Key Takeaways
- New, next-generation concrete surface coatings are generally formulated with polyurea and polyaspartic elements. While frequently called an epoxy flooring, polyaspartic is not a true epoxy – but it WILL outperform epoxy outdoors.
- Polyaspartic is superior to epoxy resin in that it will not yellow from UV light/sun exposure, it will better absorb the contractions/expansions of the underlying concrete, and it will hold up for longer than epoxy. It is an amazingly durable improvement over epoxy.
- A polyaspartic coating is great for outdoor spaces where you want to enhance the look of your existing concrete, protect the bare concrete, and create a more beautiful and functional patio or walkway!
The Pros and Cons of Using Epoxy Floors for Outdoor Places
Let’s start by zooming out a little and explaining the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic.
Epoxy was the concrete coating of choice twenty years ago. It is an extremely durable, waterproof coating that can last through years of foot traffic and wear-and-tear… in SOME settings.
The Problems with Epoxy for Outdoor Flooring
Epoxy is a two-part resin that dries extremely hard. That’s actually the source of one of its problems.
First, epoxy is so hard that it cannot accommodate the slight expansion and contraction that naturally occurs with the underlying concrete. Over time, those movements will lead to the development of cracks in the epoxy flooring. This is common for epoxies applied in spaces that are not climate controlled (the outdoors and in your garage!).
Second, epoxy is not UV stable, and with continued exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight), it will take on a slightly yellow hue. This can be remarkably ugly, making a space look dirty and dated within a few years of application. Again, an epoxy floor that’s outdoors, like pool decks, garages, or even daylight basements, simply won’t look great after a few years.
How Polyaspartic Outperforms as an Alternative to Outdoor Epoxy
Polyaspartic is the modern replacement (thankfully) for older epoxy coatings. It is far superior to not only epoxy, but floor paint or concrete-specific paint, as well.
Polyaspartic is UV Resistant
Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic coatings offer excellent resistance to ultraviolet light, preventing the yellowing or fading that often affects epoxy floors exposed to sunlight. This feature makes polyaspartic an ideal choice for outdoor spaces where exposure to sunlight is inevitable.
Polyaspartic is Amazingly Durable
Polyaspartic coatings boast superior durability compared to traditional epoxy. They withstand heavy foot traffic, resist wear and tear, and maintain their appearance over time, even in outdoor settings where flooring materials are subjected to harsh conditions.
Here’s why: the polyurea basecoat of a polyaspartic floor coating project adheres to the underlying concrete more strongly than epoxy. Importantly, it has enough flexibility to accommodate the slight movements of concrete, and if the underlying concrete cracks, it can actually maintain its resilience over top of the crack (depending on size, of course). Epoxy will simply crack with the concrete.
Polyaspartic Handles Heat, Too!
Polyaspartic coatings handle HEAT much better than epoxy, meaning that even hot tubs and hot car tires can sit on poly epoxy flooring.
A traditional epoxy coat can “delaminate” when exposed to high heat on a repeat basis. That’s the case with car tires and even hot tubs.
Homeowners with older epoxy flooring in their garage may have seen this: the spot where their car tires rest year after year wind up chipping, flaking, or cracking as the heat causes the epoxy to lose its bond to the concrete sub surface.
Poly doesn’t have this issue and is resilient under high heat situations.
Polyaspartic Works for Outdoor Flooring!
Polyaspartic can provide a lasting layer of protection to outdoor concrete surfaces.
With its robust characteristics, including UV resistance and ability to handle hanging temperatures, polyaspartic is well-suited for outdoor flooring applications. It effectively addresses the common issues faced by epoxy in outdoor environments, making it a reliable choice for spaces like garages, pool decks, patios, and more.
So, Can You Use Epoxy For Outdoor Concrete?
The answer is yes… but not epoxy.
You want a polyaspartic coating for your pool deck, walkways, outdoor cement, sidewalks, and any other space you may be considering improving.
Polyaspartic can beautify any concrete setting, not only improving the aesthetic, but also protecting your investment for years to come. Installed in a day or two, our polyaspartic coating services are a fast, affordable alternative to replacing your concrete – and we provide a 15-year warranty on every project.
If you’re looking for a concrete coating company near the Finger Lakes, Everlast Concrete Coatings is the clear choice. Call today to book a free consultation and quote, and get on our schedule in no time!
FAQs
Can you apply poly or epoxy to wood or metal?
While some people might try it, we probably would not recommend it.
Can you apply poly or epoxy to fiberglass or plaster?
If you’re wondering how polyaspartic might work to fix or replace parts of a fiberglass or plaster pool basin, we also wouldn’t recommend this as a filler. While it might “work” it’s simply not what it was intended for. A good pool technician can help you decide how to repair pools properly.
Can you apply poly or epoxy to asphalt?
Asphalt is much more porous than concrete, and we generally do not apply a polyaspartic coating over top of asphalt or macadam.
Is epoxy or polyaspartic slippery for a pool deck?
For pool decks, we generally recommend a non skid additive for your polyaspartic coating. This is a small amount of “grit” that still looks great but makes your pool deck a little safer as well.
