Why Is Polyurea Better Than Epoxy?

Polyurea coatings are quickly becoming favorites among concrete contractors and homeowners. They are more durable than epoxy and tend to be resistant to mold and mildew. Furthermore, they are more economical and easier to apply. It also won’t yellow, chip or peel. This blog will discuss the benefits of polyurea coatings and why polyurea is a better choice than epoxy. Read on!

What is Polyurea?

Polyurea is considered a polymer and an elastomer, meaning that it is a synthetic polymer with rubber-like characteristics. Polyurea compounds can be formulated to have several different properties and vary in hardness. At Armor Coating Company we can customize it to suit your preferences and also improve its flexibility and strength. This is why it is one of our popular concrete coating materials.

Why is Polyurea Better Than Epoxy?

From the outside, it can be hard to determine how these materials differentiate. However, similar to any construction materials you could need, several options are available in the market. Below are the qualities that make polyurea better than epoxy.

Durability

Generally, epoxy is widely used for its durability. You can use them for your garage floor coating since they can withstand chemicals, stains, withstand tire marks, general impact, and scratching. However, if you frequently pull into your garage after long drives, the heat emitted by your car’s tires will wear down the epoxy coating in a short period. UV heat also leads to yellowing and wearing the epoxy within your outdoor floors.

Polyurea is UV resistant and won’t turn yellow due to sunburn. This makes it an excellent option for your garage interior and exterior floors. It also has more resistance to scratches, impact, and spills than epoxy.

Longevity

The durability of polyurea and epoxy determines the amount of time each of the coats last on your floor. Epoxy coatings usually last between 3-5 years before you begin seeing wear and deterioration. This means that you may soon be looking to repair them, which adds to the total cost of initial installation.

On the other hand, polyurea is highly durable. It comes with a guaranteed life expectancy of approximately 15 + years. This makes it a better investment for your garage.

Cost

Epoxy is available at your local hardware shops, and you can quickly purchase it for your DIY project. To install a square foot of epoxy, you will pay approximately three to seven dollars, although the cost may shoot up to twelve dollars. Installing polyurea is costly compared to epoxy. This is because polyurea is durable and lasts longer than epoxy coatings. The standard cost for a single-bay garage with polyurea coatings inclusive of Southwest exteriors is approximately $2,200 or about $7-12 per square foot.

Prep Module

Both polyurea and epoxy require special prep on the concrete before installation. Preparing the concrete for epoxy requires you to sand the surface to make it smooth, although the most critical step is acid etching.

Preparing for polyurea requires filling cracks, hollow spots, or pits and adding a densifier to reduce the moisture in the concrete, or fastening the hardening process. Afterward, the concrete will be ground using a diamond grinder to smoothen the surface and make it even.

Cure Time

Depending on the location and condition of your concrete coating, epoxy can take up to 5 days to cure, which may inconvenience you in the long run. Polyurea coating requires only 24 hours to be completely cured and ready for use. This means you can walk on it after 6 hours of installation, but you will have to wait for 24 hours to pack your cars.

However, you should note that humidity and temperature affect the curing time of your preferred coating. Installing during a hotter period will foster quicker curing. Similarly, installation in a more humid condition incurs a longer curing period.

Get a Free Quote Today

Whenever you are looking for a luxury garage coating in the Northern Wisconsin Tri-State Area, Armor Coating Company is your best choice. Get in touch with us today and request a free quote. Let us give your floor the care and maximum attention it requires.

How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent.  Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable.  Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture.  We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This  one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Armor coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Armor Coatings is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating