Grand Junction’s diverse weather conditions mean that epoxy floor coatings must be tough enough to handle everything from snow to intense sunlight. Below, we break down the top epoxy flooring terms to help you make the best choice for your concrete space.
Top Epoxy Flooring Terms: Coating Types
Understanding these coating types can help you appreciate how concrete coatings perform under Grand Junction’s unique environmental challenges.
- Epoxy Coating: A high-build, slow-curing, chemical-resistant floor coating. It forms when its Part A resin and Part B hardener are mixed together. Epoxies can be used as color and clear top coats, but shine as moisture-mitigating (direct-to-concrete) primer coats. They deeply penetrate and bond with the concrete substrate creating a moisture vapor barrier. This is especially useful in Grand Junction, where protection against moisture infiltration is essential.
- Polyaspartic Coating: These fast-curing coatings provide UV and chemical resistance, making them a great choice as clear top coats for outdoor spaces. However, polyaspartics can only be applied thinly and fail to deeply penetrate concrete in the presence of moisture. As such, they’re lousy as direct-to-concrete primers. But where the sun is intense and vehicle traffic exists (like garages), using this coating as a top coat is the best choice.
- Moisture Mitigation: A critical step in Grand Junction’s varying climate, moisture mitigation ensures that moisture in the concrete (that produces hydrostatic pressure over time) doesn’t cause the coating to peel or blister.
- Flake System: Colored flakes are broadcast into the “wet” epoxy primer for a decorative finish, providing color, depth and texture. Flake systems are thick and ideal for Grand Junction garages that need both style and durability in snowy, wet conditions. This flooring also possesses the longest warranties.
Top Epoxy Flooring Terms: The Basics
These terms are often used by homeowners and businesses when referring to their epoxy floors, making it easier to communicate your needs to a professional.
- Garage Floor Coating: A common term used to describe multiple layers of epoxy and/or polyaspartic coatings, creating a protective floor coating for garages. In Grand Junction, combining epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are popular choices due to their ability to withstand moisture, staining, UV light and impacts.
- Concrete Paint: A colloquial term used to refer to epoxy or polyaspartic coatings. While actual paint may fade or peel in Grand Junction’s changing weather, epoxy provides long-lasting durability.
Ingredients
Knowing the key ingredients in epoxy flooring helps you understand why it’s such a durable option for your Grand Junction home or business.
- Resin: The base component of the epoxy mixture that binds to concrete and provides a strong, seamless surface.
- Hardener: The chemical catalyst that reacts with resin to cure the epoxy and form a solid surface that resists impact, water, and chemicals.
- Mica Flakes: Often used in Grand Junction for reflectivity and stone-like appearance. These flakes add a luxurious finish while increasing floor durability.
Conclusion
Grand Junction’s climate demands a resilient garage floor coating. With the right understanding of the floor coating industry’s terms, epoxy, polyaspartic, garage floor coating, moisture mitigation, etc., you’ll be equipped to choose a durable, long-lasting solution for your space. Whether it’s your garage, basement, or outdoor area, these terms will guide you to the best options for your floor.