Garage Floor: Why Polyurea Outshines All Other Coating Options

Polyurea garage floors and coating systems are a newer flooring option with more improvements over epoxy. They are more durable, feature a shorter curing time, and you can install them at any time of the year.

With a polyaspartic top coat, epoxy and polyurea match up pretty well. However, if your budget stretches further, we recommend the latter. Either way, our lifetime warranty for residential properties and a 10-year warranty for commercial ones give you peace of mind.

What Are Polyurea Garage Floors?

Polyurea is a type of polyurethane that looks much like epoxy but is distinctly stronger and more flexible than epoxy. It creates a chemical bond with the concrete, sinking into the pores and rendering them impermeable to water.

Why Use Polyurea?

Coatings contractors choose polyurea garage floors for several reasons:

  • The substance is resistant to sunlight, meaning it doesn’t yellow, fade, or lose moisture over time.
  • It repels water and most other liquid, making it easy to clean and difficult to stain. You usually only need a bucket of warm water and a mop or brush.
  • It also resists several types of chemicals and outshines many other sealants in this respect.
  • Polyurea outlasts the older epoxies by decades.
  • Using a polyaspartic topcoat makes it even stronger and more scratch resistant.
  • This material is an affordable flooring option. Many contractors pair it with a polyaspartic topcoat to reduce the overall cost for the client without impacting quality.
  • Say goodbye to tedious maintenance! You won’t have to touch up or reapply the flooring annually.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Polyurea?

You’re looking at about $5 to $7 for one square foot of polyurea garage floors. The final cost depends on the topcoat and additives you select. For example, metallic elements may cost more, while achieving a marbled effect may take more time.

Give Southeast Floor Maintenance a call today to get your free estimate for a more exact price.

Other Uses for Polyurea

Most people know about polyurea concrete coatings but don’t know anything about the other uses for this compound. It’s also widely used across several industries to prevent metal from eroding and to create watertight containers.

Polyurea or Epoxy: Which Is Better?

So, should you choose epoxy or polyurea garage floors? Many contractors offer both, with epoxy falling on the lower end of the budget. Epoxy coatings are good, but polyurea is better because:

  • It can handle more weight. Pressure changes in the floor, such as when a car drives over it, are easier for polyurea to handle because it’s more flexible.
  • The compound’s flexibility also makes it easier to handle extremes of temperature. It can flex and contract as the concrete does without becoming brittle. Epoxy is more rigid and begins to crack over time.
  • It can cure in a day rather than a couple of weeks.
  • Your floor is more likely to develop bubbles with epoxy.
  • It takes most contractors a day to install polyurea.
  • You can install it at any time of the year, whereas you cannot install epoxy in winter.
  • Lower-grade epoxy yellows in direct sunlight and will also become more brittle. While industrial grades perform better, they do not have the same longevity as polyurea. You can, however, improve their longevity with a polyaspartic top coat.

Using a polyaspartic top coat will significantly improve the longevity of epoxy coatings. The top coat protects the base layer with built-in protection against UV rays and a rock-hard finish.

Using a base of polyurea and a coat of polyaspartic is ideal. However, don’t discount epoxy if you’re on a tight budget, as the results are comparable when you have the correct installation specialists.

Decorative Capabilities

Here polyurea and epoxy are pretty similar. You can use color flakes, pigments, and a wide range of additives to create several looks. If you work with our professional team, you can recreate the look of far more expensive materials like marble.

We can lay the new floor over existing concrete, and as we hand cast each flake, no two look precisely the same. Variations in the flake pattern or pigments make each new coating a custom piece.

Get Your Free Quote Today!

Are you after a new look in your garage? Do you want something to seal the concrete and make it easy to clean? Polyurea garage floors might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Contact Southeast Floor Maintenance at (704) 932-1122 today and learn more about how we can restore your concrete floor.

