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People are starting to hear polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings and are curious as to how they compare to other coatings. Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings were and are now the leading product in the coatings industry. They consist of a 2 part mixture to activate the coating (for both base and top coat) and a 4 step installation process. This process includes prep, base coat, vinyl flake and lastly the top coat. There are many benefits when comparing polyurea and polyaspartic coatings to epoxy. Keep reading below to learn what those benefits are!
What are the benefits?
Many contractors prefer polyurea and polyaspartic coatings over epoxy as they have a fast cure time and high durability level. Their remarkably fast cure time (24 hours) 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. numerous days makes for a much more convenient option. This provides a huge advantage over epoxy, which 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.
The coatings may not discolor, but 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 prevent the coating from failing, chipping or peeling.
With polyurea and polyaspartic coatings being much thinner and more flexible than epoxy, it is 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 will not fall victim 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. First being that they can be installed all year round. In comparison, epoxy should not be installed in temperatures lower than 55 degrees. But polyurea and polyaspartic coatings can be installed in temperatures as low as -40. This amazing feature allows you the luxury to have your floor coated all year long!!
Now that we know all the benefits, what are the cons of polyurea and polyaspartic coatings?
As with all things, there are a few cons. Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings tend to be more expensive than epoxy (as with everything, you get what you pay for) 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 leave no time for mistakes and you will not be able to fix them.
Schedule your FREE estimate today!
If you want to get your concrete floor coated or have any questions regarding our coatings, please give our office today. They are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you signed up for a free estimate! We offer endless color options so we guarantee that we can find the perfect color blend to compliment your space.
If you are in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids or anywhere in between, call Durable Coatings – Iowa today or fill out our inquiry on our website to schedule your free estimate!
