What to consider when choosing a garage floor for a tuning car

A garage for tuning-car enthusiasts has to put up with a lot, and it is the floor that takes the biggest beating. What threats does a garage face?

Spilled oil

Engine oil and fuel damage a floor beyond repair. It is almost impossible to clean oil off a concrete floor, because it soaks in and leaves stains. These are unsightly, but they can also cause trouble when the floor is renovated – a fresh layer of concrete bonds poorly to a greasy surface. The solution is to lay Fortelock flooring over the concrete; it is resistant to chemicals and oil will not soak into it.

Water carried in

You may not realise it, but you bring a lot of water into the garage on your car. Some of it evaporates, but a great deal runs down onto the floor, soaks in and gradually weakens the structure of the garage. Fortunately, Fortelock flooring lets water through only partially, and each tile also has a system of drainage channels that help the water evaporate.

Falling tools

During repairs of all kinds it can happen that a tool slips out of your hand. If it is a small Allen key, no harm done. But if heavy pliers drop to the ground while you are loosening a rusty bolt, they can completely shatter ceramic tiles. A Fortelock PVC floor will not break; it may get a scratch, but from a distance that is almost impossible to spot. And if it can be seen, simply replace the damaged tile.

A braking car

Have you avoided any of the mishaps described above? Even so, a garage floor wears out. You will probably notice it first where the car starts and brakes. After a while the driving line becomes visible, because it is under more stress – so what can you do? You cannot replace just part of a worn concrete or ceramic floor – you always have to renovate the entire floor at great expense. With a Fortelock floor you simply replace only the worn tile with a new one.

How to reduce the damage?

Get a Fortelock PVC floor for your garage. Choose from the Fortelock Light and Invisible versions, which are designed for medium loads and are perfect for private garages. If you want even greater durability, go for the Industry range, which handles the heaviest loads.

Every one of these floor ranges helps you easily avoid the worries caused by the threats that face a garage floor every day. You save both money and time, now and in the future.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean an oily garage floor?

Wipe up the oil as soon as possible and wash the floor with water and a cleaner. Liquids do not soak into Fortelock PVC tiles, and Forteclean Intense Cleaner is designed for heavier soiling. Do not use solvents or abrasive discs. You will find suitable products among the Fortelock cleaners.

Does PVC flooring soak up oil like concrete?

No. The surface of Fortelock tiles is highly resistant to oils, petrol and common chemicals, and liquids do not soak into the material. However, do not leave oil on the floor for long: the technical data sheet warns that petroleum-based substances can cause discolouration and deformation after prolonged contact.

Will Fortelock tiles crack if a heavy tool falls on them?

No, unlike ceramic, PVC tiles do not break. A scuff may appear on the surface, and sharp objects can scratch it. If the damage is visible, simply remove the affected tile and replace it with a new one in a few minutes, without taking the surrounding floor apart.

Does PVC flooring wear where the car brakes and pulls away?

The load is higher there, so the technical data sheet recommends avoiding spinning the wheels on the spot, harsh braking and sudden acceleration. If a tile in the driving line does wear, only that tile is replaced, not the whole floor. According to the Fortelock website, the replacement takes a few minutes.

Which Fortelock range should I choose for a private garage?

Most often Industry, which, when loose-laid, can carry vehicles with tyres up to 6,600 kg. If you want a floor without visible locks, there is Invisible with a load capacity of 3,500 kg. For car traffic, the large-format XL is only rated once glued or fixed. Read more in the article Fortelock PVC tiles – the ideal garage flooring.