Thinking about epoxy? Here's what you should know!

When it comes to durable and protective coatings for concrete floors, epoxy has long been a popular choice. But, while epoxy coatings have their benefits, they also come with several downsides that can make them less than ideal for many applications. From long curing times to limited UV resistance, these drawbacks can lead homeowners and business owners to seek better options.

In this blog, we’ll explore some common questions about epoxy coatings and take a closer look at its drawbacks. We’ll also discuss why polyaspartic coatings are a better epoxy alternative, offering superior durability, faster application and long-lasting results that epoxy simply can’t match.

Let’s dive in!

Common Questions About Epoxy

What is epoxy?

Epoxy is a two-part system composed of a resin and hardener.

First thing first: what is epoxy? Although you might already be familiar with the term "epoxy," many people don’t fully understand this type of coating and its various applications.

To put it simply, epoxy is a coating system made by combining resins with a hardener. When these two components are mixed together, they trigger a chemical reaction that results in a glossy finish that sits on top of the surface.

Epoxy coatings also come in a wide range of colors and textures, giving you plenty of options to customize your space. Whether you're going for a sleek, solid color or a more textured, decorative look, epoxy offers a variety of design possibilities.

How long does an epoxy floor coating last?

The lifespan of an epoxy floor can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the installation, the type of epoxy used and the amount of foot or vehicle traffic it endures. On average, a properly installed and well-maintained epoxy floor can last anywhere from five to ten years in residential settings. However, in high-traffic commercial or industrial environments, where floors are subject to heavy wear and tear, the lifespan may be shorter, typically around two to five years.

Our team has seen many failed epoxy floors in our day-to-day experiences, resulting from improper installation to drop impact to hot tire pickup. Many homeowners also require frequent maintenance on their epoxy floors.

Should I epoxy my concrete floors?

We have a confession to make: We are not the biggest fans of it. Epoxy can give the illusion of a glossy and protective floor, but the drawbacks outweigh the aesthetics. If you want a stunning and equally protective floor, it's time to look elsewhere.

What are the cons of epoxy floor coatings?

If you have been following along so far, we have touched on some disadvantages of epoxy, but let's lay them out.

Cracks and hot tire pickup are common problems with epoxy coatings.

Delamination occurs when the epoxy coating separates from the concrete below.

1. Epoxy floors are not UV resistant. When UV rays from the sun hit the cured epoxy, it will turn yellow. This natural occurrence may not bother some aesthetically, but this is a sign of your floor degrading and weakening. After yellowing, epoxy floors are prone to delamination, cracking and losing that new shiny top coat look.
2. Epoxy floors are weather-sensitive. It is natural for concrete to expand and contract due to fluctuations in temperature. Epoxy has little flexibility, so when concrete experiences these changes, it can cause the floor coating to crack or delaminate.
3. Epoxy floors have a long curing time. Getting your belongings off the floor and out of the space you want to coat is already a lot of work. Finding a place to store your stuff while epoxy floors cure is another can of worms. Epoxy floors can take up to 7 days until you are allowed to use them as usual.
4. Epoxy floors don't prevent surface scratches. If you have an epoxy floor in a high-traffic area or in a space like a garage where you might occasionally drop a heavy tool, epoxy is prone to scratch and chip over time.
5. Epoxy floors can be slippery. Epoxy flooring typically does not have slip-resistance technology when installed. This could lead to slips and falls when the area is wet or dirty.

Is there a better coating than epoxy?

Yes! While epoxy floor coatings can be suitable for specific spaces, epoxy has limitations, from installation to lifelong maintenance. If you want your concrete coating to last, it is beneficial to look at other options — especially for high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to the weather elements. At Hello Garage of Kansas City, we have just the thing: our polyaspartic floor coating.

Polyaspartic: The Best Epoxy Alternative

Our engineers tested many floor coating alternatives until we got it right. We use a 100% polyaspartic blend, a product we believe in and trust so much that we offer an industry-leading warranty.

Polyaspartic Benefits

1. Polyaspartic bonds with the concrete. When our polyaspartic blend is installed on your concrete, there is a chemical reaction that happens — the polyaspartic bonds into the top layer of concrete, protecting it for the long run.
2. Polyaspartic floors are UV resistant. Our polyaspartic blends protect against UV rays. When the sun shines, you don't have to worry about your floor coating breaking down or yellowing.
3. Polyaspartic floors are protective through all weather. When polyaspartic bonds to the concrete, it stays flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with your concrete through the changing weather.
4. Polyaspartic floors have a short curing time. Unlike epoxy floors, polyaspartic floor installation time is very short. Installation takes about a day, and 24 hours later, you can use it like normal.
5. Polyaspartic protects against all damage. If you have ever dropped a hammer and saw a chip or crack in your floor afterward, you won't have to worry about this happening with polyaspartic flooring. It protects against all types of damage from high-traffic areas, drop-impact and hot tire pick-up.
6. Polyaspartic is slip-resistant and easy to clean. Just as it says, polyaspartic has a slip grip, so even if there are spills, you don't need to worry about slipping while cleaning it up. Polyaspartic floors are also effortless to clean. Just use a bit of simple green, let it sit, and wipe it up.
7. Polyaspartic comes in a wide range of unique colors: Our polyaspartic coating features a granite-like finish and is available in an array of colors to complement all styles and tastes.

From a stained and damaged epoxy garage floor coating...

...to a beautiful, durable and long-lasting polyaspartic garage floor coating.

Reliable Floor Coating Installation by Hello Garage of Kansas City

Want to learn more about our polyaspartic floor coating? Call us today at 1-844-915-2203 or contact us online to speak with a Garage Guru! We are proud to offer free consultations and estimates in Overland Park, Kansas City, Lenexa and the surrounding area.