Epoxy vs. Polyurea

At Fortress Floors Midwest Pro we use a 100% Polyurea Basecoat along with our Polyaspartic Top Coat. Together they make our concrete floor coatings 4x’s stronger than Epoxy. We often get asked why our customers choose our Polyurea based concrete coatings vs. an Epoxy concrete coating? Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Adhesion: Polyurea concrete coatings have better adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including concrete and metal, compared to epoxy concrete coatings.
2. UV Resistance: Our Polyurea concrete coatings have 100% UV protection vs epoxy coatings that can fade or yellow when applied to areas in direct sunlight. This is important when considering outside applications such as patios, porches, pool decks, sidewalks, driveways etc. 
   
3. Temperature Tolerance: Polyurea coatings can withstand higher temperatures than epoxy coatings. This is important especially when it comes to hot car tires. With epoxy concrete coatings hot tires can leave rubber transfer or black marks, Polyurea based coatings will hold up under those hot tires. 
4. Durability: Polyurea coatings are highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, impact, and abrasion. They can also resist chipping, peeling, and fading.
5. Fast Curing Time: Polyurea concrete coatings have a faster curing time than  epoxy coatings, which means they can be installed quickly and efficiently. This makes them an ideal choice for projects with tight deadlines. We can install most garages in 1 day. Where with epoxy the longer drying times makes the entire process longer. 

Polyurea is a popular choice for concrete coatings due to its numerous benefits. Here are some additional benefits of using polyurea on concrete coatings vs epoxy concrete coatings:

1. Seamless Finish: Polyurea coatings can be applied as a seamless finish, which means there are no joints or seams for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. This makes them an excellent choice for areas that require high levels of hygiene, such as hospitals, food processing plants, and laboratories.
2. Chemical Resistance: Polyurea coatings are highly resistant to chemicals, such as acids, oils, and solvents. This makes them an ideal choice for industrial facilities where spills and leaks are common.
3. Waterproofing: Polyurea coatings are highly waterproof and can prevent water from penetrating the surface. This makes them an excellent choice for areas that are exposed to moisture, such as basements, pool decks, and balconies.
4. UV Resistance: Polyurea coatings have excellent UV resistance and can withstand exposure to sunlight without fading or yellowing.
5. Versatility: Polyurea coatings can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, metal, wood, and fiberglass. They can also be customized to meet specific design requirements, such as texture, color, and pattern.

Overall, both epoxy and polyurea coatings have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice of coating depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the type of surface, expected environmental conditions, and required durability. It is important to consult with a professional to determine which coating is best suited for your needs.