Polyurea & Polyaspartic

The Pitfalls of 1-Day Polyurea-Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coatings

Polyureas (and polyaspartics) are quick-cure coatings and begin curing the moment they come in contact with the concrete. Under normal ambient conditions, curing can occur in an hour or less. However, in the presence of moisture in the concrete or on rather humid days, polyurea-polyaspartics, paradoxically, cure faster still. This is one reason why application of these coatings is best left with professionals, who have perfected speedy application with rollers or squeegees.

It is also the reason why polyurea-polyaspartic are, frequently, not the best choice as direct-to-concrete primers. Their quick-cure property, which is very much amplified in the presence of moisture, doesn’t allow for proper penetration into the porous concrete.

What potential issues could arise when applying polyurea garage coating?

Polyurea coatings, like all coating types – epoxies, polyurethanes or polyurea-polyaspartics – have their benefits and disadvantages. Quality polyureas and polyaspartics (a polyaspartic is simply an aliphatic polyurea) are excellent “quick-cure” coatings that can provide extreme UV, chemical, stain and impact resistance.

However, polyureas do have an Achilles heel (as all coatings do). These quick-curing coatings poorly adhere to concrete in the presence of moisture, so they are questionable as “direct-to-concrete” primer coats. It is somewhat of a paradox, but quick-cure polyurea-polyaspartic coatings cure faster still in the presence of concrete moisture (or humidity in the air). And it is precisely the enhanced curing speed in the presence of moisture, of an already fast-curing polyurea, that prevents these coatings from deeply penetrating porous concrete.

When applied as primers in the presence of medium to high concrete moisture, a thin, poorly penetrating polyurea primer layer has a propensity to peel as hydrostatic (moisture) pressures build over time. (This is why “1-day polyurea” applicators add warranty exclusions to “moisture-related issues”, “hydrostatic pressure”, “moisture vapor transmission”…because they have to!).

What questions should a homeowner ask before hiring a contractor?

Moreover, most 1-day polyaspartic and polyurea warranties do not cover moisture-related problems, and many don’t even cover staining from hot-tire transfer (plasticizer migration from high-end tires). This leaves homeowners vulnerable to the risks associated with these coating systems. Without proper protection against moisture and staining, the warranties offered by “1-day” installers don’t provide the peace of mind homeowners need to invest in their garage floors confidently.

Better Concrete Flooring

At Timeless Concrete Coatings, we understand the importance of addressing moisture-related issues to ensure the longevity and performance of your garage floor coating. That’s why we install hybrid garage floor coating systems. We always use a comprehensive approach that starts with our 100%-solids moisture vapor barrier as the primer coat (direct-to-concrete)…we’ll never use a polyurea or polyaspartic at this point.

Our thick, moisture vapor barrier penetrates deep into the concrete substrate, creating a protective barrier that prevents moisture from rising to the surface and causing damage to the coating. This ensures superior adhesion and extreme durability, even in environments with high moisture levels.

The Critical Top Coat

In addition to our moisture vapor barrier primer coat, we apply two layers of our high-quality, 100%-solids polyaspartic clear top coat…not just one. These dual finishing coats 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. Our quality polyaspartic top coats enable us to also warrant against staining from hot-tire transfer.

We’re a Quality Concrete Coating Company

Unlike our “1-day” competitors, Timeless Concrete Coatings stands behind its products and services with industry-leading warranties that cover moisture-related issues and all forms of staining. No small-print warranty exclusions in this regard. So, you can be confident you’re receiving a quality concrete coating that’ll last.

Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart from the competition and provides homeowners with the peace of mind they deserve when investing in their garage floors. In conclusion, while “One Day” polyaspartic and polyurea coatings offer fast curing times, they come with significant drawbacks, especially concerning moisture protection. Speed over quality!

Opting for a Timeless Concrete Coating garage floor coating, which uses our nationally recognized, time-tested moisture vapor barrier system, ensures your garage floor is safeguarded against moisture-related damage and staining. We support this claim with our industry-leading warranty.

Don’t settle for inferior coatings that leave you vulnerable to costly repairs—choose Timeless Concrete Coatings for a superior garage floor solution.