By CMC Team 17 Apr, 2024
Is your Charlotte garage floor tired, cracked, and stained? Maybe it's simply become an eyesore you dread pulling into. Whatever the reason, a garage floor coating can be a transformative upgrade, adding functionality, beauty, and value to your home. But with so many options available, choosing the right coating can feel overwhelming. Here at Southeast Floor Maintenance, we understand. We're Charlotte's trusted resource for garage floor coatings , and we're here to guide you through the entire process, from educating you on your options to flawlessly applying the perfect coating for your needs. Understanding Your Garage Floor Coating Options The first step is knowing your choices. Here's a breakdown of the most common garage floor coating types: Epoxy : A popular and affordable option, epoxy offers good durability and chemical resistance. It comes in various colors and can include decorative chips for a unique look. However, epoxy can be susceptible to hot tire pick-up and may yellow over time. Polyurea : This high-performance coating offers superior durability, chemical resistance, and faster cure times than epoxy. Polyurea is ideal for high-traffic garages or those exposed to extreme temperatures. Polyaspartic : Similar to polyurea, polyaspartic boasts exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and a very fast cure time. It's a great choice for busy garages or when a quick turnaround is desired. Choosing the Right Coating for Your Garage At Southeast Floor Maintenance, we don't offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences to recommend the ideal coating. Here are some key factors to consider: Durability : How much wear and tear will your garage floor experience? Polyurea and polyaspartic offer the highest durability, while epoxy is a good choice for moderate traffic areas. Budget : Epoxy is generally the most affordable option, followed by polyurea and polyaspartic. Aesthetics : Do you have a desired color or finish? All these coatings offer a variety of options, with epoxy offering the most decorative possibilities with colored chips. Desired Functionalities : Do you need a slip-resistant surface? Polyurea and polyaspartic naturally offer more slip resistance than epoxy, which can be enhanced with additives. Cure Time : How quickly do you need your garage floor back in service? Polyaspartic cures the fastest, followed by polyurea and then epoxy. Benefits of Garage Floor Coatings Beyond aesthetics, garage floor coatings offer a multitude of benefits: Increased Durability : Coatings protect your concrete floor from cracks, chips, and stains, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs. Easier Cleaning : The smooth, sealed surface of a coated floor makes cleaning spills and dirt a breeze. Improved Aesthetics : A beautiful garage floor elevates your entire home's curb appeal and value. Enhanced Safety : Certain coatings offer slip resistance, which can be crucial in a potentially wet or oily environment. Potential Increased Home Value : A professionally installed garage floor coating can be a selling point for potential buyers. How Southeast Floor Maintenance Stands Out Choosing Southeast Floor Maintenance for your garage floor coating needs comes with several advantages: Expert Advice : We don't just sell products; we offer expert consultations to guide you towards the perfect coating for your unique situation. Quality Products : We use only the highest-quality garage floor coating materials from trusted brands. Meticulous Preparation : Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting coating. Our experienced team ensures your floor is thoroughly cleaned, repaired (if necessary), and prepped for optimal adhesion. Skilled Installation : Our certified professionals meticulously apply your chosen coating, ensuring a flawless and durable finish. Peace of Mind : We back our work with comprehensive warranties, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Free Consultation and Quote Ready to breathe new life into your Charlotte garage? Contact Southeast Floor Maintenance today for a free consultation and quote . We'll answer all your questions, assess your specific needs, and recommend the perfect coating solution for your dream garage floor. We can even provide you with a free downloadable checklist summarizing the key points to consider when choosing a garage floor coating.  Don't let your garage floor remain an eyesore any longer. With Southeast Floor Maintenance, you're just a step away from a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting garage floor that adds value and enjoyment to your Charlotte home.
By Southeast Floor Maintenance 12 Dec, 2023
With our team's expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us as the ideal partner for your garage floor project. Choose Southeast Floor Maintenance, and you'll enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, long-lasting, and functional garage floor that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
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