Chaska, MN · SW Twin Cities metro Open Mon-Fri 8a-5p Veteran-owned · Family-run · Since 1996 (612) 369-1631

FAQ · 30 years of homeowner questions, answered

Coatings and restoration, answered honestly.

Most homeowners asking about a garage floor coating, a granite restoration, or a shower glass fix have the same questions. We have answered them on in-home estimates for 30 years. Here are the answers, organized by topic. If your question is not here, call (612) 369-1631 or send a message.

About Clear View

About the company and the owner.

Who runs the work, how long it has been running, and where it runs.

Who is Clear View Surface Solutions?
Clear View Surface Solutions is an independent, owner-operated coating and restoration company based in Chaska, Minnesota. Founded by David Meyers in 1996, the company specializes in concrete coatings (garage, basement, patio, driveway, pool deck) and surface restoration (granite, marble, shower glass). Owner-operated means David handles every project personally, from the in-home estimate through the install. No subcontractors, no rotating crews.
Is Clear View a franchise?
No. Clear View Surface Solutions is independent and locally owned. Not a Penntek, Garage Force, GarageExperts, Granite Garage Floors, or any other franchise. David owns the company outright. Anything you see on a national franchise site (national warranty programs, network installer crews, central scheduling) does not apply here.
How long has Clear View been in business?
Since 1996. Clear View celebrated 30 years in business in March 2026. Continuously operated under the same owner. BBB accredited since October 2005, A+ rating maintained for over 20 years.
What cities do you serve?
Core service area is the SW Twin Cities metro: Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina, Minnetonka, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Waconia, Victoria, Plymouth, Excelsior, and Minnetrista. We also work the broader Twin Cities metro on a project-by-project basis. Call (612) 369-1631 to confirm coverage in your city.
Does the owner actually do the work, or is that just marketing?
David does the work. On every job. The reason it is structured this way is finite scheduling: David takes on the number of projects he can personally install in a year, and no more. There is no installer crew to feed. If you book a Clear View install, the same person who walked your slab at the estimate is the same person on his knees laying the coating.
Is Clear View insured?
Yes. Fully insured for general liability and workers' compensation. Certificate of insurance available on request before any work is scheduled.
Are you BBB accredited?
Yes. Clear View Surface Solutions has been a Better Business Bureau accredited business since October 2005 with an A+ rating maintained since accreditation.

Garage floor coatings

Garage floor coatings.

The most-asked product line. Tier choice, polyurea vs epoxy, install timeline, prep, life span.

