The US concrete floor coatings market was worth a staggering $313 million in 2021. For years, it has been dominated by one product: epoxy. In 2021, epoxy’s market share was more than 40%.
But epoxy’s reign at the top is threatened by a coating that is superior in practically every way. Enter polyurea coatings. They’re hardwearing like epoxy, but without the fatal flaws that make epoxy hard to work with and a poor option in the long run.
We’re going to compare the benefits of polyurea vs epoxy in 8 key areas. Then it’s over to you to decide which is the right fit for your project.
Benefit #1 – Easy to Install
To call epoxy a little high maintenance is an understatement.
Like Goldilocks, it doesn’t like it when it’s too hot, or too cold. It likes it to be around 70°F. Much colder than that, and it won’t cure; much warmer, and it may dry too quickly.
That means if you want a new epoxy garage floor coating, you’ve got to time it just right. Unless you calibrate your heating or AC perfectly, you’ll be limited to just a few weeks of the year when the team can come and install your garage floor. Sheesh!
On the other hand, polyurea is easy to please. You can get your new floor coating when the temperature is in the -30° to 140° F range. Whether you’re in Houston, TX, or Fargo, ND, you can get a new polyurea garage floor at any time of the year.
Benefit #2 – Faster Curing Time
Polyurea takes much less time to cure than epoxy. To fully cure, epoxy needs to be left alone for around ten days. That means that for ten days, your garage will be out of action and you’ll have to store all your stuff elsewhere.
If you’re running a business from your garage, that could seriously impact your productivity.
But polyurea is again extremely cooperative and dries like a charm. You can walk on them after 24 hours. This faster cure time also means that they’re less likely to form unattractive bubbles that spoil the appearance of your new floor coating.
Benefit #3 – UV Resistance
While epoxy is hard and durable, its lack of UV resistance is its fatal flaw. It may look great when you’ve just completed your garage revamp. But if it’s exposed to the sun, over time it will start to turn yellow.
Efforts have been made to prevent this, by adding antioxidants and UV absorbers. But the fact remains that the chemical structure of epoxy makes it susceptible to UV damage.
Polyurea has no such problems with UV light. Its chemical structure is different, meaning that it will never go yellow.
Benefit #4 – Moisture Resistance
As well as looking great and providing a durable finish, a garage floor coating should also protect the concrete floor beneath. Concrete is susceptible to damage from moisture. A study has shown that epoxy coatings can absorb water over time, leading to softening, swelling, and loss of performance.
A polyurea garage floor coating has a moisture-repellant top coat. This makes it waterproof, providing excellent protection for the concrete floor beneath.
Benefit #5 – Stronger and More Durable
We’ve all heard the mantra: do it once, do it right. Polyurea coatings are built to last. They can take a ton of abuse from footfall, hot tires, dropped hammers, etc.
This makes polyurea the perfect garage floor material for busy families. It’s up to 20 times stronger than epoxy and it will last for a decade or more with proper care. Choose a reputable company that specializes in polyurea coatings and it may last for much longer!
Benefit #6 – Resistant to Chemicals and Abrasion
Garage floors can take a lot of abuse over the years. Hot tires, oil spills, and paint splashes can all leave their mark. It’s also the one place in the house you’re likely to spill a corrosive liquid on the ground.
Polyurea coatings can hold up to most forms of chemicals. With regular cleaning, they can resist long-term staining and look great for years to come. They can withstand extreme temperaturesperfect if you’re regularly driving on it with hot tires.
Polyurea is also slightly flexible. This means that it stands up well to abrasion. Perfect if your garage is home to a playroom or table tennis table, or gets a lot of foot and vehicle traffic.
Epoxy is usually not as robust as polyurea. Engine oil and gasoline can damage the surface if you don’t wipe it up right away. The same is true for paint and other household chemicals.
Benefit #7 – Easy to Clean
This is the one area where epoxy and polyurea are both excellent choices. To clean either of them, all you need is a soft-bristled brush and a mop. Simply sweep and mop them every week.
Once a month, it’s a good idea to give them a scrub with a slightly abrasive pad and some mild detergent. This will help to loosen and remove any dirt that has got trapped in the textured surface.
Benefit #8 – Boost Your Garage’s Appeal
If you’re planning to sell your house, a polyurea garage floor coating could increase your home value.
Buyers appreciate a garage floor with a glossy finish, a great level of grip, and excellent moisture resistance. Choose a tasteful, neutral garage floor color and you could give your home value a shot in the arm!
The Verdict: Polyurea vs Epoxy
Our comparison of polyurea vs epoxy has shown that there is a clear winner. Polyurea can be installed year-round and it is up to 20 times stronger than epoxy. It’s moisture-resistant, impervious to most chemicals, and will not go yellow from UV exposure.
At Garage Force, we pride ourselves on installing outstanding polyurea garage floor coatings across the length and breadth of the country. We have a huge range of finishes for you to choose from and offer a residential lifetime warranty.
Call us at 1-855-436-7230 or schedule an appointment online with your local Garage Force franchise today!
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