# CONCRETE COATINGS: EPOXY VS. POLYUREA > Here at Dalinghaus, our primary focus is foundation repair via push pier and helical pier systems to combat expansive soil. _Brian Dalinghaus ยท 2019-07-10_ --- Here at Dalinghaus, our primary focus is **_[foundation repair](/foundation-repair/)_** via **_push pier_** and **_[helical pier](/foundation-repair/solutions/helical-piers/)_** systems to combat **_expansive soil_**. Our other repair services also include: - _Retaining Wall Installation/Repair_ - _Polyurethane Lifting/Void Fill_ - _And More_ We consider our secondary focus **_education_**. So, we write a lot of articles, including vs articles, **_[[solution:concrete-leveling/mudjacking|Polyurethane vs Mudjacking]] (Foam to Cement)_** and **_[Push Piers vs Helical Piers (Installation to Equipment to Cost).](/foundation-repair/solutions/push-piers/)_** In short, we are here to educate, even for services we no longer provide, such as **Polyurea Concrete Coatings**. We have always been at the forefront of new technology and industry standards and our time with Polyurea Concrete Coatings was no exception. We used to get calls all the time from customers asking for an **_Epoxy Coating_** estimate for their driveway. Most of them had seen a photo or video from a complete concrete coating project (on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or some form of social media). Other individuals had seen us out in their neighborhood, beautifying their neighbor's oil-stained driveway or ugly old [[service:concrete-repair/garage-floor-repair|garage floor]]. I remember the starry-eyed people with Handel Messiah's **_Hallelujah_** ringing in their ears as they beheld the glory of the finished product, assuming we had just utilized Epoxy Coatings. And it is right then and there that I would have to break their hearts and tell them that Dalinghaus Foundation Repair does not, will not, and will never install **_Epoxy Concrete Coatings_**. To do so would be **_blasphemous_**, **_sacrilegious_**, and downright **_unpatriotic_**. **_We did, however, utilize a product that is almost identical to Epoxy aesthetically, is waterproof, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, won't peel or fade, and is 4x stronger than Epoxy. And. That. Product. Is., Polyurea Concrete Coatings._** Now, you might be thinking to yourself, _hey man, I don't care what you put on my [[service:concrete-repair/garage-floor-repair|garage floor]]. I just want my car to look sexy in there_. That's no problem. Polyurea Concrete Coating can make your garage look cool, **_Fast and Furious_** cool. But not just your garage, Polyurea Concrete Coatings can sexify your **_pool deck_**, **_patio_**, **_walkways_**, **_driveways_**, and make you the envy of the block. So, if you're interested in learning a little more about some of the similarities and differences between **_Epoxy Coatings vs Polyurea Coatings_**, stick around and dive a little deeper with me. ## Epoxy Concrete Coatings Explained First, let me tell you a little bit about Epoxy Concrete Coatings. Epoxy is a 2 step, thermoset resin (simply put, a resin that cures from a liquid). Epoxy Coatings are usually known for their prevalence in industrial areas, such as warehouses or areas of heavy truck and forklift traffic. It is a thick resin that cures slowly (typically takes 2-3 days). Environmental factors like moisture, changes in temperature, even sunlight can change the way the Epoxy cures. Those factors just don't affect the curing time but can change the look of the coating. Some common issues people report with Epoxy are: - Peeling Floors - Moisture Buildup Underneath the Coating - Inconsistent Color - Cloudiness when Epoxy Resin Hardens - Bubbling and Deformities - Dullness after Curing ## So How Do Epoxy and Polyurea Compete in a Side-by-side Comparison? Initially, both products have many similarities. When properly installed, Epoxy looks almost identical to a Polyurea Coating. Both offer multiple finishes, **_chip_**, **_quarts_**, **_solid color_**, **_metallic_**, and **_etcetera_**. As I mentioned before, both Epoxy and Polyurea are known for **_chemical_**, **_abrasion_**, **_heat_**, and **_UV resistance_**. Now, an upside to Epoxy is that it can be a more **_cost-effective solution_**, in the short term. We believe in our heart of hearts that you get what you pay for. I say short-term because Epoxy Coatings typically have a short lifespan of **_5-10 years_**. Polyurea Coatings, on the other hand, have an average lifespan of over **_15 years_**. Really, it's a no-brainer. If you're telling me I have a choice between coating my concrete once in fifteen years vs 3 times, I'm going to choose once every single time. Now that you know a little more about Epoxy Coatings, let's go over some of the benefits of our Polyurea Concrete Coatings. ## Benefits of Polyurea Concrete Coatings Polyurea is also a 2-step resin, but remarkably superior to Epoxy resin. As mentioned above, **_Polyurea is 4x stronger than Epoxy_**. It is the flexibility of the material that makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. Since the material is flexible, it will not crack or peel. Polyurea can be applied in **_extremely hot_** or **_extremely cold_** temperatures, holding up equally well in Arizona or Alaska. The coatings are chemically resistant to **_salt_**, **_gas_**, **_oil_**, and even **_harsh chemicals_**. Polyurea is also more **_scratch-resistant_** than Epoxy, making it perfect for pet paws. Polyurea Coatings are also waterproof and a great option for resurfacing slippery walkways or pool decks. Polyurea comes in a plethora of available colors, textures, and finishes such as **_chip_**, **_quartz_**, **_solid color_**, **_metallic_**, and even **_glitter_**. Polyurea is UV resistant, so it won't fade or turn a sour, unsightly yellow in the sunlight. Almost all Polyurea projects can be completed in **_one day_**. And one immediate benefit Polyurea has over Epoxy is that Polyurea coatings allow for almost immediate use, there is no need to lose **_3 days_** of your life tiptoeing around, waiting for Epoxy to cure. Within **_24 hours_** of a Polyurea Concrete Coating, you can walk, drive, hopscotch, or do whatever you want on the coating. ## Choose Dalinghaus for Your Repair Needs As mentioned above we no longer offer this service. We have shifted our attention to other services that better fit our current construction niche. However, we will forever and always sing the praises of Polyurea Concrete Coatings. If you live in Southern California and this is a service you're interested in (because who wouldn't be), reach out to our friends at **_Jak Concrete Coatings_**. However, for all of your Foundation Repair needs, Dalinghaus has your back. ## Schedule a Free Evaluation Foundation movement is easier to judge in person than from a photo. [Schedule a free evaluation](/contact-us/) and a Dalinghaus specialist will walk the property with you and explain what the evidence shows.