really what is best for the quality and longevity of your garage floor coating? Let’s compare. Polyaspartic materials are fast curing and UV Stable. This is most beneficial when used as the clear topcoat in a garage floor coating system because it means there will be no effect from prolonged exposure to sunlight and typically allows the floor to back in use in 24-36 hours. When it comes to the basecoat component of the system (the material layer applied directly to the concrete after prep) we believe that a deep penetrating epoxy is the ideal choice. We recommend only 100% solid high-grade deep penetrating epoxies be used as a basecoat layer and this is based on years of experience and recommendations among major coating suppliers. The reason is simple, since epoxies cure much slower than polyaspartics, they can penetrate much deeper into the pours of the concrete before curing and this creates a much stronger adhesion. Additionally, deep penetrating epoxies are engineered with special additives that enhance the ability for the material to absord further into the pours of the concrete. 

This process allows us to complete a floor coating system as a two-day installation. Be cautious of contractors using polyaspartics to achieve a one-day installation or claiming that polyaspartics are a better material than epoxy for the base layer of the system. Most contractors who use polyaspartic for the base coat layer do so to finish jobs faster, and streamline operations by using only one material for everything. They then make the sales claim that they offer a better system because they use polyaspartics for everything. While it's true, these floors can be installed in just one day, it definitely does not make for a better flooring system. One day installs only increase the job profitability for the contractor. Imagine how much more profitable the job becomes when they only have to make one trip out. It all sounds great until floor starts having issues a few years later. Our experience has shown polyaspartics simply do not bond as well as 100% solid high-grade deep penetrating epoxies do.

We have observed that contractors who use polyaspartics for both the base and top coat layers in a system tend to use lower quality polyaspartics. These materials can be up to 30% less solid than comparable higher-grade epoxies and polyaspartics. Meaning they contain solvents that evaporate out as the material cures. So when the floor dries it will be 30% thinner and may also have a strong solvent smell as it cures. This can affect the durability of the flooring system. The obvious reason lower grade polyaspartics are used is to save cost in order to be competitive in the overall bid. High grade polyaspartics are far more expensive than even high grade epoxies so if a contractor were to use only high grade polyaspartics exclusivly in their coating system (assuming it even made sense to do so) they would simply not be price competitive in the residential marketplace.

At EncoreGarage we only use 100% solid epoxy and polyaspartic materials that contain no solvents and are VOC free. We have developed our coating process through years of experience and use material components based on where they are designed to work best in the overall system. In the end, our advice is to stick with the process and materials that have been proven reliable over years in the residential garage flooring industry.

EncoreGarage is a full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage storage systems and FLEXCORE™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems. EncoreGarage serves clients in the Greater Akron, Medina, Cleveland, Canton, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas.

#epoxyflooring #garageflooring #epoxy #floorcoating #floorcoatingforconcreteinAkron

Tips On Selecting A Concrete Floor Coating Contractor

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:02:09 GMT

Choosing a contractor for your epoxy floor coating project can be a difficult task. Along with the rise in popularity of decorative floor coating systems for residential applications has come a rise in the number of contractors offering the service. Our experience has shown many of these contractors don’t simply don’t have enough years under their belt to deliver a consistant quality floor time after time. This new breed of contractors, many of whom jumped into epoxy flooring to stay busy are also adding to confusion in the marketplace by providing a lot of misinformation especially at the point of sale. All claim to be using the most advanced products on the market. You know, products that go down with no problem every time and last forever under any condition.

With material suppliers eager to sell product and contractors short on work almost anything is told to the homeowner to close the sale. And while a contractor very well might be using excellent materials, nothing can make up for solid application experience especially when it comes to epoxy floor coating. Because application conditions vary and no two cement slabs react the same way, it is very much a science to put down a polymer floor with predictable results. When choosing a floor coating contractor ask questions while at the same time taking note of how the contractor presents himself and his company.

Good contractors will explain in detail and each and every step of the process as it relates specifically to your floor. A good contractor needs to gain your trust and does not do this by simply offering you the lowest price. In fact, it has been shown that good contrators usually come in somewhere in the middle on pricing by balancing out excellent products and services with efficient execution so that there companies continue to stay busy.

In the end, check references with the Better Business Bureau and certainly do online searches to find out as much as possible about the companies you are considering. Take a look at each contractors website and compare them. Take everything in to consideration, becasue a contractors who takes pride in his reputation and marketing presentation will take as much pride in the job he does in your home. Attention to detail is important, and while every floor coating contractor will tell you they worry about the details, looking at a contractor from many angles before making a decsion to hire will give you an idea in advance of how the job might turn out.

Garage floor coating is an art and a science, it takes years to understand all the nuances of delivering quality outcomes time after time. A garage epoxy floor coating system is a great way to add value and lifestyle enhancement to your home. But, remember, to dig deep when selecting a flooring contractor because while sample boards and photos will all look alike, what you really want is a floor that is as durable as it is beautiful and a contractor you can find if a problem ever does arise.

Protecting Your Garage Floor From Winter Salt Damage in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus & Pittsburgh

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:55:19 GMT

We all know what a number road salt and deicers can do on the roads, but what are they doing to your garage floors? There's not much you can do about the roadways, but your garage floor is a different story. Not only can you repair the damage done by street salt but you can also make sure your garage floors are protected from any further deterioration.

There are several options for garage floor protection. And, yes, even in Ohio where the harsh winters take their toll on just about everything, it is worth it to protect your garage floor from damage. It will not only improve the overall look of your home, but it also helps to keep the things stored in your garage clean. And, who knows, maybe since the floor is so nice, you'll want to start using the space for more than just a garage. We can do that for you, too.

Let's start with the problem and why it happens. Concrete and salt do not mix. No matter how hard you try to keep it out, road salt gets into your garage. You can hose down the garage floor regularly but you can't clear the floor completely. It's already on your car, shoes, and boots, and as the ice and snow melt off of your car, the salt sits on the concrete, seeps beneath the surface, and the acidity of the salt eats away at the concrete floor. It doesn't take long before the pitting, peeling, cracking, and flaking begin. You just can't keep up with the affects of Ohio winter road salt.

A t Encore Garage™ Of Ohio & Western PA , we get it. You're frustrated and we have the answer.

Ou r Flex-Core™ Decorative Flake epoxy garage flooring system is a thick, seamless polymer composite that is permanently bonded to the concrete. The finish holds up to salt and anything else you or nature can throw at it. It looks brand new for years to come and is available in a variety flake blends to offer an attractive and unique granite like appearance.

Ou r Flex-Core™ epoxy flooring system can be designed to match the look you're going for in your garage. You may decide that it looks so great you want to make the garage an extension of the living space of your home. We can help you design a total garage makeover complete with your new flooring, garage cabinets , and organizer systems specially de signed to meet your storage needs. Why not maximize this space in your home like never before?

If you're garage floors are pitted, peeling, and cracked due to the harsh effects of road salt, give your floor a break with our environmentally safe, 100% solid, industrial-grade epoxy resin flooring. The surface won't fade or crack, and it retains its color and gloss regardless of impact from cars and equipment. Simply hose down the floor and wash away the salt and dirt. These harsh Ohio & Pennsylvania winters just got a little easier.

#floorcoatings #wintersaltdamage #protectyourconcrete #damagedconcrete #garageflooring #protectyourconcreteinakron #concreteresurfacing #easytoclean #garagefloor #floorcoating #concretefloorcoating

ENCOREGARAGE OF OHIO & WESTERN PA RECEIVES HONORS FOR BEST VIDEO AT MAME AWARDS

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:46:04 GMT

EncoreGarage of Ohio & Western PA, an Ohio-based custom garage interior enhancement company that specializes in epoxy floor coatings, cabinets and organizers, received award for Best Video at the Portage and Summit County Marketing and Merchandising Excellence Awards in Fairlawn, OH.

Akron, OH — Custom garage enhancement and renovation company, EncoreGarage of Ohio & Western PA, received an award for Best Video Advertisement at the Marketing and Merchandising Excellence Awards (MAME), presented February 3, 2016 at The Akron/Fairlawn Hilton hotel by the Marketing & Sales Committee (MSC) of the Home Builders Association (HBA) Serving Portage and Summit Counties.

