Basements are used by homeowners for various different things. Basements can be used for just about anything from additional living spaces and gaming room, to a storage or laundry room. No matter what purpose your basement serves, it’s always best to maintain it as you would the rest of your home. The first place you should start is your floor as it can serve as a barrier to protect your concrete floor against staining and damage.
Concrete coatings remain the best option when it comes to basement flooring due to their durability and low maintenance. Concrete coatings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they protect your concrete and increase its lifespan. Although there are many different basement floor coatings, one concrete coatings system outshines them all. Let’s take a look at what that concrete coatings system is and compare it to the other options.
Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are by far the best concrete coatings available on the market. Unlike epoxy coatings, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings have extremely low VOC levels (volatile organic compounds) that are not environmentally friendly. This also lowers the amount of toxic odors put out into the air. Another factor that minimizes the odor is its remarkably fast cure time.
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are fully cured in one day whereas epoxy coatings typically take three to five days to cure. Their quick turnaround time creates less of a hassle for homeowners as their basements are out of service for a significantly less amount of time than with epoxy.
Unlike epoxy, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are 100% UV resistant. This means that they will not fade or discolor over time when exposed to UV rays. This is very important for basements that are exposed to excessive sunlight in certain areas. Over time those areas would begin to fade/discolor and have a different appearance than the parts of the floor.
When polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are installed by professionals, they typically come with a 15 year warranty on residential applications. This warranty is provided with the consideration of wear and tear from vehicles, exposure to weather elements, etc. When you apply these coatings in a basement that only has foot traffic, you can expect them to last forever. Choosing a flooring option that will only have to be installed once will end up saving you money in the long run.
Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy coatings were a very popular flooring option for basements in the past. They appeal to many people because they are available in a flake finish, metallic or solid color finishes. Due to their extensive cure time (3-5 days), many homeowners opt for faster options. They also have a higher VOC content and paired with their lengthy dry time make for a stronger odor that lingers longer periods of time.
They are still a favored option when a metallic or solid colored finish is desired. Due to the way that polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are designed, it is difficult to achieve certain solid colors and impossible to achieve a metallic finish. Epoxy coatings are also still used for DIY projects as they are more forgiving and user-friendly than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings.
Concrete Floor Paint
If you decide to go with paint on your concrete floor, make sure that paint is designed for concrete floors. Concrete floor paints are available as latex or oil-based finishes. Latex floor paints are harder and more stain resistant as they contain a small amount of epoxy resin. Concrete paint does not last very long and requires a new application every few years. If you are a homeowner looking for a quick, cheap fix then concrete paint is going to be your best option.
How Much Do Basement Floor Coatings Cost?
The cost of basement floor coatings will vary depending on the status of your current concrete and what finish you go with. The most inexpensive and DIY friendly option is going to be concrete paint. This option, however, is only going to last a short period of time and is rarely preferred. Epoxy coatings typically run about $2-$3 less a square foot than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings. Again, epoxy coatings will need to be removed and replaced within 5-10 years as they do not last as long.
You’ve now learned about your coatings options and based on your particular needs for the coatings, you can make an educated decision on which is best for you. Looking for a quick, cheap fix that is DIY friendly? Concrete floor paint is going to be your best bet. When seeking a diy friendly option that will last for a considerable amount of time, epoxy will be your best choice. But, if you want a professional coating installed that is going to look amazing for a lifetime, polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are the option for you.
If you are located in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh are their surrounding areas and polyurea/polyaspartic coatings sound like the best option for you, give us a call today! Here at TAGG Concrete Coatings we offer the best concrete coatings available and take pride in customer satisfaction. When you go with us, you are guaranteed to receive premium products installed by professionally trained technicians.
(919) 439-8879
1423 Wait Ave. Unit #34DD
Wake Forest, NC 28269
