Epoxy flooring often fails in Spokane winters due to extreme freeze-thaw cycles, low temperatures, and exposure to road salts. These conditions cause cracking, peeling, and delamination, making epoxy a poor choice for the region’s harsh climate. Penntek polyurea coatings, however, provide a durable solution designed to handle cold weather challenges, offering flexibility, strong adhesion, and long-lasting protection. Unlike epoxy, Penntek coatings cure quickly, resist damage from moisture and chemicals, and come with a lifetime warranty. If you’re tired of dealing with cracked or peeling floors, Penntek coatings installed by Croc Coatings might be the right choice for your home or business.

Why Epoxy Flooring Fails in Spokane Winters

Cracking from Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Epoxy flooring struggles to handle the natural expansion and contraction of concrete during Spokane’s freeze-thaw cycles. When temperatures hover around 32°F, concrete expands and contracts, but epoxy’s rigid structure doesn’t flex with it. This mismatch creates stress fractures that eventually turn into visible cracks. Once these cracks form, moisture from snowmelt, winter rain, and de-icing salts seeps beneath the epoxy. When that trapped water freezes, it expands, pushing the coating away from the concrete surface. This cycle not only worsens the cracks but also weakens the bond between the epoxy and the concrete, leading to peeling and delamination.

Peeling and Delamination Problems

Jim Hobart, owner of Croc Coatings, experienced this firsthand in 2010 when his epoxy garage floor in Hayden, Idaho began peeling and delaminating after just a few years. Frustrated, he researched alternatives and eventually introduced Penntek Industrial Coatings to the Spokane and North Idaho market. One major issue with epoxy is that chloride-based road salts can seep into tiny cracks, corroding the concrete and holding moisture that accelerates chemical breakdown. This combination of factors not only causes peeling but also significantly shortens the floor’s lifespan in Spokane’s winter conditions.

Short Lifespan in Cold Weather

Epoxy floors may hold up in warmer climates, but Spokane’s winters are another story. Standard epoxy coatings often show bubbling, sticky patches, and surface wear within just a few years. The cold temperatures, combined with contaminants and inadequate surface preparation, speed up the deterioration process. Unlike epoxy, the Penntek system – designed in Minnesota to withstand similar cold-weather challenges – offers a much longer-lasting alternative. Polyurea coatings, for example, can last 15–25 years or more, far outpacing the performance of traditional epoxy in the Northwest.

sbb-itb-a0e5ae3

Penntek Industrial Coatings: A Better Solution for Winter Weather

Built to Withstand Extreme Cold

Penntek’s polyurea-based coating system is designed to handle Spokane’s challenging freeze-thaw cycles. Unlike epoxy, which can become brittle in cold weather, this coating is flexible enough to expand and contract with your concrete. This adaptability helps prevent cracking, peeling, and delamination, keeping your surfaces intact through harsh winters.

The system forms a seamless, non-porous barrier that blocks moisture, snow, and road salts from reaching your concrete. To ensure a strong bond, Croc Coatings uses 750-lb diamond grinders to prepare the surface, creating both a mechanical and chemical connection that can endure winter stresses. Penntek’s coating is also four times stronger than traditional epoxy and features 100% UV stability, so it won’t yellow or fade, even under the winter sun.

"Epoxy floors just don’t stand up to the freeze/thaw cycles we encounter here in the Northwest. I discovered an innovative product from Penntek Industrial Coatings invented in Minnesota where they have similar climate issues." – Jim Hobart, Owner, Croc Coatings

This level of performance is further supported by extensive warranty coverage.

Lifetime Warranty Coverage

Croc Coatings stands behind every Penntek installation with a warranty that covers chipping, peeling, delamination, and UV damage – problems that often plague epoxy floors during Spokane’s winters. This manufacturer-backed warranty ensures long-term protection, even if local installation teams change over time. Additionally, a $2 million liability policy provides extra peace of mind.

Penntek’s polyurea technology is built to last 15–25 years or more in cold climates, offering a durable solution for years to come.

One-Day Installation and Easy Maintenance

Penntek doesn’t just deliver durability – it also saves time. Thanks to its fast-curing formula, the entire floor can be installed in just one day. It’s walkable in 12 hours and ready for use within 24 hours, far outpacing epoxy curing times that often take days to settle.

The coating’s 100% antibacterial and antimicrobial finish makes it easy to clean up after winter messes like slush, mud, or road salt. Its non-porous surface prevents contaminants from soaking in, so a quick rinse is all it takes – no need for harsh chemicals. For added safety, the coating includes a non-slip texture, providing extra traction during icy conditions. These features make it both practical and safe for winter use.

