The decision to apply a Floor Shield coating to your garage or any other concrete floor is not only an investment in aesthetics but also in protection. The cost can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, which often leads our customers to ask, “What exactly determines the cost of Floor Shield?” and “What factors cause the overall price to fluctuate?”
We’ll answer these questions honestly. After all, it’s better for you and us if everyone is informed on everything that contributes to the cost, as this avoids potential confusion and frustration.
Floor Shield Cost Per Square Foot
While Floor Shield does not have a price cap for our dealers, you’ll typically see a pricing range of $6.50 to $9 per square foot. This range can fluctuate slightly depending on your region. For smaller projects, the cost per square foot may be higher to account for the time and effort required to set up equipment and complete the job efficiently.
The size of the area you wish to coat is the most obvious and significant variable in determining the cost of Floor Shield coatings. Larger spaces naturally require more material, labor, and time. Therefore, it is no surprise that the cost increases with the size of the project. A Floor Shield dealer will measure your space to get an accurate cost estimate.
The ease of access to the work area can also affect the cost. Areas that are difficult to reach or confined spaces may require additional labor and specialized equipment, potentially increasing the overall cost of the project. Discussing these accessibility challenges with your installer is essential to ensure an accurate cost estimate.
For Comparison:
- Typically, epoxy coatings fall within the $3 to $10 per square foot range.
- Polyurea coatings come in between $6 to $8 per square foot.
Why Are Epoxies and Polyureas Cheaper than Polyaspartics?
Epoxies, a well-established coating system that have been around for many decades, offer several advantages:
- Exceptional adhesion
- Competitive pricing
- Versatility across various applications
While we manufacture epoxies at Floor Shield, we believe that for your garage, patio, basement, or pool deck, superior alternatives exist. Epoxies generally require a multi-day installation, lack UV stability (resulting in yellowing), and emit a strong, enduring odor.
Yellowing Garage Floor Apron: Source Floor Shield Dealer Network
Your superior alternative is the Polyurea coating system. Most polyureas are "blended systems," involving a polyurea base coat and a polyaspartic top or clear coat, which offer the following benefits:
- Installation of most residential applications in a single day.
- A moderate price range.
- Minimal odor.
Like epoxies, polyureas lack UV stability, and according to independent laboratory tests, they exhibit 40% less adhesion than Floor Shield Polyaspartic. Adhesion is the most critical factor in any coating.
Polyaspartics represent cutting-edge technology and the fastest-growing sector in the concrete coatings industry. Floor Shield Polyaspartics can be applied in just a few hours, remain UV stable, and contain no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
What Are the Benefits of Concrete Coating?
Floor Shield offers an extensive list of benefits that affect the price of the product. These include:
- Superior adhesion
- Unmatched abrasion resistance
- Excellent stain resistance (including hot tire pickup)
- Low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- UV Stability
- Variety in color and flake options
- Anti-slip
- Ease of installation
- Same-day floors
How Do You Prepare Concrete for Coating?
The level of surface preparation required will affect the cost of Floor Shield coatings. If your floor has imperfections that need correction, such as uneven surfaces or high moisture content, additional work and materials will be necessary, such as:
- Testing the floor for its concrete hardness using a Moh’s test.
- Testing the floor for moisture content using a moisture meter.
- Laying out materials to safeguard areas that you don’t want to be coated over.
- Floor Shield can coat over hairline cracks. For bigger cracks, your installer will need to patch them.
- For uneven concrete, parts of your floor will need to be ground down or leveled to get a flat surface for optimal adhesion.
Coating an outdoor pad often presents more obstacles than an indoor pad, such as natural foliage or exposure to the elements. Depending on the specific challenges posed by your outdoor space, the cost may increase to account for additional work or materials needed.
Is Epoxy Flooring Good for Commercial Use?
In certain cases, Floor Shield may recommend using our epoxy line for specific projects, like large manufacturing facilities that lack direct sunlight and have extensive square footage. These epoxies are a viable way to protect the facility's floor while reducing the overall project cost.
In most cases, though, the Floor Shield product’s universal applicability allows us to use the same product for both commercial and residential settings. Our premium product is designed to excel in any environment.
In commercial settings, Floor Shield may apply an initial moisture vapor barrier epoxy coating. This not only enhances the floor's protection but also makes it more resistant to potential water-related damage, extending the coating's lifespan. This additional step will slightly increase the cost, but it offers long-term benefits.
Can Polyaspartic Coatings Be Applied in Cold Weather?
One factor that does not vary in cost is the climate-specific blends offered by Floor Shield, one of which can be applied in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. These different formulas are tailored to specific environmental conditions to ensure optimal performance. Whether you are in a hot and dry climate or a cold and damp one, Floor Shield has a solution that doesn't impact the overall cost.
Floor Shield Warranty
The warranty offered by Floor Shield varies between residential and commercial projects. For residential jobs, a 15-year non-prorated warranty is provided, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners. In contrast, commercial warranties are determined on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the specific demands of the business. For example, a car dealership might receive a different warranty compared to a church due to differing levels of potential wear and tear.
Conclusion
The cost of Floor Shield coatings is influenced by a variety of factors, which include:
- The size of the area, which is the most important variable
- Inspection and testing
- Accessibility
- Repairs
- Surface preparation
- Crack patching
Floor Shield provides a consistent and high-quality flooring solution for both residential and high-moisture commercial settings, ensuring long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal. We recommend considering other options if your floor gets minimal sunlight and has low exposure to the elements, though. If you believe Floor Shield may be right for you, scroll down to get a free, no-obligation quote today.
