Dress up practical rooms like garages or basements with a sleek epoxy finish. This durable material transforms concrete surfaces while fortifying them against harsh impacts and preserving their beauty.
Epoxy coatings are available in an array of colors and effects. You can even add a slip-resistant aggregate to the final coat.
Durability
Epoxy is a strong flooring material that can bear the brunt of heavy foot traffic, machinery and equipment. It is also resistant to chemicals and spills and can endure heat. In fact, it is a common solution for floors in industrial settings. But it has become increasingly popular for residential use as well, especially in garages.
When applied correctly, epoxy has no weak spots and can distribute weight evenly throughout the floor. This durability is a huge benefit for commercial and industrial spaces with heavy machinery or large storage areas. Epoxy is even resistant to abrasion and scratching and can be further enhanced with unique metallic pigments for an eye-catching visual effect.
This kind of durable coating is also a practical choice for the concrete floor in your garage or basement, as it protects the underlying surface from cracking and crumbling over time. It is often combined with urethane as part of an overall system to add chemical resistance and longevity.
In addition to its durability, epoxy is a water-resistant material that can protect the concrete underneath from damage. This is an important feature for any area where there are potential leaks or flooding, such as a laundry room or garage.
It can also prevent moisture buildup that is a common issue in these types of environments and can cause mold or rot to the surrounding structure. Epoxy also acts as a barrier against dirt and grime that can be tracked in from outside and can quickly become discolored.
Depending on the quality of the product, an epoxy floor can last for decades. A professional installer can provide a warranty on their work. In order to prolong the life of an epoxy floor, regular maintenance is recommended. This includes sweeping the floors daily and mopping them with a mild cleaner at least once or twice a week.
Having an epoxy floor is a great way to keep your home or business looking clean and new. It will also help protect the underlying concrete and can be customized to suit your specific needs.
Chemical Resistant
Epoxy resists many harmful chemicals and substances, including solvents, paints, oil, acids and more. It is an excellent flooring option for areas that are regularly exposed to corrosive or toxic elements, such as laundry rooms, garages and manufacturing facilities. It blocks the penetration of these substances into concrete and prevents them from damaging it, making it a durable and long-lasting floor covering.
In addition to its resistance against a wide variety of chemical substances, epoxy is shock resistant as well. Heavy items like machinery, tools and cars will not damage the coating, even if they drop on it several times. Epoxy is also highly abrasion-resistant and can withstand the frequent impact of high-traffic areas for years without chipping or peeling.
Most importantly, epoxy is fire-resistant and will not melt or decompose in the event of a fire. This feature makes it ideal for warehouses, factories and other industrial spaces that are frequently exposed to flames, heat, smoke and other hazardous chemicals.
It has also been tested against several chemical environments and substances at elevated temperatures, with good results. For example, it has been tested against oleic acid at 80oC and showed only a slight change in weight, which indicates that it is suitable for practical use.
Epoxy coatings are extremely durable, lasting far longer than tile, carpet and wood flooring. In addition to its longevity, it is easy to clean and maintain. Its surface is smooth and shiny, making it attractive for residential spaces as well as commercial ones.
A wide range of colors and additives can be added to the epoxy coating for aesthetic customization. Its low VOC content means it is not only environmentally friendly but also odorless and solvent-free, which makes it safer for workers to work with.
It is important to hire an experienced contractor when applying an epoxy floor coating. They will ensure the surface is properly prepared before applying it, resulting in a strong and protective coating. An improperly applied coating can quickly deteriorate and result in costly repairs down the line. For this reason, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application. The right temperature is also essential to ensuring an effective and long-lasting epoxy floor coating.
Shock Resistant
Whether it’s dropped tools in a manufacturing environment or heavy forklift and vehicle traffic, epoxy can withstand impact without marring the floor. The surface is also water-resistant, which prevents it from warping from floodwater or spilled liquids.
It’s also easy to keep clean and hygienic with simple soap and water or an industrial cleaner. The smooth surface of an epoxy floor makes sweeping and vacuuming easier, as dust is less likely to stick to the concrete than it would on a plain, porous concrete floor.
Epoxy has a higher durability than tile and carpet, as well as being resistant to shock, chemical damage and stains. It’s a popular choice for garage floors, as it can withstand the constant pounding of vehicles and equipment, as well as resisting scratches, gouges, and puncture marks.
Properly installed and maintained, an epoxy floor coating can last a lifetime. This is because the surface is strong enough to resist scratching and abrasions, as well as being resistant to chemicals and acids. Epoxy can withstand the repeated slam of a car door or forklift without chipping or cracking, which is a common problem with concrete flooring.
Epoxy coatings are a great choice for commercial and industrial environments, as they provide a durable protective surface that’s easy to clean and hygienic. Epoxy is also available in a range of performance and aesthetic characteristics, with options like slip-resistant aggregate that’s perfect for warehouses and showrooms.
When choosing an epoxy floor coating, it’s important to choose a quality product that is professionally installed by trained and certified applicators. Some store-bought epoxies contain only 40% solid mixture and only offer a thin layer of protection. On the other hand, high-quality epoxies, such as Floortex(tm), have 85% solids and create thicker coatings.
It’s also important to prepare your garage floor before putting on an epoxy coating. It’s essential that the concrete is free of dust, dirt, and other debris, as these can damage or weaken the epoxy coating. Moisture damage is another major concern for concrete flooring, as it can affect the bond between the coating and concrete surface. It’s essential that professional technicians use a moisture meter to accurately measure the amount of moisture present in concrete surfaces before applying an epoxy coating.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy floors are durable, stain resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. But they’re not indestructible, and stains and dirt will build up if left unattended. To prevent these from happening, it’s recommended to sweep and mop on a daily basis. This helps to keep the epoxy floor clean and free from grit and dust that can cause scratches and damage over time. A strong suction vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment should be used to vacuum the area, and a soft brush or broom should then be used to sweep up any remaining dirt.
Another important aspect to consider is cleaning up chemical spills as soon as they occur. Although the epoxy flooring will resist most chemicals, some can discolor or reduce the performance of the floor if they are not cleaned up right away. It’s a good idea to have a neutralizing agent handy and to always wash the spill with water and a squeegee to drain the liquid. For oil, antifreeze and other car related chemicals, you can use a kitchen scrubbing sponge or a soft deck brush with warm water to wipe them up.
If stains do appear on the epoxy surface, they can be easily removed by using a Simple Green or ammonia solution with a scrub brush. Scrub lightly to avoid damaging the epoxy. If the stains are very stubborn, you can also try using steel wool but make sure to use a neutralizing agent afterwards.
In addition, you can prevent dirt and grit from scratching the epoxy floor by placing a walk-off mat at the entrance of your garage or business. These are also available in different lengths and sizes to fit your specific needs. It’s a good idea to place these on the floor under tools and heavy machinery as well to protect it from scratching or puncturing the epoxy coating.
If your floor will receive a lot of traffic, it’s a good idea to place plywood under equipment like motorcycle or bicycle stands and welders. This will help protect the floor and keep it looking new for a long time to come.