Polyurea & Polyasparatic Vs Epoxy

What's The Difference?

Cost Comparison

Epoxy is a readily available product at local hardware stores and is often seen as a DIY-friendly option. It generally costs between $3-7 per sq ft, with some premium options going up to $12 per sq ft. Polyurea, due to its durability and longevity, comes at a higher price point. For instance, a typical single-bay garage polyurea coating costs around $2,000, which translates to $7-12 per sq ft. Though pricier than epoxy, polyurea offers longevity and durability that ensure value for money.

Longevity

Epoxy coatings tend to last between three to five years before signs of wear and deterioration become apparent. Over time, if your garage sees frequent use, the heat from car tires can wear down epoxy, and UV heat can cause it to yellow outdoors. In contrast, polyurea, with its enhanced durability, can have a life expectancy of about 15 years, possibly lasting over a decade longer than epoxy.

Durability

Epoxy has made a name for itself in the market for its availability and durability when compared to alternatives like epoxy paint. Epoxy can endure normal wear and tear of concrete floors better than epoxy paint. However, continuous use and exposure to elements like heat, moisture buildup in concrete, and sunlight can degrade epoxy over time.

Polyurea handles this much better. Being an elastomer it bonds almost permanently to concrete and offers superior durability and flexibility to account for natural concrete movement over time. It resists chemicals better too, and can withstand higher temperatures than epoxy, making it a more robust choice, especially in New York where winters can be cold, and summers hot.

Installation

Epoxy can be applied to concrete, provided the surface is well-prepared, either through sanding or acid etching. While the latter is a popular method, it can be hazardous and possibly damaging to the concrete if done incorrectly.

On the other hand, for a Penntek polyurea coating, the process involves filling any imperfections in the concrete, potentially adding a densifier, and then grinding the surface to ensure an even application. Proper preparation is crucial for both coatings to ensure longevity. As an official Penntek dealer in New York, we are highly trained to repair your concrete before applying our superior polyurea coating.

DIY vs Professional Installation

When considering a DIY approach to concrete coatings, many homeowners lean towards epoxy. Its wide availability in both local and online stores makes it an appealing choice for those inclined towards DIY projects. However, diving into such a project requires a meticulous understanding of the manufacturer’s guidelines. Here are a few things to consider:

DIY Difficulty

A DIY concrete coating project teeters between 7-9 on a complexity scale of 1-10, best suited for seasoned DIYers familiar with substantial home improvement projects.

Time and Energy

DIY concrete coatings, especially using epoxy, can extend into a multi-day, if not multi-weekend, project that encompasses material shopping, equipment renting, application, and curing time, even with assistance.

Coating Availability

While various epoxy and polyurea products are widely available, their quality can notably vary, with some polyurea mixtures containing as little as 51% polyurea + fillers. In contrast, Penntek’s 99% pure polyurea, only available to certified installers, demands a skilled application to ensure peak performance and comes with a reassuring limited lifetime warranty on both the coating and installation.

Curing Time

Epoxy coating typically cures in 7 days, although it can be lightly walked on after about 24 hours once dried. In contrast, polyurea is ready for use after 24 hours, and can handle heavy use after just an additional day.

Sunlight Exposure

Remember, epoxy is unsuitable for sun-exposed areas like driveways and patios, as UV exposure can degrade its finish, causing dullness and yellowing. Polyaspartic as a topcoat is advised for outdoor applications.”

If a weekend-long DIY project feels overwhelming, seeking professional help is a sensible choice.

Penntek dealers like ProShield Concrete Coating offer top-tier pure polyurea coatings directly sourced from the manufacturer, ensuring you receive a product superior to any store-bought kits. Coupled with industrial-grade equipment and Penntek training and certification, we guarantee a robust application but also save homeowners from potential DIY pitfalls.

Remember, while the upfront cost of professional coatings might seem steep, it’s an investment in quality, durability, and peace of mind. The choice between DIY and professional application ultimately boils down to your comfort level, experience, and the desired outcome.

Conclusion

Although epoxy offers initial cost savings, polyurea emerges as the superior choice in terms of overall performance and long-term cost-effectiveness, owing to its durability and lower maintenance requirements. The decision between epoxy and polyurea ultimately hinges on your needs. Go with polyurea if want a long-lasting, durable coating with minimal upkeep.

Alternatively, if you’re pursuing a shorter-term solution or operating on a tighter budget – epoxy might suit your needs. For those with the requisite skills and time, a DIY approach could also be considered. These these coatings and can be used in man caves, 3 season rooms, other interior applications

Regardless of the coating choice, quality installation is paramount.

Choose ProShield Concrete Coatings in Lancaster, NY.