The MAME Awards are presented to those who have made significant achievements and creative contributions in residential marketing through outstanding sales and marketing achievements for 2015

“The marketing and merchandising awards are a great time to celebrate the achievement of our team and thrilled to have received an award for our video, A Garage Stuck in the Past , ” said Mike Padden, owner of EncoreGarage. “Promotional videos can be so boring, so we decided to take a completely different approach to telling our story. We shot it as an old time black-and-white silent movie complete with subtitles and dramatic piano music.”

Akron/Canton: 330-922-4411

Cleveland/Northeast Ohio: 440-668-8953

Columbus/Central Ohio: 614.489.8017

Pittsburgh/Western PA: 724.624.9198

#bestvideo #garagerenovation #garageorganization #mameawards #akron #ohio #epoxyfloorcoating #garageflooring #garagecabinets #pittsburghgarageflooring #marketingandmerchandisingawards

Garage Makeover Tips

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:39:20 GMT

Your home is your haven. Does that tranquility begin the moment you open the garage door or does the mess add to your stress? Don't let a disorderly garage alter your positive energy. Transform this unruly space into your favorite place with these clever storage tips.

keep items elevated

Garages tend to get damp and dirty easily, so storing items up and off the floor can keep them dry and protected from this tough environment. Hanging garage cabinets allow for easy sweeping and cleaning underneath, while full back panels help reduce the collection of dust and dirt inside.

designate a drop zone

Use a storage bench or counter as a place to prop groceries while unlocking the door. A bench also serves as a handy perch for pulling on shoes. Hooks and baskets keep everyday items at the ready: dog leash, jackets, keys, and backpacks.

utilize every square inch

Filling the full height of your wall with tall storage cabinets maximizes the available space. Seldom-used, bulky items such as seasonal decorations, coolers, and camping supplies can be stowed up high and out of the way on sturdy adjustable shelves.

a clean place for everything

Your stuff stays concealed behind closed doors but what keep it clean are the features inside. Baskets and drawers fully extend so it's simple to put away sports equipment, kids' toys, tools, gloves and more. Bright white cabinet interior makes it easier to see and find what you need in a jiffy.

make it work with a wall system

Tight areas, typically the sides adjacent to the cars, are space-challenged so a slat wall system or shallow storage works well here. You can hang hoses, garden tools, rakes, brooms or other tall, slender items in this area. Snap and lock racks, hooks and baskets can be easily moved for rearranging your garage gear.

EncoreGarage of Ohio is a locally owned, full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage storage cabinet systems and FlexCore™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems . EncoreGarage of Ohio serves clients in the Greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Hudson, Strongsville, Medina, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas.

#garageorganization #garagestoragetips #garageorganizationtips #hanginggaragecabinets #HangingGarageStorageCabinetsforyourCleveland #garagecabinetsinAkronCantonHudsonMedinaOhio #GarageStorageCabinetsinStrongsvilleOhio #GarageMakeovertipsforyourMedinaOhioGarage #GarageorganizationtipsHudsonOhio

Garage Storage Solutions - Making the Most of Unused Space!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:31:47 GMT

If the only thing that fits in your garage is your car, this article is for YOU! Most homeowners say the the messiest room in their home is, "the garage". For many, the garage is the home’s main entrance, and organizing this space is one of their top home-related priorities.

The garage is a space with enormous potential that often turns into a cluttered mess––with bikes, sporting equipment, holiday decorations, tools, and gardening equipment scattered throughout. The difference between a cluttered mess and organization is as simple as implementing one of EncoreGarage of Ohio ’s many garage storage solutions.

The secret is to claim all unused available space! Even if your garage is on the small to medium size, I guarantee that you have space within. Follow these storage solution recommendations and you'll enjoy your new and improved garage for seasons to come.

Garage Storage Solution #1: Overhead Garage Storage

Does getting something out of your garage involve running an obstacle course or seem more like a treasure hunt? Is your garage floor taken over by piles of toys and stacks of boxes or crates? If so, we have a garage storage solution for you! The most commonly overlooked storage space is over your head. EncoreGarage Ohio’s Overhead garage storage racks can give you up to 112 cubic feet of new storage space, safely and securely holding up to 800 ponds. This is excellent storage for seasonal items such as sporting equipment, holiday decorations and camping gear.

Garage Storage Solution #2: Garage Cabinets & Shelving

Garage walls are prime real estate for shelving units, hooks and hanging space. Our tall, short and extra deep garage cabinets with 1 inch thick shelving are perfect to store recycling bins, garden tools, tents, and oversized such as golf clubs. With garage cabinets you have a fully enclosed garage storage space that protects your belongings from dust and pests while protecting children and pets from harmful liquids and dangerous tools. EncoreGarage of Ohio offe rs "GARAGE GRADE" cabinets in a multitude of finish choices that are custom designed to fit every available configuration. Whether your looking for two cabinets or a full wall, we can help you make the most of your unused available space. Click here to view more Cabinetry.

Garage Storage Solution #3: Gridwall

If you’re not ready for garage cabinetry, gridwall is a simple and sensible option for garage wall organization. These cost effective and expandable systems let you easily determine the whereabouts of your belongings and offer easy access. Grids which come in a standard size of 4ft wide by 2ft can be installed individually or in wall groupings. Various hooks, baskets, racks and shelving are available which attach to the grids wall to provide instant yet rearrangeable garage organization. Gridwall racks create a multi-purpose space to store and easily access sporting equipment, tools, and bikes. Accessories for gridwall racks like baskets and hooks are available to organize loose odds and ends. Click here to see more gridwall.

Reorganizing and cleaning up the clutter can be an overwhelming task for most. The first step is making the commitment to do something about it. And, if you don’t think you’re the do-it-yourself type, EncoreGarage can help you transform your garage from floors to ceiling. Get the garage of your dreams today! It’s more affordable than you think!

#GarageStorageSolutions #Gridwall #slatwall #overheadstorageracks #garageorganization #wallorganizers #garagewallorganizers

5 Steps: Clean & Organize Your Garage

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:20:59 GMT

In a perfect world, the garage is where a father teaches his son about what’s under the hood, where neighbors visit after a long day yard work, and where there is a place for everything and everything is in its place.

For most of us, however, the world is not perfect, and the garage can be characterized as a domestic dumping ground. Knickknacks accumulate without rhyme or reason, forming stacks that tower to the ceiling, rendering the space impossible to fully utilize. But the garage has the potential to be so much more!

When your possessions are in their proper places, the garage becomes a delightfully practical, useful space—BUT, it doesn’t get to that point on it’s own. Clean out and organize your garage following these useful steps.

Step 1: Empty the garage & Sort

As much as you don’t want to, it must be done. Everything, right down to the last tiny Allen wrench, needs to be taken out of your garage. It’s the only way you’ll be able to clean effectively and rediscover all the treasures lost ages ago, including your collection of baseball cards—now vintage!

Starting with the first item you pull out, sort your belongings and arrange them into categories. Gather all of your sporting equipment together in one spot, then your tools, lawn gear, camping gear, decorations and so on. Sorting like items is a key step in the organization process not only when you are sorting but when putting things back into their established zones.

Step 2: Start Purging!

To purge, start by making four piles: pitch, donate, recycle, keep. As you purge, place each item into its respective category. Get rid of anything that is broken or things you haven’t used in over a year. Return items that don’t belong to you or belong somewhere else other than the garage. Get rid of duplicates.

If you’re having trouble getting rid of stuff remember to ask yourself these questions: Do I love it? Do I use it? Have I used it in the last year? Do I really need it? If not…put them in the donate, pitch or recycle piles.

Step 3: Take Inventory of What You Have

Now that you’ve cut down all of your stuff, take inventory of what you are keeping that way you’ll have a better understanding of the type of storage system that would be best suited to store each item.

