Choosing a flooring system for an outdoor surface may sometimes be overwhelming considering that there are a variety of options to choose from. If you decide to go with epoxy flooring, you have unarguably made a good choice. This article contains everything you need to know about an epoxy floor.
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What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring involves the use of polymer resins and hardeners. To achieve the desired flooring surface, the resins and hardeners are mixed to create a hard plastic material that is applied to the floor. Epoxy flooring can be done on any surface. However, there are a couple of places where you are more likely to find it. These include laboratories, hospitals, factories, warehouses, automotive workshops, car parks, and garages. The aesthetic appeal it offers also makes it suitable for offices and homes.
Types of Epoxy Floors
- 1) Self-leveling Epoxy Floors
This type of flooring is often recommended for use in industrial areas. The thickness of self-leveling floors depends on the condition of the surface on which the epoxy will be poured. If the surface is in good condition, 1mm thickness is recommended and if not, 2mm will get the job done.
- 2) Multi-layer Systems
This type of epoxy flooring involves the use of primer layers and epoxy paint. A multi-layer system aims to provide a rough, slip-resistant surface.
- 3) 3D or Artistic Epoxy Floors
To achieve this floor, a self-leveling transparent epoxy is applied on vinyl. It produces a glass effect and an image on the surface that is covered by an epoxy glass layer.
- 4) Epoxy Microcement
This type of flooring gives a decorative finishing and is often available in a variety of colors. It is a coating that combines with the epoxy resin floor to give your outdoor space an exquisite look.
- 5) Epoxy Paint
This involves coating a surface with epoxy paint. It is often suitable for industrial warehouse floors and car parks.
Advantages of Epoxy Flooring
- 1. Affordability
The materials used for flooring and installation are not very expensive when compared to other flooring systems. If you are trying to manage costs, you can be sure to find an epoxy floor that works for you.
- 2. Stain Resistance
This is certainly one of the most attractive things about epoxy flooring. You don’t need to worry about permanent stains when you spill liquids or chemicals on an epoxy floor. The flooring system allows you to clean off stains with ease, leaving you with a bright and sparkling surface at all times.
- 3. Easy Addition of Designs
If you want to install an epoxy floor in your home or office, the 3D flooring allows you to add any type of image or design you like. This will further beautify your space and make it unique.
- 4. Durability
Epoxy flooring is a good choice if you are looking for durability. It will serve you for a long time, giving you value for your money.
- 5. Ease of Maintenance
Epoxy floors are easy to maintain. All you need to do is to ensure that you clean it regularly with water and a mild detergent.
- 6. Heat-Resistance
Some flooring systems are easily affected by heat and water. Fortunately, epoxy floors are not. That is why they are used in kitchens and laboratories.
Conclusion
Epoxy flooring is a good choice anytime, any day. Once you are ready to install, get in touch with a reliable hand to get the job done.
How should you choose your epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring comes in a great variety of models, thicknesses, colors, and finishes. We recommend you think about the following aspects when choosing your epoxy flooring:
Think of your needs
If you want to install epoxy flooring in a sleek office building, a bold color with a shiny metallic finish will not be the most inspired choice. Even if you want to bring some color in the neutral-decorated office space, you cannot use a bold color as it can distract your employees.
The color of the finish isn’t the first thing to think about when selecting the epoxy flooring. Instead, you should think about its use and what feeling you’re trying to obtain in that space.
A professional space needs epoxy flooring that makes the area look like a garage or a disco place.
Decide on the finish
Metallic and matte represent the most common finishes for epoxy flooring. Metallic epoxy floors finish with a busy pattern is visually appealing and distract from the mess; it’s an excellent choice for a shop floor.
Standard epoxy floors present a matte finish and aren’t very efficient at hiding spills. As long as you choose the right finish for your space, either finish is an excellent choice. The finish is mainly about personal preference and not about functionality, as all epoxy floors are great.
Pick the color
The color can ruin or enhance the finish of the epoxy floor. When the epoxy flooring color isn’t the most suitable, it will destroy the décor the same way a wrong carpet will. If picked right, the epoxy flooring can add value to a space and give it a modern, sleek feel.
Epoxy floors come in a great variety of colors and great installers can also custom-mix colors to create the finish and color you want. Start by choosing between a bright and bold color or a neutral one. The installers can add different-colored chips in the epoxy floors to create a unique appearance and a subtle touch to a neutral color. Don’t hesitate to ask the epoxy flooring installer to help you pick the finish and color of the epoxy floor for your space. You want it to work with all the other fixtures and décor elements in the room.
Which thickness should you have for your epoxy flooring?
