Cincinnati homeowners typically have two options when it comes to garage floor coating services. The 1-day polyurea-polyaspartic system or the 2-day epoxy-polyaspartic system. While the idea of a quick fix might be tempting, the reality is that the 2-day epoxy floor system offers superior protection and longevity. Here’s why taking the extra day makes all the difference.
Understanding the Basics: What Happens in a 1-Day System?
A 1-day system is all about speed (over quality). Contractors apply fast-curing polyurea-polyaspartic coatings for both the direct-to-concrete primer coat and single clear top coat. These coatings cure quickly, yet cure quicker still in the presence of medium to high moisture in the concrete (this is the problem as we will see). The process is quick, and the garage floor is installed in the promised “1 day” (hopefully). However, this speed sacrifices essential elements of durability and moisture protection.
Because the polyurea-polyaspartic primer coat dries so fast (less than 1 hour), it doesn’t have the time to properly penetrate and bond with the concrete. It leaves the the coating vulnerable to moisture damage over time. Moisture is present on concrete. It wicks upward through the porous concrete and creates an upward pressure called hydrostatic pressure. This is a frequent problem in areas like Cincinnati, where changing seasons can result in fluctuating moisture levels beneath the concrete.
Epoxy Floor: Why a 2-Day System is Worth the Wait
The 2-day system, by contrast, takes a slower, more thorough approach. The first day involves the application of a high-build (read “thick”) 100%-solids, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer to the concrete. This primer cures slowly (we allow a full day), so it deeply penetrates and bonds with the concrete substrate. The thick, strongly bonding primer coat resists the upward hydrostatic pressure that moisture creates over time (unlike a wafer thin, poorly bonded polyurea primer coat). On Day 2, two separate layers (not one) of our 100%-solids polyaspartic are applied, providing UV resistance, protection against chemicals and stains, and enhanced durability.
Epoxy Floor: The Benefits of a 2-Day System
For Cincinnati’s climate, the 2-day system provides several key advantages:
- Moisture control: The thick, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer acts as a moisture barrier. It ensures that your garage floor doesn’t delaminate, even as moisture levels fluctuate.
- Durability: The combination of epoxy primer and polyaspartic topcoats creates a thicker, more resilient surface that can handle the wear and tear of daily use. (35 mils thick versus ~20 for a thin 1-day system), Additionally, our 2-day system protects against hot-tire transfer, whereby the plasticizers in “hot tires” leach into the coating. (Several 1-day polyurea coating installers ask that you park on vehicle pads!!)
- Long-term performance: With a 2-day system, you can expect your epoxy flooring to last longer and maintain its appearance, even after years of use.
Why a 1-Day System Falls Short in Cincinnati
While the 1-day system might seem convenient, its lack of moisture protection can be a significant drawback in Cincinnati’s climate. Cincinnati experiences a mix of cold winters and humid summers, both of which can cause moisture to rise from the ground and affect the concrete. Without a moisture barrier, the polyurea-polyaspartic coating in a 1-day system can start to peel or crack over time, leading to costly repairs.
The Verdict: Invest in a 2-Day System for Lasting Results
In the long run, the 2-day system offers better protection, durability, and resistance to the elements, making it the best choice for Cincinnati homeowners who want a garage floor coating that lasts. Whether you’re dealing with the freezing winters or humid summers, a 2-day system ensures that your garage floor remains strong and beautiful for years to come.
Contact GatorGuard Cincinnati for a Free Quote
If you want a garage floor that’s built to last through Cincinnati’s tough weather conditions, reach out to GatorGuard Cincinnati today. Our team of professionals will ensure your garage floor gets the care and attention it deserves with a 2-day system that delivers lasting results.
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