Michigan weather can be harsh, with freezing winters and humid summers that take a toll on any garage floor. Choosing a garage floor coating that can withstand these elements and last for decades is crucial. At Garage Floor Coating of Michigan, we use a 2-day epoxy-polyaspartic system (more on that later). These garage floor coating systems are designed to provide long-lasting protection for your garage floor, remaining durable and visually appealing for 20 years or more.
Michigan-Specific Challenges for Garage Floor Coatings
Epoxy flooring in Michigan faces several environmental challenges. One of the primary concerns is our harsh winters. Winters bring snow, ice, and road salt, however, it’s the moisture that creates the biggest problems. Moisture vapor transmission (and resulting hydrostatic pressures) can take a toll. Over time, poorly laid coating systems weaken and peel (delaminate).
Beyond weather, daily wear and tear from vehicle traffic, chemicals, and spills can also take a toll on epoxy floors in Michigan. The high-traffic nature of garages, combined with potential exposure to motor oil, gasoline, and other fluids, can degrade the coating over time. If the floor isn’t adequately sealed or maintained, these substances can wreak havoc. The combination of weather-related challenges and routine use means that Michigan homeowners need a robust, high-quality epoxy system. One that ensures longevity in such a demanding environment.
Garage Floor Coatings: The Achilles Heel of One-Day Polyurea Coatings
One-day polyurea coatings (concrete coatings literally installed in a single day), often marketed for their speed and convenience, fail to provide the long-term durability needed for garage floors. These coatings typically use fast-curing polyurea-polyaspartic coatings as both the direct-to-concrete primer coat and clear topcoat.
However, the problem with using polyurea-polyaspartics as primer coats, is that these fast-curing coatings cure faster still in the presence of medium to high concrete moisture. So fast, in fact, that they fail to properly penetrate and strongly bond with the concrete substrate. As moisture in the concrete wicks upwards creating a high hydrostatic pressure, these thinly applied, poorly penetrating coatings are susceptible to peeling.
That is, one-day installations don’t mange for moisture within the concrete. Since the floor has so little time to penetrate the concrete slab (it cures in <1 hour), the bond between the coating and the concrete is weak. In addition, one-day systems apply only a single polyaspartic topcoat! So these wafer-thin coating systems simply offer less protection from moisture, daily wear, UV exposure, and chemical spills, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Garage Floor Coatings: Two-Day Coatings Systems – Long-Lasting Floors
Conversely, two-day systems are designed to create a more durable and lasting floor! And it’s exactly why it’s the only kind of floor we offer. We want to confidently stand behind the quality of our work.
On the first day, a thick, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer is applied (instead of a thin polyurea coat) to act a as moisture vapor barrier. The high-build coat cures slowly (we allow one full day), allowing the primer to deeply penetrate the concrete and create a strong bond. This critical step addresses moisture issues upfront, ensuring that the floor remains resilient to moisture vapor transmission and hydrostatic pressure over time.
After the primer has had sufficient time to cure, the second day involves applying two (not 1!) layers of clear polyaspartic. These dual coats provide extreme resistance to UV rays, stains, and heavy traffic. This method ensures a 35 mil+ thick floor that can withstand daily use for 20 years or more. It’s a superior option for anyone seeking a long-lasting garage floor coating.
To get the most out of your garage floor coating, regular maintenance is key. Simple tasks like cleaning the floor regularly, avoiding abrasive cleaners, and addressing spills promptly can make all the difference. With the right care, your garage floor will stay strong and beautiful for decades, saving you time and money on repairs or replacements.