Step 4: Clean the garage

Now that the garage is empty, it’s time to pull out the shop vac and suck up the dust bunnies, cobwebs and insects that have trapped themselves behind your workbench. Start from the ceiling and work your way to the floor. More than likely your concrete garage floor will have built up grime from oil, dirt and road salt. While you may not be able to get rid of the stains completely, using a push broom with extra strong bristles will loosen the grime. A hose or power washer can then be used to rinse away the dirt. To clean tougher stains, use laundry detergent mixed with warm or hot water.

Step 5: Install Garage organization and Storage Systems

Having already taken inventory of your, you should now have a good sense of what actually needs to go back in. Use this list to purchase and install appropriately sized cabinet storage systems, overhead storage racks, bike racks, hooks, shelves, and storage lifts. These items will restore order to your garage by providing a specific place for each of your belongings. Ideally, only your car and heavy equipment like a lawnmower will occupy the floor space of your garage, allowing you to easily maneuver items in and out when the time comes.

Stick to the task…

Attempting to organize a space as large as the garage can be a daunting task for most of us. For almost a decade, EncoreGarage has helped homeowners in the Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh areas maximize the potential of their garage space. From this knowledge base we have created this guide to help eliminate the frustration and anxiety while attempting a project of this magnitude.

#tipstipstpcleanandorganizeyourgarage #organizinggaragetips #garageorganization #stepstoacleanorganizedgarage

Hidden In Plain Sight - Garage Organization Solutions - Ceiling Storage Space

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:06:22 GMT

Some people think they aren’t candidates for a garage makeover because their garage is too small, or they are using the space at peak capacity.

I’d like to suggest looking up. We’re experts at finding storage options that are often hidden right in front of our clients’ eyes. The ceiling is a perfect example. That’s where you’ll find prime real estate.

With our rugged, professional-grade components, we offer clients a number of different ceiling storage options. If climbing a ladder is doable for you, an affordable overhead rack system might be the way to go. If you need your belongings to come to you, we also offer a motorized lift that can drop down at the push of a button. And unlike the DIY kits found in most home improvement stores, our professional installations include reinforced steel, so they won’t come crashing down.

You can store hundreds of pounds on our ceiling racks, so rarely used outdoor equipment, camping gear, spare tires, luggage or seasonal decorations can enjoy a secure new home, while you enjoy the freed up space down below. We can even mount a pulley system for your bikes.

EncoreGarage offers tota l garage makeovers designed to fit virtually any budget. If you’re able to complete your garage makeover by adding organizational slat wall, grid wall or cabinets on the walls while finishing the floor with our tough-as-nails epoxy coating , there are a variety of options. If you need to complete your makeover in phases, we can plan for that, too.

Any organizational upgrades you add to your garage will not only free up prime real estate, they’ll also help to increase the value of your overall home investment. I invite you to give us a call to talk about how we can maximize the storage options you’ve got hidden in plain sight.

You can schedule a free EncoreGarage consultation by calling 330-922-4411 (Akron/Canton) or 440-668-8953 (Cleveland). For more information, visit EncoreGarageOhio.com.
#overheadstorageracksgarageorganization #garageorganization #GarageStorageSolutions

Garage Envy - Floor Coatings by EncoreGarage

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:24:08 GMT

When EncoreGarage finished coating his garage floor for durability and cleanup, one man liked the look so much he added a lounge chair and turned part of the space into a man cave.

That’s because beautiful meets durable in a floor coating by EncoreGarage. Developed in cooperation with leading manufacturers, EncoreGarage’s Flex-Core coating systems are the most advanced polymers available for a residential garage floor.

“Concrete, even at a new home, is continuing to deteriorate when exposed to the elements—the harsh weather, salt, snow and moisture,” says Mike Padden, president and owner of EncoreGarage. “Coating protects and prevents deterioration. That’s why people clear coat their garage floors. With most products you have to do it over and over again to prevent the floor from breaking down or spalling.”

While other concrete surface treatments wear through or peel up, the Flex-Core coating system is a high-quality, seamless, polymer composition that permanently bonds to the concrete. The treated floor will repel chemicals and stains, while being slip resistant.

“Ease of maintenance is amazing,” says Mike. “Simply wash, squeegee and you’re done. It will last 15-plus years.”

EncoreGarage offers a spectrum of color schemes to match décor and suit personal taste. While one customer chose a blue color that flows well into her pool area, most customers match the house exterior. And, that usually starts with earth tones and grey bases.

Then, a system of basecoats, colored flakes and polyspar topcoats, applied appropriately, create a floor surface that is three to four times more abrasive-resistant than epoxy. Because it is abrasive resistant and nonporous, the floor surface doesn’t hold dirt particles like a stone-based coating would.

Floor coating products exist at many quality and price points. “You can buy 40 different kinds of chocolate. Some are okay. Some are top shelf,” says Mike. “I like to consider us top-shelf for quality and installation. ”

“High-quality products mean nothing wit hout proper installation . You can have the world’s greatest product, but if you have an installer who doesn’t have the equipment or knowledge you’ll be re-doing the project,” he says.

Prior to the coating, experienced installers will mechanically profile the concrete for the epoxy, patch cracks and fill control joints to allow for optimal bonding. Only then are deep-penetration resins applied.

“The process used by EncoreGarage seals the floor forever. It’s aesthetically pleasing and easy to keep clean,” he says. “And, that leads to having your garage look and feel like an extension of your home’s interior space.”

EncoreGarage is a value.

“If you’re going to buy cheap, don’t do anything,” says Mike. “It’s not worth your time and money. In fact, about 20 percent of our flooring installations are repairs of DIY attempts. The floors look good for six to 18 months. Then, like any low-quality product, they begin to deteriorate. It’s such a mess that homeowners are calling us to remove the coating and redo it.”

Mike calls the garage one of a home’s most underutilized spaces. It’s often a dumping ground. Once “decorated,” however, with paint and floor coating, it’s appealing and that motivates homeowners to keep it attractive

“We’re interior designers for the garage,” says Mike.

In addition to the floor, EncoreGarage designs and installs cabinets, organizational systems and lighting, and modifies plumbing and electrical systems to meet goals for garage organization. “We try to make it easy,” he assures. “Folks deal with one company for design and installation. They get value from our experience. Creating garage envy among the neighbors is easier and more affordable than most people realize.

EncoreGarage of Ohio serves all of Northeast Ohio, the Greater Columbus area and West PA. For more information on how EncoreGarage can transform your garage, call 330-922-4411 or visit EncoreGarageOhio.com.

#epoxyflooring #epoxyflooringinstallation #garageflooring

Zoning in on Garage Organization

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:10:35 GMT

With EncoreGarage’s six-step garage organization process, you can increase the storage space you already have in the garage, which frees up valuable space inside your home, which means you get to enjoy clutter-free living.

EncoreGarage accomplishes this through the use of cabinet storage, wall organizers and overhead storage.

“That’s a really important aspect of what we do,” says Mike Padden, owner of EncoreGarage. “Unlike an addition, improving the storage in your garage is a low-stress, affordable way to get more bang for your buck. The extra stuff you have around the house can easily find its way into the garage so you’ve more than doubled your organizational options.”

And because Mike and his team focus on helping homeowners maximize their budgets as well as their storage options, an EncoreGarage storage system can be installed in phases.

“We can do one zone at a time if that makes better sense for you,” Mike offers, noting that most people start by mapping out a plan geared toward simplifying the way they live.

1 – Transition Zone

“Sometimes improving your storage options can be as simple as adding a Transition Zone,” Mike shares. “This is the space to put your groceries while you open the door, or for your kids to take off their shoes and put them on the shoe rack. It’s also where jackets, backpacks and more can find their home on hanging hooks.”

The Transition Zone functions like a mudroom, he adds.

2 – Need it Now Zone

If you don’t have a pantry inside your home, the Need it Now Zone addresses the storage requirement for things like pet food, canned goods, cases of water or pop and other things you might need every day that can be easily reached.

3 – Long, Tall, Thin Zone

“The name of this zone explains it all. If it’s long, tall or thin, this is the place to store it,” Mike smiles. “Rakes, shovels and other yard equipment can be hung on the walls for a non-bulky storage solution that won’t leave you squeezed for space next to parked cars.”