How much does a garage floor coating cost?
Garage floor coating in the SW Twin Cities typically runs $1,800 to $9,000+ for a 2-car garage depending on system tier and slab condition. Most Ultimate-tier (polyurea + polyaspartic, decorative flake) 2-car installs land between $2,400 and $6,800. The Essential sealer tier starts around $800; the Apex flexible-urethane tier on a 3- or 4-car oversized garage can exceed $14,000. Every quote is fixed and written after an in-home assessment.
What is the difference between polyurea and epoxy?
Polyurea is the modern replacement for epoxy in Minnesota garages. Three differences matter: polyurea is UV-stable (does not yellow), flexible (does not crack when the slab moves with freeze-thaw), and tolerant of hot tires (does not lift when a warm car parks on it). Epoxy fails on all three. We do not install epoxy.
How long does a garage floor coating install take?
Most 2-car garages are a 1 to 2 day install. Larger garages, full crack repair, or custom color builds may run into a second day. Use windows by tier: Essential is back in service in 6 to 12 hours, Advanced in 24 hours, Ultimate and Apex in 24 to 48 hours. We schedule installs so the cars are back as soon as the manufacturer's drive-on cure window is met.
What are the four system tiers?
Essential: silane-siloxane penetrating sealer that protects the bare concrete without changing its look. Advanced: industrial urethane top coat in a solid color. Ultimate: polyurea basecoat + polyaspartic UV-stable topcoat with decorative flake; the most-installed tier. Apex: flexible urethane that bridges fine cracks and tolerates significant slab movement; the choice for older slabs and three-season spaces.
What happens during the diamond-ground prep step?
On day one, the entire slab gets diamond-ground to open the concrete profile. This creates the mechanical bond the polyurea basecoat needs. Most coating failures we see on other installers' work trace back to skipped or shortcut prep (acid etch instead of grinding, or no prep at all). We diamond-grind every job.
Will the coating handle hot tires?
Yes, on the Ultimate and Apex tiers. Polyurea is flexible enough that hot tires do not lift it off the slab. Hot-tire pickup is one of the classic epoxy failure modes; it is not a polyurea problem.
Will the topcoat yellow in sunlight?
No. The polyaspartic topcoat is UV-stable. It does not yellow, chalk, or fade in sunlight. This holds for garages with windows, three-season rooms, and any installation that sees direct sun.
How long will the coating last?
On the Ultimate or Apex tier with full diamond-ground prep and basic care, 15 to 20+ years is realistic. The film itself is durable; the lifespan limit is almost always the bond underneath it, which is why prep matters more than the coating brand. Routine sweeping plus occasional mop-down is the only maintenance most floors need.
Can you coat over my existing epoxy floor?
Usually not directly, and that is the honest answer even though it costs us time on the quote. A new coating is only as good as what it is bonded to, so putting polyurea over an epoxy layer that is already peeling or lifting just buys you a nicer-looking failure. What we do instead is grind the old epoxy off during prep and bond the new system to bare concrete. If the existing epoxy is genuinely sound and well bonded, removal is faster and cheaper because it comes up cleanly. Either way, removal is part of the prep line on the quote, and we tell you which case you are in after seeing the floor.
What if my slab has existing cracks?
Hairline cracks are normal and filled during prep at no added cost. Active cracks, significant spalling, or moisture-related damage are evaluated at the in-home assessment; if the slab needs structural repair before the coating, we tell you honestly and either price it into the job or recommend a separate concrete contractor first.
Do I need to empty the garage before you start?
Yes. The floor needs to be completely empty of cars, storage bins, shelving contents, and tools. Permanently mounted items like water heaters, furnaces, support posts, and wall-mounted shelves we work around. Plan to clear the day before; it always takes longer than people expect.
Can the floor be customized with colors and flake?
Yes. The Ultimate tier includes a decorative flake broadcast in a custom color blend you choose at the in-home estimate. Sixteen stock flake colors are kept on hand (Creekbed, Dolerite, Domino, Gravel, Greige, Hickory, Madras, Nightfall, Orbit, Outback, Overcast, Peppercorn, Shipmate, Shoreline, Timberwolf, Twilight), with hundreds of non-stock options available. Apex includes any flake option and full custom colors. David walks through chip samples on site so you can see how each blend looks against your wall paint and lighting.
Can you coat a garage in the winter?
Yes, in heated garages. Polyurea has a wide cure window and installs year-round when the garage is heated to product spec during cure. Unheated detached garages schedule April through October.

Basement, patio, driveway, pool deck

Other coating surfaces.

Basements, patios, driveways, and pool decks use the same four-tier system. Each surface has its own considerations.

Can the same system be used in a basement?
Yes. Basement floor coatings use the same four-tier system. The differences from a garage install are moisture testing (basement slabs hold residual moisture that can break the bond if untreated) and color selection (basements tend toward lighter, decorative-flake blends for usable living-space conversions). Walk-on in 24 hours, fully cured in 48.
Will a basement coating handle moisture and humidity?
Yes, when the slab is prepped and primed correctly. We moisture-test every basement slab before scheduling. If the moisture content is too high for a film coating, we say so and either schedule moisture mitigation first or recommend the Essential penetrating sealer tier, which is breathable and works with active vapor drive.
Can outdoor patios be coated?
Yes. Patio coatings use the Apex flexible-urethane tier or the Ultimate polyaspartic tier; both are UV-stable for outdoor use. The coating tolerates Minnesota freeze-thaw, road salt drift, and direct sun without yellowing or cracking. Outdoor installs schedule March through November.
Can driveways be coated?
Yes, driveways can be coated; the Apex flexible tier is the right pick because the slab moves more than an interior floor and gets hit by road salt, plow blades, and freeze-thaw cycles. Driveway coatings are less common than garage coatings in the metro but the technology is the same.
Can a pool deck be coated?
Yes. Pool deck coatings use the Apex tier with a slip-resistant aggregate broadcast into the topcoat for safety on wet surfaces. The coating is chlorine-tolerant, UV-stable, and stays cool underfoot relative to bare concrete. Installs schedule late spring through early fall.
Are bundle discounts available for multiple surfaces?
Yes. If you are coating multiple surfaces (garage + basement, patio + pool deck, etc.) in one scheduling block, the per-surface cost drops because mobilization and setup happen once. The bundle savings show up on the written quote at the in-home estimate.

