When you get into our industry, you get a sense of how long epoxy flooring lasts. It quickly becomes obvious that the amount of time spent installing a floor correlates to longevity in concrete coatings. Some coatings don’t even last a few years. Albeit, others can last 20 years or more with proper care.
The options you typically see are systems that take a day to install and systems that take a couple days to install — 1-day polyurea systems vs. 2-day epoxy and polyaspartic systems.
1-Day Systems
Albeit, the idea of getting your garage floor done in one day sounds convenient. However, there’s a reason these 1-day systems tend not to last. They typically skip an important step: applying a moisture-mitigating direct-to-concrete primer coat. Instead, 1-day systems apply a quick-curing polyurea as the direct-to-concrete primer coat. The problem? These quick-curing coatings cure quicker still in the presence of medium to high concrete moisture. As such, they just don’t have the time to slowly penetrate and bond with the concrete substrate. The result is a wafer-thin, poorly penetrating primer…and the entire coating system is only as strong as its primer coat!
Without a proper moisture vapor barrier, moisture from the ground wicks up through the porous concrete and creates a hydrostatic pressure that forces upwards on the primer coat. Under this pressure, poorly laid coating systems crack, peel, or bubble. There’s a reason why 1-day systems don’t typically cover moisture-related issues in their warranties.
That just means a headache down the road. We’ve seen 1-day systems fail in under a single year. No one wants that kind of trouble after having just paid for a fancy floor.
Longevity in Concrete Coatings: 2-Day Systems
A 2-day system is built for durability. Firstly, a thick, moisture-mitigating 100%-solids epoxy primer is applied as a moisture vapor barrier. Its a slow-curing, high-build (thick) coating which slowly and deeply penetrates and bonds with the concrete. (We provide a full day for proper curing). Secondly, on Day 2, two separate layers of 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats (not one like the 1-day coatings) are applied. These dual topcoats provide added protection from UV rays, chemical spills, and that dreaded hot-tire transfer (when your tires leave marks after sitting in the garage for a while).
This approach means your garage floor won’t just look good—it’ll last for decades.
Ohio Weather and Your Garage Floor
Columbus residents know that Ohio weather is unpredictable. From humid summers to freezing winters. Consequently, your garage floor goes through a lot. Snow, salt from the roads, and rainwater all make their way into your garage, which can damage concrete over time. Hence, having a solid moisture barrier is non-negotiable. Our 2-day system is designed to handle these conditions and keep your garage floor looking great year after year.
Plus, we use Eco-Corflex products, which have been tested in tough environments for over 25 years. That’s why we confidently offer some of the best warranties you’ll find anywhere.
Longevity in Concrete Coatings: Find a Floor That Lasts
If you’re tired of dealing with cracked, peeling garage floors (or trying to avoid them altogether). Looking for longevity in concrete coatings? It’s time to consider a 2-day system from our crew here in Columbus. Contact us today for a free quote and learn how we can help you install a floor that’ll last for decades.
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