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Why Epoxy Might Not Be The Best Choice For Your Garage Floor
Garage Finisher Team • May 31, 2021
Are you thinking of finishing your garage or another area with a resinous floor coating? It's a good idea. Coated floors will last far longer than bare concrete, and are much easier to clean as well.
However, when people think of resinous floor coatings, usually they think of epoxy - but they should know that epoxy isn't the perfect solution. While it remains a commonplace choice, epoxy flooring has some significant drawbacks. In many cases, alternatives such as polyaspartic floor coatings
are going to be the better option.
So if you've been thinking epoxy, here are some reasons to at least do some more research into which floor coating will truly be best for your needs.
5 Significant Drawbacks To Epoxy Floor Coatings
1 - Epoxy is strong but brittle
Champions of epoxy like to tout its strength, and that is true - but only in very specific circumstances. Epoxy holds up best under direct crushing pressure, such as having extremely heavy objects stored on top of it. However, it is surprisingly weak to scratching, piercing, and other damage typically done by dropped objects.
2 - Epoxy takes a long time to cure
Once an epoxy surface is laid down, you can expect to wait for days before the area is actually usable. It'll be at least two days under absolutely optimal conditions and realistically will take 10 days. That's a long time to be without a garage! This can be particularly disruptive for working businesses who can't afford to lose access to one or more areas for most of a workweek. Don’t believe anyone that says the longer dry time will help with adhesion due to longer penetration time – EPOXY HAS NO PENETRATION into the concrete no matter how long it takes to dry.
By comparison, polyaspartic floor coatings
only take a few hours to cure. The entire installation process for all but the largest rooms can happen within a day.
3 - Epoxy presents even more installation challenges
Beyond the need for heavy-duty protective gear and the long curing time, there are even more challenges to installing epoxy that make it a difficult, tedious, and prolonged process.
For epoxy to properly bond with concrete, the concrete must be utterly clean and absolutely dry. Any trapped dirt or other debris beneath the epoxy layer will cause problems, and any additional moisture - even an increase in humidity over the course of an installation - can potentially weaken the final product. We've seen epoxy floor installations have to be abandoned and re-done because an inopportune rain storm fouled the process. Any installer of epoxy usually includes a long list of exclusions to their warranty due to the sensitivity of epoxy to moisture.
4 - Slippery when wet
The nature of epoxy is that it creates an entirely flat, non-porous surface. It's safe enough to walk on while dry, but that's not the case when it's wet. Any moisture on the surface will make it dangerously slippery, with almost no friction whatsoever. Of course, this is most problematic for businesses that would be in danger of slip-and-fall accidents and the worker's comp claims which can accompany them.
There's also the question of how to keep the floor safe on wet or snowy days when anyone walking inside will be adding liquid to the floor.
Any solution to this requires slip additives that usually sink to the bottom of the epoxy still resulting in a slippery floor. Otherwise, you'd have to use floor mats and other containment systems - and that can be an issue if you chose a resinous coating in part due to its appearance.
5 - Discoloration over time
Epoxy will tend to discolor over time, from staining, use, as well as from UV light. In a working space, this may not be an issue, but it can be a major problem in private homes, as well as organizations thinking about using epoxy in a prominent location such as a foyer. Also, wet epoxy being installed is particularly vulnerable to UV-based discoloration. One bucket left in the shade, and another left in the sun, will likely result in a color mismatch between the two batches. Some installers use epoxy as the basecoat followed by polysaspartic as the top coat to protect the floor from UV (and claim they install polyaspartic floors), but this is not considered a polyaspartic floor because the bond/adhesion coat to the concrete is epoxy and will still become brittle and peel.
Additionally, epoxy will expand and contract differently than polyaspartic, so this system is a recipe for disaster!
This is another case where polyaspartic floor coatings
are superior, as they resist just about any traditional source of fading or discoloration.
Garage Finisher Has The Best Flooring Solutions In Greater Cleveland
For decades, we've provided Cleveland and surrounding Ohio cities with the very best in floor finishings and coatings. Our "Forever Floor," based on polyaspartic floor coating
technology, offers all the benefits of epoxy with almost none of the drawbacks.
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Durability is a key factor that homeowners and business owners alike should consider for any project. Garage Finisher’s Polyaspartic flooring is incredibly popular amongst Ohio homeowners and business owners due to its impressive strength and resilience, making it an ideal choice for a variety of environments. By the end of this blog, you'll understand why Garage Finisher stands out as the premier garage flooring provider. Exceptional Chemical Resistance One of the standout features of our “Forever Floor” Polyaspartic flooring is its remarkable chemical resistance. Unlike traditional flooring materials that can easily succumb to spills, chemicals and stains, our Polyaspartic flooring is designed to withstand harsh chemicals, road salt, oils, and solvents. This makes it an excellent choice for garages, warehouses, and industrial settings where exposure to such substances is common. Moreover, our flooring's ability to resist yellowing and degradation over time ensures that it maintains its aesthetic appeal, even in demanding environments. As a result, you can enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting floor without the worry of frequent replacements, re-sealing, or repairs. Strength and Flexibility Combined Garage Finisher’s Polyaspartic flooring is not only resistant to chemicals but also boasts impressive mechanical properties. Our flooring formula is known for its strength and flexibility, which allows it to endure heavy loads and impacts without cracking or chipping. Whether you’re parking heavy vehicles in your garage or hosting events in a commercial space, our Polyaspartic flooring can handle the pressure. The unique composition of our Polyaspartic flooring allows it to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, making it less prone to damage compared to other flooring materials like epoxy which gets brittle over time and peels. This adaptability is crucial in Ohio, where we can experience significant temperature changes, ensuring that your flooring remains intact and functional for years to come. Long-lasting Performance and Easy Maintenance Another reason why our Polyaspartic flooring is considered durable is its long-lasting performance and low maintenance requirements. Once installed, this flooring will last for decades with minimal upkeep. Unlike traditional flooring options that may require frequent waxing or sealing, our Polyaspartic flooring only needs regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Additionally, its seamless surface prevents dirt and debris from accumulating in cracks and crevices, making it easier to keep clean, unlike cheaper alternatives that do not fill the control joints making those floors harder to clean. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment. With our Polyaspartic flooring, you can enjoy a beautiful, durable floor without the hassle of extensive maintenance. If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about how our garage flooring solutions can benefit your space, don't hesitate to contact Garage Finisher today. Our team is here to help you make the best flooring decision for your needs!
