Epoxy is tough and durable and resists impact damage, chipping, chemicals, stains, and surface abrasion. It also hides imperfections in concrete flooring and its sheen reflects overhead lighting.
Epoxy flooring also minimizes dust that bare cement floors tend to shed over time, settling on tools and cars in the garage. However not all epoxy is created equal.
Longevity
An epoxy floor is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials you can put on your garage or shop floor. Epoxy withstands shock, water and even chemicals that would damage or stain other flooring materials. This type of flooring is made up of two chemical components that when applied together and cured create a tough plastic-like coating. Epoxy is so durable that it can endure heavy equipment and foot traffic for years before a replacement is needed.
Having an epoxy floor in your garage or shop also means that spills and chemicals do not damage the flooring as they would on bare concrete. The density and depth of the epoxy coating makes it a strong surface that resists chemical penetration and keeps them from damaging the concrete underneath. This feature also helps with cleaning, as the chemicals or spills can be wiped up easily without the need for harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the epoxy or other floor surfaces.
If you do need to clean the floor, the concrete acid etching used to prep the floor and the smooth and durable coating make it simple to sweep and mop. You can add slip resistance to epoxy floors by using anti-slip flakes that can be mixed into the base coat or as a topcoat. If you choose to use a clear or tinted epoxy for your garage or shop, you can also customize the sheen of the finish to reflect or absorb light as necessary.
The longevity of an epoxy floor is one reason that many people prefer it over other types of flooring for a garage or shop. It also saves on time and money, since you do not have to deal with the cost of replacing carpet, tile or wood flooring that is damaged by chemicals, shock or moisture.
While the durability of epoxy is a great benefit, it does have its limitations. If you do welding or metal fabrication in your garage, for example, the floor may be prone to burn marks from hot slag that falls on the floor. Additionally, if you have a slab that is below ground level, moisture can seep through the concrete and cause hydrostatic pressure to peel the epoxy off of the floor. You can avoid this issue by having a basic moisture test done before laying down the epoxy.
Shock Resistant
Epoxy floor coatings are very hard and thick, making them resistant to abrasion from commonly used garage items such as metal wheeled tool boxes and floor jacks. They’re also shock resistant, so jarring drops of heavy free weights or dropped tools will not chip the epoxy. The hardiness of an epoxy floor coating makes it a suitable option for using your garage as a gym.
Epoxies are water and chemical resistant as well. They block harmful elements that can damage high-traffic areas, such as oil, gasoline, household chemicals, and heat. This makes them ideal for the garage, where cars emit several types of corrosive chemicals. Epoxy also blocks the penetration of moisture into the concrete floor, which prevents it from becoming brittle and costly to repair.
Adding an epoxy coating to your garage floor also helps to minimize dust, as it seals the surface and keeps the fine particles of dirt and debris from becoming airborne. This makes cleaning your garage a much less tedious chore, as you won’t have to sweep up the dust that accumulates regularly on the bare cement flooring.
However, epoxy is not resistant to everything. Welding, for example, can create burn marks on epoxy and other floor coatings if the hot slag falls onto the surface. If you plan on welding in your garage, be sure to use a high-quality epoxy that is rated for heavy foot or cart traffic and forklifts.
A final benefit of an epoxy coating is that it enhances the appearance of your garage. The coating is usually a shiny color that brightens up the room and improves lighting, which can help keep your garage area safe by increasing visibility. If you decide to sell your home in the future, this feature will boost your property value by attracting potential buyers.
The cost of an epoxy garage floor coating is often significantly higher than the cost of painting a room. This is due to the amount of time and labor that goes into applying an epoxy coat. A qualified professional should have extensive experience in this process and will be able to provide an accurate estimate.
Chemical Resistant
Unlike bare concrete, epoxy floor coatings are resistant to many different chemicals. They can withstand hot car fluids, gasoline, kerosene and even corrosive battery acid. They can also withstand dropped tools and parts, as well as impact from heavy equipment or vehicles. This makes them a perfect choice for garages, where cars and other equipment can be exposed to dangerous chemicals.
Epoxy flooring and floor coatings are available in a range of colors and finishes, so you can choose the look that best suits your space. However, you should be aware that darker color choices can show every dust speck and oil spot on the surface. This is why grays, tans and color flakes are so popular for garage floors. They can camouflage stains and help you keep your garage looking like new for years to come.
For the ultimate in chemical resistance, you can opt for a novolac epoxy system. This is a special type of epoxy that has been developed to resist caustic acids and chemical spills. It can be used in environments where a high level of resistance is needed, such as breweries, electronic production facilities, food plants and agriculture and fertilizer plants.
The higher the solids percentage of an epoxy product, the better it will perform. This is because the more solids in an epoxy coating, the thicker it will be. A low solids product will lose thickness as it dries, while a high solids product will maintain its thickness throughout the curing process.
When choosing an epoxy coating for your garage, be sure to read the product specifications carefully to ensure that it meets your needs. Buying an epoxy floor coating without considering the specifics of your garage can result in a sub-par installation and a disappointing outcome.
Investing in an epoxy coating for your garage can breathe new life into this often-neglected part of your home. It can also help you increase your property value, as potential buyers will be able to see that the garage has been maintained and is in good condition. This can be a huge selling point, especially if you plan to move in the near future.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy is durable, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. This makes it a smart choice for flooring in garages, workshops, and other industrial spaces that see heavy use. Chemicals that are spilled or tracked onto the floor like oils, greases, and brake fluid will not damage or discolor epoxy. These chemicals can easily be washed up with warm water and a kitchen scrubbing pad.
Bare cement will shed dust and it can be hard to keep this off of tools, cars, and other things stored in the garage. An epoxy coating will help reduce the amount of dust that is shed and it will make it easier to sweep and vacuum the concrete floor.
There are many different garage floor epoxy products on the market and it is important to speak with an expert before making a purchase. Some are low-cost DIY kits that will work well but will have a short lifespan and require professional application. Other options are much more expensive but provide a lifetime of protection and durability for your garage floors.
The process to apply an epoxy coating to your garage concrete floor will take at least two days with the cure time. This will require you to keep your car out of the garage and your equipment out until the floor is fully cured. The best option is to work with a company that will install the product and allow you to park your car in the garage immediately after the installation.
This will save you the headache of having to move your stuff around for 5 days while you wait for your garage floor to cure. The quickest product available is a Polyurea and can be applied and driven on within 24 hours.
While there are a lot of benefits to having an epoxy floor in your garage, it is important to remember that this coating is not resistant to everything. It is not ideal if you plan to weld in your garage because the heat from the welds can cause burn marks on the epoxy coating. It is also not suitable for garages with a high moisture content because it can delaminate over time.
Epoxy Coating Industry 