GatorGuard Concrete Coatings: How One-Day Garage Floor Installers Are Setting You Up for Failure

How One-Day Garage Floor Installers Are Setting You Up for Failure

When you start shopping around Detroit for a new garage floor, you’ll find two options: one-day polyurea-polyaspartic installs and two-day epoxy & polyurea-polyaspartic installs. Which one should you choose?

The appeal of one-day polyurea-polyaspartic systems often lies in their quick installation and minimal disruption. However, these systems frequently fail to address critical factors, especially given Michigan’s challenging weather conditions. One-day installations often skip proper moisture management and curing time, leading to premature failures such as bubbling, flaking, and adhesion loss.

The Impact of Detroit’s Climate

Detroit experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall and icy conditions, along with humid summers. These extremes can significantly affect concrete floors:

• Moisture Concerns: Snow and rain contribute to high moisture levels in the concrete. One-day systems typically do not allow sufficient time to manage this moisture, resulting in poor adhesion and subsequent coating failures.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: The region’s temperature fluctuations cause concrete to expand and contract, which can compromise the integrity of quickly applied coatings.

Warranty Exclusions: A Hidden Cost

A critical issue with one-day systems is the fine print in their warranties. These often exclude coverage for moisture-related damages, which are the most common cause of coating failures. This means that if the coating fails due to moisture (moisture vapor transmission, high hydrostatic pressure), homeowners are left to foot the repair bill. The allure of a fast, cheap installation quickly fades when faced with these unexpected costs.

The Two-Day Installation Process

Opting for a two-day installation provides a much more reliable and durable solution:

• Day One:
  • 100%-Solids Epoxy Primer: On Day 1, a slow-curing, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer coat is applied as a moisture vapor barrier (not a fast-cure polyurea-polyaspartic like the one-day systems). This slower-curing, high-build primer has the time to penetrate deeply into the concrete, creating a thick, deeply penetrating moisture barrier that mitigates the risks of bubbling and peeling. It ensures a solid foundation for the top coats by addressing future moisture issues (the entire coating system is only as strong as its weakest layer).
  • Curing Time: Allowing adequate time for the primer to cure is crucial. (We allow a full day of curing; hence the 2-day process).This ensures the slow-curing, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer penetrates and bonds properly with the concrete, providing a stable base.
• Day Two:
  • Polyurea-Polyaspartic Top Coats: On Day 2 we apply dual 100%-solids polyurea-polyaspartic top coats (not just one) after the epoxy primer has cured. The two top coats provide UV, stain, and chemical resistance, crucial for maintaining the coating’s longevity and appearance.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Quality and Durability

Two-day floor coating systems not only address moisture issues comprehensively but also ensure that the coating can withstand the city’s extreme climate. This thorough approach, though it takes longer, ultimately saves time and money by avoiding the pitfalls of one-day installations and their misleading warranties.

By prioritizing a meticulous, quality installation by local professionals, homeowners and businesses can enjoy durable, long-lasting floor coatings that stand the test of time.

About GatorGuard Concrete Coatings Detroit

”At GatorGuard, we set ourselves apart from other floor coating contractors by offering the highest quality products, comprehensive warranties, and the best installation and customer service. But we don’t stop there—all our epoxy floor coatings are installed with our GatorShield moisture mitigation barrier to help prevent delamination, which can occur from hydrostatic pressure. We also offer a White Glove service, where we will handle the removal, storage, and replacement of all your furniture and belongings, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Contact GatorGuard today to learn more about our epoxy floor coating options and to schedule a consultation at your Detroit, MI home.”