Revolutionize Your Garage with Polyaspartic Flooring
For many of us, the garage is more than just a place to park our cars. It's a workshop, a storage space, and sometimes even a sanctuary. This multifunctional area demands a flooring solution that can withstand various stresses — from heavy foot traffic and tool drops to oil spills and tire marks. Traditional garage floors like concrete and epoxy often fall short, struggling with long cure times, susceptibility to damage such as cracking, denting, and dimpling, and constant maintenance needs.
That's where polyaspartic flooring comes into play, a groundbreaking option now available at our RC Willey locations in Utah. This type of flooring transforms your garage into a space that's not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. This flooring type withstands the daily wear and tear of garage life while offering quick installation and minimal maintenance. It's time to upgrade your garage into a space that truly supports your lifestyle, with a floor that's as tough as it is beautiful.
Understanding the Science
When considering new flooring for your garage, you might come across terms like 'polyurea' and 'polyaspartic'. These terms can seem a bit technical, but we’ll do our best to break them down!
What is Polyurea?
Polyurea (pol-ee-yoor-ee-uh) is a type of material that belongs to the polyurethane family. It's used in flooring because of its strength and durability. In its basic form, polyurea is a two-component mixture that, when combined, cures very quickly into a tough, sturdy surface. This material is known for having low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safer and more environmentally friendly compared to some traditional flooring materials. However, because of its rapid curing time (often in seconds), applying polyurea can be challenging and usually requires specialized equipment and labor.
What is Polyaspartic?
Polyaspartic (pol-ee-uh-spaar-tuhk), on the other hand, is a type of polyurea but with a twist. It's essentially polyurea with a modified, slower curing process. This slower cure rate is beneficial because it gives flooring professionals more time to apply it, ensuring a smooth and even finish. While the scientific definition can get complex, the key takeaway is that polyaspartic is a more user-friendly version of polyurea, retaining all the strength and durability but easier to work with.
John Smith a Flooring Expert from Junkgator explains,
“Epoxy coatings have traditionally contained toxic solvents and produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and hazardous waste. Polyaspartic floor coatings have the advantage of containing less VOCs. Reducing contamination and waste during application and manufacturing — making it an environmentally friendly alternative.”
Polyaspartic in Your Garage
For homeowners, this means that when you choose a polyaspartic floor coating for your garage, you're essentially getting the benefits of polyurea's strength and durability but in a form that's easier to apply and manage. This results in a long-lasting, tough floor that's resistant to the kinds of spills, drops, and wear that garages typically see.
So, while the science behind these materials might sound complex, the important thing to remember is that polyaspartic flooring offers a durable, safe, and practical solution for your garage.
Modern Flooring for Modern Homes
Polyaspartic flooring represents the perfect blend of style and practicality, making it an ideal choice for both modern homes and those seeking a modern touch. Its quick installation process and robust nature—resistant to stains, wear, and color fading—ensure it fits seamlessly into the fast-paced, aesthetic-driven lifestyle of contemporary living.
For modern homes, this flooring enhances the sleek, stylish look while promising low maintenance and lasting durability. In older homes, it offers a transformative upgrade, addressing common flooring issues like cracking and flaking, and elevating the space with a modern, chic appearance.
More than just improving aesthetics, polyaspartic flooring simplifies life. It reduces the time and effort spent on repairs and maintenance, allowing homeowners to enjoy their living spaces without worry. Whether it's a bustling modern household or an older home getting a contemporary revamp, polyaspartic flooring stands as a testament to the harmony of beauty and functionality, tailored for today's living standards.
How to Choose the Right Polyaspartic Floor Coating
We know how important it is to choose flooring that matches your home's aesthetic. That's why we offer a specially curated selection of polyaspartic flooring in neutral base coat colors, each paired with two flake color options. These carefully chosen neutral hues are designed to seamlessly integrate with a variety of home decors, ensuring a timeless and elegant look for your space.
Base Coat Colors
We offer two classic base coat colors - a sleek gray and a warm tan. These color options serve as a fantastic foundation for any space, providing a neutral backdrop that complements a wide range of interior designs. Whether you prefer the cool, modern look of gray or the earthy, inviting tone of tan, you can start your flooring journey with a color that resonates with your personal taste.
Topcoat
Each of our flooring options is finished with a clear topcoat. This not only enhances the durability of your floor but also ensures that the beauty of the base color and flake design shines through. This topcoat adds an extra layer of protection, making your floor resistant to stains and spills, and keeps it looking great for years.