Granite and marble restoration

Stone restoration.

Granite and marble lose their finish over years of cleaning, cooking, and daily use. Restoration brings them back without replacement.

Can you really remove etching from granite?
Yes. Etching is surface damage where acidic foods or cleaners (wine, citrus, vinegar, some household sprays) have eaten into the polished layer. Diamond polishing physically removes the damaged layer and restores the finish underneath. Most granite responds well in a single visit; very deep etching may need multiple polishing passes.
How often should granite be re-sealed?
Depends on the granite type and how heavily it is used. Most kitchen counters need a fresh impregnating sealer every 1 to 3 years. Bath vanities can stretch to 3 to 5 years. We recommend the right re-seal cadence after seeing your specific stone.
Can marble be restored if it is dull or scratched?
Yes. Marble dulling, light scratches, and etching are all surface-layer damage that responds to diamond honing or polishing. The right approach depends on whether the original finish was honed (matte) or polished (high-gloss); we match the finish style to whatever the marble looked like the day it was installed.
Is restoration worth it compared to replacement?
Almost always. A single granite countertop run typically costs $4,000 to $15,000 to replace; restoration is a fraction of that and avoids the demo, plumbing disruption, and downtime. Marble replacement is even more expensive. If the stone truly cannot be restored, we tell you honestly at the in-home assessment.
Will the stone look different after restoration?
It should look like the stone did the day it was installed: full color depth, original finish style, clean edges. Many homeowners report it looks better than they remember. We never change the color or finish style without your direction.
Can a granite kitchen sink be restored?
Yes. Granite sinks (composite granite or natural stone) can be restored along with the surrounding counters. The constant moisture and detergent exposure around sinks tends to make them the most-aged surface in the kitchen, so they are a common scope for full-kitchen restorations.
Do you restore granite or marble floors?
Yes. Stone floor restoration uses the same diamond-polishing and sealing process scaled to a larger surface. Foyers, kitchen floors, and bathroom floors are common scopes. We mask cabinetry and walls before work begins.
How long does a stone restoration project take?
Single kitchen counter run: 4 to 8 hours on site. Whole kitchen including the island: 6 to 10 hours. Stone floors scale with square footage. Most projects finish the same day so the kitchen or bathroom is back in service by evening.

Shower glass and window restoration

Shower glass and windows.

Hard-water minerals etch glass over time. Most spotting that homeowners assume needs replacement can be restored.

Why does shower glass get cloudy and spotted?
Hard water in Minnesota carries dissolved minerals (calcium, magnesium). Every time water dries on the glass, those minerals are left behind. Over time the deposits etch into the glass surface, creating a permanent rough texture that traps soap scum and looks foggy. Once the etching is set, regular cleaning does not remove it.
Will restored glass actually stop spotting?
Yes, dramatically. After restoration we apply a hydrophobic sealer that causes water to sheet off the glass instead of beading and drying. With a quick squeegee after each shower, restored and sealed glass stays clear for years. Without the sealer, restoration alone is not enough; mineral spots return within months in Minnesota water.
How long does the hydrophobic sealer last?
Typically 2 to 4 years on shower glass with basic care. Longer on less-used windows or guest bathrooms. Reapplication (the Periodic Maintenance scope, around $200 to $400 per visit) keeps the no-spot performance going indefinitely.
Can you restore windows, not just shower glass?
Yes. Window restoration uses the same process: mineral removal, polishing if etched, hydrophobic sealing. Sun-facing windows that have built up hard-water spots from sprinklers or weather are the most common scope. Whole-house window restoration projects schedule a few days; single windows are same-day.
What about replaced shower glass that is already spotting again?
Same fix as restoration. New glass spots just as fast as old glass without a sealer; replacement does not solve the underlying problem. Restoration plus hydrophobic sealing is the right path. We see this often: a homeowner replaced the shower glass two years ago and the spots are back, and they assume they have a defective installation. They do not. They have unsealed glass in hard water.
Can you restore frosted or textured glass?
Frosted and textured glass takes more care because the texture itself traps deposits. Restoration is possible and we have a process for it, but the result varies by the texture pattern. We assess at the in-home visit and tell you honestly what to expect before any work begins.
How should restored glass be cleaned to maintain the sealer?
Squeegee after each shower. Mild non-acidic cleaner once a week. Microfiber for spots. Avoid anything acidic (vinegar, ammonia-based cleaners, the old standby Windex-on-shower-glass recipe). The care guide we leave at the end of the install covers this in detail.