Why Choose Croc Coatings for Your Spokane Flooring Project

Local Knowledge and Experience

Croc Coatings was born out of a personal challenge faced by founders Jim and Kelley Hobart. After enduring flooring issues caused by Spokane’s freeze-thaw cycles in their Hayden, Idaho home, they set out to find a solution that could handle the Northwest’s tough winters. Today, as the exclusive certified installer for Penntek Industrial Coatings in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, they provide products specifically designed for these extreme conditions.

With a professional team of 20 employees, Croc Coatings ensures consistent quality and dependable service for every project. Their expertise in surface preparation and installation techniques addresses the common delamination issues that standard epoxy often faces in colder climates. This local knowledge allows them to deliver flooring solutions that are both durable and tailored to the region’s unique needs.

Custom Flooring Options for Any Space

Croc Coatings offers a range of options to suit various spaces, whether you’re looking for a tough garage floor, a slip-resistant patio, or commercial-grade flooring for your business. Their online Floor Visualizer makes it easy to explore finishes and colors while providing instant estimates. For homeowners, these professional concrete coatings can even increase property value by as much as 10%.

For businesses, the efficiency of their system is a game-changer. Unlike traditional epoxy that can take a week or more to cure, Croc Coatings’ floors are ready for full use in just 24 hours. The company serves Spokane, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Mead, and the Tri-Cities, maintaining the same high standards across all projects.

Eco-Friendly Materials with Antibacterial Protection

Croc Coatings goes beyond aesthetics by prioritizing health and sustainability. Every finish they apply is eco-friendly and antibacterial, thanks to the Penntek Evolution system, which is 100% antibacterial and antimicrobial – a perfect choice for spaces where hygiene is crucial, such as residential basements, commercial kitchens, and clinics. For commercial kitchens, they can also install custom cove bases where walls meet floors, often required for sanitation compliance.

Their non-porous surfaces are built to resist damage from chemicals, gas, oil spills, and road salts – common culprits during Spokane’s harsh winters – while also being easy to clean without the need for harsh cleaners.

"Our floors are easy to keep clean and 100% antibacterial & antimicrobial." – Jim Hobart, Owner, Croc Coatings

These antibacterial properties are rigorously tested using EPA MB-40 and ASTM/ISO methods, ensuring significant bacterial reduction. Made in the USA, their materials combine environmental responsibility with long-lasting performance.

Applying Epoxies in Cold Temperatures

Conclusion: Protect Your Floors from Spokane Winters

Spokane’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on epoxy flooring, causing it to crack and peel over time. But there’s a better solution.

Penntek polyurea coatings from Croc Coatings offer a durable alternative, providing 4x the strength of standard epoxy while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to your concrete’s natural movements. Originally developed in Minnesota to handle extreme northern climates, these coatings are tailored for the challenging conditions of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. With features like 100% UV stability, antibacterial protection, and a limited lifetime residential warranty, Penntek coatings deliver long-lasting performance – lasting 15–25+ years instead of failing after just a few winters.

"Our Croc Floors are at least 4x stronger than Epoxy. Our Concrete Coatings system is guaranteed not to chip or peel and backed up with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty." – Jim Hobart, Owner, Croc Coatings

Beyond durability, Penntek coatings also offer convenience. With one-day installation, your floors are ready for foot traffic in just 12 hours and can handle full vehicle use within 24 hours.

If you’re tired of dealing with epoxy that can’t withstand Spokane’s winters, it’s time to make a change. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Croc Coatings to discover how Penntek coatings can protect your garage, patio, or commercial space. Use their online Floor Visualizer for instant estimates, or call their team of experts to find the best solution for your floors. Give your space the protection it deserves.

FAQs

Can polyurea coatings be installed in winter?

Yes, polyurea coatings can be applied during winter since they cure well even in low temperatures. Unlike traditional epoxy, these coatings maintain their flexibility and durability in freezing conditions, which makes them a great option for colder climates.

How do I know if my floor is peeling from moisture?

When inspecting surfaces for potential issues, look for visible signs such as bubbling, blistering, or areas where the coating appears to be lifting – these are often noticeable near cracks or in damp environments like basements. To dig deeper, you can use moisture testing tools, such as ASTM F2170 or F1869, to accurately measure moisture levels before applying any coatings. Catching these problems early can save you from bigger headaches down the line and helps ensure the coating adheres properly.

What does the lifetime warranty actually cover?

The lifetime warranty offered by Penntek Coatings ensures their product stands the test of time. It covers protection against yellowing, fading caused by UV rays, and other potential defects. This means your floors remain durable and reliable, even under tough conditions.

Related Blog Posts

• Polyurea vs. Epoxy: Freeze-Thaw Resistance Compared
• How Moisture Affects Concrete in the Pacific Northwest
• Textured Coatings for Harsh Climates
• The Truth About Epoxy Flooring in Idaho Winters