concrete screed
Many people are looking for concrete floors, especially for garages. But today's coating options for concrete, epoxy and polyurea floors are not the same. While both can be used in the garage, there are places where polyurea is definitely the only option. We'll see.
Can I use the floor in the garage?an epoxy resinexternal?
No, epoxy garage floors cannot withstand UV light or harsh weather conditions, so they are not suitable for outdoor use, but polyurea is a good choice and is durable outdoors.
You may be wondering why we write so many articles about epoxy garage floors when what we actually install is so much better. Well, the simple answer is that most consumers don't know that there is a better epoxy alternative called polyurea. And when you google these questions, we want to make sure you're getting the right information!
If you're looking for a durable, waterproof and easy-to-apply coating for concrete floors, look for a new name: polyurea floor coatings. In many areas, this coating outshines the familiar epoxy flooring commonly used in home garages. You will find that polyurea floors have many uses outside the garage.
What is the difference between an epoxy floor and a polyurea coating?
With corkscrews, both applications can coat concrete, hiding years of wear and tear, but that's where their similarities end. These two concrete coating options differ greatly in appearance, UV resistance, durability, moisture resistance, slip resistance and service life.
Why are polyurea concrete coatings better for outdoor applications?
visual appeal
Epoxy and polyurea applications can beautify your garage, basement or patio. Epoxy can hide surface imperfections, but it's not an ideal way to smooth uneven surfaces that are cracked, split, or unstable. The polyurea chip system gives homeowners countless color choices to complement their interior or exterior décor.
UV stability
Polyurea coatings for concrete floors contain UV-resistant ingredients that will not yellow or fade when exposed to sunlight. Epoxy resin is not resistant to UV damage and will fade over time.
durability
Salt, chemicals, oils and temperature fluctuations can significantly damage your garage door over time. Polyurea concrete flooring is one of the most durable flooring options. Certified nearly five times harder than epoxy, polyurea can withstand heavy traffic, slips, abrasion and impact. Polyurea coatings for concrete floors also provide an impermeable barrier against moisture and unwanted pests that epoxies cannot provide.
For more than a decade, polyurea has been resistant to damage, accidents and accidents. Epoxy will protect floors from salt and chemicals, but only for a short time. Unlike polyurea coatings for concrete floors, epoxies provide little protection against temperature changes. Epoxy resin does not have the flexibility to move with the house foundation as it swells and compresses. This means that over time it cracks and crumbles under the influence of temperature fluctuations. Polyurea expands and contracts with concrete and has been shown to be 98% more flexible than epoxy.
moisture barrier
If the garage floor has a high moisture content, moisture transfer under the floor can cause the coating to peel. Innovative Concrete Coatings will always have moisture detectors on your property to determine if you have a moisture problem. If so, our polyurea floor coverings can help.
Non-slip
We know that epoxy resin is a non-porous material that creates a smooth surface. That said, a wet and slippery epoxy floor can be dangerous, especially with oil spills. Thanks to the polyurea system, the floor becomes non-slip. Ask about the different levels of resistance offered by innovative concrete coatings.
life
Polyurea is extremely flexible and can accommodate expansion, contraction and movement in concrete without cracking. It has been serving for over 25 years. Epoxy resin is a thermosetting resin that can coat floors, but it doesn't respond as well to movement of the base. Epoxy floors can chip, chip and crack. For this reason, polyurea coatings are highly valued by homeowners and businesses, as well as being stain-resistant, UV-resistant, and anti-bacterial.
Residential applications for polyurea coatings
Due to the durability and longevity of polyurea, you will find many flooring applications that do not include parking areas. While most consider it an option for garage floor paint, you can use this type of flooring in many other places.
garage floor covering
Of course, most people think of polyurea coatings for garage floors. While parked cars with hot tires can damage epoxy floors, polyurea coated garage floors cannot. This type of floor can withstand any extreme temperature and humidity.
home gym floor
Because polyurea is shock and impact resistant, and you can choose from different levels of slip resistance, they are ideal for home gym floors.
In these areas, you need a floor that can withstand heavy loads or machinery, and prevent cracking or chipping if you drop a heavy load on the floor. Whether you have multiple exercise machines or a treadmill and dumbbell set, polyurea flooring will give you the continuous functionality you need.
Laundry floor coverings
Laundry rooms require sturdy surfaces that can withstand moisture, humidity and temperature changes. For example, when you use a clothes dryer, the room becomes warmer and the humidity increases. You also need a non-slip surface so that water from wet clothes does not drip onto the floor. Polyurea floors are the answer to these needs. Since many laundries double as mud, polyurea floors are the perfect solution as they are non-slip, durable and easy to clean.
