If you have a bare concrete floor in your garage, you may wonder how you can protect your flooring for the long haul. Homeowners fortunately have several options for garage floor coatings, like polyaspartic coatings. Polyaspartic coatings provide exceptional durability for an affordable price.
So today, the team at Revival Concrete Coatings is here to tell you everything you need to know about polyaspartic garage floor coatings. Send us a message online today to discuss garage floor coating options in West Des Moines!
What Are Polyaspartic Garage Coatings?
Polyaspartic garage coatings are a type of resin floor coating system that is made from a polymer called aliphatic polyurea. Aliphatic polyurea is a special type of elastomer that consists of dense chains of polymer molecules. Just like epoxy, flooring contractors mix a hardening agent and pour the mixture into a mold on the floor.
Hardening agents in polyaspartic coatings generate heat, which causes the polymer chains to expand and become rigid—a process called thermosetting. The physical change during thermosetting explains polyaspartic coatings’ extreme durability and longevity.
Polyaspartic garage floor coatings have been around for about 20 to 30 years but recent advances in the materials and applications have made it a popular alternative to other types of garage coatings, like epoxy and wood varnish.
Benefits of Polyaspartic Coatings
Polyaspartic coatings have several amazing benefits that make them an ideal choice for garage floor coatings. Below are just a few of the benefits of polyaspartic coatings for your garage.
Durable
Above all, polyaspartic coatings are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. Polyaspartic coatings can withstand heavy weight and impacts without cracking or chipping and can stand up to a heavy foot and vehicle traffic. A polyaspartic coating creates a durable finish that can protect the underlying concrete floor for many years to come.
Moisture Resistant
One of the biggest problems with having a bare concrete floor in your garage is it is susceptible to absorbing moisture. A concrete surface is porous, and moisture and other liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and grease, can seep into its layers. As concrete absorbs moisture, it is more prone to cracking and shifting as the temperature changes.
Slip Resistant
Polyaspartic coatings are also slip-resistant, providing safety and security. Flake and chip treatments with polyaspartic coatings provide extra traction and make the top coat layer even stronger. The abrasive surface also means that furniture and fixtures will not slip from where you place them. Additionally, bare concrete can crack from expanding and contracting, which creates small lips people can trip over.
Decorative Appearance
Homeowners have several color and decorative options when it comes to polyaspartic coatings. Many contractors perform flake additions to further strengthen and enhance the coating’s appearance. A decorative floor coating can make your garage more attractive and increase your property value.
Resistant to UV Fading
One of the most unique features of polyaspartic coatings is they are resistant to fading from UV rays. Other floor coatings can fade and crack under direct sunlight, and sunlight can cause concrete to fade and expand.
Eco-Friendly
Last but not least, polyaspartic coatings are environmentally friendly because they produce very few emissions and harmful chemicals. Additionally, these coatings produce less waste than other types of garage flooring solutions.
Polyaspartic Coating VS Epoxy Coating
The two most popular options for garage floor coatings are polyaspartic and epoxy coatings. Epoxy coatings have been the standard for garage floors for a few decades. Polyaspartic coatings are however quickly becoming the standard option for homeowners, and for good reason.
There are important factors that make polyaspartic the superior choice. First, polyaspartic coatings are more durable than epoxy. Polyaspartic coatings can withstand over 3,000 pounds of pressure per square inch—more than enough to support your vehicles without buckling. Epoxy is strong, but polyaspartic coatings are up to ten times stronger.
Epoxy is also susceptible to UV radiation and fading. An epoxy garage floor coating that is left under direct sunlight can start to yellow and crack and eventually start to peel. Polyaspartic coatings, in contrast, are UV-resistant and will not become discolored from sunlight.
Lastly, polyaspartic coatings are faster to install and produce less waste. Epoxy coatings can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pose a health and safety hazard to you and your family. Polyaspartic coatings don’t emit VOCs when curing and dry much faster. Polyaspartic coatings can cure in as little as one day, compared to three days for epoxy.
How Long Do Polyaspartic Coatings Last?
If you remember regular care and maintenance, polyaspartic coatings can last up to 20 years or even longer. If you neglect periodic cleaning, your floor might only last about ten years. Below are some useful tips to make your garage flooring last longer.
- Get professional installation. Professionals can ensure a high-quality installation job.
- Sweep your floors at least once a week and mop them once a month.
- If you spill any liquids, clean them as quickly as possible.
- Use guards on the bottom of heavy furniture before moving to avoid scratches and gouges.
Polyaspartic Garage Floor in West Des Moines
Revival Concrete Coatings offers industry-leading polyaspartic and polyurea coatings for homeowners in West Des Moines. We offer a superior level of service, and we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. When you need professional installation and quality materials, we should be your first choice!
Contact us online or give us a call today at (515) 850-7192 to receive a free quote!