Polyurea & Polyaspartic

The Danger of Using a Polyaspartic-Polyurea Coating as a Concrete Primer

When considering ways to improve both the appearance and durability of your garage floor, garage floor coatings stand out as a great option. Among the available choices, “1-day polyaspartic” and “1-day polyurea” concrete coatings have become increasingly popular. These systems utilize fast-curing polyurea or polyaspartic coatings for both the primer coat (direct-to-concrete) and the clear top coat, promising to complete the installation in just one day.

But buyer beware. There are significant drawbacks associated with applying these coatings direct-to-concrete, particularly when moisture is present.

The Challenge of Moisture

A primary concern with applying polyaspartic or polyurea coatings directly to concrete is their limited ability to address moisture-related issues. Unlike moisture-mitigating coating systems (systems that use a Moisture Vapor Barrier as the primer coat), polyaspartic and polyurea coatings struggle to achieve sufficient concrete penetration, especially in moist conditions.

But what would hinder concrete penetration of a polyurea-polyaspartic primer coat? The limitation stems from the fast-curing nature of polyurea-polyaspartics itself. Fast curing coatings are simply incompatible with deep concrete penetration. To achieve optimal concrete penetration and bonding, a moisture-mitigating, slower-curer primer coat is the always the best option.

Chemical Complexity

Additionally, polyurea-polyaspartics exhibit a unique chemistry that behaves counterintuitively. These coatings cure even faster in the presence of moisture, whether its moisture from the concrete itself or ambient humidity. Given concrete’s porous nature, moisture wells upward in a process called moisture vapor transmission (MVT), exerting upward (hydrostatic) pressure on the inadequately penetrating polyurea-polyaspartic primer, leading to delamination of the thin coating.

Expert installers typically measure concrete moisture levels to determine the appropriate coating based on the readings. Elevated moisture levels necessitate a Moisture Vapor Barrier as the primer coat…never a polyurea-polyaspartic. Unfortunately, 1-day installers forego this crucial step, opting to use quick-curing polyurea-polyaspartic products for both primer and top coats to meet their promised 1-day timeframe.

The “Rabbit-in-a-Hat” Warranty

Despite the known risks, 1-day installers in the garage floor coating industry offer warranties ranging from 15 years to a lifetime. However, a closer inspection of their warranty exclusions reveals a notable lack of coverage for moisture-related issues. (This makes sense, given that the coatings weak primer is prone to delamination). Consequently, when delamination occurs due to moisture, the warranty becomes void, leaving homeowners responsible for costly repairs.

A Superior Coating Strategy

At Garage Floor Coating of New Jersey, we understand the critical importance of addressing moisture-related concerns to ensure the longevity and performance of your garage floor coating. That’s why we employ a comprehensive approach, starting with our proprietary Moisture Vapor Barrier (MVB) system.

Our MVB system is meticulously designed to effectively combat moisture-related challenges by penetrating deep into the concrete substrate, creating a robust moisture barrier. This guarantees superior penetration, adhesion, and durability, even in environments with high moisture levels and hydrostatic pressure. Additionally, we apply two 100%-solids polyaspartic clear coats (not one like the 1-day guys) for unmatched protection against wear, UV rays, and chemical spills.

Quality Takes Time

Unlike 1-day coating companies, we prioritize quality over speed. Our moisture-mitigating MVB primer coat is a slower-curing product that allows for deep concrete penetration and superior bonding. So, we allocate a full day for penetration, returning only on Day 2 to apply the dual 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats.

Backing Our Promise

At Garage Floor Coating of New Jersey, we stand behind our products and installation process with an industry-leading warranty covering all moisture-related issues and staining from automotive fluids and hot-tire transfer. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that your garage floor investment is safeguarded.

While 1-day polyaspartic and polyurea coatings offer quick 1-day installation, they come with significant risks. We prioritize quality over speed, offering a superior solution through our proven Moisture Vapor Barrier system. Choose Garage Floor Coating of New Jersey for a garage floor coating that truly stands the test of time.