Workshop carpet
In the shop, polyurea will meet the requirements of most applications. The only time you might be worried is when the siding material is being welded. Although polyurea coatings can withstand heat, they can burn from excessive brazing temperatures. In addition, as a production floor coating, polyurea helps minimize dust that can accumulate on bare concrete floors and provides a non-slip surface, increasing safety in the area.
finish the ground floor
For a finished basement, you need a clean, solid floor. Polyurea only requires spot cleaning to remove spills. Thanks to the stain resistance of polyurea, you don't have to worry about a spilled drink in the basement recreation room causing foot problems. The mop vacuums surfaces and the sponge mop can be used to clean high-traffic areas.
outdoor swimming pool
Epoxy coatings cannot withstand the moisture, UV rays and temperature fluctuations that outdoor pools are exposed to. That's why you need durable surface coatings like polyurea. In addition, you can choose from different anti-slip classes for your surface. Around pools, you need as much slip resistance as possible to keep everyone safe.
Commercial applications of polyurea floors
Apartments are not the only place where polyurea floors are used. Long before homeowners discovered its benefits, businesses across all industries relied on this floor as their preferred surface. From auto repair shops to hospitals, many businesses can benefit from the long life and durability of this surface by applying it faster than epoxy.
car workshop hall
Auto repair shops need strong floors that can withstand damage from hot tires, dropped tools and excessive dirt. Polyurea floor coatings thrive on these elements that epoxy floors do not have. Plus, with a one-day installation, your business won't need long downtimes after installing polyurea.
store
The warehouse is subject to heavy vehicle and people traffic, as well as the weight of the shelves and stored products. In such a lively place, employees can't go wrong. You need durable polyurea anti-slip properties.
car dealer showroom
Car dealerships have unique needs. Above all, the floor must withstand the customers and employees who walk on it every day. In addition, because the car models are placed in the display stands, the floor will not get dirty from passing vehicles. It is especially important that the floors are shiny and durable. Polyurea flooring comes in a variety of colors and chips to personalize your space.
Hospital
Hospital floors need to withstand heavy traffic, but they also need to be easy to disinfect. Polyurea has an antibacterial effect, stops the spread of viruses and allows for quick sanitization. It also protects people walking on the floor from tripping and tripping. In a hospital environment, durability, slip resistance and ease of cleaning are key factors for any floor covering.
With our one-day installation in most commercial and residential locations, you can start enjoying your new floor much faster than installing epoxy. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact us at (843) 295-1391. Our experienced technicians are ready to help you get a better floor for your garage, gym, workshop or any other place where you need the added benefits of polyurea floor coatings.
FAQs
What is the disadvantage of polyurea garage floor coating? ›
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings may not bond with your concrete. The first potential problem with polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings is that if the moisture content is too high in the concrete, the coating will not bond properly to the concrete.
Is polyurea garage floor coating worth it? ›Adding a polyurea floor coating to your garage or other flooring is a great option to improve the look of your garage. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is one of the most durable floor coatings on the market. It cures faster than other types of coatings, and it is slip-resistant.
Can polyurea be used on driveways? ›The short answer is yes — you can seal a driveway with polyurea. In fact, polyurea is one of the only options for outdoor concrete coating, and we've found it to be the best choice for driveways.
Is polyurea worth the money? ›Polyurea has a higher resistance to chemicals than epoxy and is U.V. stable. It's better for garage floors and exterior spaces, and for protecting your floor against stains, damage, chemicals and wear. They are light reflective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
What are the negatives of polyurea? ›Polyureas are even faster than cyanoacrylate super glues. However, this cure speed leads to potential problems. It is very difficult to mix the two parts together, and a lot of heat can be generated that can damage sensitive materials.
What is likely a negative impact of polyurea? ›Research has shown that polyurea coatings potentially increase the deflection of steel members, particularly when applied to the exterior side facing the blast. Polyurea is a polymer commonly used in moisture-resistant coating systems.
How long do polyurea floors last? ›You can expect polyurea coating to make your concrete floors look brand new for many years to come. If polyurea coating is maintained and care for properly, it can last for more than 30 years before requiring repair, touch up, or replacement.
Does polyurea crack? ›Polyurea is 4x stronger than Epoxy. It is also 98% more flexible than Epoxy. The flexibility of the material makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. Since the material is flexible, it will not crack or peel, unlike Epoxy.
How long does it take for polyurea floor to cure? ›Fast Drying
Epoxy coatings will take 24 hours to dry to a point where you are able to walk on the surface, and a full 7 days before you are able to drive a vehicle on it. In contrast, you can walk on polyurea coatings within 8 hours of application and vehicles can drive on it after only 24 hours.
