Moisture-Related Issues That Hammer One-Day Installations Historically, Cincinnati residents have found the idea of a one-day polyurea-polyaspartic coating system fairly appealing. It has a fast turnaround, and everyone wants things done as quickly as possible these days. However, as with rushing any critical task, this speed can lead to significant problems. Quick fixes lack the thorough preparation necessary for long-lasting results, similar to hastily completed electrical work that could result in dangerous faults. No homeowner or business owner wants to be paying for repairs less than a year after having a pricey floor installed.

(PRUnderground) August 13th, 2024

Moisture-Related Issues That Hammer One-Day Installations

Historically, Cincinnati residents have found the idea of a one-day polyurea-polyaspartic coating system fairly appealing. It has a fast turnaround, and everyone wants things done as quickly as possible these days. However, as with rushing any critical task, this speed can lead to significant problems. Quick fixes lack the thorough preparation necessary for long-lasting results, similar to hastily completed electrical work that could result in dangerous faults. No homeowner or business owner wants to be paying for repairs less than a year after having a pricey floor installed.

The Trouble with Moisture

Moisture can get trapped within the concrete more often than most people realize, which one-day systems often fail to account for adequately. One-day systems use a quick-curing polyurea-polyaspartic as both the primer coat (direct-to-concrete) and the clear top coat. They use these quick-curing coatings throughout to ensure the installation gets completed within the promised one day.

But rapid-curing polyurea-polyaspartics cure even faster in the presence of concrete moisture. So fast, in fact (<1 hour), that it prevents proper penetration and bonding with the concrete substrate when medium to high concrete moisture content is present. This lack of moisture management can result in future bubbling, blistering, and surface lifting as moisture wicks up through the concrete slab with the changing seasons.

The Hidden Pitfall of Warranties

A major concern with one-day systems is their warranty exclusions, particularly concerning moisture-related issues. Many homeowners are unaware that these warranties typically do not cover damages caused by moisture, the most common cause of coating failures.

We’ll say that one more time for the folks in the back: The most common cause of coating failures are moisture-related issues, and that’s what’s excluded on so many of these one-day warranties. That’s like buying a waterproof phone with fine print that says water damage excludes any repairs via the warranty. The least they could do is be up front about it!

So when issues like peeling or bubbling arise, the homeowner is left to cover the repair costs. This exclusion is often buried in the fine print, leaving customers uninformed until it’s too late.

The Comprehensive Two-Day Solution

A two-day installation process offers a more reliable and thorough approach. The first day involves applying a moisture-mitigating, 100%-solids epoxy primer as a moisture vapor barrier. This “high-build” coating deeply penetrates and bonds with the concrete (an epoxy is a slower curing coating; we give it a full day to penetrate and cure). This layer is crucial for managing moisture content effectively, preventing the common issues seen in one-day systems.

On the second day, dual 100%-solids polyurea-polyaspartic top coats are applied. (We have yet to see a one-day company use a 100%-solids top coat; this is why they tend not to warrant staining from hot tire transfer). These top coats, once cured, provide the necessary UV, stain, and chemical resistance required…including staining from hot tire transfer (aka plasticizer migration).

And we’re happy to walk you through our warranties. No secrets here.

Investing in Quality

For homeowners and businesses around Cincinnati, investing in a two-day installation ensures a floor that can withstand the city’s climate and the normal moisture issues you see around the nation. By prioritizing quality over speed, the risks associated with moisture-related issues and warranty exclusions are minimized. This careful and comprehensive approach not only results in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing floor but also provides peace of mind, knowing that the installation has been done correctly and thoroughly.

About GatorGuard Concrete Coatings Cincinnati

”At GatorGuard, we set ourselves apart from other floor coating contractors by offering the highest quality products, comprehensive warranties, and the best installation and customer service. But we don’t stop there—all our epoxy floor coatings are installed with our GatorShield moisture mitigation barrier to help prevent delamination, which can occur from hydrostatic pressure. We also offer a White Glove service, where we will handle the removal, storage, and replacement of all your furniture and belongings, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Contact GatorGuard today to learn more about our epoxy floor coating options and to schedule a consultation at your Cincinnati, OH home.”

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Original Press Release.