Polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings are becoming more popular and people are curious as to how they compare to other coatings. Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings are now the leading product in the coatings industry. They consist of a 3 layer system (base coat, vinyl flake, top coat). This 4 step process includes prep, base coat, vinyl flake and lastly, the top coat. There are many benefits when comparing polyurea and polyaspartic coatings to epoxy. Below we will explain what those benefits are and why they are superior to epoxy.
What Are The Benefits?
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are favored by contractors over epoxy as they have a fast cure time and high durability level. Their remarkably fast cure time (1 day) makes them a favorite for not only industrial and commercial applications, but residential as well. Waiting numerous days for the coatings in your garage, or other space in your home to cure can be very inconvenient. A 24 hour cure time vs. a few days makes for a much more convenient option. This provides a huge advantage over epoxy, as epoxy typically takes 3-5 days to fully cure.
There are many more benefits to polyurea and polyaspartic coatings aside from their fast cure time. Unlike epoxy, they can also be applied outdoors as well. This is because they are 100% UV stable so they can be applied in direct sunlight without you having to fear that they will fade, yellow or discolor.
How Durable Are They And Will They Fail?
Their flexibility also allows the coating to move with the concrete as it expands and contracts with the temperature changes. This helps to prevent the coating from failing, cracking or peeling.
With polyurea and polyaspartic coatings being much thinner and more flexible than epoxy, they are more durable as well. The coatings are also able to withstand higher impacts and have more scratch resistant properties. Epoxy is typically susceptible to hot tire pickup as it cannot withstand high heat. Our coatings, however, can withstand temperatures significantly higher than epoxy and are not susceptible to hot-tire pickup.
Aside from all of these great benefits that we have listed, there is still one more huge advantage to these coatings. Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings can be installed all year round and in temperatures as low as -40.. In comparison, epoxy should not be installed in temperatures lower than 55 degrees. This amazing feature allows you the luxury to have your floor coated in the winter months as well!
What Are The Cons Of Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings?
As with everything, there are a few cons to polyurea and polyaspartic coatings. Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings tend to be more expensive than epoxy and typically run $2-$3 more a square foot. Another downside is that it is not DIY friendly. Due to its extremely fast cure time, you need to know exactly what you are doing when using this product as it leaves no time for mistakes and you will not be able to fix them.
If you want to get your concrete floor coated or have any questions regarding our coatings, please give our office a call today. They are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you signed up for a free estimate! We offer numerous color options so we guarantee that we can find the perfect color blend to compliment your space. If you are in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, or anywhere else in the Triad, give us today or fill out our inquiry on our website to schedule your free estimate! (919) 439-8879
