Polyaspartic Floor Coating in Dublin, CA

Polyaspartic floor coating is a type of polyurea that cures much faster than standard epoxy and holds up far better in sunlight. In Dublin, CA we use it as a full system or as the clear topcoat over an epoxy base, mostly on garages whose doors face the afternoon sun and on households that cannot go a week without parking inside.

How it compares with epoxy

HomeGuide's comparison lays out the main differences. Polyaspartic runs about $5 to $12 per square foot installed, against $4 to $10 for epoxy. It reaches full cure for vehicles in about 24 to 48 hours, while epoxy can take up to a week. It is rated excellent for UV resistance where epoxy is rated poor to fair, and it is more flexible, which helps on slabs that move a little with the seasons. Epoxy goes on thicker per coat, 10 to 20 mils compared with 2 to 6 mils, which is why many floors use an epoxy base under a polyaspartic top.

Why UV matters in the Tri-Valley

Wikipedia's climate data for Pleasanton shows average highs of 89°F in July and August and almost no summer rain, and Livermore's record high is 116°F. Long, clear summers mean a lot of sun on any floor that sees daylight. A garage with the door open on weekend afternoons, a covered patio, or a dealership with big front windows will yellow a plain epoxy over time. A polyaspartic clear coat keeps the color stable.

Flexibility on moving slabs

Dublin's soils include clays with high shrink-swell potential, according to a PG&E environmental report on the Tri-Valley, and the Calaveras Fault passes through or near the city. Slabs here move a small amount between wet winters and dry summers. A more flexible coating copes with minor movement better than a brittle one. It will not bridge a crack that keeps opening, so we still look at every crack before we coat.

The trade-offs

Polyaspartic sets fast, which leaves little working time. It needs an experienced crew, fast rollers and a plan for each section of floor. That is the main reason HomeGuide lists it as not DIY-friendly. It also costs more per square foot. On floors that see no sun and no time pressure, an all-epoxy system can be the more economical choice, and we will tell you if that is the case.

Good uses for polyaspartic

• Garages with west- or south-facing doors
• Homes with one garage and nowhere else to park
• Covered patios and outdoor kitchens on concrete
• Retail and sales floors with lots of window light
• Topcoat over an epoxy flake or metallic floor

Living with it

Mop with a neutral cleaner, wipe up spills and keep grit off the surface with a walk-off mat at the door. A polyaspartic topcoat that is worn but still bonded can often be sanded and recoated later without stripping the whole floor.