Concrete epoxy floors have been popular in garages, and commercial and industrial settings for years. They’re extremely versatile and offer a variety of benefits.
They can be applied as a DIY project, so the installation is often less costly than other flooring options. They can also be customized with nearly any color pigment and other flakes, metallics, or decorations. Read on to find out more.
It’s Versatile
Unlike many other floor coatings that bleed through, flake, and peel, epoxy is extremely versatile and customizable. It can be used in indoor and outdoor environments, and it’s environmentally friendly as well. It can be made anti-slip and textured for safety in high-traffic areas, and it can also provide an attractive, professional look.
A lot of prep work goes into laying epoxy, and the process can take days to complete. Most epoxy professionals will recommend you clear out your garage and move your car to a safe place during this time. Some may even charge a fee for site preparation, but others include this in the total price of your project.
Different epoxy types have varying prices, and customizations like adding dyes, flakes, rocks, or other materials will add to the cost. A reputable epoxy contractor should be able to give you a quote for your unique project. You should always get multiple quotes from qualified contractors, and check their reviews and previous projects before hiring.
It’s Durable
If your floor is exposed to chemicals or heavy wear, you’ll want a flooring material that will last. Epoxy is an exceptionally durable coating, but you must take care to properly prepare your concrete surface before it’s coated with epoxy.
Proper floor prep includes soaking the concrete with a degreaser and scrubbing it clean. Even tough stains such as rust can be removed with this method if you scrub gently. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads, as these could damage your floor’s surface.
Epoxy also offers a range of decorative options that give your floor an appealing aesthetic. Typically, these decorative floor coatings are made of metallic powders that create the look of silver, copper, or aged bronze. They are commonly used in commercial, retail, and restaurant settings to add a modern, high-end look to these spaces. Some of these decorative floor coatings are UV-resistant and can resist yellowing from exposure to sunlight over time.
It’s Easy to Clean
The best way to maintain an epoxy floor is by regularly sweeping and mopping it. This helps keep large grit particles away from the surface, which can cause scratches that can dull the sheen of your epoxy coating.
If your facility has a lot of traffic, then you should consider adding a second mopping with warm water and diluted clear ammonia. The ammonia won’t degloss the surface, so it will help to maintain the appearance of your floor.
Stubborn stains may occur, but this is usually because of spilled liquids that have been allowed to sit too long or metal rusting on the floor. Clean up any stains immediately to minimize the chances of damage and permanent staining.
The good news is that most of the cleaning products recommended by experts and necessary for the proper maintenance of epoxy floors can be found at your local hardware store. This makes it easy for you to get the supplies you need without having to hire a professional to handle the job for you.
It’s Affordable
The concrete epoxy floor coating system is an affordable solution that delivers a wealth of benefits. It offers a lower lifecycle cost than many other flooring options, such as asphalt or tile. It also boasts a high aesthetic appeal, which can impart an industrial, classic, or modern look to any space.
Despite its affordability, it is still a significant investment that can be costly. This is primarily due to the amount of prep work needed. Many epoxy products require acid washing, power washing, and other preparation techniques to create a stable bond. These tasks can be time-consuming and expensive if handled incorrectly.
Additionally, the floors must be kept off for a minimum of 5 days to allow the epoxy to cure. This can be a large inconvenience for homeowners. Additionally, they will need to find a place to store their belongings during this period. This is an extra cost that some home epoxy companies charge for. Continue reading the next article.
