Epoxy flooring, frequently installed in residential garages, is coming up against formidable opposition in the form of polyurea floor coating. These two coatings have distinct differences on their appearance, UV stability, durability factor, moisture barriers, slip resistance, and lifespan.
How Does Polyurea Compare to Epoxy in Terms of Strength and Durability?
Without being a professional contractor, it is difficult to discern how these materials compare or how well they compete with one anbserved from the outsideother. When deciding between epoxy and polyurea, the most important aspects to take into account will be discussed in this article.
After we discuss different features of epoxy and polyerea floor coating, you will have a good overview of the material you want to use by the time you reach the end of the article.
The Durability of the Component
Because polyurea is believed to be roughly four to five times stronger than epoxy, it can withstand heavy traffic, skids, abrasions, and collisions. Concrete floors coated with polyurea are among the most durable flooring options available for several reasons, and this is one of them.
Epoxy has difficulty fending off moisture and harmful bugs. At the same time, polyurea concrete floor coatings create an unbreakable barrier against these factors.
Epoxy provides only temporary protection for the flooring against salts and chemicals; in contrast, polyurea maintains an exceptionally high level of resistance to damage, accidents, and mishaps for over a decade.
Because of its lack of elasticity, epoxy is not the best material to protect against temperature changes because it does not shift along with your home’s foundation when it expands and contracts.
In contrast, polyurea is 98% more flexible than epoxy. However, it breaks over time as a result of temperature variations.
Variability concerning UV Exposure
Epoxy floorings are notorious for losing their color over time and are notoriously poor at fending off damage caused by UV rays. However, polyurea concrete floor coatings do not become yellow or fade when exposed to sunlight. They contain ingredients more resistant to UV light, which helps prevent these effects.
Visual Difference
Using epoxy and polyurea in various applications can improve the aesthetic of multiple locations, including a patio, a basement, or a garage. Epoxy is not designed to repair cracked, chipped, or dangerously uneven surfaces.
But it helps mask some faults that are visible to the naked eye. Homeowners are given several color options to select from when it comes to polyurea floor coating, allowing them to perfectly complement their homes’ interior or exterior design.
Lifespan, in addition to Resistance to Slipping
Epoxy’s non-porous nature creates a smooth surface, but this can pose a risk when epoxy floors get wet and slippery, especially in the case of oil spills. Polyurea’s chip structure makes the floor slip-resistant, while epoxy’s non-porous character creates a smooth surface.
Epoxy flooring is susceptible to pitting, chipping, and splitting in climates with severe winters. In contrast, polyurea coatings are known to resist the rigors of such an intense test. Polyurea is highly elastic.
Thus it can tolerate expansion, contraction, and relative movement inside concrete without cracking. This is possible because of polyurea’s high level of elasticity.
Epoxy, on the other hand, is a thermosetting resin that coats the floor. Regardless, epoxy does not contain the flexibility you require as your foundation settles.
Conclusion
Floor coatings made of epoxy and polyurea are excellent choices if you want to protect your floor while improving its appearance. Nevertheless, each has a unique set of strengths and drawbacks. In the end, the type of floor coating that will serve you best will be determined by your exact requirements and preferences.
MotorCity Floors and Coatings provides high-quality concrete floor coatings suitable for a wide variety of commercial, residential, and industrial applications. Our polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are four to five times stronger than epoxy and can be made to fit your style. If you’re looking for concrete floor coating contractors in Michigan, contact us today and turn your dull or damaged concrete floor into the floor of your dream!
