Polyaspartic coatings offer a versatile and durable solution for various flooring needs. Their unique properties and benefits make them a preferred choice over traditional epoxy and polyurethane coatings. From UV resistance to superior durability and ease of maintenance, polyaspartic coatings have revolutionized floor protection and aesthetics. Read through the article to learn more and change your space forever.
What is polyaspartic?
Polyaspartics belong to the polymer family, specifically categorized as a subset of polyurea materials known as aliphatic polyureas. One notable advantage of polyaspartics lies in their manipulation of reactions during installation. This flexibility allows coating installers to work with polyaspartic systems for extended periods compared to traditional polyurea coatings, despite the polyaspartic coating’s rapid curing capabilities.
Polyaspartic coatings have a rich history spanning several decades, originally employed in applications such as coating piers, ships, bridges, and railcars. Only in recent years have they gained popularity as a preferred choice for coating floors, owing to their exceptional durability and versatile application capabilities.
Benefits of using polyaspartic for your floors
Curious about what sets polyaspartic coatings apart as superior alternatives to epoxy and polyurethane? Dive deeper into their unique properties in the following sections.
No temperature issues
Temperature fluctuations during installation significantly impact the quality of epoxy coatings, limiting their application to specific seasons. In contrast, polyaspartic coatings are more versatile, maintaining consistent quality across a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
Smoothness and level
The smoothness and levelness of the floor surface are critical considerations. Polyaspartic floors generally achieve a smoother and more level finish compared to epoxy floors. This superior smoothness is often attributed to the material’s malleability during the curing process, which allows for a more precise application and seamless appearance. This characteristic not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to improved functionality and durability over time.
Air and chemicals
During the installation of epoxy floor coatings, harmful chemicals are released into the air. While these emissions diminish once the material cures, adequate ventilation is crucial during the curing process in your garage.
In contrast, most polyaspartic floor coatings do not contain harmful materials. However, it is recommended by installers to keep your garage door open during the curing process for optimal ventilation and safety.
Why does your floor need a polyaspartic coating?
Concrete is renowned for its inherent strength and historical significance in construction. However, it is susceptible to deterioration from various environmental factors over time. Polyaspartic coatings offer robust protection against these elements, ensuring prolonged durability and resilience for your concrete floors, you can have a read here to know why coating your floors is important.
Water
Concrete is inherently porous, containing numerous small holes that allow water to penetrate its surface. In freezing conditions, water absorbed by concrete can freeze and expand, exerting pressure on the concrete and potentially causing cracks to develop over time.
Applying a polyaspartic coating to your concrete floor provides an effective solution. Polyaspartic coatings are waterproof, creating a protective barrier that prevents water infiltration. By enhancing your concrete with polyaspartic, you can significantly prolong its lifespan and maintain its structural integrity.
Stains and spills
Concrete’s porous nature renders it susceptible to staining, particularly from substances like oil which can quickly become permanent on the surface. Accumulation of oil stains can significantly mark the appearance of your concrete garage floor over time.
In contrast, a polyaspartic coating provides a non-porous barrier that resists oil absorption. Spilled oil remains on the surface of the polyaspartic flooring, allowing for easy cleanup with a simple wipe. This characteristic not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your garage floor but also simplifies maintenance for a cleaner and more durable surface.
Usage marks
Wheels and foot traffic can wear away concrete floor surfaces over time. They can also cause scratches, divots, and other marks to appear. Combine that with the damage marks caused by dropped tools, pet nails, etc., and that floor will become ugly over time.
Polyaspartic coatings can get scratches and divots, but these are harder to see. This is especially the case with the more colorful and decorative varieties.
UV resistance
Epoxy’s significant drawback is its inability to endure UV rays, which are a form of radiation found in sunlight. UV rays can cause sunburns and fade the colors of various materials. Over time, prolonged exposure to UV radiation alters the color and breaks down the finish of epoxy floors, leading to fading, loss of shine, and a yellowish appearance.
In contrast, polyaspartic garage floors are immune to UV rays. They retain their original aesthetics for years without succumbing to the effects of sunlight, ensuring long-lasting color and shine from the moment they are installed.
Weight
The weight of people, vehicles, and other items exerts pressure on concrete floors, causing them to flex and potentially crack over time. These cracks not only detract from the floor’s appearance but also turn into a tripping hazard for garage users.
A polyaspartic floor coating serves as a protective shield against these pressures. Due to its greater flexibility, the coating can bend under weight without fracturing, maintaining the integrity and safety of the garage floor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, polyaspartic coatings represent a significant advancement in floor protection technology, offering benefits for residential and commercial applications. With their ability to withstand temperature fluctuations, resist UV radiation, and provide a smoother finish, polyaspartic floors ensure long-lasting functionality. Whether protecting against stains, water damage, or wear from heavy use, polyaspartic coatings are an ideal choice for enhancing and preserving concrete floors. If you want to know why polyaspartic is also an amazing choice for a pool deck you can have a look at this article. Consider Ox floors coatings to safeguard your floors and elevate the aesthetics of your space.