Pricing and quotes

Pricing, quotes, and what to expect from the estimate.

How quoting works, when the price is final, and what changes the number.

Is the in-home estimate really free?
Yes, free. No trip charge, no consultation fee, no obligation. David visits the property, measures the slab or surface, walks through the tier or scope options, and writes a fixed quote on the right one. The estimate typically runs 30 to 45 minutes.
Is the quote fixed or an estimate?
Fixed and written. The number on the quote is the number you pay. We test for moisture, assess existing damage, and account for prep scope during the in-home visit specifically so the price holds. The quote is valid for 60 days from the date David writes it.
What if something changes during the install that adds work?
If we find something during the install that genuinely requires additional scope (a hidden crack network, a moisture issue that did not show up on the original test, a structural problem with the slab), we stop, show you what we found, and talk through it before doing the extra work. No surprises billed at the end.
Do you require a deposit?
A standard project deposit is required at scheduling. Specific terms are on the quote. The deposit secures your install date in the schedule and covers the materials David orders for your specific build (color flake, sealer, product per square footage). Balance due on completion.
What payment methods do you accept?
Check, ACH transfer, or major credit cards. Specific options are listed on the quote. Most homeowners pay by check on completion.
Do you offer financing?
Owner-financed payment plans are available case-by-case for larger projects. We talk through what is feasible at the in-home estimate. We do not push high-interest third-party financing programs the way some national franchises do.
Why is your price higher (or lower) than another quote I got?
Coatings and restoration are not commodity work; the price reflects the system, the prep, and the installer. Common reasons another quote is lower: epoxy instead of polyurea, no diamond grinding (acid etch only), no decorative flake, no warranty, or a subcontracted crew. Common reasons another quote is higher: a national franchise running corporate overhead and commissioned sales reps. The in-home assessment is the right place to compare apples to apples; bring competing quotes if you have them.

Process and scheduling

Process, prep, and scheduling.

What to expect from booking through completion.

How far out do you book?
During peak season (May through September) typically 3 to 6 weeks out. Off-peak (November through March) typically 1 to 3 weeks for heated installs. Emergency restorations (broken granite, urgent glass spotting before a showing) can sometimes schedule faster; call to ask.
What time of year is best for a coating install?
Polyurea cures across a wide temperature range, so heated garage installs run year-round. Unheated detached garages, outdoor patios, driveways, and pool decks schedule March through November when ambient temperatures stay within product spec. The most demanded slots are May through September; book early.
What happens on the day of the install?
David arrives in the morning with all the equipment and product needed for your specific install. The slab is diamond-ground, cracks and joints are filled, the basecoat goes down, decorative flake is broadcast (Ultimate tier), and after cure the polyaspartic topcoat seals the system. Restoration projects follow a similar same-day rhythm: mask, repair, polish, seal, walk-through.
Will the work smell, and do I need to leave?
Polyurea has a noticeable odor during application that dissipates within hours of the topcoat curing. Most homeowners stay in the house with garage and basement doors closed during install. If anyone in the household is unusually sensitive to chemical odors, we can talk through scheduling and ventilation at the estimate.
Will the coating be ready to walk on by evening?
Walk on at 24 hours from final topcoat. Drive on at 48 hours. The exact times are written into the care guide we leave on completion. Cure progresses faster in heated, climate-controlled spaces; cold or damp conditions extend it. We never tell you to drive on a coating before its full drive-on cure window.
How do I prepare for the install?
Clear the space the day before. For garage and basement installs, that means removing cars, storage, shelving contents, and tools. For restoration projects, clear the counter or shower area so the work surface is fully accessible. Pets should be kept out of the work area during install for their safety. We send a written prep guide after scheduling.
Do you tear up the floor or do significant demo?
No demo. Coating installs go on top of the existing slab after diamond grinding. Restoration projects work on the existing stone or glass. The only dust is from the diamond grinding step, which is dust-shrouded and HEPA-vacuumed during the work. We leave the space cleaner than we found it.

