The home driveway is the first thing that guests or people passing by notice. So, it must be in the best possible condition for the entire year. Apart from this, a driveway that is easy to maintain is an additional benefit. This is where epoxy driveway coatings play a significant role. Epoxy coating is the simplest and most cost-effective way to not only improve the aesthetics of driveways but also make them durable and safe. If a homeowner is wondering how long epoxy coated driveway will last, then this article enlists the factors that could affect its lifespan.
● Strength of the driveway surface
The strength of the concrete underneath is one of the most critical factors that affect the durability of epoxy driveway coatings. The layer of concrete on the driveway significantly affects the lifespan of the epoxy coating. Usually, the concrete layer used for the driveways in commercial environments often has at least 3000 PSI. If the strength of the concrete driveway surface is less than 2500 PSI then the epoxy coating might not last long as expected. This problem can be solved by adding densifiers.
● The installation technique
Some homeowners opt for DIY epoxy installation just to save a few bucks. Unfortunately, they end up paying a fortune for their epoxy-coated driveways due to low-quality work. the installation techniques contribute majorly to achieving a strong and durable epoxy driveway coating.
● Epoxy coating thickness
The thickness of the epoxy coating is another factor that affects the lifespan of driveways. For residential applications, the thickness of epoxy coating ranges from 0.4 mm to 1 mm. A thin epoxy coating on the driveway is supposed to wear down much faster than a thicker coat. So, it’s always better to opt for the thick epoxy coating to expand the lifespan of a driveway.
● Maintenance
How homeowners care for and maintain the epoxy driveway also determines that till when the driveway will last. Sweeping the driveway daily and deep-cleaning it at least once a week can help extend the lifespan of epoxy coating.
● The foot traffic
Application of an epoxy coating over concrete driveway help in reducing the wear and tear and also increasing its lifespan. Nonetheless, the driveway with the epoxy coating is prone to wear down faster if it receives heavy foot traffic daily, especially from bulky machinery. It is better to add a top coat of the epoxy surface on the driveway for increased protection.
Conclusion
Epoxy coatings are considered excellent for protecting concrete driveways against chemicals, oils, damage, stains, and general wear and tear. When looking for the option to extend the life of a concrete driveway, sealing it with epoxy resin is a great choice. However, many listed factors can affect the lifespan of epoxy driveway coatings. Taking care of these factors can help homeowners extend the life of the concrete driveway. Moreover, it is always recommended to get the epoxy-coated driveway installed by a professional and skilled driveway contractor.
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