Does your garage floor have scrapes and stains?
If so, you might need to give it a protective coating to prevent future damage. For years, epoxy was the go-to floor coating as it is one of the most powerful adhesives on the market. But unfortunately, it’s not as great as people make it out to be.
So what is epoxy and why should you stay away from it? Keep reading to learn everything about it and why there are better options for you.
What is Epoxy?
An epoxy is a thermosetting polymer known for its mechanical strength and resistance.
The epoxy you apply on the floor is a mix of two elements; hardener and resin. After it is applied, it cures for several days, and eventually makes the floor durable and scratch-resistant. However, epoxy also has many other functions and can be used on cars, tile flooring, wood repair, and countertops.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Epoxy
Epoxy is an average coating, but you don’t want average.
The whole application process takes 3 to 4 days to complete, which gives it time to bubble as it is hardening, creating an uneven finish. And if you live in a very hot or cold climate, it will have to be installed in the spring or fall as it can only be applied in mild weather.
Sunlight exposure also ruins epoxy, causing it to fade and turn yellow over time. And on a hot day, driving into your garage with scorching tires can peel the epoxy due to the lack of flexibility in the material.
While epoxy is very resistant, harsher chemicals such as oil, gas, cleaners, and road salt can still stain the floor. The last thing you want is to have it installed in a mild climate and then see serious damage when the harsher weather arrives.
Alternatives To Epoxy
Polyurea is the best alternative to epoxy and has many benefits.
You will be saving yourself a lot of time installing polyurea, as the application takes only 24 hours to complete. But even though the application time is shorter, the material is 20 times stronger than epoxy and extremely flexible. It is also resistant to UV light, scrapes, stains, moisture, and chemical corrosion.
If you want to get it installed in the winter or summer, polyurea can be applied in weather anywhere from -30 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. With Garage Force, there is also an extra layer applied for moisture resistance, so it will stay intact no matter what you drag in from the outside.
And aesthetically, polyurea will give you that smooth, glossy finish you’re after.
Ditch the Epoxy and Use Polyurea
So what is epoxy? These days, nothing more than a second rate floor coating. Say goodbye to those scrapes and stains and say hello to an immaculate garage! All that’s left to do is organize it, but maybe that’s for another day.
If you are in the Greenville SC area, contact us to get a free quote on your polyurea floor coating today.