Concrete Floor Coatings Questions Answered
Your Concrete Coatings Questions Answered by Fortress Floors Virginia Sales Staff
When Richmond-area homeowners start exploring concrete floor coatings for their garage, basement, patio, or pool deck, they often have a lo
t of questions. Over the years, our sales staff has met with hundreds of homeowners in the greater Richmond area, Charlottesville, Williamsburg and everywhere in between—so we know exactly what people are most curious (and cautious) about.
Below is a collection of the most frequently asked questions we receive, along with clear, helpful answers you can trust as you plan your own project.
1. What is the difference between polyurea and epoxy concrete floor coatings?
This is the question we get more than any other.
Epoxy is an older technology—rigid, brittle, and prone to peeling, yellowing, and hot-tire pickup.
Polyurea, however, is:
- 4X stronger than epoxy
- Flexible, so it expands and contracts with freeze–thaw cycles
- 100% UV stable (no yellowing or fading)
- Resistant to salts, chemicals, and moisture
- Installed and cured much faster
Fortress Floors Virginia uses a 100% solids polyurea base coat with a polyaspartic top coat—the most advanced system available for residential coatings today.
2. How long does the installation take?
Most Richmond area homeowners are surprised when we tell them:
Most projects are installed in just ONE DAY.
You can walk on the surface the next day and move items and cars back in 48 hours after top coat is applied.
Basements, garages, patios, pool decks, porches, and sidewalks—almost all are completed start-to-finish in a single day.
3. Is the coating slippery?
This is a big concern—especially for basements, pool decks, and porches.
- Our standard finish has a slip-resistant texture, like an orange peel.
- For wet areas (pool decks, bathrooms, entryways), we can add extra traction.
- For indoor comfort (basements, playrooms), we can make it smoother.
Your coating’s texture is fully customizable.
4. Will it hold up to flooding or moisture?
The answer: YES.
Polyaspartic is non-porous, meaning water cannot penetrate it.
Benefits include:
- No mold or mildew growth
- No musty smells
- Easy cleanup
- No discoloration or peeling
Basements in Mechanicsville, Richmond, Chesterfield, Charlottesville and Williamsburg will benefit tremendously from this moisture-resistant system.
5. What color options do you offer?
Fortress Floors Midwest Pro offers:
- 30 core flake blends
- Unlimited custom combinations
- On-site samples during your estimate
- A Floor Visualizer tool to preview colors digitally
From charcoal and granite to tans, browns, and bold multicolor blends, there’s a look for every style.
6. How long will my new floor last?Decades.
Because polyurea is flexible, UV stable, and impact resistant, it resists:
- Cracking
- Peeling
- Hot-tire pickup
- Stains
- Salt and chemical damage
Every residential project includes a 15-Year Transferable Warranty on peeling and discoloration.
7. Is there a strong odor during installation?
No. Customers are often surprised to learn that our coatings:
- Contain no harmful VOCs
- Are safe for families, pets, and indoor air quality
- Produces minimal smell that dissipates quickly
This makes them ideal for basements, mudrooms, and interior spaces.
8. Can you install the coating in winter?
Yes! Winter won’t slow us down.
Our polyurea system can be installed in temperatures as low as 0°F, meaning:
- Year-round scheduling
- No waiting for summer
- Less downtime for your family
- For outdoor projects and our installers safety we may adjust installation schedules based on temperatures
- Rain and snow on the day of installation might require a reschedule
This is one of the main reasons homeowners choose polyurea over epoxy, which requires much warmer conditions.
9. Do you use subcontractors?
No. Never.
Fortress Floors Virginia uses:
- Full-time, professionally trained installers
- Technicians instructed by our product suppliers
- Employees who follow our strict installation process—no exceptions
This ensures consistent, high-quality results on every project.
10. How much does a concrete coating cost?
Pricing depends on:
- Square footage
- Condition of the concrete
- Custom color choices
- Indoor vs. outdoor location
Free written estimates are always provided
Financing is available for residential customers (with credit approval)
Most homeowners are pleasantly surprised by how affordable these long-lasting coatings can be.
11. What areas do you service?
Fortress Floors Virginia proudly serves Central Virginia, including:
Metro Richmond
Chesterfield, Midlothian, Powhatan, Henrico, Ashland, Mechanicsville, New Kent, Dinwiddie, Chester, Goochland, Louisa
Charlottesville area
Charlottesville, Keswick, Crozet, Fluvanna, Orange County, Gordonsville
Williamsburg Area
Williamsburg, Toano, Charles City, Yorktown, Gloucester, Northern Neck, Lanexa
Have More Questions? Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!
The Fortress Floors Virginia team is here to help you choose the best coating for your garage, basement, patio, porch, pool deck, or driveway.
📞 Call us at 804-945-0405
🗓 Book your free estimate online
💬 Ask about financing options
Whether you’re worried about moisture, looking to add style, or ready to transform your concrete, Fortress Floors Virginia has a solution you’ll love for decades.