4 – Large Items Zone

No, you don’t need that tent and sleeping bag within reach. The Large Items zone creates a space to house seldom-used items courtesy of overhead storage racks.

“Holiday gear is perfect for this zone,” Mike says. “This is how you free up extra space in the basement.”

5 – Frequently Used Items Zone

“A grab-and-go zone for easy access to frequently used outdoor and yard gear should be placed by the garage door for easy access when you need it,” Mike says. “This is a perfect place for sports equipment, birdseed, gardening supplies and other frequently used items.”

6 – Workspace Zone

With a few cabinets, a sink and counter space, you’ve just added a workstation to engage in your favorite hobby. And the best part is, any mess you create can be left for another day or cleaned up with ease on the spot.

“A Workspace Zone is ideal for people who do woodworking, painting, auto repair or crafts. Because the project mess stays in the garage, you can visit your hobby whenever you’d like,” Mike says.

The Final Touch

The double bonus of spending money on one area to organize two (garage and home) is just one of the benefits an EncoreGarage organizational system can provide.

“Consider finishing the floor with our durable, low-maintenance, hybrid polymer decorative flake coating to complete the transformation,” Mike invites. “When you do that, you really create a beautiful space that becomes suitable for entertaining. Many of our clients boast that it’s the perfect place for parties.”

Prevent Winter Damage to your Garage Floor

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 20:42:18 GMT

I know the last thing you want to think about right now is snow, ice, freezing temperatures and rock salt. But in a few short months, these wintertime warriors will be wreaking havoc on your garage floor. The time to stop them is right now—before they have a chance to do their worst.

Some of you may already be living with the damage from previous ravaging winters, your garage floors bearing the scars of years of punishing abuse in the form of pitting, cracking and spalling. Others may have newer garage floors and wish to extend the beauty—and lifespan—of their floors before the damage can start.

Regardless of where the condition of your garage floor falls on the spectrum, consider having it resurfaced with EncoreGarage’s proprietary Flex-Core concrete resurfacing system.

Ou r Flex-Cor e system is stronger and more flexible than traditional epoxy coatings. It’s non-porous and stain resistant, repelling dirt, road salt, paint, gas and oil. It’s also slip resistant, even when the chilly fall rains arrive.

Our floor system is available in an extensive palette of customizable color s, so you can match the cabinet or organizational system currently in your garage, or pair it with a complete EncoreGarage makeover that includes our att ractive and rugged storage options.

An EncoreGarage Flex-Core floor will not chip, blister or peel, even when temperatures dip down low. In fact, we can even install it when the weather turns chilly, and our floors are backed by a 10-year warranty. Expect your floor to last for at least 15 years or more.

Now is a perfect time to have a new EncoreGarage Flex-Core floor installed, before you pack away the patio furniture and outdoor supplies for the winter and the holidays arrive.

You can schedule a free EncoreGarage consultation by calling 330-922-4411 (Akron/Canton) or 440-668-8953 (Cleveland). For more information, visit EncoreGarageOhio.com .

#floorcoatings #damagedconcrete #protectyourconcrete #epoxyfloorcoating #garageflooring

Transform Your Garage - Complete Garage Interior Remodel

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 20:36:48 GMT

Watch how EncoreGarage transforms a Salem, Ohio family's garage into the ultimate space with an easy-to-clean, durable garage floor coating, cabinets & work benches.

For many of us, it's the largest room in our house and our most used entrance, but, let's face it, it's rare to be in love with your garage. After all, the garage is just a place to park your car and store the artifical Christmas tree, right? Michael Padden from Encore Garage of Ohio & West PA. wholeheartedly disagrees.

Encore Garage teamed up with a family in Salem, Ohio to renovate not one, but two garages. Workbenches, epoxy floor coating, and closets were installed in both spaces to create what Michael Padden calls, "The dramatic wow factor." Every family member, even those with four legs, had design input.

Watch the transformation yourself. *Cool cars not included

For more information, visit us at EncoreGarageOhio.com or EncoreGaragePittsburgh.com

#garagetransformation #garageinteriorrenovation #garageflooring #garagecabinets

GARAGE STORAGE & ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 19:26:05 GMT

Set a goal this year to create a solid garage storage system for your holiday decorations. A little time spent now will save you hours of hassle next year.

SORT & PACK SENSIBLY

The first thing you need to do is sort your holiday decorations. If you only have a couple of huge tubs that hold an entire year’s worth of decorations, you likely have a struggle every season to find what you need. Instead of using large storage boxes for your decorations, aim to keep it smaller and simple. Purchase a number of clear plastic bins for your holiday ornaments, lighting, flowers/wreathes/greenery.

Label them with the name of the holiday and whether they are indoor or outdoor decorations. That way, you know exactly where to find the bin you are looking for.

String Lights: Face it, you’re never going to get those strands back in the box they came in. To avoid a knotted mess next year, wrap the light strands around an empty roll of paper towels, or an empty roll of wrapping paper. Then, they will unravel easily whenever you need them. This approach also works for garlands, beads, and other long, tangle-prone decorations.

WHERE TO STORE THE HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Since you go several months between taking down these items and putting them back up, they do not need a prominent place in your garage year-round. Use tall garage cabinetry and overhead storage to keep your holiday storage protected and out of the way.

TALL GARAGE CABINETS

Take a look at your garage walls. Do you have prime real estate that is not utilized to the greatest extent? You could install garage storage cabinets to store several bins on each shelf. That way, you de-clutter your home and decrease your risk of tripping over something in the dark. Custom Garage cabinetry and professional installation gives you exactly what you are looking for: shelving that is the right height and depth, with finishes to match your style. And, cabinet doors hide your clutter to make your garage look nice and tidy.

OVERHEAD STORAGE

Now, look up at the garage ceiling. Given that standard garages have a minimum height of 9’-11’, you likely have a lot of unused space above your head for additional garage storage. Our professionally installed “grade garage” overhead storage racks help you safely store your Holiday decorations with easy access when you need them.

Taking down decorations is a chore that most people do not particularly enjoy. But, with a little planning, you can make the job a lot easier.

#easystorageforholidaydecorations #storageforholidaydecorations #holidaydecorationstorage #storageandorganizationforholidaydecorations #garageorganizationinakron

Garage Organization Ideas for the Winter Season

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:02:18 GMT

Garage Organization Ideas for the Winter Season.

The snow and freezing temperatures are here, and we’ll be facing the icy roads, chilly winds, and more incoming snow for several weeks to come. Shoveling snow, de-icing, car maintenance, and winter activities all require garage storage space. If you haven’t already prepared your garage for the winter season, here are some storage ideas that will get you organized and keep your garage space clean and dry all winter long.

Prepare appropriately for the daily use of winter equipment and gear by getting your garage in tip-top shape. When your garage is fully organized, it makes it possible for you to efficiently and easily carry out your chores without spending valuable time looking for one tool or the other. Optimize your garage space with the following storage and planning tips.

Avoid general floor storage. First rule of thumb: Keep the garage floor as clear as possible. During the winter, water, snow, mud and debris are inevitable in a garage, especially if you keep your car in there. Anything on the floor stands a good chance of getting ruined.

Work your walls. Use all the wall space available; this not only keeps things off the floor, but also leaves optimal space for your car. Consider a slatwall or gridwall system to hang shovels and other tools in an easy-to-reach place by the garage door. For heavy, large or unusual shaped items, install tall and deep garage cabinets with adjustable shelving. Our custom cabinetry and professional installation gives you exactly what you are looking for: shelving that is the right height and depth, with finishes to match your style. Plus, our integrated full-back garage cabinets and off-the-floor mounting prevent water, dirt and critters from getting inside.

Hang racks for skis and snowboards. Mounting a ski or snowboard rack on a slatwall or gridwall system is a nice way to keep the clutter down in the garage and allows for a dedicated location to keep them off the floor and out of the way.

Look up for general storage. Running out of available wall space? Use the ceiling for items that you don’t use everyday. Overhead Storage Racks are ideal for seasonal items such as holiday decoration s , spare tires, camping gear, sporting equipment and patio furniture cushions.

