Industrial and commercial floors need a durable, reliable and tough surface that epoxy flooring can offer. Epoxy flooring provides a high performing coating that is not only smooth but also durable to endure heavy loads and last for long years. Most warehouses, industrial and commercial buildings and retail establishments use epoxy flooring because they require a flooring solution that is always in perfect condition.
What is Epoxy Flooring and Why Does Everyone Want it?
Epoxy flooring is a result of applying epoxy in multiple layers and in at least millimeters thick to a floor surface, often concrete. An epoxy flooring can either be an epoxy floor with at least 2 millimeters thick of epoxy or an epoxy coating with epoxy that is less than two millimeters thick. Epoxy is a flooring system that is a mixture of resins and hardeners. When mixed together resins and hardeners will chemically react with each other and form a firm plastic-like material. This material is one that is durable, strong, and resistant to a lot of things and one that bonds very well with concrete floors or any substrate. The good adherence of epoxy to the concrete floor is what makes epoxy flooring last for long years without chipping or cracking.
Here's Why Epoxy Floors ROCK!
Epoxy flooring is the most popular flooring system for businesses and homes. These last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of this flooring option. If you take a closer look at epoxy flooring you will discover that it is:
Simple and Easy to Install
Most flooring options take a long time to apply and install. After properly preparing the concrete floor surface, epoxy flooring can be applied and installed within a few hours. It is then allowed to cure (dry) and in a day or two the floor will be ready for use,
It is Extremely Strong and Durable
Cement floors can crack, wood floors can break but epoxy flooring will withstand the test of time even when subjected to heavy loads. The finish of an epoxy flooring not only gives it a high gloss finish but also contributes to the toughness and strength of the floor.
Relatively Inexpensive
It is wise to invest some money in a flooring system that will last long years without chipping or breaking. It would be a double treat if the same flooring system is relatively inexpensive to install. This is the case with epoxy flooring. The floor is so strong and durable, you will not have to spend for repairs. The floor also is low in maintenance eliminating the need for additional expenses for cleaners. This just means that epoxy flooring saves money from the point of installation all the way to cleaning and maintenance.
One of the Best Flooring Option
Epoxy flooring combines aesthetic appearance and functionality. The high gloss finish in a wide array of colors to choose from provides a lot of aesthetic appeal. The resistance the floor has to almost everything makes it the best flooring solution.
What are the Benefits of Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy Flooring comes with a lot of benefits as compared to the more traditional flooring options.
The high gloss finish is not only appealing but also provides additional brightness to the area.
It is easy and fast to install.
Resistant to water, oil and chemicals. Spills can easily be wiped off.
Easy to clean and maintain.
The strong and durable flooring surface can withstand heavy loads and high foot traffic.
Enhances safety because the high gloss finish can be added with an anti-slip feature. Epoxy flooring is also fire and heat resistant.
For added beauty, the finish can come in different patterns.
When properly installed can last for long years.
An environment friendly flooring system.
EpoxyFlooring vs Other Flooring Solutions
There are a wide array of flooring solutions to choose from. The flooring solution chosen should be able to provide a solution to the function the floor needs to provide. If the flooring surface needs to take in heavy loads and high foot traffic, the best solution is an epoxy flooring system.
The aesthetic appeal provided by an epoxy flooring can also be provided by other flooring systems such as ceramic tiles or wooden floors. However, not all flooring systems can bring out a high gloss finish that is resistant to water and chemical spills and at the same time durable and tough enough not to chip or crack when subjected to heavy loads.
How is Epoxy Flooring Done?
An epoxy flooring is easy to apply the install. The first thing that needs to be done is to prepare the concrete floor. The concrete floor must be free of any dust, dirt and debris. Any chips and cracks on the concrete floor should be repaired to ensure epoxy will successfully adhere. Diamond grinding is often used to achieve best results. Epoxy is best applied under adequate temperatures. If the temperature is not ideal, the epoxy may peel off or bubbles may form. To get started mix the resin and the hardener. Once the epoxy is ready it has to be applied within a few hours otherwise it will harden. After the primer has been applied and dried, epoxy can now be applied.Epoxy is applied with a roller pin just like how paint is applied. When done, the top coat which contains the high gloss finish is applied. In some instances an anti-slip finish is also applied.
Although fast and easy to install, epoxy flooring is best installed by professionals. They are able to properly prepare concrete floors to make sure epoxy will successfully adhere. An epoxy service company has the experience to handle even the toughest conditions of concrete floors and prepare them properly for an epoxy flooring installation.
Epoxy flooring installation should be done right the first time it is applied. Although it is always mentioned that epoxy flooring is easy and fast to install, the experienced hands of an epoxy service company will ensure you will be able to enjoy the beauty and durability epoxy flooring has been designed to give.