Epoxy floors are highly resistant to oil, gasoline, cleaning products, and other toxins that could spill on the floor. They also create an impenetrable seal, making them water-resistant.
They can even be coated with decorative flakes to suit aesthetic preferences. But what makes epoxy floors worth the investment? Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits that make them worthwhile.
1. Durability
Durability is a crucial factor in flooring choice, particularly for commercial and industrial spaces. Epoxy is a strong and durable material that stands up to the hustle and bustle of high-traffic areas, resisting abrasions, spills, heavy machinery, and other potential hazards. Its seamless surface is easy to wipe down and clean, and its glossy appearance enhances the aesthetic of the space.
Carpets, on the other hand, can deteriorate and show signs of wear and tear much more quickly than epoxy floors. Even when properly maintained, they can trap dirt and allergens underneath its plush fibers, making them difficult to maintain and clean.
Like any type of flooring, epoxy floors can scuff and scratch over time, but this is easily remedied with the application of clear PU topcoats that offer superior abrasion resistance. The durability of epoxy also depends on the strength of the substrate underneath, which must be a minimum of 3000 PSI to support the epoxy coating.
However, the most significant factor in determining the longevity of an epoxy floor is its level of use. Heavy traffic and manufacturing plants, for example, will see their epoxy floors degrade faster than a warehouse or commercial office. This means that it is important to regularly inspect your epoxy floors and arrange for maintenance to ensure they are in good condition. This can include resealing and repairing any cracks, which, if left untreated, will worsen over time. This will help to maximise the life of your epoxy floors and protect your investment. Alternatively, you can opt to install protective pads or sliders beneath heavy machinery and furniture to reduce the amount of stress on your floors and prolong their lifespan.
2. Aesthetics
When you choose epoxy flooring, the color options are limitless. This provides you with the opportunity to create a floor that is visually stunning and matches your personal design aesthetics. Whether you want bold geometric patterns or alluring swirling abstract designs, epoxy allows you to achieve the look of a high-end concrete floor without breaking your budget.
Epoxy floors are smooth and non-porous, which means that dirt, dust, and stains won’t be able to penetrate the surface. This makes it easy to keep your floors looking their best with regular sweeping and mopping. Additionally, epoxy floors are resistant to bacteria and mold growth, which is especially important in commercial spaces.
Unlike tiles, epoxy floors are not cold and unyielding to the touch and offer better cushioning than concrete which can be hard on your feet over time. This makes them more comfortable to stand on for prolonged periods of time. In addition, because they are seamless, epoxy is easier to clean than tiles which can trap debris and germs in the cracks.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly building materials. Epoxy is an environmentally conscious choice as it can be applied over existing concrete floors, reducing the need for new material and minimizing waste. It also has a low VOC content, which means it is safer for the environment and your health. Lastly, epoxy is a more cost-effective choice than other types of flooring because it lasts for decades and requires very little maintenance.
3. Longevity
Epoxy flooring is a long-lasting option for both residential and commercial spaces. It typically lasts for up to two decades with proper care and maintenance. However, this lifespan can vary depending on the installation quality, maintenance schedule, and environmental factors.
The longevity of epoxy floors can also be affected by the amount and type of traffic that the floor will experience. If the floor is subjected to heavy foot or wheeled traffic, it may wear down faster than floors that see lighter use. Additionally, if the flooring will be exposed to chemicals or harsh materials, it may require more frequent cleaning and recoating than floors that are not exposed to these substances.
Another factor that influences the longevity of epoxy is whether it has been properly prepared before it’s installed. If the concrete is not cleaned properly or is uneven, it can impact how well the epoxy adheres and how quickly it will start to peel or crack. It’s best to hire a professional flooring contractor to ensure the surface is free of debris and cracks before applying the epoxy coating.
In addition to ensuring that the floor is adequately prepped before application, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing and maintaining an epoxy floor. This typically includes allowing the floor to cure for a certain amount of time before walking on it and avoiding exposing it to excessive heat or UV light. In addition, it’s a good idea to place felt or rubber pads on the feet of furniture and equipment to prevent scratching and help distribute weight evenly across the floor in high-traffic areas. Finally, regular inspections and periodic professional maintenance, including resealing, can also extend the longevity of an epoxy floor.
4. Low Maintenance
Epoxy floors offer a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. In addition, the non-porous nature of epoxy flooring makes it resistant to spills and stains. Routine maintenance usually involves sweeping or vacuuming the floor on a regular basis and mopping it with a mild detergent and water. This is ideal for environments where hygiene is paramount, such as in commercial kitchens or healthcare facilities.
In terms of durability, epoxy flooring stands strong against damage caused by heavy machinery and foot traffic. Additionally, it’s resistant to chemical spills, which is an important consideration for industries that handle chemicals or other harmful substances.
The seamless nature of epoxy flooring also contributes to its hygienic qualities, making it an excellent choice for areas where cleanliness is a priority, such as hospitals and industrial workspaces. In addition, epoxy floor coatings can be installed quickly compared to other types of flooring, reducing downtime and allowing businesses to resume operations faster.
If you’re considering installing an epoxy floor in your home or business, make sure to hire experienced contractors like these reputable epoxy contractors in Fort Myers, with a proven track record. In addition, look for a contractor that is affiliated with an industry leader or recognized epoxy manufacturer. This indicates a commitment to the highest quality products and practices.
It’s also important to ensure the underlying surface is cleaned and prepared properly before applying the epoxy flooring. Failure to do so could result in premature wear, scratches, and dents. If these problems aren’t repaired promptly, they can deteriorate over time and reduce the lifespan of the floor. Additionally, bubbles or cracks in the epoxy paint can create trip hazards. To prevent these issues, opt for low VOC or water-based epoxies that produce fewer toxic fumes during installation.
5. Safety
Epoxy flooring creates an impenetrable seal and is completely water-resistant. This makes it a great choice for spaces that will experience frequent spills or flooding. Wood floors, on the other hand, are prone to warping and swelling in humid environments. Additionally, wood floors can be ruined by stains from food or chemicals, which is a risk that epoxy flooring is immune to.
Epoxies are also able to be slip resistant. This is a crucial factor in public and safety facilities, where accidents and injuries can be extremely dangerous for staff members. When combined with a grit additive, an epoxy floor can become a safe surface that will prevent slipping even in wet conditions.
One important thing to keep in mind when considering an epoxy floor is that it will only be as durable as the subfloor it’s installed on. If the concrete slab is cracking, contaminated or water-affected, an epoxy floor will likely suffer from these issues as well. This is why it’s important to have a professional inspection of the subfloor performed before an epoxy coating installation.
Another safety feature of an epoxy floor is its ability to help prevent fire damage. The resins used in the epoxy coating can actually protect against the spread of fire, preventing toxins and smoke from reaching building elements and systems. The cured epoxy also creates a solid barrier to prevent water damage, which helps to preserve the structure of the facility and its contents in case of a fire. This is why a fire-rated epoxy floor is often a necessity in public and safety facilities. In the event of a fire, an epoxy floor can also be sloped to drain, making clean-up and wash-downs much faster and easier for safety personnel.