Keep sand and salt at hand. Use sliding wire baskets or install a tilt-out hamper for easy access to sand and salt.

Consider creating a drop station. It provides a convenient place to remove and store your wet boots, heavy coats, and ski apparel—while keeping the rest of your house clean and dry!

Protect your garage floor with a Flexcore™ Floor Coating System. Flexcore™ Floor Coating Systems will protect your concrete floor from winter damage and prevent further delamination from contaminants such as road salt, paint, oil. Our floor coatings are non-porous and will n ot trap winter dirt and grime. Just spray clean with a hose or mop.

Staying Warm in the Winter

Consider using your garage space through the winter months. Install an electric heating unit, insulate the space and add weather stripping between doors and door jambs to stay warm.

Install motion-sensor-activated and battery-powered LED lights. You never know when a winter storm might challenge your power, so it’s best to be prepared.

EncoreGarage is a full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage cabinets, wall storage systems and FLEXCORE™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems. We serve clients in the Greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Columbus, and Western Pennsylvania.

For more information or to schedule a free in-home consultation , contact EncoreGarage:

Akron/Canton: 330-922-4411

Strongsville/Cleveland: 440-668-8953

Columbus: 614-489-8017

Western PA/Pittsburgh: 724-624-9198

#garageorganizationinakron #GarageOrganizationforWinter #garagecabinets #garagewallorganizers #garagewallstorage #ceilingstorage #overheadstorageracks

Characteristics Of A Good Garage Floor Coating System

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:54:43 GMT

Decorative garage floor coating systems have become a popular home improvement service as the interest in residential garage organization has grown. The garage flooring component is truly the foundation of a complete garage makeover. It highlights the entire renovation, which often times includes sleek storage cabinetry and innovative organizer accessories. The most important features of a good flooring system include durability, aesthetics, and slip resistance. The best coating systems are known as resinous coating systems, primarily integrating epoxies. Epoxies which have been around for decades have been tested and proven over the years of use to be both a reliable and long lasting concrete coating solution. The argument can be made that dollar for dollar there really is no better system in existence.

An improvement in chemical technologies over the years has led to the development of even more advanced epoxy materials. While their are hundreds of different epoxies out there for various industrial applications, there are key attributes that make certain epoxies better for garage floor coating applications. What makes a great floor coating epoxy system? First off, you'll want to choose an epoxy that is completely solid often referred to as "100% solid", this can be confusing terminology because obviously coating materials are liquid. "100% solid" means is that the epoxy remains the same thickness before and after it dries. Coating are applied by spreading them out on the concrete at a very specific thickness (often referred to as spread rate), the default standard for most coating systems of this type is 10 mils. So if an epoxy is spread out at a 10-mil thickness and remains at a 10 mils thickness after is dries we know it's a 100% solid material.

Why is this important? For two reasons, 1) generally the thicker the coating the more durable the performance of the system and 2) the safety of the product is higher because what decreases the solid content of epoxies is the inclusion of solvents (harsh chemicals) in the formula that ultimately evaporate out into the air as the epoxy dries. This can cause high odors and a potentially toxic situation, which we definitely want to avoid in a residential application. As the solvents evaporate out the epoxy decreases in thickness as it dries. So, if an epoxy is 90% solid and it is applied at a spread rate of 10 mils, when is dries it will decrease to 9 mils.

When we talk about a floor coating "system" we are referring to the integration of various layers of materials as well as the application techniques used. There are three basic components of a typical decorative garage floor coating system; 1) a base layer of epoxy, 2) a decorative flake layer and 3) a clear top coat layer. The first material applied to the concrete is known as the "base layer" and is the only layer that actually comes in contact with the concrete slab and creates the foundation of the system. The most important role of the base layer is to create a super strong bond with the concrete. The objective is to create a monolithic bond where the concrete and the coating become one. This bond is imperative to a durable, long lasting floor system.

Preparation of the concrete prior to applying the base layer is the most important application technique and is essential to facilitate the creation of a good bond. Preparation requires a mechanical method of abrasion using diamond grinding or shot blasting machines to remove the very top layer thereby opening up the pours of the concrete and eliminating surface contaminants. Concrete is very much like a sponge with small pours running throughout, opening them up will allow our base layer to penetrate deep into the pours before it begins to harden and this is what creates a super strong bond.

At this time, it is important to make mention of other recent technologies that have been introduced into the decorative coating market. In particular, the use of "poly" based materials that have two distinct characteristics: 1) fast cure rates and 2) UV stability (UV stable means they will not discolor from prolonged exposure to sunlight). While the UV stability of Poly based technology make them an ideal option for the topcoat layer of the system, their fast cure rates make them risky at best for use as base coat materials. It's simple, if the base coat material cures too rapidly it will not have the best chance to penetrate as deep into the pours before curing and this will impair the bonding strength. There is no testing in existence that proves anything bonds better with concrete in a decorative system then 100% solid epoxy. And since the benefits of UV stability are practically meaningless in the base layer of the system there is no good reason for its use. Not to mention, the cost of "poly" based materials is often double that of epoxies.

It can be argued that they only benefit offered by poly materials is quicker installation of a decorative system, sometimes completed in a single day. Additional cost of poly material is typically more than offset by reducing multiple trips to a job site, which benefits the contractor by cutting installation cost. But, in the long run the greater risk of system failure certainly does not benefit the customer. Admittedly at EncoreGarage, these new materials intrigued us when then hit the market around 2006, and as such began integrating them into our system. However, within a few years our floor failure rate had substantially increased. Fortunately we learned from experience and have since returned to the tried and true method utilizing 100% solid epoxies materials and continue to have excellent results.

Once the base coat has been rolled out and before it cures the decorative component of the system is brought in. This component consists of small acrylic chips (usually 1/4" in diameter) in various colors which are mixed together to create colorful blends, of which there are dozens to choose from. When these flakes are applied by heavy broadcast into the uncured epoxy the floor begins to take on the look and feel of granite or terrazzo. The flakes also add built and body to the epoxy much like inserting rebar into cement, thereby increasing the overall strength of the system. In addition, the flakes help create a texture that increases the overall slip resistance of the system, remember slip resistance is a key component of the good residential epoxy flooring system. The final component of the good system is the topcoat. The top coat encases the flakes to protect them, adds greater overall thickness to the system for durability, increases wear and impact resistance and adds a beautiful gloss for better aesthetics and light reflectivity. There are typically two options for a good topcoat material - 100% solid UV resistant epoxy or high solids UV stable poly (commonly know as polyurea or polyaspartic).

Each material is an excellent choice and each has its distinct advantages. Epoxies are extremely safe and very durable. Their slower curing nature allow them to self level very naturally making them easier to work with and promoting a smooth and consistent floor surface. The main draw back to epoxies is that while they are UV resistant (meaning they will resist the effect of prolonged exposure to sunlight), they can ultimately discolor from UV exposure. If a garage does not receive much direct sunlight (door down most of the time) UV resistant epoxy is a great option and it's less expensive. As for poly topcoats, while they offer the benefit of UV stability, their quick curing nature makes them more difficult to apply and decreases their ability to self-level as smoothly as epoxies. Generally with poly topcoats it is more difficult to achieve the smoothness and gloss consistency of epoxies. Poly topcoats are also more expensive than epoxies, generally because a few major world wide chemical companies control the patents on the ingredients used to create UV stability. Another important difference to consider when considering a poly topcoat is that they are generally not 100% solid in composition. While recent advancements have improved the toxicity of some solvents used in these polys, they are generally not considered as safe as 100% solid epoxies.

So there you have it, a lot of information on what makes a good decorative garage floor coating system good. While the type of materials and application techniques are critical, they are only as good as the knowledge and experience of the team installing them. I have learned from experience that floor coating is a science. It involves chemicals formulated to correctly react with one another only when specific mixing processes are followed. It involves cement slabs of which no two are exactly alike. Not to mention application conditions such as temperature and humidity which constantly very and can effect how the chemicals react. Some one once told me it take a lot of years to get really good at delivering high quality polymer flooring systems, I could not agree more. My best advice is to hire experience and educate your self before making a decision on which contractor to choose.

