Epoxy resin floors are resistant to humidity, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. They are also impermeable, preventing accidental falls and injuries.
Epoxy floor coatings are widely used as industrial and commercial flooring solutions and have a growing demand for residential use. Flowcrete offers a range of epoxy floor coating systems that are characterized by their high chemical resistance and durability.
Easy to clean
Epoxy resin flooring is durable, resistant to impacts and abrasion, and waterproof. However, it is not indestructible and must be cleaned properly to avoid damage and stains. It is important to use the right cleaning chemicals and procedures, and to sweep and vacuum regularly. It is also recommended to use a walk-off mat at the entrance of your shop, warehouse, or garage to collect dirt and grime that would otherwise be tracked onto the floor. In addition, it is a good idea to place mats under heavy equipment and vehicles to prevent them from dragging across the epoxy floor.
Sweep the floor daily in high traffic areas and at least weekly in low-traffic areas. This will remove any grit that may cause scratches to the epoxy and stone surfaces. If you have a heavy traffic area, you should consider using a commercial dust mop or blue broom.
For regular cleaning, use a nonalkaline, nonacidic, or neutral floor cleaner. It is best to use a hard foam mop or soft deck brush with hot water and the recommended cleaner. Some stains, such as rust, may require light scrubbing with a kitchen scrubbing sponge and a little bit of sand or steel wool. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as you can de-gloss the epoxy coating.
It is important to clean up spills as soon as they happen, and to wipe them up with a paper towel or soft cloth. Oil or chemical spills that are left on the epoxy floor for too long can break down and damage it. Immediately cleaning spills is also good for the environment, as it reduces the amount of chemical runoff that could pollute the surrounding area.
Do not drag or drop heavy machinery, pallets, or sharp tools on the epoxy floor. This can create large gouges that allow moisture to seep under the coating, which can lead to peeling and other problems. It is a good idea to put cardboard under the wheels of heavy machinery, and to use a rubber mat or plywood under bicycle and motorcycle kickstands. It is also a good idea to place a soft pad under vehicle tires, which can prevent scratching the epoxy.
Chemical-resistant
Unlike concrete, epoxy is resistant to a number of chemicals, making it ideal for flooring in areas and environments where spills and other accidents can occur. It also has excellent abrasion resistance, which means it will not chip or crack easily, even after years of heavy use. Epoxy resin is also hard and stable, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
While epoxy floors are more often seen in commercial and industrial spaces, their popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years in homes as well. There are many reasons for this boom, including their decorative possibilities and chemical-resistant properties. But what exactly is an epoxy floor?
Epoxy floor coatings are made from two separate materials: a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, they begin a chemical reaction known as polymerization. This process creates large macromolecules that hold the resin and hardener together. Once the curing process begins, the resin becomes durable and able to resist a variety of chemicals.
Different types of epoxy resins offer varying levels of chemical-resistance. For example, some may be able to resist a particular class of chemicals at low temperatures but can disintegrate when exposed to a higher concentration of that same chemical at a high temperature. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of resin for your specific needs.
There are many types of epoxy resins available, from solid color to metallic to flake/chip finish applications. The color options are endless and can be designed to complement or contrast with the rest of your home. You can even create a unique design or pattern.
Epoxy resin floors are also aesthetically pleasing. They are available in a wide range of colors and can be made to look like glass or granite. They can also be stained to match your style preferences. They are also hygienic and durable, which makes them an excellent choice for kitchens or bathrooms.
Another benefit of epoxy floors is that they are waterproof and can withstand humidity. This is not something that can be said for all types of floor coverings, and it is one of the main reasons why people are embracing this type of flooring in their homes.
Heat-resistant
Epoxy floors are gaining popularity in the residential sector due to their versatility and huge decorative potential. They are also durable and heat-resistant. Moreover, they are a very cost-effective floor covering that requires little maintenance. These features make them perfect for areas that need to withstand heavy loads. In addition, they are easy to clean and hygienic. This flooring is ideal for kitchens, swimming pools, gyms, locker rooms, showrooms, and many other spaces.
The installation of an epoxy resin floor is a simple process. It can be used on most existing surfaces without the need for a primer, which saves time and money. Moreover, it is easy to install in large areas because it does not require expansion joints. This is particularly useful in the renovation of large areas such as warehouses or car parks.
Before applying the epoxy, you should prepare the floor. First, the concrete should be free of oil and grease. Moreover, you should pour water on the floor to check if it beads up. If it does, you should not apply the epoxy. The next step is to remove any floor paint. This can be done using soda blasting, diamond grinding, or jack hammers. Afterwards, the floor should be vacuumed and washed to ensure proper adhesion.
Epoxy coatings are very durable and can withstand a wide range of chemicals and temperatures. They create a seamless, non-porous surface that prevents moisture and contaminants from seeping into the concrete and creating a breeding ground for mildew, fungus, yeast, and bacteria. In addition, these coatings have biostatic effects that kill unwanted organisms in a slow-release fashion for the life of the flooring system.
There are several different types of epoxy resins available. Some are formulated to be more heat-resistant than others. For instance, regular epoxy can tolerate temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. Consistent exposure, however, will cause it to warp and lose its protective sheen. Specially formulated high-temperature epoxy is designed to withstand much higher temperatures and can be used in industrial kitchens, craft rooms, and mechanical repair.
Long-lasting
Epoxy resin flooring is an investment that can last for a long time. It is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning. It is also more affordable than other floor coverings, like vinyl or tile. Furthermore, it can be installed over existing concrete floors, which will save you the expense of tearing down and replacing them.
The popularity of epoxy floors has increased dramatically recently, thanks to the fact that they are very durable and give a high-quality appearance to any room. They are also resistant to stains, cracks, dirt and grease. They also have an anti-slip character, making them suitable for rooms that are prone to accidents, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
You can find several types of epoxy resin, and each one offers a different color or finish. For example, a metallic epoxy floor uses low-yellowing epoxy mixed with small, glitter-like metallic pigments to produce an effect that reflects light in different ways. It can be used on ceramic and concrete surfaces, as well as on other materials such as drywall.
When choosing a self-leveling epoxy coating, it is important to understand that the underlying surface must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to achieve a good result. This is best done by a specialist, and any cracks should be filled in. It is also essential to ensure that there is no excessive moisture present, which can damage the coating or cause it to fail.
In addition to their durability, epoxy floors are extremely attractive and can be applied in a wide variety of colors. This makes them ideal for residential applications, as they can complement any decor theme. They are also suitable for commercial and industrial spaces, as they can withstand the rigours of heavy foot traffic and machinery.
Epoxy flooring is a cost-effective solution, and it can be applied to almost any surface, as long as it is in good condition. It is a great choice for food companies, as it is highly resistant to spillages of fruit juices, lactic acid, blood and other chemicals. It is also very popular in pharmaceutical laboratories and hospital plants, due to its hygienic aesthetics.