Polyurea Vs. Epoxy: What's the Difference, Anyway?

Polyurea vs epoxy! This is a common question we hear - "do you use epoxy? What's the difference?" At Atlantis, we are the only licensed dealer in the Tampa Bay area certified to install Penntek polyurea concrete coatings.

Recently, polyurea flooring has become the standard for innovative residential and commercial floor coating, but prior to that, epoxy was the material of choice. Let’s take a look at how these two concrete coating products compare:

DURABILITY

Penntek Polyurea - a polymer/elastomer product that forms a chemical bond to the concrete surface, preventing issues such as peeling and chipping. Because of its elastomer qualities, polyurea is more flexible and moves with the concrete, and is more impact resistant. In high-temperature environments, polyurea’s heat-resistant properties protect the coating. Polyurea's resistance to moisture and chemicals surpasses that of epoxy. It forms a watertight seal, preventing moisture infiltration that could lead to structural damage. Moreover, it exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids and solvents, ensuring longevity even in challenging environments.

Epoxy - a polymer product that does not chemically bond to concrete, making it prone to chipping and peeling. In high-temperature settings, epoxy coatings are prone to hot tire pickup and can also experience degradation and discoloration due to the breakdown of chemical bonds within the coating film. Epoxy tends to be more rigid and may struggle with thermal expansion and contraction.

APPEARANCE

Penntek Polyurea - UV stabilizers prevent the degradation of the coating caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, making it the perfect choice for outdoor applications such as driveways, patios and pool decks. By absorbing and dispersing UV rays, polyurea coatings maintain their color stability and gloss retention over an extended period. When it comes to stains, polyurea forms a moisture-proof protective seal, meaning any spills won't sink in and can easily be cleaned up, even after sitting for a while.

Epoxy - exposure to UV rays makes epoxy prone to yellowing and fading over time. Additionally, the breakdown of chemical bonds within the epoxy film caused by UV exposure can lead to a loss of adhesion and premature coating failure.

VALUE
Epoxy - while epoxy is often a cheaper option, issues with long term durability as well as ongoing maintenance such as topcoat reapplication means more money spent down the road. Epoxy coatings typically last three to five years before you see that wear and deterioration and the floor coating ultimately fails.

Penntek Polyurea - While a polyurea coating may require more investment up front, its superior properties ensure a longer lasting end product. With our lifetime warranty you will be at ease knowing your investment is covered.

In the ongoing debate between polyurea and epoxy coatings, it's clear that polyurea reigns supreme in terms of speed, flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. Its adaptability to various substrates, along with its UV stability and seamless application, further solidify its position as the premier choice for safeguarding and enhancing concrete surfaces. When it comes to protecting your investment, polyurea is the clear winner in the world of concrete coatings.

We can help fix those failed epoxy floors! Message or call us today for a free consultation.