EncoreGarage is a full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage cabinet storage systems and FLEXCORE™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems. EncoreGarage serves clients in the Greater Akron, Medina, Cleveland, Canton, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas.

#epoxy #concreteresurfacing #garageflooring #floorcoatings #epoxyflooring

FlexCore™ Floor Coatings for your Concrete Patio!

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:48:07 GMT

FlexCore™ Floor Coatings for your Concrete Patio!

Epoxy floor coatings are not limited to garages, and can be applied to any concrete surface that you want to look good and protect from damage––including your patio! For a striking and durable patio floor coating that is easy to maintain, look no further than our FlexCore™ advanced polymer floor coating systems by EncoreGarage of Ohio.

Concrete is a relatively inexpensive, durable surface material, which makes it ideal for outdoor applications such as patios and walkways. However, while it resists wear and tear fairly well, it can begin to show its age over time with chipping, fading and stains. If you want breathe new life into your concrete surface our FlexCore™ floor coatings are a great option for your patio.

Benefits of FlexCore™ Advanced Polymer Floor Coatings for Patios:

Enhance the attractiveness of your patio: Flexcore™ advanced polymer floor coating systems are customizable with an extensive color palette; available in flake blends and solid colors.
Durable & Weatherproof: Our FlexCore™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems are stain-and-slip resistant, have 100% UV protection and zero oxidation, so its good looks will last for years to come.
Easy to clean: Dirt, dust and other messes can be easily removed by spraying it with your garden hose.

Beauty, durability, low-maintenance, stain-and-slip resistant, safe and time saving are just but some of FlexCore™ advanced polymer Floor Coating benefits.

Contact EncoreGarage of Ohio to begin choosing the perfect coating for your patio at 330-922-4411 or visit us at EncoreGarageOhio.com

#concreteresurfacing #epoxyfloorcoating #epoxycoating #garageenhancement

GARAGE FLOORING: DIY VS. PRO

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:34:40 GMT

That graduation party or other big event may prompt you to finally replace your pocked, chipped and cracked garage floor with a rugged epoxy coating.

“Our FLEXCore hybrid polymer floors offer so many advantages over concrete,” insists Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage. “Looking great is just the beginning. They also are durable and designed to last a long time.”

That, however, may not be the case with all garage floor coverings, Mike says.

Q: Aren’t all garage floor coatings the same?

A: No. Especially the do-it-yourself kits you can buy at a big box store.

Q: What’s the difference?

A: The two main differences are the quality of the coating and the quality of the installation. We have the proper equipment, and we’ve been installing our coatings for 10 years.

We prepare the concrete surface by scoring the concrete and cleaning and refining the top surface to open up the pores, allowing our base coat to penetrate deeply for excellent adhesion. It is far superior to the acid etching in the DIY kits. Because epoxy is affected by temperature, we use laser-thermo guns to monitor the floor temperature. Our trucks incubate materials in cold weather and refrigerate them in hot weather. Quality control ensures a quality installation.

Q: What about the flooring materials?

A: DIY kits usually come with a diluted, water-based epoxy coating and a miniscule amount of color flakes intended to provide traction and a quality appearance. The DIY material deteriorates quickly—usually within a year—recognizable by hot tire peel up, blistering, cracking and fading. We get a lot of calls to fix floors that homeowners have tried first to do themselves. In the end they’ll have spent more time and money than they needed to.

EncoreGarage of Ohio offers advanced polymer floor coatings, cabinetry and organization systems in the Akron/Cleveland areas. Call 330-922-4411 or visit EncoreGarageOhio.com.

#concretefloorcoating #epoxyfloorcoating

Protecting Garage Concrete

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:22:16 GMT

It starts with crisp, refreshing autumn evenings. But before you know it, wintry air begins to chill your bones, snow begins to coat your lawn and dirty, salty slush plops from your car and begins to eat away and damage your concrete floor.

A crumbling, stained concrete floor can not only ruin the look of your garage, but it also devalues your home. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it.

And the best time to do it is now—before another winter makes the problem worse.

Encore Garage’s Flex-Core epoxy-based system is stronger and more flexible than traditional epoxy coatings. It not only beautifies your garage floor, it also protects it from damage including road salt. It is non-porous and stain resistant, repelling dirt, road salt, paint, gas and oil. It’s also slip resistant, even when the chilly fall rains arrive.

And, it couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a water hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years.

Our floor system is available in an extensive palette of customizable colors, so you can match the cabinet or organizational system currently in your garage, or pair it with a complete Encore Garage makeover that includes our attractive and rugged cabinets and other storage options.

An Encore Garage floor will not chip, blister or peel, even when temperatures dip down low. In fact, we can even install it when the weather turns chilly.

Now is a perfect time to have a new Encore Garage Flex-Core floor installed, before you pack away the patio furniture and outdoor supplies for the winter and the holidays arrive.

Planning Your Custom Garage Space in New Home

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:25:22 GMT

Northeast Ohio winters can wreak havoc on your garage floor.

“Most people call us after their concrete garage floor is already crumbling and cracking beyond repair,” laments Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio, which installs a rugged Flex-Core advanced polyaspartic floor coating that not only beautifies your garage floor but also protects it from damage.

Jim and Coral, on the other hand, took a proactive approach to protecting their gorgeous three-car garage. Jim and Coral worked with Mike and his team to incorporate the floor coating—and Encore’s clever organizational system—into the construction of their brand new custom-built home in Canton.

“It’s a very smart strategy,” Mike says. “They’re taking measures to prevent deterioration of the floor from the very beginning, while adding a beautiful dimension to their new home.”

Jim and Coral last month downsized from a larger home in which they accumulated quite a bit of stuff. That, Jim explains, is one reason why organization was so important.

“Coral does a lot of gardening and I do our auto care, so we wanted a good-looking garage with a nice floor, ample storage area and uncluttered workspace. I searched online for garage cabinet systems and found Encore. They came out and sat with the builder and us while we were designing the house. I liked the design and the products they offered, especially the quality of the floor they put in. It’s a big part of the look of the new house.”

Along with the creek bed-colored floor coating, Encore installed a utility sink and cleanup area, a garden station for Coral, a drop station and boot bench area, butcher block work surfaces and copper blaze tall storage cabinets.

“There are certain helpful hot points that we suggest for many garages, and Jim and Coral incorporated just about all of them,” Mike says.

The drop station and boot bench, he explains, is located at the entryway from the garage into the house.

“It’s a convenient place where you can drop your keys or set down your grocery bags or school books when you’re entering the home,” he says.

“You can take off your shoes and leave them outside so you’re not tracking dirt into the house. That’s a high-impact area.”

Encore installed the utility sink with a faucet as well as water supply lines for garden hoses.

“It makes it convenient to wash up outside, and you can also connect a hose to wash your car or rinse down the floor,” Mike explains.

Bulk storage, to keep everything in place and eliminate clutter, is a staple of the Encore organization system.

“A gardening area was also important to Coral,” Mike says. “We designed it around a window that overlooks the front yard. She has a dedicated work space for gardening and there is plenty of other work area for other projects.”

The Encore floor coating is not only attractive and sturdy, but it’s also a cinch to maintain, Mike insists.

“Flex-Core is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below,” he says.

“It is stain resistant, even against oil and grease, and couldn’t be easier to clean. All you need is a water hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years. And it has a nearly unlimited variety of attractive colors and patterns.”

Garage Floor Coating Process - 5 Steps to A Beautiful Garage Floor

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:38:25 GMT

Customers who have chosen to upgrade their garage floors with an Encore Flex-Core™ floor coating system are often curious about how our garage floor coating installation process works.

How does Encore Garage Ohio manage to transform their old, damaged, and unattractive garage floor into such an attractive and durable surface? And how are we able to accomplish this in as little as two days?

Utilizing the most advanced floor coating materials, state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced installers, we consistently deliver a high quality, chemical and stain-resistant, easy to clean surface that will remain looking like new for many years to come. Our process ensures a quality installation—guaranteed against peeling or hot-tire pick-up.

