Concrete floors are prone to damage and deterioration when they are used frequently. That is why concrete floor repair is important. When concrete is damaged, concrete floor repair can prevent premature deterioration by using a concrete floor coating that preserves the surface of the floor.

The protective layer keeps the concrete from absorbing liquids. This brings about the four main types of floor coatings that can be used: Epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and penetrating sealer. Each one of the substances has a specific function. Your concrete floor coating installer will be able to help you understand which is best for your facility’s floor because of the type of activities that happen within your facility.

Here is the breakdown of the different types of floor coatings:

• Acrylic sealer – Acrylic sealer dries fast. In fact, it is the fastest drying coating and leaves the thinnest coating on the floor. The coating can be used on both exterior and interior surfaces and it can withstand moisture and UV rays. If this coating is used in an area with high traffic, then the floor will need to be re-coated.
• Epoxy sealer – Epoxy sealers are tough. They are the toughest of the tough and they are available to coat floors. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, you will find that epoxy sealers are popular. They are ideal for commercial and residential garages and places where the concrete may undergo a lot of heavy traffic. In general, the epoxy sealant gives the surface an elegant finish. Nonetheless, they are subject to discoloration when constantly exposed to direct sunlight, so they are best used indoors.
• Polyurethane sealer – Polyurethane is twice as thick as acrylic and it can withstand heavy use. However, to get the most out of polyurethane, professional installation is ideal. Professional installation of this and all floor coating types will ensure it is done correctly and that you will get the most out of them.
• Penetrating sealer – Penetrating sealer is called this because it is made up of siloxanes and silanes that can penetrate deep into the concrete. These sealers prevent moisture from causing issues with the concrete. However, they are much like epoxy sealers in that they can discolor under direct sunlight, making them ideal for indoor use.

Your concrete coating installers will help you decide which coating will be best for your concrete. Things that are considered include performance conditions (abrasion, chemical exposure, thermal shock, and impact), the appearance that you desire, the parameters of installation, life expectancy, and the cost. Every concrete floor repair project plan must weigh every possible factor so that the most efficient and cost-effective flooring can be had.

When the job is done right, the flooring can last a very long time. When weighing the cost of repair against replacement, it is easy to see that repairing and coating the floor is much more affordable than removing the old floor and then replacing it with something new.