Epoxy coating is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade your driveway, making it more attractive, durable, and safe. Some of the benefits of epoxy driveways over traditional concrete surfaces are that they are easy to maintain, come in limitless finishes, and are incredibly durable.
But how long can you expect your epoxy driveway to last? Typically, epoxy coatings can last up to 20 years. However, the actual lifespan will depend on several factors.
Read on to learn more about the lifespan of epoxy driveway coating and how you can extend the life of your investment.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Epoxy Driveways
Epoxy comprises two chemicals: an epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. It is the strongest of all resins used on floors and other concrete surfaces. After mixing the two chemicals and applying the mixture on your driveway, it creates a durable surface that will stand the test of time. But what is the actual duration you should expect it to last?
There is no definitive answer on how long epoxy would last on a driveway. The durability will depend on various factors:
Strength of the Driveway Surface
The strength of the concrete underneath is one of the major factors that affect the durability of epoxy coatings. The layer of concrete on your driveway will significantly impact the lifespan of your epoxy coating.
Concrete floors used in commercial environments often have at least 3000 PSI. If the strength of your concrete surface is below 2500 PSI, it may not last long as expected. You can solve this problem by adding densifiers.
The Installation Technique
Some homeowners opt for DIY epoxy installation to save some money. Unfortunately, they end up paying a fortune for their epoxy driveways while getting low-quality work.
The application technique plays an integral role in achieving a strong, attractive, and durable epoxy coating. It is advisable to hire a reputable epoxy floor installation professional to ensure quality work that will stand the test of time.
Epoxy Coating Thickness
Epoxy coating thickness is another factor that affects its longevity on driveways. The thickness ranges from 0.4 millimeters to 1 millimeter for residential applications.
A thin epoxy coating on your driveway will wear down faster than a thicker coat, meaning you will have to replace it sooner.
The Foot Traffic
Applying an epoxy coating over your concrete driveways helps minimize wear and tear, increasing its lifespan. Nonetheless, your driveway will eventually wear down if it receives heavy foot traffic every day, especially from heavy machinery like forklifts. Consider adding a top coat to your epoxy surface for increased protection.
Maintenance
How you care for and maintain your epoxy driveway will also determine how long it will last. Sweeping your epoxy driveway daily and deep-cleaning it at least once a week can help extend its lifespan.
Why Choose Polyaspartic Coating Over Epoxy Coating for Driveways?
Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are excellent for protecting concrete driveways against damage, chemicals, oils, stains, and general wear and tear. However, many property owners prefer polyaspartic coatings for their driveways due to their numerous advantages over epoxy coatings.
One of the significant benefits of a polyaspartic coating over epoxy coating is its shorter cure time. It takes a polyaspartic coat 30 to 60 minutes to cure, making your concrete surface ready for use quickly. On the other hand, an epoxy coating requires about a week to be ready for use.
Another advantage of polyaspartic coatings is that they are resistant to UV exposure. However, epoxy surfaces usually fade or turn yellow over time due to sunlight exposure.
Epoxy floors will yellow or fade, while polyaspartic coatings are immune to UV exposure. Polyaspartic coatings are also resistant to chemicals and robust enough to withstand heavy use. They can hold up against:
- Vehicle weight
- Weather fluctuations
- Dropped tools
- Foot traffic
While you cannot apply epoxy in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you can apply a polyaspartic coat in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This factor should be a critical consideration if you want to coat your concrete surfaces during the cooler months.
Get a Free Quote
Are you ready to transform your driveway with an epoxy coating? The experts at Epoxy Power can help. We are the leading provider of one-day epoxy flooring and refinishing services in greater Los Angeles, CA. You can count on us for the best quality epoxy driveways at competitive prices.
We back our projects with a 20-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing that you are getting a top-quality product that will last for decades to come. Contact the professionals at Epoxy Power today at (818) 835-8000 to get a free quote for your epoxy driveway coating.