A professional polyurea concrete coating starts around $4,750 - $5,250 for 500 square ft. This is a starting cost for a full polyurea garage floor coating installation. Now, we understand this may be more than you were expecting to pay for your concrete coating.
How do you clean a polyurea garage floor? ›
Mix about five ounces of ammonia for every gallon of hot water. Use a microfiber mop to spread on the floor surface, then rinse with plain hot water. Never mix cleaners as this could cause a potentially harmful reaction that could damage the floor. It is not necessary to use floor wax on polyaspartic floor coatings.
Is polyurea slippery wet? ›Appears Slippery When Finished
Aliphatic polyurea topcoats, or pure polyurea coatings, are appreciated for their smooth and high-gloss finish. At a glance, it's easy to feel concerned about the surface being slippery when wet.
Polyaspartic is a type of polyurea, but polyaspartics have been modified to overcome the challenges polyureas face. Polyaspartics have an extended pot life which makes them easier to install and helps improve adhesion to the concrete surface. They are also more UV-resistant.
Does polyurea yellow? ›Yes, epoxy and polyurea pigmented primer coatings do yellow from UV rays of sunlight. They yellow, fade and oxidize leading to micro cracking and weakening their adhesion to concrete.
Does polyurea get hot? ›Polyurea does not get hot to the touch which means it won't burn feet on pool decks or patios. Epoxy can get very hot and makes it less than ideal for pool decks where you will likely be barefoot. UV stability is a great benefit and something to consider if you are considering a patio or pool deck concrete coating.
Can you coat over polyurea? ›What kind of paint to use when going over polyurea? Generally, a good quality 100% acrylic latex house paint works well over sprayed polyurea. It is usually best to coat over the polyurea (sooner rather than later) within 24 hours of application. This promotes the best adhesion.
What is the best way to remove polyurea? ›Sponge-Jet Blasting
Like ordinary dry abrasive blasting, Sponge Media is propelled to the surface using pressurized air. This composite abrasive includes the one of many abrasive types/grits and a sponge matrix, which allows for the removal of polyurea and rubber coatings quickly and with little dust generation.
Polyurea is more durable than epoxy and more flexible because it is an elastomer. It is also chemical resistant and can withstand stable heat up to 266℉ and 430℉ for a shorter amount of time according to Corrosionpedia. Polyurea is UV resistant and will not yellow in the sun.
Does polyurea need a primer? ›We ALWAYS recommend surface preparation, such as scuffing, sanding, etc. to create a mechanical bond. However, there are situations where trying to increase efficiency is an absolute must. In those situations, you'll need an adhesion promoter that will help your polyurea system bond with the unprepped surface.
What is the temperature range for polyurea? ›Product Advantages: Temperature Range from 40° to 105°F. Fast Set Times. High Solids for Maximum Adhesion.
Can you sand polyurea? ›
The Polyurea coating combines high flexibility and durability with high hardness and is fast drying. It can be sanded to a smooth finish and can then be painted with any type of paint – water-base paint, including latex or any oil-based paint, as well as automotive paint.
What garage floor coating lasts the longest? ›Epoxy is one of the most durable garage coatings. You can lay it on your concrete subfloor to liven up your garage. It provides unique colorful hues, metallic and natural stone finishes. Once dry, the epoxy forms a hardened and thick coating.
What is the longest lasting floor coating? ›Polyaspartic Floor Coatings
These floor coatings come with a lifetime warranty because that's how long they're expected to last you. Polyaspartic floor coatings are very damage resistant and strong. They won't chip, there won't be any hot-tire pick up, they're resistant to abrasion.
H332 Harmful if inhaled. H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Is polyaspartic better than polyurea? ›Some polyurea coatings can have additives that make them more UV resistant, but polyaspartic can protect your coating against harmful UV rays better than polyurea.
Can polyurea be repaired? ›The best approach to repair polyureas is to use polyurea again to ensure that the physical properties and chemical resistance of the coating repair zone are similar to those of the original. In many cases, the repair spots are too small, and it is not cost effective to install polyurea spray equipment on site.
Which is better polyurea or polyurethane? ›Polyurea and polyurethane are valuable coating and lining compounds for many industries. While polyurethane coatings are affordable and offer UV resistance, they are more susceptible to damage in humid or freezing environments. Polyurea resists extreme conditions and cures incredibly fast but can be more expensive.
What is the maximum thickness of polyurea? ›Normal recommended minimum applied thickness of Fosroc Polyurea WPE is 1.5mm, using cross-hatch spray pattern. The maximum thickness is 3mm for a single coat application.
How much stronger is polyurea than epoxy? ›Durable and Strong- These coatings are four times stronger than epoxy and resistant to drops from tools and chemicals. They are also UV stable, so they're great for both indoor and outdoor applications. Our polyurea coatings won't chip, fade or peel like epoxy.
