Many Contractors Don’t Disclose This Information to Homeowners!

Polyaspartic epoxy flooring is a trendy coating material for homeowners remodeling their garages or basements. By now, you’ve probably seen the ads and websites claiming all sorts of benefits.

What those websites don’t tell you are the significant risks and downsides associated with this fashionable new trend in flooring, downsides that many contractors do not disclose to homeowners.

Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of polyaspartic epoxy flooring and why it is essential to be aware of them before choosing this material for your next home renovation project.

1. Toxic fumes during installation

The installation process requires the mixing of chemicals that can release toxic fumes. These fumes can cause respiratory problems, nausea, headache, and dizziness if inhaled. They are hazardous to pets, too! To avoid these health hazards, it is crucial to ensure adequate ventilation during the installation, wear protective gear, and avoid staying in the room during the application. In some cases, these fumes can linger for days, so you may end up needing to stay at a hotel or a family’s house during and after installation, because your home may be toxic until it airs out.

2. Slippery surface when wet

Polyaspartic epoxy can become highly slippery when wet, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. This issue is especially critical for high-traffic areas or spaces with children and seniors, where falls can be highly dangerous. This is one of the reasons homeowners looking for new flooring for their garage, basement, or outdoor patio are taking a pass on this short-lived trend. It’s not worth the risk!

3. Not eco-friendly

Polyaspartic flooring is not environmentally friendly. It is made of synthetic substances that can harm the ecosystem, and the formula is not time-tested in the way other epoxies are. Once applied, it cannot be removed or recycled easily, either, which means it will likely end up in a landfill when you inevitably have it removed and replaced with something else. If you’d like your house to be a little more “green,” this is not the flooring for you!

4. Chemical reactions with other materials

This type of flooring can react with other materials, such as concrete, wood, or metal, causing discoloration, bubbling, and cracking over time. This problem can arise if the surface is not adequately prepared before installation, or simply with normal wear and tear. The truth is, lifespans of just five years are not unheard of with this kind of flooring – yet another reason to avoid trends and stick with time-tested methods!

5. Costly maintenance and repairs

Polyaspartic flooring may seem like a durable and long-lasting option, but it requires regular maintenance and repairs to sustain its appearance. The cost of all this cleaning, polishing, and reapplications of the coating can add up, making it a more expensive option in the long run compared to other materials. Additionally, if the material is damaged – and if you have it in a basement or garage, it will be – it may require professional repair, which can be costly.

Polyaspartic epoxy flooring may seem to offer some benefits, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks. Before signing a contract, ensure that you understand its disadvantages and consult with a reputable contractor who can provide you with all the necessary and true information you need to make an informed decision. Your safety and wellbeing are essential, and they should not be compromised by the allure of a shiny and modern-looking floor.

If you’d like an alternative, consider Nature Stone®, which boasts three decades on the market and counting. This patent-pending formula was designed from the ground up for use in garages, basements, and outdoor areas. Nature Stone® easily outperforms anything else on the market, looks fantastic, has a wide variety of design options, and will last for years. It even comes with a 10-year, unconditional warranty. You won’t find any other flooring installer who stands behind their product like that!