What is epoxy flooring?
What are the benefits of epoxy flooring?
- Cost-efficient- Epoxy flooring is an affordable investment that pays off, in the long run, thanks to its increased longevity.
- Durability- Epoxy is highly durable and able to handle a variety of impacts, scratches, and abrasions without becoming damaged in the process.
- Chemical Resistance- This flooring system is resistant to most household, industrial, and vehicle-related chemicals, including gas, oil, and grease.
- Waterproof- This concrete coating is completely waterproof and will not allow the underlying concrete to become damaged should it be exposed to water.
- Longevity- When properly maintained and cared for, epoxy floor coatings will last for over 20 years.
- Customization- With the wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures available, epoxy can be customized to fit the design of any home or business.
How much does epoxy flooring cost?
What is the difference between professional epoxy and the type that I can buy from the store?
Where can epoxy flooring be installed?
One of the best aspects of this durable concrete coating is that it can be installed almost anywhere! Residential, commercial, and industrial properties have all been know to utilize this long-lasting floor coating. Below are some of the more common places for epoxy flooring to be installed:
- Schools
- Libraries
- Cafeterias
- Hotels
- Lobbies
- Showrooms
- Industrial Plants
- Homes
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Patios
- Basements
- Retail/Shopping Centers
- Gyms
- Manufacturing plants
- Hospitals
What are the different styles of epoxy flooring?
Three of the most common styles of epoxy flooring are standard epoxy, metallic epoxy, and decorative flake epoxy.
- Standard epoxy is available in a broad range of colors and patterns to match any design need. It can be installed with various geometric patterns for design or safety purposes.
- Metallic epoxy has metallic pigments mixed into the resin to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. It can also be made to mimic scenes from nature like a cloudy sky, fiery lava, or crashing waves.
- Decorative flake epoxy has colored flakes mixed into the epoxy to create a unique design that also adds texture to the floor. This texture not only makes the floor more beautiful, but it also makes it safer with slip resistance.
How long does it take to install an epoxy floor?
The amount of time that it takes to professionally install an epoxy floor depends on a few different factors. These factors include the size of the floor, the condition of the underlying concrete, the intricacy of the design, and the type of epoxy selected. Prepping the concrete is usually the most lengthy part of the installation process. However, for the average epoxy floor, it usually takes around 1 to 2 days to complete. For larger areas or custom-designed epoxy floors, the installation process can take up to several days to complete.
What is the installation process for epoxy flooring?
The first step in the installation process is inspection and repairs. Your concrete will be inspected for damage and any damage found will need to be repaired before the install. Any cracks, pits, or chips will need to be filled or patched to ensure the epoxy bonds properly. Once the repairs are complete the floor will be cleaned and the prep work can begin. This entails using a floor grinder with a diamond wheel to grind down the surface of the concrete. This gives the epoxy a rough surface that it can properly adhere to. After the concrete is prepped, the epoxy can be installed. We’ll apply separate coats of epoxy to reach the desired thickness and then it will be left to cure. After 24 hours, the epoxy will be 95% cured. After 72 hours, the epoxy will be completely cured and ready for use.
What is the maintenance for an epoxy floor like?
Epoxy flooring only requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking and functioning properly. The coating should be swept or dust mopped regularly to remove dirt and grit that can become embedded in the floor. Wet mopping should be done as needed and with a cleaning product that is not acidic. Acidic, citrus cleaners have the potential to remove the sheen on the epoxy floor. Avoid using soap-based cleaners as well because they can leave a slippery residue on the surface.
How long does an epoxy floor last?
In high demand environments, like heavily used industrial facilities, our professional epoxy flooring systems will last a minimum of 10 years with proper maintenance. These areas will be exposed to daily abuse that most other applications will not. The standard epoxy floor coating in commercial or residential settings can last for over 20 years when properly maintained and cared for.
Are epoxy floors slippery?
Don’t let the smooth, high-gloss finish of epoxy floors fool you. They’re nowhere near as slippery as they appear. As with any type of flooring system, from hardwood to tile, it will be slippery in the event of a spill. However, epoxy is one of the most slip and skid-resistant floor coatings available. If your space requires more slip resistance for safety purposes, such as work environments, we offer slip-resistant additives. Our slip-resistant additive looks like sand and is placed directly into the top-coat of the floor to give it added texture. This texture provides more traction, even when it’s wet.
What is 100% solids epoxy?
100% solids epoxy flooring contains no VOCs or water. This results in a thicker dry film when compared to solvent or water-based applications. Typically, the thickness will be 10 ML or more with 100% solids. These epoxy coatings are somewhat more expensive than water or solvent-based epoxy, but they’re becoming the standard for industrial and commercial settings. These epoxy systems provide more durability, chemical resistance, and longevity than other epoxy coatings as well.
Why is epoxy flooring better than traditional concrete?
Epoxy concrete coatings are better than traditional concrete for a number of reasons. Traditional concrete is tough, though it’s inherently porous and prone to cracking, scaling, pits, chipping, and other problems. An epoxy flooring system will protect the underlying concrete from stains, chemicals, and damage while making it waterproof and extending its lifespan. The seamless design of epoxy will make cleaning much easier and faster than traditional concrete as well. Not to mention, the complete customization options that epoxy offers allow you to make your floor more beautiful than any traditional concrete floor could ever be.