Many homeowners in Illinois opt for a bare concrete floor in their garage due to its durability and simple installation. However, bare concrete is vulnerable to cracking, chipping, and scuffing. To fully protect your concrete floors, polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are the ideal choice. They provide excellent durability for an affordable price. So today, the team at Area Home Services is here to talk about the science of polyaspartic and polyurea garage floor coatings and their benefits.
Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings: How They Work
Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are the gold standards when it comes to garage floor coatings. These coatings consist of flexible resinous polymers that can mold into several shapes. Using polyaspartic and polyurea, you can create a seamless single coat that covers any seams and cracks in concrete flooring. Polyaspartic and polyurea start in a liquid form, so they can be poured for application.
The coating is mixed with a hardening agent that causes it to dry and set, forming a clear, tough protective layer on top of the concrete. When dried and fully cured, polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are highly resistant to abrasion, moisture, chemicals, and heat. The impressive durability is one reason why they are a popular choice for garage floors.
Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings get their strength from their unique chemical constitution that consists of dense networks of polymer chains. When the hardening agent creates heat in the coating liquid, the polymer chains harden and set into position through a process called thermosetting. Thermosetting is an irreversible process, meaning that curing creates a virtually permanent change in the chemical structure.
How Does Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coating Application Work?
Before any polyaspartic and polyurea coating touches the floor, contractors must prepare the concrete surface. Preparation involves grinding the floor to remove imperfections and crevices. Grinding and priming open the pores of the concrete surface, ensuring the coating can form a tight molecular bond.
A typical polyaspartic and polyurea coating application has a 4-part application process. The first is a primer coat of polyaspartic and polyurea that is meant to seal any cracks and seams in the concrete, creating a smooth and even base for the top layers. The second layer consists of a broadcast coat, which is the main bulk of the coating that supports objects on top. The broadcast coat has a slightly springy character like a gym floor.
The third layer is a decorative layer with chips and flakes. The chips and flakes provide additional structural support that makes the coating layer even tougher and also provides additional traction. Finally, the last layer is a polyaspartic or polyurea topcoat. The topcoat seals the lower coating layers and creates a clear, glossy finish.
How Long Does It Take for Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings to Cure?
After setting, a polyaspartic and polyurea garage floor needs some time to cure before it is ready for use. During the curing process, the liquid fully hardens from a liquid into a solid. Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings need to fully cure before you use them or else you can damage the material.
Actual cure times depend on the specific ratios of the coating to the curing agent. Cure times also depend on atmospheric temperature. The ideal temperature range for the fastest curing is between 68 and 75 degrees F. Additionally, high humidity can affect the curing process.
Tips for Maintaining Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings
As a homeowner, you want your investment to last as long as possible. Below are some useful tips to maintain your polyaspartic and polyurea-coated floors in top condition.
Clean Your Floors Regularly
Regular sweeping and cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your polyaspartic and polyurea-coated floors in good condition for many years to come. You should sweep your floors at least once a week and give them a thorough mopping and scrubbing at least once a month. Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are durable and resistant to stains and damage, but regular cleaning helps to prevent any buildup of dirt or grime that could potentially damage the coating.
Clean Spills Immediately
Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are resistant to spills and liquid, but it is still essential to clean spills immediately to prevent any potential damage. Harsh, caustic substances like solvents and acids can cause degradation and discoloration. Cleaning liquid spills quickly prevents any damage from setting in.
Address Any Damage Promptly
Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are very strong but can still sustain damage from particularly hard or sharp impacts. If your flooring has any gouges or scratches, it’s essential to repair them as quickly as possible. Scratches and gouges can let moisture seep into the coating and damage it from the inside out
Avoid Chemical Exposure
While polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are resistant to many chemicals, it’s still essential to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Avoid using cleaning solutions or chemicals that contain solvents or acids, as these can cause degradation and discoloration of the coating.
Consider Regular Maintenance
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s also a good idea to consider regular maintenance for your polyaspartic and polyurea-coated floors. A professional maintenance program can help to ensure that your floors remain in top condition, with any necessary repairs or touch-ups made promptly.
Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings in Quincy
Area Home Services is proud to offer industry-leading polyaspartic and polyurea coatings and handyman services in Quincy, IL. Our staff has extensive experience with all types of coatings for concrete floors and always works to achieve 100% customer satisfaction. Let us help with your next flooring project!
Contact us online or give us a call today at (573) 400-2679 to request an appointment for polyaspartic and polyurea-coated flooring installation!
