Protecting the concrete floors in your space is essential for preventing cracking, chipping, and crumbling. However, with several floor coating options on the market, it can be difficult to choose between them. Two of the most popular options include epoxy and Polyaspartic floors. But what sets these floor coatings apart from one another?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each floor coating option to help you make the right choice for your space.
Understanding Epoxy Floors
Epoxy floors are a resin floor system applied on top of concrete slabs to protect the slab while boosting a space’s aesthetic. When you invest in an epoxy floor for your home or business, it is applied in layers, with curing time between each layer. Once the final layers of your coating are applied, it creates a strong bond with the underlying floor, creating an impenetrable barrier.
Epoxy floor coatings are some of the most popular coatings in the industry because of their chemical- and drop-resistant properties. Additionally, they are popular among homeowners because they are fully customizable, come in a wide range of colors and styles, and have several decorative options.
The Pros
- Chemical and Drop Resistance: Whether you’re installing a floor coating in your garage, workshop, or basement, you want to ensure it can resist whatever spills and drops come its way. Epoxy floors are chemical- and drop-resistant, ensuring your investment is protected from any accident you may have.
- Fully Customizable: No two spaces are exactly the same, and traditional flooring options may not be right for you. When you choose to invest in an epoxy floor coating, you can trust that it comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and designs, making it the perfect fit for every room in your home or business.
- Durable: Most floor coatings are installed in frequently used spaces like garages, basements, or home entryways. When the room is exposed to frequent foot traffic and friction, you must have a floor coating that is strong enough to withstand the traffic. Epoxy is strong enough strong enough to stand up to whatever you may throw their way.
The Cons
- Slippery When Wet: While these floors are beautiful, customizable, and resistant to friction, chemicals, and drops, they aren’t always the safest option. These floor coatings can be slippery when they get wet, which can be especially unsafe for children and elderly individuals who live in your home.
- Long Curing Time: Epoxy is known for its long curing time. On average, one layer of epoxy takes 24 hours to be touchable and 72 hours to be usable. While epoxy floor coatings often require no more than two coats, this still means you need to wait at least one week before your space is usable again.
- Yellowing: While epoxy floors are resistant to a great deal of friction, they are susceptible to one thing: UV rays. If you install an epoxy floor coating in a place that receives a great deal of sunlight throughout the day, like a porch or patio, you may begin to notice the coating turning yellow.
Are Epoxy Floors Right for You?
While epoxy floors may not be the best choice for every home and business, they are great for some. Consider choosing an epoxy floor coating if:
- You want a fully customizable, personally designed floor.
- You want to achieve a more modern aesthetic.
- You are looking for an inexpensive flooring upgrade.
Understanding Polyaspartic Floors
While Polyaspartic floors aren’t as well known as their epoxy counterparts, they are still an incredibly reliable coating option. Much like epoxy coatings, Polyaspartic floors are applied in layers to well-prepped concrete floors. However, unlike epoxy floors, these floors can be installed in as little as one day.
Although they aren’t as popular as epoxy, Polyaspartic floors are a more modern and reliable floor coating option. Originally designed for ships, bridges, piers, and railcars, they have evolved into an increasingly popular coating option. But, because they aren’t as common as epoxy, you may be weary of investing in these floors.
The Pros
- Quick Curing Time: One of the biggest benefits of investing in a Polyaspartic floor for your home or business is its fast curing time. While epoxy floors require over a week for installation, Polyaspartic floors can be installed in one day, allowing you to return to regular use more quickly.
- Enhanced Durability: While epoxy floors are durable, Polyaspartic floors are even more accident-resistant. Whether installing this coating in a garage where you park your car, a workshop exposed to many chemicals, or an entryway that sees frequent foot traffic, Polyaspartic floors can withstand it all.
- UV-Resistance: If you’ve invested in epoxy floors and had to deal with yellowing, that is a thing of the past with Polyaspartic floors. These floors are UV-resistant, ensuring they look like they did upon installation for years to come.
The Cons
- More Expensive: Although there are many benefits to installing these floors in your home, they may be a more costly investment than you are prepared to make. If you are on a limited budget, Polyaspartic may be too much for you.
- Limited Color Options: While epoxy floors come in a variety of colors, Polyaspartic is more limited. If you’re looking for various colors and designs, this might not be the best choice for your space.
Are Polyaspartic Floors Right for You?
Polyaspartic floors are a great option for a variety of residential and commercial spaces. You should consider investing in these floors if:
- You want a floor that is more resistant to UV exposure.
- You need a floor coating that is durable enough to last decades.
- You want a more slip-resistant floor coating.
Find Your Perfect Floor Coating at Surface Bella Garage Floors
Whether epoxy or Polyaspartic floors are right for you, our Surface Bella Garage Floors team is here to help you through this process. With a variety of floor coatings, including epoxy, Polyaspartic, and chip-and-flake, you can trust that we have the perfect fit for whatever commercial or residential space you’re upgrading. When you contact our team for support, we ensure you get the most out of your investment.
If you would like to speak to a Surface Bella Garage Floors team member about our floor coating products or if you’re ready to schedule installation, don’t hesitate to contact us.