Warranty and after-install care

Warranty and care after the install.

What is covered, how long, and what to do if something does not look right after a year or two.

What warranty do you offer?
Every Clear View install and restoration comes with a written, locally backed limited warranty. The Ultimate and Apex coating tiers carry a 15-year written warranty with 15 to 20+ years of expected life. Essential and Advanced tiers carry shorter warranties matched to their expected life (3 to 5 years for Essential, 5 to 8 years for Advanced). Restoration projects carry scope-specific warranties; David walks through every warranty document at the in-home estimate before any work is scheduled.
Is it a real warranty I can actually use?
Yes. "Locally backed" means the company that wrote the warranty is the same person who installed the floor and answers the phone when you call. Not a national warranty program that disclaims out of every realistic claim. If something fails inside the warranty period, you call David and David handles it.
How do I care for a polyurea floor after install?
Sweep regularly to keep grit off the surface. Damp-mop with a mild pH-neutral cleaner when needed. Wipe up oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other automotive chemicals promptly. Do not use harsh degreasers, acidic cleaners, or aggressive scrubbing pads. The care guide we leave on completion covers this in detail.
How do I care for restored granite or marble?
Stone-safe cleaner (no vinegar, no citrus-based products, no acidic spray). Wipe up spills (especially red wine, coffee, oil) promptly. Plan for re-sealing every 1 to 3 years for granite, 2 to 5 years for marble. The care guide we leave on completion includes a recommended cleaner and the right re-seal cadence for your specific stone.
How do I care for restored shower glass?
Squeegee after every shower. Mild non-acidic cleaner once a week. Microfiber for spots. Avoid vinegar, ammonia-based glass cleaners, and harsh scrubbing. With basic care the hydrophobic sealer holds 2 to 4 years before reapplication.
What if I see a small issue a few months after install?
Call. Most small issues that come up in the first year are something we can address quickly (a flake of decorative chip not sealed in, a small bubble from a moisture pocket we missed). That is what owner-operated and locally-backed warranty are for. Send a photo if you can; we will tell you whether it needs attention or whether it is cosmetic and will not progress.

Service area

Service area and travel.

Where Clear View installs, what counts as core coverage, and how we handle requests outside it.

Where is Clear View based?
Chaska, Minnesota. Address: 2950 Chaska Blvd #101, Chaska, MN 55318. Core service area runs out from there across the SW Twin Cities metro.
Do you serve the entire Twin Cities metro?
Core service area is Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina, Minnetonka, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Waconia, Victoria, Plymouth, Excelsior, and Minnetrista. Each of those has its own page with local detail. We routinely work cities adjacent to that core (Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Burnsville, Savage, Jordan, Carver). We will travel for the right project across the broader metro; call to confirm coverage.
Is there a travel charge for cities outside the core area?
Travel is bundled into the project price for cities within reasonable drive of Chaska. For projects further out, any travel adjustment is on the written quote up front; nothing added later.
Can you do projects in greater Minnesota or western Wisconsin?
Case-by-case for the right project. The owner-operated model means scheduling is finite, so most work stays in the SW Twin Cities for efficiency. For larger projects further afield, call to talk it through.
Do you work on commercial buildings?
Most Clear View work is residential. Commercial projects (small retail floors, light-industrial bays, restaurant kitchens) are considered case-by-case. Some commercial work runs direct under the same in-house standard as residential; some runs through trusted commercial partners depending on the scope. The right path depends on the job. Call to discuss your specific project before assuming.
Do you do standalone concrete grinding or repair without a coating?
Depends on the job. Most concrete grinding happens as part of the coating prep, where it's already included. If you have a slab that needs grinding or repair without an installed coating on top (for example, prepping a slab for someone else's flooring work, or refinishing a small area before tile install), call to talk through what's needed and we'll tell you whether it fits the schedule and the scope.

Question not on this page?

Ask David directly.

Owner-operated means one person answers the phone, walks the property, writes the quote, and installs the work. If your question is not on this page, the fastest answer is a call or a short message. No call center, no salesperson, no follow-up campaign.

Direct line (612) 369-1631 Mon-Fri 8a-5p · Sat-Sun closed