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.

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, Polyurethane vs Mudjacking (Foam to Cement) and Push Piers vs Helical Piers (Installation to Equipment to Cost).

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 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 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 and a Dalinghaus specialist will walk the property with you and explain what the evidence shows.