Concrete surfaces are durable but not infallible. They need protection with concrete coatings for better longevity.
Polyurea coatings are one of the best protective coatings for concrete. This coating is a water-based polyurethane formulated to provide a protective barrier against weathering, such as acid rain, salt spray, and UV radiation. It’s also resistant to heat and cold, meaning you can apply it to your concrete surfaces in summer or winter without worrying about durability.
Here, we go over everything you need to know about polyurea floor coatings to help you decide if they are the right fit for you.
What Is a Polyurea Coating?
Polyurea coatings consist of an isocyanate hardener and a polyol resin that react together during the curing process to form a transparent coating that protects concrete from water, salt, chemicals, and abrasion. Isocyanates in polyurea coatings have high flexibility and durability.
Polyurea coatings dry quickly (usually within 24 hours), leaving behind an extremely durable finish that protects your concrete without much surface preparation. The strength of polyurea coatings depends on the amount of solids in each gallon of coating mix. Higher solids content makes for a stronger coating with greater flexibility and durability.
Types of Polyurea Coatings
Aliphatic Polyurea
Aliphatic polyurea is a coating that protects concrete and metal surfaces from corrosion and weathering. It consists of two types of polyurethane prepolymers mixed together before application to a substrate.
The first type of prepolymer is an aliphatic chain-extended epoxy, and the second type is a low molecular weight polyamine curing agent. The two types combine chemically to form a thermosetting polymer cured with heat or UV light.
Aliphatic polyurea is an excellent option for coating small to medium-sized projects. It has a lower viscosity than other polyureas, making it easier to apply in thinner layers delivering good coverage with less material. You can use moisture-resistant aliphatic polyurea indoors or outdoors, making it an ideal choice for rain or snow-prone areas like Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Aromatic Polyurea
Aromatic polyurea is an elastomer created from the one-step reaction between polyol resin and an isocyanate component. This high-temperature coating is applicable to various surfaces and is highly durable, with high resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV radiation.
The main characteristics of aromatic polyurea are:
- High hardness
- High elasticity, which makes it easy to apply on curved surfaces
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Benefits of Polyurea Floor Coatings in Duluth, MN
High Durability
Polyurea coatings are an ideal choice for residential and commercial buildings because it provides an excellent defense against corrosion due to moisture penetration. The polyurea coating also protects against other elements, such as mold growth, due to excessive humidity levels in certain climates like Florida or Arizona.
Temperature Resistance
A polyurea floor coating is a great way to ensure that your floor can withstand temperature changes. The polyurea coating is a product of polymers and polyols, which gives it a high melting point. Professionals have used this coating for decades in various applications, including aerospace and marine environments.
Excellent UV Resistance
The polyurea coating system used on floors is exceptionally resistant to UV rays. This means it will not yellow or fade, unlike other finishes that discolor over time.
High Tensile Strength
Polyurea floor coatings are known for their high tensile strength, meaning they can be applied to various surfaces and will not crack, chip or peel. They are also very resistant to abrasion, which makes them an excellent choice for industrial floors.
How Long Do Polyurea Floor Coatings Last?
Polyurea floor coatings have excellent longevity, lasting as long as 20 years. They are also easy to repair and restore.
However, even though polyurea floor coatings are durable, they will still need touching up from time to time. When this happens, it’s essential not only that you make sure that you repair the damaged area quickly but also that you choose a high-quality polyurethane sealer so that your coating will continue to look great for years to come!
Contact the Polyurea Experts in Duluth, MN, for a Free Quote
If you\’re considering polyurea coatings in Duluth, MN, the experts at Armor Coating Co. are here to help.
We\’re Duluth\’s leading polyurea and polyaspartic coatings provider, and we’re ready to show you how our products can make your business more efficient and productive. Our same-day polyurea floor coatings are durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective—and they come with a fantastic 15-year warranty!
Contact us at (715) 934-9037. Our team is waiting for your call today!