While wood and concrete have been popular as flooring materials throughout time, epoxy floor coatings are becoming a more common sight in homes and businesses. So what are the benefits of an epoxy floor, and how do you know if epoxy is the right choice for your space? This article will provide information on epoxy floor coatings to help you make the right decision for your space.
Benefits of an Epoxy Floor
Epoxy is Versatile
Epoxy coatings are available in many colors, including traditional options like red and blue and fun, decorative hues like metallic silver, or even glow-in-the-dark green. It can be used to create stunning effects, or it can be subtle. One of the benefits of epoxy is that it can be used in a variety of spaces, from the garage to the kitchen. You won’t have to worry about the coating matching the room’s existing decor because it can be any color you want!
Epoxy is Safe
The safety of your family and employees, as well as the durability of the floor, are top concerns. One benefit of epoxy is that it’s incredibly tough and long-lasting. In addition, epoxy doesn’t give off harmful fumes or contribute to indoor air pollution. This means you’re protecting everyone from potentially dangerous situations while also protecting your floor from dust, debris, and damage.
Epoxy is Easy to Clean
You don’t have a lot of time to clean, so ease of maintenance is important. The benefits of an epoxy floor include being easy to clean – simply sweep up any debris and mop the floor with soap and water. Consider an epoxy system with scuff resistance for even easier care if you have a high-traffic space.
Epoxy is Resistant to Stains
Spills are inevitable in most spaces. While concrete floors may require extensive cleaning after a spill, epoxy floors can simply be wiped clean! The benefits of epoxies include being very resistant to stains, which means any liquid that lands on the surface will bead up to be easily wiped away without damaging the coating or creating permanent discoloration.
Epoxy is Great for Commercial Spaces
Commercial spaces wear down their flooring quickly due to excessive foot traffic, spills, dirt, grime, and more. The benefits of an epoxy floor include being durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it the perfect choice for busy areas. In addition, epoxy is non-skid, meaning employees and customers will be safe on the surface even when it’s wet.
Epoxy is Durable and Long-Lasting
One of the most important benefits of an epoxy floor is that it will last for years with proper care. An epoxy coating can easily outlast a concrete floor, and it requires much less maintenance. This means you’ll spend less time and money on upkeep, and you’ll never have to worry about your flooring failing prematurely. The surface of the floor is also durable, meaning it can endure impacts without cracking or chipping.
Choosing an Epoxy Flooring System
Once you’ve decided that epoxy is the right choice for your space, it’s time to find a supplier and install the coating yourself or hire a professional to do the job. Whether you choose DIY epoxy flooring kits or opt to hire a contractor, there are several factors to consider with each different system before making a final decision:
Toughness and Scratch Resistance
An epoxies’ hardness depends on its cross-linking density; this can range from 20-7,000 (the higher the number, the harder and more scratch-resistant the surface will be). A high-quality commercial-grade will have more cross-linking and be harder, making it more resistant to scuffs and scratches.
Customizable Design Options
Epoxies are a popular choice for decorating concrete floors because of their customizability. You can have a solid color floor or create unique designs that will leave an impression on customers and visitors. Once you’ve chosen your color, all epoxy systems can be used with stencils and other tools to create any pattern imaginable.
Long-Lasting Performance
A high-quality epoxy flooring system features increased chemical resistance. It won’t yellow in UV light, chip when impacted by heavy objects, or decay over time due to exposure to moisture in the air. A thorough application process ensures that the coating is applied all at once instead of being layered, preventing chipping and peeling when faced with daily foot traffic.
Chemical Resistance
Epoxy coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates, but the chemical resistance of the coating will vary depending on the type of epoxy used. Ask your supplier about the chemical resistance of the specific system you’re considering so you know how it will hold up against spills and other potentially damaging liquids.
Abrasion Resistance
This measures how much wear a surface can withstand before becoming scratched or marred. Look for a system with a high abrasion resistance if you have a high-traffic space, as this will help keep your floor looking new for longer.
Ease of Installation
Different systems require different installation methods. For example, some epoxies are ready to use right out of the container and can be poured onto the floor, while others need to be applied with a pump or sprayer. When deciding on an epoxy flooring system, consider its ease of application; you want something straightforward enough for DIYers (or beginner contractors) but durable enough for high-traffic spaces.
VOC Content
Since some systems emit harmful fumes during application, it’s important to find one that emits little toxicity. Low VOC content means cleaner air in your space after application; consider this when choosing an epoxy coating!
Scuff Resistance
Some floors may get extra wear and tear around doorways, high-traffic areas, or near furniture. Make sure to find an epoxy that is scuff resistant so it can withstand this extra wear and still look great.
Now that you know the basics of epoxy flooring, it’s time to decide if this tough and long-lasting coating is right for your space! Contact our team today for more information on specific systems and installation methods. Epoxy coatings are a great way to protect your concrete floor from damage and extend its lifespan!