Why should we choose a Polyurea or Polyaspartic coating over Epoxy?

• • • Epoxies are great products for indoor concrete surfaces (warehouses, storerooms, showrooms, basements etc.).
    • For garages and outdoor locations, where concrete is subject to contraction and expansion from temperature fluctuation, epoxies, which were not designed to be flexible, tend to crack, allowing moisture to drive early delamination.
    • Polyurea coatings are flexible and will move with your concrete for the life of your home
    • Polyureas are also more resistant to salt, water and oil, and are stain resistant
    • Hot tires will not lift a Polyurea coating, which is a common side effect of epoxies.
    • Polyureas are non-slip. Unlike epoxies which can be very slippery especially when wet.

How long will the installation take?

• • • Most garages are installed in a single day.
    • Larger garages, or those requiring extra TLC before installation may require two days.
    • You can walk on your new surface in 3 hours after completion.
    • You may resume full use of your garage 24 hours after completion.
    • Garage doors will need to stay open during the full cure period, at least a few inches.

What color should we install on our concrete surface?

• • • We offer 14 different color blends which we will bring to your home when we do a pre-installation on-site quotation. Matching exterior home colors is recommended.
    • A basic single color is only available via a custom request using a single flake color.
    • Color blends are recommended, as they the best job of color matching, and of camouflaging imperfect concrete surfaces.
    • Darker colors tend to hide the winter dirt & grime, while lighter colors tend to brighten the space.
    • Creating custom blends, or opting for single colors is possible with a small premium.

What preparations do we need to make prior to installation?

• • • A few days prior to installation we will send a reminder allowing your space to be ready for installation.
    • The space should be empty for the duration of the installation and 24 hours following.
    • Garages should have everything off the floor, and if the wall-base is included, anything hanging into that space should also be relocated.
    • The surface does not need to be cleaned or swept, and should definitely not be power-washed prior to install date.
    • Larger items, like fridges, tool chests, portable shelving units all need a temporary home for the full installation and cure cycle. We recommend an additional waiting period of 72 hours before returning such heavier items.

Will much dust be generated by the installation?

• • • Most equipment is connected to powerful vacuums, and the dust is kept to a minimum, but some is always generated. Any sensitive equipment, or property you do not want exposed to dust should be removed prior to installation.
    • We do clean up the work area at the end of the day, including vacuuming up the leftover dust inside and outside. At times (especially wet days) there may be some dust or flakes left behind.  These can be swept or blown away later once the area is dry.

Does the installation smell badly? Is the product toxic to breath?

• • • The Polyurea coating we use does have a smell, but is VOC free. While not toxic in well ventilated areas, it can be considered a respiratory irritant, especially to those sensitive to such conditions.
    • This smell dissipates as the surface cures, and is usually gone within 24 hours, except to those most sensitive to smells.
    • In enclosed spaces like basements or other indoor installations, using fans and open windows to aid this dissipation is recommended.
    • The vapors of the Polyurea coating are considered combustible. In enclosed spaces, like furnace rooms, open flames should be turned off (pilot lights etc.) and the space ventilated during the installation.  This issue ends once the surface is cured.

Will the product discolor?

• • • The basecoat is subject to discoloration due to UV light. The flakes are designed to completely cover the basecoat, and are guaranteed for life against UV discoloration.

How long is the warranty and what does it cover?

• • • For indoor residential applications we guarantee the Polyurea coating for 20 years.
    • For outdoor residential applications we guarantee the Polyurea coating for 10 years.
    • For commercial applications we guarantee the Polyurea coating for 5 years.
    • This covers delamination, peeling, cracking and bubbling, but does not cover the effects of efflorescence or damaged caused by the owner or others following the installation.

When can you apply the Polyurea coating?

• • • Polyureas are much more durable to weather than epoxies, and that includes installation parameters.
    • We typically install every day between April and December. The harshest winter months are not scheduled, but can be installed during milder weather windows.
    • Rain is an issue for outdoor applications, and the scheduled installation date should be considered weather permitting. If weather becomes an issue, we will do our best to reschedule within a few days with the flexibility of other clients the same week.  In extreme cases, where this is not possible, we will rebook at a later date at your convenience.

Our surface has cracks and/or spalling, or pitting, or has a previously installed coating. Do you repair these first?

• • • All the above repairs are done prior to installation.
    • Each are considered incremental costs, but are applicable only to the affected areas.
    • All costs are communicated in writing prior to booking your installation.

Still Have Questions?

• • • Use our contact form to ask. We are always happy to address your questions or concerns.