Polyurea & Polyaspartic

Revealing the Hazards of Applying Polyaspartic or Polyurea Coatings Directly on Concrete

Garage floor coatings provide an excellent solution to elevate both the aesthetics and longevity of your garage floor. Among the options available, “One Day Polyaspartic” and “One-Day Polyurea” coating systems have gained popularity due to their fast-curing times and resistance to chemicals. However, there are significant drawbacks to consider, particularly when these coatings are applied directly to concrete substrates. In this blog, we’ll review the benefits and disadvantages of a polyurea polyaspartic.

Primary Concerns with Applying Polyurea-Polyaspartic Coatings Direct-to-Concrete

One of the primary concerns with applying polyurea-polyaspartic coatings direct-to-concrete is their limited ability to address moisture present in the concrete. Unlike a moisture-mitigating primer, which penetrates deep within the concrete substrate, polyurea-polyaspartic coatings form a surface film. And, because they cure so quickly, they fail to deeply penetrate the concrete substrate. (Their chemical properties make them superb top coats, but lousy primer coat, especially in the presence of moisture).

Over time, moisture vapor transmission (and the resulting high hydrostatic pressure) push up on the thin, poorly penetrating polyurea-polyaspartic primer coat. It often leads to adhesion failures like delamination, compromising the durability and longevity of the coating.

Why Does a Polyurea-Polyaspartic Not Penetrate?

Polyurea-polyaspartics are fast-curing coatings. Very fast, in fact, as they can cure in under an hour. But when exposed to moisture in the concrete, or even more in the air (humidity), they cure even faster. And this is the problem. They cure so quickly under medium to high moisture conditions that they fail to properly penetrate and bond to the concrete substrate. What you get is a poorly adhered primer coat…and your entire coating system is only as strong as it’s primer coat!

Sleight-of-Hand Warranties

Despite these risks, many competitors in the garage floor coating industry offer warranties ranging from 15 years to a lifetime. However, it’s essential to read the fine print, as these sleight-of-hand warranties typically do not cover moisture-related problems. And “moisture-related problems” are the number one reason for coating system failures.

This leaves homeowners vulnerable to costly repairs and maintenance down the line. The “Limited Lifetime Warranty” may sound great, but the warranty simply doesn’t adequately protect against the customer’s investment.

A Better Way

At Garage Floor Coatings of Houston, we understand the importance of addressing moisture-related concerns to ensure the longevity and performance of your garage floor coating. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to garage floor coatings, starting with our proprietary Moisture Vapor Barrier (MVB) system.

Our MVB primer consists of a slower-curing, moisture-mitigating epoxy. It’s specifically designed to address moisture-related issues effectively. By penetrating deep into the concrete substrate, our MVB system creates a moisture barrier that prevents moisture from rising to the surface and causing damage to the coating. This ensures superior adhesion and durability, even in environments with high moisture levels.

Dual 100%-Solids Polyaspartic Top Coats

In addition to our moisture vapor barrier, we apply two layers of 100% solids polyaspartic clear coats. The dual topcoats provide unmatched protection against wear and tear, UV rays, and chemical spills, ensuring that your garage floor looks great and performs flawlessly for years to come.

Us vs the Competition

Unlike many competitors, Garage Floor Coatings of Houston stands behind our products and services with industry-leading warranties that cover moisture-related issues and staining due to hot-tire transfer. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart from the competition, ensuring that your investment in your garage floor is protected.

While “One Day Polyaspartic” and “One Day Polyurea” coating systems offer advantages in terms of quick curing times, they come with significant risks when applied directly to concrete substrates. Speed over quality! By choosing Garage Floor Coatings of Houston and our proven Moisture Vapor Barrier system, you can rest assured knowing that your garage floor is protected against moisture-related damage and backed by our industry-leading warranties. Don’t settle for inferior coatings that leave you vulnerable to costly repairs.