5 Step Application Process

Step 1 – DIAMOND GRIND THE SURFACE

Preparation of the concrete prior to applying the base coat layer is critical and essential to the durability and longevity of the epoxy floor coating system. EncoreGarage™ uses mechanical grinders with "diamond studded tooling" for surface preparation – which is far superior to the acid wash method used by others in the industry. We attach HEPA filtered vacuums to our grinders so that the dust and any contaminants are radically reduced. Diamond grinding scours the surface of the concrete to open up the pores as well as eliminate surface contaminants. This installation technique allows the base coat to penetrate deep into the pores of the concrete, creating a superior bond.

Step 2 – REPAIR OF CRACKS, CHIPS & PITTING

Our prep work also includes filling in cracks, patching and fixing any areas that need addressed. Once the filler has cured, the excess is ground down so that the floor is completely smooth and any cracks, chips and pitting are invisible. Floors that require extensive repair work may require up to 24 hours to cure.

Step 3 – HIGH PERFORMANCE EPOXY BASE COAT

The installation process starts by applying a thick layer of industrial grade, 100% solid, deep penetrating epoxy. This epoxy is designed to absorb deep into the pores of the concrete surface. Its slow curing and deep penetrating chemical design promotes much deeper penetration into the concrete pores than any other epoxy or fast curing polyaspartic, thereby creating a superior adhesion. This bond is imperative to a durable, long lasting floor system.

Step 4 – DECORATIVE FLEXCORE™ FLAKES

The decorative polymer chips are then broadcasted into the wet epoxy and chemically bond together—which ultimately gives the coating the look of Granite or Terrazzo. The flakes also add body to the epoxy, increasing the overall strength of the system as well as create a texture which increases the overall slip resistance of the system. In order to achieve 100% coverage, we will apply an additional 20-30% more flakes. The following day, we remove the excess flake material using a flat metal edge tool to knock down any standing flakes. Then the entire floor is blown and vacuumed to remove any excess debris. Now the floor is even and smooth, which makes it ready for the final step of the garage floor coating process.

Step 5 – DURABLE POLYASPARTIC TOP COAT

The last step of the process is the application of a high quality, UV stable, scratch, chemical and stain resistant polyaspartic top coat. The top coat is applied by a squeegee and then back rolled. This process ensures that the top coat has a thick and even layer, which leaves a consistent finish that’s extremely durable. The top coat requires 24 hours to cure for foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicles. Once completed, you will have an attractive, high quality and extremely durable floor that reflects the beauty of your home’s interior.

Watch our video on our floor coating application process top see how it’s done.

Garage Organization for the Gardener

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:34:09 GMT

Gardening season is here! Whether you are an avid gardener with an enormous garden or you simply have a few pots of flowers around your yard, getting your tools and accessories into order for the planting season is a must. All you need is a little bit of time, and the right storage solution to get your garage perfectly organized for gardening enjoyment!

Here are six tips to help you with your seasonal arrangement.

Carve out a hobby garden station with garage cabinets and drawers that keep all your supplies neatly contained.
Include tall cabinets that store yard tools, work boots, and other bulky gear behind closed doors.
Keep bags of potting soil and fertilizer from getting soggy by storing them in cabinets that are up off the floor. If you have children or pets, tall cabinets also keep toxic items like fertilizer and pesticides safely out of their reach.
Include a workspace with a butcher block or laminate to p for a convenient place to plant pots or sort tools. Ample counter space gives you plenty of room to plant container gardens, even when it’s raining outside.
Keep your gardening tools and supplies organized and within reach by hanging them on slatwall or gridwall organization systems with heavy-duty hooks, bins and baskets. They can be easily rearranged as needed and will ensure your safety and free up valuable floor space.
To finish off this potting paradise, add an Encore Flex-Core advanced polymer floor coatin g . Our Flex-Core floor coating is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below. It is stain resistant—even against oil and grease—and couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years.

Enjoy a beautiful, organized, fully functional garage that transforms into the perfect GARDENING HOBBY AREA with EncoreGarage of Ohio Garage Cabinetry, Floor Coatings and Organizers.

To begin your garage organization project schedule a free in-home consultation today!

Cleaning and Maintenance for Flex-Core Epoxy and Polyaspartic Floor Coating Systems

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:07:26 GMT

Epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings, are aesthetically pleasing, long lasting, and come with a long life span when installed properly. It is very easy to clean and maintain an epoxy coating—and the ease of maintenance is often the primary reason why people choose an epoxy coating to upgrade their concrete garage floor.

By performing general maintenance, doing a thorough (heavy) cleaning every few months, and removing stains as needed, you can keep your epoxy floors in excellent shape with a beautiful shine for years to come.

Sweep Regularly:

Sweep the floor either with a soft bristle broom or microfiber dust mop regularly. By removing dust and loose debris, you’ll keep the floor free of scratches and reduce wear and tear.

Spot Cleaning:

For small spills or vehicle drippings on your coating, simply wipe them with a paper towel or soft cloth. It is recommended to wipe any liquid off as soon as possible. Some stains, like rust, may require some elbow grease and hot water.

Heavy Cleaning:

For heavy cleaning of a soiled epoxy floor, sweep away any loose debris, then mop floor using a foam or microfiber mop, with hot water and clear ammonia. 4-5 ounces of clear ammonia per gallon of water is all that is needed to remove soiling. Rinse frequently.

Alternatively, you can use your hose with a pressure nozzle to spray the floor and a floor squeegee to move the dirty water off of the garage floor and on to the driveway.

Prevention:

Protecting your floors is more than just cleaning—you need to safeguard them as well. Although our Flex-Core floor coating system is highly durable, it is not indestructible.

Always avoid dragging or sliding heavy equipment or pallets across the floor.

Place a soft mat or towel below any equipment (such as a jack), which will bear a heavy load. Any sharp edges combined with this weight may dig into or scratch your coating.

Place a computer mouse pad under a motorcycle kick-stand to prevent damage to the coatings surface.

Avoid using abrasive/acidic cleaners and stiff bristle brushes as they can potentially damage your coating.

Avoid using soap based cleaners as they may cause your coating to lose its shine and make for a much more slippery surface especially when wet.

Repair: Should a scratch, gauge or cut in the coating occur it is important treat them as soon as they are noticed. Be sure to check in with us for the best way to fix the issue.

By following these simple cleaning and maintenance tips your epoxy floor coating will look like new for many years.

Make Your Garage The Life Of The Party

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:49:49 GMT

So, you’ve gone all out to dazzle your friends and family at your kid’s graduation party. You’ve got chateaubriand sizzling on your new stainless steel, eight-burner grill. The Cake Boss has just delivered a custom dessert, and you hired Cyndi Lauper to entertain...she needed the work.

But all anybody can talk about is your brand new polymer garage floor.

“Your garage floor can be the life of the party,” insists Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage of Ohio. “They help to turn a normal garage into a sensational, useful room.”

Encore’s Flex-Core advanced polyaspartic floor coating not only beautifies your garage floor, but also protects it from damage.

“It is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below,” Mike explains.

“It is stain resistant—even against oil and grease—and couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years. We have a nearly unlimited variety of beautiful colors and patterns.”

A spectacular floor along with Encore’s storage and organizing systems are ideal components for converting your garage into a clean, spacious party venue.

“Your garage is often the largest room in your house and often the primary entrance way into your home,” Mike says. “It’s the first thing people see, but it’s often the last frontier of home remodeling. It’s really a place where you can make a memorable first impression.”

Now celebrating its 11th anniversary of serving Northeast Ohio residents and businesses, Encore offers advanced floor coating, cabinetry and organizer systems.

“We’re a one-stop shop for floor-to-ceiling garage enhancement and renovation,” Mike explains. “Our Signature Series garage cabinetry is not only tough and versatile, but it is also very attractive.”

Mike says Encore makes it simple—and affordable—to organize and transform your garage into an attractive, multi-purpose space.

“When people see what we can do, they see their garage in a whole new light,” he says. “In many cases it costs less than what people pay to remodel a half bathroom.”

You can get started on your new party venue by calling Encore Garage of Ohio for a no-cost consultation at 330-922-4411 (Akron area) or 440-668-8953 (Cleveland area). Visit EncoreGarageOhio.com to learn more.

