Flooring is an essential part of any home or workplace. Epoxy floor coatings are known for being highly durable and chemical-resistant, making them an excellent choice for food or medical settings that require sterile surfaces.
However, epoxy floors must be properly installed by experienced professionals to avoid bubbles, scratches and discolored surfaces. Read on to learn about the most important facts about this type of flooring.
1. It’s Easy to Clean
There’s no need to worry about spilled water or chemical cleaners ruining your industrial floor if you choose epoxy. Sweep daily, clean spills immediately, and use gentle cleaners. These smooth, non-porous floors are highly resistant to chemicals and can easily be wiped down, making them ideal for food or commercial medical settings that require sterile surfaces. And the non-porous surface means that dirt won’t easily get trapped between cracks or crevices like it can with other types of flooring.
With a little regular cleaning, your epoxy floors will continue to look great year after year. It’s recommended that you sweep or shop vac the surface of your floor once a week to gather up loose debris and keep it from scratching the surface or trapping in dust or other particles. If you’re using a vacuum, be sure to use the soft brush attachment so that your floor isn’t harmed by the abrasive bristles.
Sweeping or vacuuming the floor will also help remove any stains or deposits from your floor before you start mopping. If you’re going to use a mop, it is recommended that you use a microfiber one since this type of mop will leave the floor drier and less streaky than other options. You can also clean the floor with a kitchen scrubbing sponge or deck brush and hot water. Just be sure to use a neutralizing product when cleaning your floor so that it doesn’t discolor or damage the coating.
Epoxy floors are extremely durable, meaning that they’ll withstand the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic or the impact of dropped equipment or machinery without becoming scratched or dented. They’re also highly resistant to stains, which makes them a great option for busy areas in your facility that may be subjected to spills or splashes of harsh chemicals.
However, if your floor experiences a significant amount of damage and wear, it’s important that you address it right away. Otherwise, your flooring will quickly develop problems that can affect its performance and create safety hazards. The good news is that, with a quick repair or replacement job, your epoxy floor can be restored to its original appearance and durability.
2. It’s Durable
As anyone who owns a commercial or industrial space knows, flooring needs to be durable. Epoxy is a resilient material that is highly resistant to chemicals, heavy machinery, and other hazards common in busy work environments. The durability of epoxy flooring is further bolstered by the use of high-quality resins and hardening solutions that are tailored to meet specific floor types and requirements.
During the application process, epoxy is bonded to the concrete surface using covalent bonds. These strong chemical bonds are a major contributing factor to the exceptional tensile strength and chemical resistance of epoxy floors. Once cured, the epoxy material is also able to withstand temperature fluctuations and is less susceptible to warping. It’s even designed to support the weight of heavy equipment and vehicles, making it an ideal option for manufacturing and warehouse environments.
Another benefit of epoxy is its resistance to staining and scratches. This feature is especially important in manufacturing spaces where spills and stains are unavoidable. Chemical-resistant epoxy minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, saving time and resources. Its durability also means that it resists abrasion much better than other flooring solutions, protecting the concrete underneath.
To ensure that your epoxy floor continues to look its best, it’s essential to follow proper maintenance practices. This includes regular cleaning sessions with gentle detergents that help to keep the surface free from grime. Regular inspections are also essential, as they can help you spot areas of damage before they worsen. It’s also a good idea to take preventative measures like installing walk-off mats in high-traffic areas and incorporating entry rugs into heavy traffic areas to protect the epoxy coating from excessive wear. Taking care of these simple things can greatly extend the lifespan of your epoxy floor.
3. It’s Affordable
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting floor that will stand up to harsh chemicals, acids, and petroleum-based spills, epoxy is an affordable option. Unlike other flooring materials that may deteriorate or break down after exposure to corrosive elements, chemical-resistant epoxy will protect your concrete from damage, and this helps reduce maintenance expenses in the long run.
In addition to their durability, epoxy floors are non-porous, meaning that they won’t hide dirt and bacteria between cracks. This makes them an excellent choice for commercial medical and food settings that require sterile surfaces. Additionally, they can withstand the strong chemical cleaners that are needed to sterilize these spaces.
Epoxy is also resistant to impact, scratching, scuffing, shock, and heat, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that need a surface that can handle heavy machinery. They are also less abrasive than concrete, so they’ll resist wear and tear from heavy equipment without showing the marks or scratches that can be left behind by other types of flooring.
Finally, epoxy is incredibly versatile and offers a wide range of color and decorative options that can transform any space into something truly unique and eye-catching. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary finish or a vibrant, eye-catching pattern, the possibilities are endless.
Before applying the epoxy coating, it’s important to prepare the concrete floor by washing, etching, and patching any existing cracks or imperfections. Then, a primer will be applied to create a strong bond with the concrete and enhance durability.
There are different types of epoxy, with water-based epoxy being the most cost-effective option at $30 to $50 per gallon. Solvent-based epoxy offers greater durability and resistance to chemical splashes, but it gives off harmful fumes during the application process and requires specific humidity and temperature conditions to cure properly.
The most important consideration when choosing a chemical-resistant epoxy coating is the quality of the installation. Ensure that you work with experienced and knowledgeable professionals to guarantee that the concrete surface is prepared properly so the coating will set and last correctly.
4. It’s Versatile
Epoxy floors are durable and versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of spaces, from industrial settings to commercial spaces. Their long lifespan reduces maintenance costs and keeps them more cost-effective than alternative flooring solutions. They also resist impacts and chemicals, making them ideal for industrial warehouses and production facilities. They can also be textured to create slip-resistant choices that improve safety in industrial environments.
High-traffic areas like retail spaces demand a durable and versatile floor that can withstand heavy loads and resist the accumulation of contaminants. Epoxy is the perfect choice for these spaces because it has a seamless surface that prevents dirt and bacteria from hiding between cracks. Additionally, epoxy is non-porous and can withstand the powerful cleaning agents required in food and medical settings.
Additionally, the versatility of epoxy allows it to be customized with a variety of colors and patterns. This allows retailers to create a vibrant and professional look that enhances the customer experience. It also provides the opportunity to add logos and branding to support a brand’s image. The seamless, glossy texture of epoxy also helps to attract customers and boosts store sales.
Another advantage of epoxy is that it can withstand heavy impact and forklift traffic. Epoxy is one of the hardest materials that can be installed on a concrete floor, and it will remain resistant to damage for years. Additionally, it can withstand the vibrations and shocks from equipment or vehicles without damaging the concrete underneath.
Epoxy is also able to withstand temperature changes without warping or cracking. This is because the curing process forms covalent bonds, which are strong chemical bonds that share electrons between atoms. This makes the epoxy very tough and able to withstand even the harshest chemicals, including acids.
When choosing an epoxy product, it’s important to consider how chemical and acid-resistant it is. Some epoxies are created using water or solvents, but others are 100% solids and don’t use any carrier agent. A 100% solids epoxy has a shorter pot life and must be applied immediately after mixing, but it is the most chemically-resistant option available.