What Epoxy is Made of and Why It’s a Smart Choice
If you are considering getting epoxy flooring, it is probably because of it’s good looks, strength, and easy maintenance. But what is oh so special about epoxy flooring and why is it the best choice for garages, basements, shops, or even commercial places?
Let’s simplify things.
Epoxy flooring is created when two pieces are combined together; a resin and a hardener. When combined, they provide the flooring with super plyable materials, which, like dozens of other products, will bond strongly to your concrete floor. It will dry to a smooth soft finish and must be built to last.
This mix has the biggest perks of epoxy which include just being able to take a beat, oil and chemical resistance and still being able to retain a polished look. Epoxy handles everything you toss at it whether parking cars, tools, or running a business with people constantly moving inside.
What People Love The Most About Epoxy Floors
In case you missed it and that is very unlikely, epoxy floors do stand out because of reasonms listed below.
- Crazy Strong – The flooring is tough enough to handle any heavy machines, cars, and even body movement. Exposing it to onslaughts post curing won’t make it crack or peel.
- Stain and Chemical Resistant – Cleaning agents or oil spilled? Nothing to worry about. There is no need for a special cloth, which stays on the edges of garments. Your normal cleaning cloth is more than enough.
- Custom looks – Glossy, matte, speckled, or metallic, whatever you choose, epoxy can blend with your style or brand.
- Low maintenance – No waxing, polishing, or sealing is required. Just sweep or mop, and you are all done.
- Safer and brighter – Bright surfaces reflect light which makes your space feel brighter, and with the addition of slip-resistant finishes, the space is made brighter and safer.
- Long-lasting – An epoxy floor done correctly can last more than 10-20 years.
What Makes Some Epoxy Better Than Others?
Epoxies are not created equally. If you want the good stuff here is what you need to look out for:
- Strong adhesion– A good quality epoxy will have stronger adhesion to concrete making it last longer without peeling off or bubbling later.
- UV resistance – If your floor receives sunlight, be sure to pick a product that won’t turn yellow over time.
- Chemical resistance– This is a must-have for workshops, garages, and industrial areas.
- Moisture resistance– Premium epoxies that perform better on slightly damp surfaces are ideal for humid areas.
- Environment-friendly – Products with low VOC emissions are better for air quality and the environment.
Choosing the Correct Epoxy for Your Space
A person needs to consider how space is intended to be used. Is it a garage with high car traffic? Accurate, heavy duty, chemical resistant epoxy should be applied. Do you simply want a decorative touch finish in the basement? You might use a decorative flake finish of some sort or a metallic one.
Other factors include:
- Condition of your concrete – Having cracks or moisture concedes will require special primers.
- Climate – Most of the time, hot and humid areas are considered regions. Use epoxy that cures well in those areas.
- Budget – Products that are less expensive do exist but, might not function long. Spending a few bucks more now, typically saves you later.
- Regulations – Compliance is business or healthcare floors demand paving of some sorts.
Still need help? Considering the scope of the project a professional will help you with the best options tailored for the use case.
The Steps of Installing Epoxy Flooring and Importance of Each Step
Great floors only come to be with exceptional installation while whole having unique and creative features; a flawless installation can make a difference. Here are essential things that are needed for a successful epoxy installation:
- Surface Preparation – This is the most vital step out of them all, cleaning the concrete, filling the cracks, or even grinding and etching it is done so that epoxy can adhere and stick properly.
- Epoxy Primer – The primer acts as an adhesive intermediary, and enhances the thorough sealing of the surface.
- Applying Primer – It is the step where a mix of resin and hardener is blended, then during the application process, they spread it uniformly. Ensuring the proper thickness is crucial.
- Optional: Adding Color Chips or Other Additives – Optional components are added to help achieve the texture desired, cannot hurt texture, give style or help support preventing slippage.
- Sealing Coat – Sealing everything in established, improves the shine, and fortifies against accompanying wear.
While the encapsulated steps give a rough outline adaptable to meet a variety of requirements, they need consideration on temperature and humidity levels. Too high levels of heat or dampness can, lead to things such as weak adhesion, bubbles evenly spread throughout a surface, or uneven textures. So picking a contractor who understands their field can prove to be extremely beneficial.
Tips for Maintaining an Epoxy Floor
With proper epoxy flooring maintenance, all that is left to do after your floor has cured is:
- Sweep or vacuum often to remove dirt that may dull the shine.
- Mopping can be done with non-abrasive cleaners, but nothing harsh.
- Clean spills immediately, chiefly aggressive chemicals or oil.
- Refrain from dragging heavy items—tough mats or pads under sharp or heavy equipment work wonders.
- Set aside ammonia and bleach-based cleaning solutions. Over time, the finish will dull.
Final Thoughts: Is Epoxy Worth the Investment?
A robust, aesthetically appealing floor epithet epoxy provides is easy maintenance and durability. No matter if you are upgrading a garage, outfitting a commercial space, or finishing a showroom, epoxy serves you best.
Do you seek specialized expert advice tailored to your exact needs? With FixApply, all you need to do is submit a request. From the get-go to finish, we help you find the right specialist to make your custom project a reality.
