Tiles, Epoxy or Polyaspartic? Garage Floor Coating Edition
Long gone are the days when your garage stayed hidden away and uncared for. In millennial, homes garages are the designated hangout spot and of course a place to park your ride.
The first step to revamping your garage is perhaps switching up the flooring. Cracked and chipped concrete bids adieu as garage floor coatings become popular. Another common option is garage tiles.
This article draws an unbiased comparison between the two for those struggling to make a choice.
Garage Tiles vs. Epoxy Coating vs. Polyaspartic / Polyurea Coating
Durability and Usability
Garage tiles are fairly durable with many of the best versions lasting up to 10-12 years. Garage tile are best for regions with perilous weather conditions as they come in different textures which improve usability. For example, users residing in areas with heavy snow will benefit from heavy duty textured tiles.
Epoxy is high performance and very long lasting. It is also resistant to scratches and most chemicals. Epoxy is known to last up to 20 years. However epoxy's rigid surface makes it vulnerable to abrasion. The completely smooth surface makes epoxy unsuitable for spaces that require friction. Areas with frequent rain or snow require footing that epoxy doesn't offer.
Polyaspartic is the most durable out of the three. It dries hard but maintains some amount of flexibility which makes it resistant to chips, scratches and scuffs. Polyaspartic like epoxy is frictionless. An easy fix is adding traction additives which make the garage floor coating slip resistant.
Pricing
Garage tiles are cheaper when compared to the other two options.
Epoxy stands in the middle with prices higher than tiles but still lower than polyaspartic.
Polyaspartic is the costliest option. Even though it is a worthy investment, you might want to reconsider if you don't have enough budget.
Installation
Installing garage tiles require a clean and dry floor so as to not lock in moisture underneath which can lead to mold. The tools needed to snap the tiles in place are simple enough - tape measure, pens and a power saw.
Before applying an epoxy coating you need to make sure that there is not too much moisture coming up from the concrete. Moisture interferes with the bonding between the floor and the coating. Epoxy vapors are hazardous so you will also need protective breathing gear. Also, very sensitive to temperature, epoxy is hard to apply in extreme heat or cold.
Polyaspartic floor coatings are reactive to moisture as well. In case the concrete is gives off too much moisture, installing a moisture barrier should resolve the issue. Polyaspartic is safe to work with. Its quick drying time means no more waiting hours for the coating to cure. Designed to cure within an hour, speedy and professional application changes the look of your garage in the blink of an eye.
Working with polyaspartic is versatile and can be done in any weather and temperature conditions.
Personalization and Aesthetics
There is only so many ways you can personalize your garage with tiles. While they work well if you're looking for a classic garage look, it is difficult to find tiles in styles other than the same few ones.
Epoxy is easy to manipulate and will present you with wide array of styles to choose from. From finish to color to mix-ins you can personalize your garage floor any way you want.
Polyaspartic offer an amazing variety of aesthetics for your garage. It is very pliable and sits well with many different colours, chip additives etc. Spruce up your garage with a fresh floor with the visuals of your choice.
Which Is Better Tiles, Epoxy or Polyaspartic?
Even though the answer to this question is subjective, experienced floor coating providers seem to think that Polyaspartic polyurea and epoxy coatings are the best money can buy.
Zone Garage offers the best epoxy and Polyaspartic garage floor coatings in all of Oklahoma City. Expert professionals and 1-day installation process transforms your garage in virtual no time!