What Is The Best Basement Floor Covering?
Basements are utilized for countless different things by homeowners. From workout spaces and storage, to an additional living space and laundry, basements can be used for just about anything. No matter what purpose your basement serves, it’s always a good idea to maintain it as you would the rest of your home. The best place to start is your floor as it can serve as a barrier to protect your prized possessions.
When it comes to basement flooring, concrete coatings remain the best option due to their durability and low maintenance. Concrete coatings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they protect your concrete and increase its lifespan. Although there are many different basement floor coatings, one concrete coatings system outshines them all. Let’s take a look at what that concrete coatings system is and compare it to the other options.
Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings
Polyurea/polyaspartic concrete coatings are the best coatings option available for many different reasons. Unlike traditional epoxy coatings, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings have very low VOC levels (volatile organic compounds) that are not environmentally friendly. This also lowers the amount of toxic odors emitted into the air. Another factor that limits the odor is its remarkably fast cure time.
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are fully cured in 24 hours whereas epoxy coatings typically take 3-5 days to dry. Their quick turnaround time creates less of a hassle for homeowners as their basement is only out of service for 1 day vs. up to 5 with epoxy.
Unlike traditional epoxy, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are 100% UV stable. This means that they will not yellow or discolor over time when exposed to UV rays. This is crucial for basements that are exposed to excessive sunlight in certain areas. Over time those areas would begin to discolor and have a different appearance than the parts of the floor.
When polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are installed by professionals, they typically come with a 15 year warranty on residential applications. This warranty is provided with the consideration of wear and tear from vehicles, exposure to weather elements, etc. When you apply these coatings in a basement that only sees foot traffic, they are almost guaranteed to last forever. Choosing a flooring option that will only have to be installed once will end up saving you time and money.
Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy coatings were a very popular flooring option for basements in the past. They appeal to many people because they are available in a flake finish, metallic or solid color finishes. Due to their extensive cure time (3-5 days), many homeowners opt for faster options. They also have a higher VOC content and paired with their lengthy dry time make for a stronger odor that lingers longer periods of time.
They are still a favored option when a metallic or solid colored finish is desired. Due to the way that polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are designed, it is difficult to achieve certain solid colors and impossible to achieve a metallic finish. Epoxy coatings are also still used for DIY projects as they are more forgiving and user-friendly than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings.
Concrete Floor Paint
If you decide to opt for paint on your concrete floor, make sure that paint is designed for concrete floors. Concrete floor paints are available as latex or oil-based and provide a satin, slip-resistant finish. Latex floor paints are harder and more stain resistant as they contain a small amount of epoxy resin. Concrete floor paint is not proven to last and needs to be removed and reapplied every few years. This option is typically used in for homeowners looking for a cheap, quick fix.
How Much Do Concrete Coatings Cost?
The cost of basement floor coatings will vary depending on which option you choose. The cheapest option (initially) will be concrete floor paint. This option, however, will end up being more costly in the long run due to the fact it only lasts a few years. On average, epoxy typically runs about $2-$3 a square foot less than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings. Again, epoxy coatings do not last as long and will need to be removed and replaced within 5-10 years.
Now that you’ve learned about your coatings options and your particular needs for the coatings, you can make an educated decision on which is best for you. If you are looking for a quick fix that you can do yourself, concrete floor paint is going to be your best option. When seeking a diy friendly option that will last for a considerable amount of time, epoxy will be your best choice. But, if you want a professional coating installed that is going to look amazing for a lifetime, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are the option for you.
Looking for a coatings company in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis or their surrounding areas? If so, call Your1DayFloor today or fill out our inquiry form on our website to schedule your free estimate!
Phone: (833) 969-1329
157 W North St, West Milton, OH 45383, United States
