What is the price to strip old polyurea and reapply new polyaspartic in Ottawa?

Stripping old polyurea and reapplying new polyaspartic coating in Ottawa typically costs between $12 to $22 per square foot, with the removal process accounting for roughly half of that expense. This is significantly more expensive than applying coating to bare concrete because polyurea creates an extremely durable, chemically-bonded surface that requires aggressive mechanical removal methods.

The removal process involves diamond grinding or shot blasting to mechanically strip the existing polyurea coating down to bare concrete. This is labor-intensive work that generates substantial dust and requires professional equipment. In Ottawa's market, coating removal alone runs $4 to $8 per square foot depending on the polyurea thickness, adhesion strength, and floor area. Larger floors benefit from economies of scale, while smaller residential garages face higher per-square-foot costs due to equipment mobilization.

After removal, the concrete surface requires thorough cleaning and profile assessment before the new polyaspartic application. The polyaspartic coating itself costs $8 to $15 per square foot installed, depending on whether you choose a single-coat system or a multi-coat decorative finish with flake broadcast. For a standard 500-square-foot garage, expect total project costs between $6,000 and $11,000 for complete polyurea removal and polyaspartic replacement.

Ottawa Climate Considerations

Ottawa's extreme temperature swings make polyaspartic an excellent choice for replacement coating. Unlike the original polyurea, polyaspartic can be applied in temperatures as low as -10°C with certain formulations, extending your application window. However, the removal work should be scheduled during moderate weather when dust control and ventilation are manageable. Spring through fall represents the optimal window for this type of project, allowing proper concrete drying after removal and ideal curing conditions for the new coating.

The project requires multiple site visits - initial assessment, removal work (typically 1-2 days for residential), concrete preparation, and final coating application. Most contractors require 5-7 days minimum between removal and coating to ensure the concrete has stabilized and any residual moisture has evaporated.

This type of project definitely requires professional expertise. The removal process demands specialized equipment, proper dust containment, and experience identifying when all coating has been successfully removed. For contractor recommendations, you can browse flooring specialists through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com, where you'll find professionals experienced with both coating removal and polyaspartic application in Ottawa's challenging climate conditions.