You might assume that getting an epoxy flooring installed means you are getting a high-performance flooring solution, but that is simply not the case. Many homeowners and business owners often find themselves disappointed by second-rate options that fail to deliver long-term durability and aesthetics. Let’s dive into the reasons why you shouldn't compromise on quality and what makes Garage Finisher’s Polyaspartic flooring a worthwhile investment. The True Value of Quality Garage Flooring Investing in high-quality garage flooring can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of your floors. Second-rate options may seem appealing due to their lower price tags, but they often come with hidden costs. Inferior materials can lead to peeling, cracking, and discoloration, ultimately requiring costly repairs or replacements sooner than expected. In contrast, Garage Finisher’s premium Polyaspartic flooring is designed to withstand heavy traffic, resist stains, and endure the rigors of daily use. We choose the highest quality products, to ensure that your flooring investment pays off in the long run. Why Quality Matters in Polyaspartic Flooring When selecting your garage flooring, it's crucial to understand the difference between various grades of materials. Our formulations contain superior polyaspartic resins and hardeners, providing enhanced adhesion and durability. This means your floors will not only look better but will also last longer. Low-grade options, on the other hand, may use epoxy that compromises the integrity of the flooring. This can lead to issues such as bubbling or chipping, which detracts from the visual appeal, functionality of your space, and longevity of the floor. The Aesthetic Appeal of Premium Polyaspartic Flooring Beyond durability, the aesthetic appeal of Polyaspartic flooring is another compelling reason to avoid second-rate options. Our quality flooring comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and designs, allowing you to customize your space to match your style. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, high-quality Garage Finisher can enhance your environment. Second-rate flooring options often lack the versatility, slip-resistance, and visual appeal of premium products. Don’t settle for bland or unattractive flooring when you can have a stunning finish that elevates your entire space. If you have additional questions or would like to explore the best options for garage flooring tailored to your needs, contact Garage Finisher today. Our team is ready to help you make the best choice for your flooring project!
Not all garage flooring systems are created equal, and the difference in quality can affect the longevity and durability of your investment. While some companies cut corners with cheaper materials and lackluster service, Garage Finisher stands out for our commitment to excellence. In this blog, we’ll explore why Garage Finisher's Polyaspartic garage flooring system is superior to the Other Guys, and why it should be your first choice. Superior Materials for Long-Lasting Results At Garage Finisher, we use a proprietary 5-layer Polyaspartic flooring system that provides unmatched strength, flexibility, and durability. Polyaspartic flooring is a relatively new product, first developed in the 1980s and gaining widespread popularity in the 2000s. Its advantages over traditional epoxy are clear—epoxy tends to be brittle and prone to peeling, especially under hot tires, and it often requires frequent maintenance and reapplication. Polyaspartic, on the other hand, is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high impact, and heavy traffic without peeling or cracking. Garage Finisher also fills in the joints of your garage floor seamlessly, something that epoxy systems often fail to do. The Other Guys, on the other hand, tend to rely on older, less durable materials like epoxy that can’t hold up to the same wear and tear. Their flooring systems often begin to peel or crack shortly after installation, especially in environments where tire friction is an issue. Hassle-Free Installation and Service Garage Finisher takes the stress out of garage flooring installation with a streamlined process that puts the customer first. We go above and beyond by removing all your garage contents for you, and storing them in our enclosed trailer at no additional cost. We even take care of disposing of any items you no longer need. After we complete the installation of your Polyaspartic flooring, we return your garage contents to the garage the very next day. That means you can start enjoying your newly finished garage without the long wait time. In comparison, The Other Guys often require you to move your own garage contents and makes you wait five days or longer for the floor to fully dry before you can return your belongings. This not only wastes your time but can also cause unnecessary strain and inconvenience. Choosing Garage Finisher means a fast, efficient installation process with minimal disruption to your routine. Unmatched Garage Flooring Warranties for Peace of Mind One of the biggest advantages of choosing Garage Finisher is our "No Exclusions" lifetime, transferable warranty. This comprehensive warranty covers any issues that might arise, with no hidden terms or annual re-sealing requirements. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of successfully installed floors, we stand by our work and are proud of our A+ rating. The Other Guys, on the other hand, often offer warranties that come with multiple exclusions and stipulations. These limited warranties often require expensive annual re-sealing or maintenance to remain valid, which can add significant costs over time. If a company needs a page of exclusions for their warranty, it’s a red flag—they’re expecting their floors to fail. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your garage flooring upgrade. Don’t settle for the other guys— choose Garage Finisher for the best garage flooring and customer experience in Cleveland and the surrounding areas of Ohio.
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