Garage floor coatings have exploded in popularity across New York. If you’ve been shopping around, you’ve likely seen two options: the 1-day polyurea-polyaspartic system and the more comprehensive 2-day installations that use both epoxy and polyaspartic coatings. So, which one is right for your garage in the Horseheads area? Let’s dig into it.
Breaking Down the Two Systems
- 1-Day Coating: This system uses a polyurea-polyaspartic coating as both the primer coat a clear top coat. These coatings cure fast, allowing for installation to occur within the promised 1 day. Consequently, you can get back into your garage quicker.
- 2-Day Coating: The more thorough process involves applying a thick, slower-curing 100%-solids epoxy primer on day one to act as a moisture vapor barrier. The slower curing epoxy has time (a full day) to deeply penetrate and bond with the concrete and mitigate moisture. The primer coat (and applied flakes) are topped with two layers (not one) of 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats on day two. This system takes longer to install and cure, but it’s designed to provide a more durable, long-lasting finish.
Why 1-Day Systems Fall Short
While the 1-day system might seem appealing, especially if you’re looking for a quick turnaround, there are some major downsides to consider:
- No Epoxy Primer: The lack of a moisture-mitigating primer means moisture from the concrete can seep up and cause the coating to peel or bubble over time.
- Fast Cure Time: While fast curing sounds like a plus, it doesn’t allow enough time for the primer coat to penetrate and properly bond with the concrete. The result? A thinner, weaker, less durable floor.
- Thin Application: Polyurea-polyaspartic coatings in 1-day systems are applied in thinner layers (these aren’t “high-build” coatings; epoxies are). A thin primer coat and a single thin top coat. Both the lack of moisture mitigation and thinness of these systems, makes them more vulnerable to wear and tear. This is especially true in areas with fluctuating temperatures and moisture like New York.
2-Day Installations: Why the 2-Day System is the Better Option
In contrast, the 2-day system offers long-term durability and superior protection:
- Epoxy Primer: The thick, moisture-mitigating 100%-solids epoxy primer is key for preventing concrete moisture from affecting the coating. It creates a strong bond with the concrete that ensures your garage floor can handle the hydrostatic pressure and the wear and tear of daily use.
- Multiple Layers: By applying two layers of 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats, the 2-day system offers better protection against UV rays, chemical spills, and impact damage. Plus, it’s more resistant to the dreaded hot-tire transfer that can stain lesser quality epoxy floors.
- Proper Bonding: The slower curing time of the primer in the 2-day system creates a stronger base (the entire coating system is only as strong as its primer coat) that can handle Horseheads’ changing seasons.
Local Weather Matters
In the Horseheads area, you’re dealing with a range of weather conditions, from high moisture to freezing winters and hot summers. An epoxy floor needs to stand up to those changes without cracking, peeling, or failing. The 2-day system’s moisture mitigation and UV protection make it a far better choice for the kind of climate you’re facing.
Contact GarageFloorCoating New York for a Free Quote
If you’re ready to invest in a garage floor coating that’s built to last through every season, contact us today. Our local crew will make sure you get the best possible results with a 2-day system that’s designed to stand the test of time.