What is the cheapest way to finish garage floor? ›Of the different ways to improve your floor's appearance, coatings such as garage floor paint are the least expensive and easiest to apply yourself. However, preparing the floor can be a time-consuming process. Among best paint for garage floors is acrylic latex paint.
Are garage floor coatings worth it? ›
Garage floors with coatings require less maintenance
That's why a resilient floor coating is worth the investment in more ways than one. First of all, you'll spend less time and money in the future repairing cracks and other types of floor damage.
One of the most affordable garage floor ideas is concrete paint, which is, essentially, a tougher version of interior wall paint for your home. Highly susceptible to damage from road salts and other chemicals, floor paint is not as tough as the other options on this list. It is, however, the least expensive by far.
Can polyurea be rolled on? ›Polyurea can be applied as a spray or as a roller coating, and it cures quickly, making it a popular choice for time-sensitive projects.
Can you spray polyurea? ›Most polyureas used for waterproofing are spray-applied with plural component spray equipment. It's typically shipped as a two-part system, with the amine resin blend and isocyanate material supplied in 55-gallon drum sets.
Can I use Dawn to clean my garage floor? ›Grab some Dawn dish soap from under your sink and get a bucket of hot water, boiling if you're able to. Mix the Dawn and hot water together and pour it on the spot. Grab a brush and scrub it into the stain, after minutes the stain should start to disappear.
Is polyurea garage floor coating toxic? ›Polyurea makes your garage a safer place
Heat resistance adds another layer of protection; since they can withstand very high temperatures, they can act as fire retardants. Also, unlike epoxy, it doesn't emit harmful VOCs; they are also antibacterial and nontoxic.
Polyurea is a waterproofing material that is often used in industrial and commercial settings to protect surfaces from water damage. It is applied as a liquid coating, which then quickly cures to form a durable, waterproof barrier. This can be used for waterproofing roofs, foundations, decks, and other surfaces.
What is the difference between polyaspartic and polyurea base coat? ›Polyurea and polyaspartic are similar products used to coat concrete. Polyurea dries more quickly than polyaspartic which can make it more challenging to apply. Polyurea can be more susceptible to UV but many versions are UV resistant which helps prevent yellowing.
Is polyurea bulletproof? ›And while there has been some misleading information presented or implied over the years, this presentation will discuss the history related to this subject and polyurea, and will present the truth and facts, polyurea coating and lining systems are NOT bullet proof, but does have ballistic qualities!
Does polyurea come in different colors? ›Custom Style: Our polyurea concrete coating system is available in a wide spectrum of textures and colors, with custom color matching available. You can also choose between a high gloss or matte top coat.
Is polyurea coating UV resistant? ›
"Aliphatic polyurea systems have excellent resistance to degradation by ultraviolet light and are used for a variety of exterior and interior atmospheric services," explains Primeaux. Primeaux concludes, "Polyurea coating systems [have] shown a good deal of versatility and application use.
Why is my garage floor epoxy turning yellow? ›Exposure to UV light is the most common reason for epoxy resin turning yellow. When UV light hits the cured epoxy resin, whether directly or indirectly, the natural process of degrading the polymers within is sped up. This photochemical reaction is responsible for more than just turning the epoxy resin yellowish.
How long does polyurea garage floor last? ›You can expect polyurea coating to make your concrete floors look brand new for many years to come. If polyurea coating is maintained and care for properly, it can last for more than 30 years before requiring repair, touch up, or replacement.
What is the lifespan of polyurea? ›Because polyurea is more durable than epoxy, it has a life expectancy of about 15 years. This product is meant to last you a lifetime.
How do you clean polyurea floors? ›Cleaning Tips for Epoxy and Polyurea Floors
A large microfiber dust mop that's about 2 to 3 feet wide will make it easy to clean up any dust bunnies and debris is tracked in over the week. The removable mop head allows you to throw it in the washer machine to start fresh periodically.
3. Professional Installation Required. Polyurea concrete coatings are not DIY-friendly.
Are polyurea floors slippery? ›Because epoxy is non-porous, it can become extremely slippery when wet. This is especially dangerous if epoxy is applied in a location where small children or the elderly are going to be walking on the floors. Although you can texturize epoxy floors, they may not hold up as well as other surfaces or finishes.
How do I prepare my garage floor for polyurea? ›- Step 1: Prepare the surface. Removing laitance, sealers, and contaminants from the concrete surface is critical to the installation s success. ...
- Step 2: Repair cracks and joints. ...
- Step 3: Apply the primer. ...
- Step 4: Roll the bed layer. ...
- Step 5: Apply the top coat.