Epoxy flooring offers a vast array of aesthetic choices to compliment any space. It covers blemishes and inconsistencies on the floor while offering many advantages over bare concrete.
Its non-porous surface seals the cement underneath, preventing damage, mildew growth and stains from oil or other vehicle fluids. Epoxy is also very durable and creates a smooth and seamless surface.
Durability
When choosing flooring for a garage, workshop, or showroom floor, durability is a major consideration. The surface needs to be able to withstand heavy equipment, vehicles, and even dropped tools. It should also be resistant to stains, cracks, and scratches. This is why epoxy flooring is so popular for industrial and commercial applications. It is extremely durable and comes in a variety of colors. In addition, it can be topped with anti-slip additives to make it safe for people and machines alike.
How long your epoxy floor lasts will depend on how heavily it is used. A lot of different factors can affect its lifespan, including the amount of traffic and the types of machinery that are used on it. The type of concrete and the amount of preparation work that is done on it will also influence how long it lasts.
Most epoxies take up to a week to fully cure and harden. While this is an inconvenience, it is necessary for the epoxy to get stronger and have better endurance. This is especially true for solventless epoxies that are applied thicker than water or oil-based epoxies.
Epoxy flooring is one of the strongest and most durable floor coatings available. It can withstand extremely high temperatures, which makes it the perfect choice for warehouses or commercial kitchens that operate in hot environments. It can also withstand the pressure of parked cars and equipment, which is why it’s so common in garages.
The packaging for most epoxies will describe the compressive, flexural, and tensile strength in pounds per square inch (psi). These strengths indicate how much a particular epoxy can withstand before it fails or breaks. If you need a floor that can withstand heavy impact or a lot of movement, it is best to choose an epoxy with a high flexural and tensile strength.
The best way to ensure that your epoxy floors last as long as possible is by regularly performing maintenance on them. Regular cleaning and dust mopping helps keep dirt and other debris from getting trapped in the epoxy, which can cause it to wear down or become damaged. Adding walk-off mats at entranceways can further help protect your floors from dirt and moisture, and frequent inspections are important for identifying and addressing any damage.
Resistant to Chemicals
Epoxy flooring provides a strong barrier to chemicals that can damage the surface. It is also resistant to stains from spilled chemicals and can be cleaned up easily. This makes epoxy flooring a great choice for environments where chemicals are used frequently, such as in manufacturing installations.
Another great feature of epoxy is its resistance to heat. While traditional floor paints or sealers may soften or degrade when exposed to extreme temperatures, epoxy-coated garage floors are designed to withstand the heat generated by car tires and other sources of thermal stress. This means that homeowners can park their vehicles on an epoxy-coated garage floor without worrying about damaging the surface or causing harm to the tires.
Epoxy-coated garage floors are also resistant to impact and abrasion. This means that the floor will not be damaged by dropped tools or other items commonly used in a garage space, such as metal wheeled tool boxes or floor jacks. The high level of abrasion resistance of epoxy flooring is a great benefit for garages that are often used as a workshop or workspace, as it ensures that the floors will not become scratched or chipped.
However, a key consideration for anyone considering epoxy flooring is the proper care and maintenance required. The floor must be regularly swept and vacuumed to remove dirt and debris that can damage the surface. It is also important to clean up any chemical spills immediately, as the chemicals can penetrate and damage the epoxy coating.
It is essential that an experienced concrete floor contractor prepares the underlying garage floor correctly before applying the epoxy coating. DIY concrete surface prep is rarely sufficient for garage floor epoxy applications, and the lack of professional preparation can lead to premature failure and costly repairs. It is also a good idea to regularly use a moisture and salt meter in the garage, as these can help identify any problems with the concrete surface before they cause serious damage to the epoxy coating.
Proper maintenance of an epoxy garage floor will help to extend its life and improve the performance of the system. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floor on a regular basis, as well as cleaning up any spills or leaks right away. It is also a good idea to install an antimicrobial additive to the epoxy, which will prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the garage.
Resistant to Scratches
One of the main reasons that epoxy floors are so popular is that they’re resistant to scratches and abrasions. They’re also incredibly durable, meaning that they can stand up to heavy usage without damaging the concrete beneath. This makes them ideal for a garage floor, where cars are driven in and tools and other equipment are used on a regular basis.
Epoxy floors aren’t just abrasion-resistant, but they’re also impact-resistant as well. They can handle the shocks of dropped items, such as metal wheeled tool boxes or free weights (if your garage doubles as a gym). They’re even suitable for jack stands and drop-offs. In fact, an epoxy floor can withstand a vehicle’s engine oil spilling on its surface, as long as it’s cleaned promptly.
Because epoxy is a seamless flooring material, it’s very easy to clean and maintain. A quick sweep and occasional mop are all you need to keep your garage floor looking pristine. You can also use gentle detergents for regular cleaning sessions, as these will not damage the epoxy’s surface.
As a bonus, epoxy floors are slip-resistant. This can help prevent falls and injuries, especially in busy spaces where safety is paramount. It’s also possible to request slip-resistant additives like sand, gravel, polymer grit, aluminum oxide, or mortar for extra safety protection. Additionally, the shiny finish of epoxy floors reflects light, enhancing visibility and making it easier to spot potential hazards or snags.
With all the benefits of epoxy floors, they’re a cost-effective option for any space that requires high levels of durability and versatility. They’re a great choice for residential garages and commercial workspaces, as they can be customized to match any aesthetic or functional requirement. With a wide range of colors and finishes available, you can create the perfect flooring for your space.
Resistant to Slips
Epoxy coatings are very durable and provide a non-slip surface. They are made with a non-slip aggregate or grit that is broadcast into the epoxy flooring and bonded to it by the top coat during the installation process. This grit provides excellent slip resistance, even when wet. The grit size is typically 60mesh, which is more effective than sand and also much less abrasive. This type of antislip media is very safe to walk on and can be cleaned just as easily as the rest of the floor.
The top coat of the epoxy system is called a clear coat and it protects the floor from UV damage as well as providing the gloss that these floors are famous for. The clear coat can be used as a base coat, or it can be blended with the color flakes to create any colored flooring that you want. Some customers choose to have a full color flake epoxy flooring, while others use the clear coat as a base only and add a solid color top coat for added durability.
A great thing about epoxy is that it resists chemicals and other harsh substances that are commonly used around cars. Oil, brake fluids, and other car chemicals can be wiped away without damaging the coating. This makes it possible to perform routine maintenance work on your cars inside the garage out of the cold and weather.
When installed correctly by a professional, an epoxy floor can stand up to heavy rolling tool boxes, floor jacks, and other equipment that may be dragged or pushed across the floor. Many of the thicker, multiple coat systems come with warranties that cover up to 15 years after application by a professional.
While epoxy is a more costly option than other types of flooring, it is very durable and will last for many years. It is also very easy to clean and maintain, and it looks great as well. A professionally installed epoxy floor can be a huge selling point for your home. It will increase your home’s resale value and also make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
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