Flake Colors
For those looking to add more texture and character to their flooring, we offer a selection of flake colors. For the gray base, choose between 'Yosemite' and 'Cambria' - each offering a distinct look to suit different preferences.
If you opt for the tan base, 'Carlsbad' and 'Saguaro' are your flake color options, providing a unique and stylish finish. These flakes not only add visual interest but also contribute to the floor's slip resistance.
We encourage you to visit one of our RC Willey stores to talk with our flooring experts. Our team can show you samples of these options, helping you visualize how the flooring will look in your space. They can also assist with any questions you might have, ensuring you make an informed decision that you'll be happy with for years to come.
The Installation Process
Installing polyaspartic flooring is a swift and efficient process, especially when handled by professionals. One of the key advantages of this type of flooring is its quick curing time. This means that your newly floored space is ready to use much faster compared to traditional flooring options, significantly reducing disruption in your home. In most cases installation takes one day and can be driven on after 24 hours.
Professional Installation
When installed by professionals, you benefit from their expertise and access to the right tools. RC Willey works with local installers who are well-equipped and experienced in handling the quick curing nature of polyaspartic flooring. This ensures a smooth, even application and a flawless finish. Professional installation guarantees that the flooring will be laid correctly, avoiding any potential issues and ensuring long-lasting durability.
Eric Mondragon, RC Willey’s Flooring expert, further explains why a professional installation is encouraged,
“Concrete floors need to be properly prepped. This includes sealing cracks and ensuring the surface is level. Any imperfections in the concrete need to be addressed beforehand to ensure a smooth application and an optimal result. Additionally, in cases where the flooring is to be applied over metal surfaces, such as aluminum, these surfaces need to be prepared to a near-white finish. This process ensures the coating adheres properly. Specific surfaces require the application of appropriate epoxy primers to ensure the polyaspartic flooring adheres correctly and lasts as long as it should.”
Considering DIY Installation
DIY installations face hurdles such as not having the right tools, or the specific expertise required to ensure a perfect finish. A small error could result in a noticeable flaw that's tough and durable, just like the flooring itself, leading to potential long-term dissatisfaction.
Given these factors, we recommend considering professional installation for your polyaspartic flooring. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that the job is done right the first time, avoiding the pitfalls and complexities that can come with a DIY approach. At RC Willey, our professionals are ready to help you achieve the perfect installation, ensuring your flooring is both beautiful and functional, without the stress and risk of doing it yourself.
Upfront Costs, Potential Savings, and Things to Consider
Polyaspartic flooring has a higher initial cost, typically between $5 to $12 per square foot, because it's made with high-quality materials and needs professional installation. However, this investment can save you money in the long run.
One of the most significant cost-saving aspects of polyaspartic flooring is its exceptional durability. Unlike some traditional flooring types, polyaspartic flooring is highly resistant to wear and tear, spills, and even chemical damage. This means it's less likely to need repairs or replacement in the foreseeable future. In environments like garages, where floors are subjected to heavy use and various spills, this resilience translates to a flooring solution that remains in top condition for years, potentially decades.
Another area where polyaspartic flooring is cost-effective is in its maintenance requirements. According to experts, this type of flooring is incredibly easy to clean and maintain. It doesn't need frequent resealing or special cleaning products.
Ryan Vaughn from SD Epoxy Floors reiterates this:
“The surface is resistant to stains, chemicals, and abrasions, making it relatively simple to clean. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep the floor looking new. The seamless nature of polyaspartic coatings also prevents dirt and debris from accumulating in joints or seams, making it easier to maintain a clean and polished appearance.”
So, a simple sweep and occasional mop are usually all that's needed to keep it looking new.
Step into the New Era with a Polyaspartic Garage Floor
Polyaspartic flooring offers an ideal balance of style and functionality, making it a top choice for homeowners. Its main advantages include exceptional durability, resistance to stains and abrasions, and minimal maintenance requirements. It also boasts a fast installation process and a wide range of customization options.
Keep in mind that the initial cost is higher than some traditional flooring options, and professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal results. Despite these considerations, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
To explore how polyaspartic flooring can benefit your home, visit one of our Utah locations*. Our team is ready to provide personalized consultations and show you the range of options available, helping you make an informed decision that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of your space.
*Polyaspartic Flooring is only available for purchase and installation at our Utah locations. Please visit us in Layton, South Salt Lake, Draper, and Orem.