HOW TO FIX AND RESTORE YOUR GARAGE FLOOR

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:49:49 GMT

Options for restoring your concrete garage floor.

Q: What can a homeowner do to replace a deteriorating concrete floor?

A: There are four main options. The first is to do nothing and agonize over the way it looks, but it’s only going to get worse.

The other two options both involve covering and protecting your floor with an epoxy coating.

One is doing it yourself with an over-the-counter product from a home improvement retailer. You’ll save money on your initial investment, but it can cost you in the long run. The do-it-yourself products are not of durable, long-lasting quality. Not being installed with professional equipment by skilled professionals, they typically begin to delaminate and wear out after a couple of years.

The final option is a professionally installed epoxy-based product like Encore’s Flex-Core advanced polymer floor coating that not only beautifies your garage floor, but also protects it from damage.

Q: Why is epoxy better than concrete?

A : Our Flex-Core epoxy flooring is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below. It is stain resistant, even against oil and grease, and couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a water hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years. Flex-Core has a nearly unlimited variety of attractive colors and patterns, it’s long-lasting and you can only get it from Encore.

Mike Padden is the Owner and President of Encore Garage of Ohio and West. PA. You can call Encore for a no-cost estimate at 440-668-8953, or 330-922-4411, or learn more at EncoreGarageOhio.com.

EncoreGarage is a full-service garage makeover company that offers custom installed garage cabinets, organization systems and FLEXCORE™ advanced polymer Floor Coating Systems. EncoreGarage of Ohio serves clients in the Greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Columbus, and Pittsburgh areas.

Reclaim Your Garage with Advanced Floor Coating Systems and Cabinetry

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:49:49 GMT

Whether a place to park or a venue to party, it’s time to reclaim the most valuable room in the house—the garage. Here’s how Encore Garage Ohio can help.

What’s the first thing you would buy if you won the Powerball jackpot?

The answer to that often-asked question may require more than a little fantasizing, considering the Powerball’s odds of about 292 million to one.

Keeping it a little more realistic, however, you may want to think about how to

optimize your federal income tax refund. It may not create an instant retirement, but the average national refund of about $3,000 is nothing to sneeze at.

“Investing in your home is always a good idea, and the garage is a very wise place to start,” advises Mike Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio, a one-stop shop for floor-to-ceiling garage enhancement and renovation.

Your garage, Mike observes, is most likely the largest room in your home. If it’s only being used as a place to pile clutter—and maybe park your car if you can find enough room—you’re probably wasting a good portion of your home.

“Converting your garage into a gorgeous, all-purpose party room—where you also can keep your vehicles protected—is an ideal way to make the most of your home,” Mike says.

“Garages are often the primary entryway into your home, so why not be as proud of it as you are the rest of your house?”

Relaxing in the garage may be more applicable during the summer than at any other time of the year. That’s when many folks are looking for the perfect venue for a graduation party, a wedding rehearsal dinner, or just a casual barbecue to entertain friends and neighbors.

Encore Garage helps to create that perfect venue with the installation of handsome, rugged cabinetry, organizer systems and its proprietary Flex-Core polyaspartic floor coating that not only beautifies your garage floor, but also protects it from damage.

“When people see what we can do, they see their garage in a whole new light,” Mike assures.

Many garage upgrades begin by restoring the floors, which are typically beaten brutally by Northeast Ohio winters.

“The salty slush that drops off your car eventually eats away at the concrete, causing unsightly chipping and cracking,” Mike says.

“It can get really ugly in a short period of time. Our advanced floor coating is seamless and non-porous, so liquids can’t seep down and attack the concrete below. It is stain resistant—even against oil and grease—and couldn’t be easier to maintain. All you need is a hose and a squeegee to keep the floor looking like new for many years.”

Because the garage is often the entry point of the home, an attractive, organized garage creates a good first impression—and gives you more room for partying.

“It’s the first thing people see, but it’s often the last frontier of home remodeling,” Mike says. “Our Signature Series garage cabinetry is not only tough and versatile, but it is also very attractive.”

Mike says Encore makes it simple—and affordable—to organize and transform your garage into an attractive, multi-purpose space.

“In many cases it costs less than what people pay to remodel a half bathroom,” he insists. “And increasing the value of your home is always a wise investment.”

You can begin reclaiming your garage by calling Encore Garage of Ohio for a no-cost estimate at 330-922-4411 (Akron area) or 440-668-8953 (Cleveland area). For more information, visit EncoreGarageOhio.com.

encore-garage

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL

Here’s how Encore Garage Ohio can unleash the untapped potential in your garage.

﻿

You Get What You Pay For

About 15% of Encore Garage Ohio jobs are fixing or completely redoing botched workmanship, whether done by another contractor or a DIY homeowner.

Goodbye Chaos, Hello Organization

Encore Garage Ohio creates beautifully organized garages tailored to hobbies, lifestyles and long-term storage needs

When Function Goes Further

Your garage can be so much more than just a place to park. Transformations from Encore Garage Ohio add function, style and organization to the most versatile space in your home.

Stop the salt attack

SKIPPING THE DIY URGE

THIS IS NOT US

Encore Garage uses the best materials available in the industry and strong warranties to ensure your garage floor coating withstands the test of time.

﻿

IMAGINE A BEAUTIFUL AND ORGANIZED SPACE EVERY TIME YOU ENTER YOUR GARAGE

WINTER-READY GARAGE FLOORS

SPICE UP YOUR GARAGE SPACE

TAKE BACK THE GARAGE

WITH A GARAGE MAKEOVER FROM ENCORE GARAGE OHIO, YOU CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME AND RECLAIM USABLE SPACE

RECLAIM YOUR GARAGE

THE WINTER GRINCH IS AROUND THE CORNER

CREATE INSTANT CURB APPEAL

CAN YOU DIY YOUR GARAGE FLOOR?

TAKE THAT TAX REFUND AND TRANSFORM YOUR GARAGE SPACE INTO SOMETHING YOU’LL LOVE COMING HOME TO

WITH A GARAGE MAKEOVER FROM ENCORE GARAGE OHIO, YOU CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME AND RECLAIM USABLE SPACE

YOUR GARAGE HAS A SECOND ACT

My Garage is Truly A Great Room

Customer Testimonials - WHY CHOOSE ENCOREGARAGE!

HOW TO FIX AND RESTORE YOUR GARAGE FLOOR

What's Your Garage Personality?

Epoxy Flooring: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Garage Floor Coating and Storage Cabinets in Akron, Strongsville, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus

Garage FloorEpoxy or Polyaspartic - Which is Best As Base Coat Layer of a garage floor coating system

Tips On Selecting A Concrete Floor Coating Contractor

Protecting Your Garage Floor From Winter Salt Damage in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus & Pittsburgh

ENCOREGARAGE OF OHIO & WESTERN PA RECEIVES HONORS FOR BEST VIDEO AT MAME AWARDS

Garage Makeover Tips

Garage Storage Solutions - Making the Most of Unused Space!

5 Steps: Clean & Organize Your Garage

Hidden In Plain Sight - Garage Organization Solutions - Ceiling Storage Space

Garage Envy - Floor Coatings by EncoreGarage

Zoning in on Garage Organization

Prevent Winter Damage to your Garage Floor

Transform Your Garage - Complete Garage Interior Remodel

GARAGE STORAGE & ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Garage Organization Ideas for the Winter Season

Characteristics Of A Good Garage Floor Coating System

FlexCore™ Floor Coatings for your Concrete Patio!

GARAGE FLOORING: DIY VS. PRO

Protecting Garage Concrete

Planning Your Custom Garage Space in New Home

Garage Floor Coating Process - 5 Steps to A Beautiful Garage Floor

Garage Organization for the Gardener

Cleaning and Maintenance for Flex-Core Epoxy and Polyaspartic Floor Coating Systems

Make Your Garage The Life Of The Party

HOW TO FIX AND RESTORE YOUR GARAGE FLOOR

Reclaim Your Garage with Advanced Floor Coating Systems and Cabinetry