In Western Colorado, dramatic temperature shifts, snowmelt, and seasonal rains push garage floors to their limit. Many 1-day companies sell quick-cure polyurea and polyaspartic floor coatings as a quick fix—skipping critical moisture mitigation. But industry experts warn this shortcut leads to costly repairs and coating failure.
The Problem: Mountain Moisture Can’t Be Ignored
Western Colorado’s climate means garages endure freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow runoff, and spring rains that saturate the ground. Concrete slabs naturally transmit moisture vapor upward, especially during seasonal transitions. When polyurea or polyaspartic floor coatings are applied directly to concrete, they cure too quickly to bond deeply, especially in the presence of medium to high moisture. This leads to:
- Trapped moisture vapor and hydrostatic pressure that push upwards on the thin, poorly-penetrating direct-to-concrete coat
- Eventual bubbling, blistering, and delamination
- Warranties that exclude moisture-related failures, leaving you with the bill
The Solution: Moisture-Mitigation with Epoxy Primers
Respected manufacturers like Sika, General Polymers, and Dur-A-Flex all agree: polyaspartic or polyurea products should never be applied directly to concrete. Instead, start with a slow-curing, 100%-solids, moisture-mitigating epoxy floor coating primer. This moisture-mitigating coating penetrates deeply, blocks moisture vapor, and creates a strong mechanical bond that ensures long-term performance.
The Proof: Industry Standards Back the Process
ASTM International, ACI, and ICRI have set clear protocols for resinous floor systems:
- Test slabs for moisture content before installation
- Prepare surfaces using CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) standards
- Apply a vapor-barrier epoxy primer before installing polyaspartic floor coatings
ASTM F3010 specifically requires moisture mitigation beneath impermeable coatings to prevent failure.
At Garage Floor Coating Western Colorado, we follow this proven 2-day process. We test every slab, apply moisture-mitigating coatings, and finish with premium polyaspartic floor coatings built for Colorado’s harsh mountain climate. Unlike 1-day companies, our warranty includes coverage of all moisture-related issues.
Don’t settle for shortcuts. Protect your garage floor with Garage Floor Coating Western Colorado—trusted by homeowners across the Rockies.