Basement Floor Coatings: A Look at the Latest Trends and Technologies

Premier Concrete Coatings of Columbus is proud of the role it plays in providing flooring solutions in and around Columbus, OH. A basement with a concrete floor is an excellent place for a workshop or convenient storage space. Learn more below about how a new basement floor coating can extend the life of your concrete basement flooring.

Why Homeowners Benefit from Basement Floor Coatings

Many homeowners and business owners have basements that they do not use to their fullest potential because they are worried about damage to the flooring. Other homeowners put off renovations to their basements that could boost home values because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing carpeting, tile, or hardwood floors.

The Benefits of Basement Floor Coatings

Which type of floor coating is best for you? Consider these benefits of common types of floor coatings.

Protection From Ultraviolet Light

When you go into a neglected basement, you can often see colors and patterns that were once vibrant back in the 1970s and 1980s. Over time, these colors faded, making the basement seem even older and washed out. Light from exterior windows and fluorescent lighting can trigger chemical reactions in paints and other pigments that cause them to fade over time. A basement floor coating with a UV-resistant top coat slows the process and preserves the original paint color. Modern interior paints and floor tiles come in a variety of colors, as do basement floor coatings. The range of options makes it easy for homeowners to achieve the style and finish they are looking for and keep it looking bright for decades.

Abrasion Resistance

Modern polymer floor coatings such as polyaspartic and polyurea are fast-drying and sturdy materials that prevent damage from footsteps, falling objects, and other dangers.

Easy Maintenance

As concrete floors and other common basement flooring types get older, pits and scratches can mar their smooth surface and provide hiding places for dirt and stubborn stains. A long-lasting basement floor coating keeps the surface smooth so that it is easier to sweep, vacuum, or mop.

Which Basement Floor Coatings Are Popular Now?

Spills, muddy footsteps, fallen objects, light, and other hazards can slowly strip new home construction or recently remodeled homes of that brand-new look. Many types of basement floor coverings will do an effective job of protecting your flooring. Each floor coating material has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right protective coating or a hybrid of different floor coatings types will increase your satisfaction with the coating once the job is done. The most common types of basement floor coatings are resin epoxy and polyurea. Both of these coatings are scratch-resistant and temperature-resistant.

• Epoxy tends to be more cost-effective
• Polyurea dries more quickly
• Polyurea produces fewer fumes

Epoxy coatings come in a variety of solid colors as well as mixed with metallic colors to create a distinctive marbled look. Some polyurea coatings have chips embedded in them to create a texture and increase traction.

The Modern Application Process for Basement Floor Coatings

Homeowners can get a new floor coating in as little as a day with modern polymer basement floor coatings. Unlike traditional epoxy coatings, polyaspartic and polyurea coatings cure quickly and do not produce as many toxic fumes (volatile organic compounds, or VOC).

Safety First

Whenever anyone paints or applies any coating in an enclosed space, it is essential to wear appropriate protective gear and increase ventilation whenever possible. Anyone in the vicinity during application should wear safety goggles, a respirator, and clothing that protects your skin from the chemicals. Fortunately, polyurea coatings dry quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

Preparation of the Floor

The floor should be smooth, dry, and free of debris before the technician applies the coating. If the floor has any cracks, fill them in with an appropriate sealant before continuing.

Preparation of the Floor Coating Material for the Base Coat

Epoxy floor coatings consist of two materials that you mix together. After you mix them together, a chemical reaction occurs, causing them to gradually harden. With polyurea floor coatings, you will mix two chemicals, an amine, and an isocyanate. Hire a professional to mix the epoxy or polyurea compounds because an improper mixing ratio, an overabundance of moisture, and other factors could affect the final cure.

Application of the Basement Floor Coating

Typically, the technician will use a roller to apply a smooth coating of the mixed compound and allow it to set. The technician might also add an anti-UV sealant and a top coat.

Curing Time

Most epoxy floor coatings can take a day or two to cure to the point where you can move heavy equipment over them without damaging them. Polyurea cures faster, and you can use the floor within hours of application.

Maintenance of Floor Coatings

Your basement floor coating will last longer and your floor will look better if you sweep and mop regularly. Debris, especially grit, can wear away the coating if you grind it under your foot or under caster wheels. Protect your floors from long-term exposure to moisture and stains by setting down mats in high-traffic areas.

Basement Floor Coatings from Premier Concrete Coatings of Columbus

For beautiful floors that stand the test of time, give your concrete flooring the protection it needs with Premier Concrete Coatings of Columbus. Call us at (614) 918-7345 to get a free quote for basement floor coating services in Columbus, OH.