An important aspect to think about when going with epoxy flooring is the thickness. Selecting the appropriate thickness of the epoxy is crucial for its efficiency. Here are the factors to think about when picking the thickness:
Chemical exposure
Chemicals can damage any flooring, even epoxy flooring. If the coat is too thin, constant exposure to cleaning products and chemicals will wear down the flooring. Spaces, where the flooring is constantly exposed to chemicals will benefit from thicker coats. Always consider the chemical exposure when selecting the thickness of the epoxy flooring.
Traffic
The amount of traffic that the floors will get is another essential factor when selecting the thickness of the epoxy floor. Heavy traffic from high foot traffic and heavy machinery will require a thick base to protect the concrete underneath. For a garage, a thin epoxy coating will be enough as the traffic isn’t heavy. Plus, it’s cheaper than a thicker flooring.
Condition of the concrete
The damage to the concrete floor is also essential when deciding the thickness of the epoxy flooring. When the flooring already has large cracks or severe damage, you should opt for very thick flooring so that the damage doesn’t worsen. Apply the thinnest coating on new concrete floors if the chemical exposure isn’t high and there’s no heavy traffic.
How should you care for your epoxy flooring?
With regular and proper cleaning and maintenance, epoxy flooring can last for many years. Here are our recommendations on how to clean and care for epoxy flooring:
General maintenance
Dust mop once a week
Run a soft dust mop over the epoxy floor once a week. It will remove dust and dirt gently, without scratching the floor. If the floor has an anti-slip aggregate coating (aluminum oxide is one), you can use a soft bristle push broom to clean and not a dust mop.
Vacuum the joints once a month
If there are apparent construction joints or saw cats, use a vacuum to clean them. Use the attachment hose with a crevice tool for best results. Keep in mind to vacuum the joints once per month. Use a stiff bristle broom if you don’t have a vacuum.
Clean spills right away
Use a soft cloth to clean spills the moment they happen. Chemicals, oils, and even water that sat for too long can alter the epoxy floors. Use a gentle cleanser and a soft towel/cloth to clean a sticky spill.
Deep cleaning
Do a deep clean every three months
Keep the epoxy flooring in good shape and deep clean it every few months. You will need to move the tools, vehicles, and other items that stay in your way.
Pick the cleaning solution
You can use a non-toxic, biodegradable cleanser or ammonia. Both cleaners are safe and efficient for epoxy floors.
- Mix ½ cup of cleaner with 1 gallon of hot water. If the solution is too concentrated, it will leave a film on the floor.
- Mix ½ cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of hot water.
Mop the floor
Use a hard foam mop to mop the floor. Have a bucket of cleaning solution and another one of plain hot water. Place the mop into the cleaning solution, ring it out, and clean the floor.
Rinse the floor
Fill a bucket with clean, warm water. Use a hard foam mop and run it over the floor to rinse off the
Remove Stains
Scrub difficult spots
Use a stiff nylon brush to scrub difficult stains. Use a strong ration of cleansing solution, spray the area and clean with a stiff brush. Repeat until all stains are gone. Use some water to rinse it and a towel to dry it in the end.
Clean rust stains and salt film
Use a lactic acid-based cleanser to clean salt film or rust stains. Add a 1-part lactic acid cleanser to 1 part warm water and apply it to the stained area. Use a brush and scrub it and use cold water for rinsing.
Remove tire marks
Saturate the area with tire marks with a concrete degreasing product. Let it work for 5-10 minutes and scrub it with a stiff bristle nylon brush. If you don’t get results the first time, you can apply the degreaser once again. Use a bit of water for rinsing and a towel for drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will epoxy flooring cost?
On average, you will pay around $2,100 for epoxy flooring. Epoxy flooring prices range between $1,400 and $2,900, whereas professional epoxy flooring installation can cost you anywhere between $3 and $12 per square meter. The price includes both the materials and labor.
How long will the epoxy floor last?
Typically, epoxy flooring can last up to 3 years in heavy traffic areas. We’re talking about commercial properties, such as factory spaces, restaurants, and garages, where daily foot traffic is intense. As long as you care and clean the epoxy flooring accordingly, you should expect it to last for a lot longer than three years.
Does epoxy flooring require high maintenance?
Even if epoxy flooring doesn’t need high maintenance, you still want to keep it in good shape with minimal maintenance. Don’t think you need to buy expensive cleaning products or rent specialized treatment for cleaning epoxy flooring. Use your common sense when caring for and cleaning your epoxy floors.
Is epoxy flooring a safe choice for households?
Epoxy flooring is highly safe. It has resistance to shock and slippage and it’s less abrasive than concrete or other kinds of industrial flooring. Some homeowners choose to install epoxy flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, or wherever they feel appropriate.
Does epoxy flooring scratch easily?
An epoxy resin floor can support heavy traffic and heavy loads, along with deep impact. Whether some workers drop materials or drag equipment, the epoxy flooring will remain intact nine times out of ten. It can withstand high impact and it’s rugged enough not to dent, scratch, or get damaged easily.
