Epoxy is a popular choice for residential and commercial flooring. It can help add a unique and stylish look to any room.
A key to a successful epoxy floor is proper surface preparation. If the surface is not prepared correctly, it will quickly dull and wear down. For professional help, contact Epoxy Flooring WV.
Epoxy is a durable and affordable option for your garage or home. It’s easy to clean and provides many benefits that make it a great alternative to concrete.
Epoxy flooring is a tough and durable material that can protect your floor from stains, spills, wear, tear and impact. This type of flooring is very popular in garages, warehouses and industrial settings but can also work well in a commercial building or office. Unlike other flooring options, epoxy floors can be easily cleaned and will look great for years to come.
There are a few factors that affect the durability of an epoxy floor. For instance, the level of foot and vehicle traffic will affect the longevity of your epoxy floor, as well as the weight of the machinery that runs on it. The quality of the floor installation will also play a role, as cutting corners during application can result in reduced durability.
The level of chemicals that come in contact with your epoxy floor will also affect its durability. For instance, engine oil is a chemical that can damage epoxy floors if it is allowed to sit on them for long periods of time. For this reason, it is important to ensure that any chemicals that may come into contact with your epoxy floor are cleaned up immediately.
Another factor that can affect the durability of your epoxy floor is the amount of sun exposure it gets. Epoxy can yellow over time if it is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. To prevent this, it is important to cover your epoxy floor with a UV protective polyurethane top coat.
If you are looking for a durable and easy to clean floor for your commercial property or industrial space, epoxy flooring is an excellent option. It is affordable and long-lasting and comes in a variety of colors, making it a stylish choice for any space.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of an epoxy flooring solution, or are ready to get a quote for your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our experienced team is ready to assist you! We proudly serve residential and commercial clients throughout the Northeast Florida area.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy floors are highly durable and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. But, just like any other floor or surface in a facility, they need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best.
Luckily, epoxy floors are very easy to clean once you understand the right technique. Whether you’re cleaning residential epoxy in your garage or an industrial epoxy coating in your factory or warehouse, the process is similar. The first step is always to sweep up any large debris or dust that has accumulated on the surface. This will keep your floors clean, prevent scratches during mopping and make future cleanup much easier.
For a weekly or bi-weekly deep clean, use a commercial or professional floor cleaner that is safe for epoxy flooring. In a bucket, combine warm water and the cleaner of your choice, making sure to choose one that is gentle on epoxy flooring and does not contain any harsh chemicals.
Once the cleaning solution is ready, dip a mop or brush into it and start to wipe your floors. Be sure to wring out the excess water, as too much water can cause a haze on epoxy surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a walk-behind auto floor scrubber with a soft floor pad. This is a quick and effective way to remove any dirt or bacteria from your floors, and it’s perfect for high-traffic areas.
If you have a stubborn stain, such as oil or tire marks, pre-treat them with a degreaser specifically designed for epoxy floors. Spray the degreaser on the mark and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a nylon brush and the stains will lift away. If you have to move a heavy object on your epoxy floor, place plywood under the item. This will prevent it from scratching the floor, and it’s a good idea to put it under any tools or equipment you’re using for welding.
As with all things, prevention is the key to keeping your epoxy floors clean and in top condition. Putting up signs around the facility reminding employees to sweep up their workstations will help ensure that any debris is removed regularly, preventing it from becoming too thick and causing damage. Additionally, using mats at entryways to collect dirt and sand from shoes is another good way to protect your epoxy floors. Lastly, remember to lift and never drag any equipment or machinery on your floors; this will prevent the epoxy from becoming chipped or scratched.
Stain Resistant
Unlike concrete, epoxy is impermeable, meaning spills and chemicals will not soak into the surface. This creates an impenetrable barrier, protecting the concrete beneath from water damage and allowing for easier cleaning and disinfection. Additionally, epoxy flooring is extremely durable and will not crack or chip. When used in harsh industrial environments, a properly applied and maintained epoxy floor will last 8 to 10 years. When used in residential garages or moderate commercial settings, the lifespan can be increased to as much as 20 years.
The key to successfully applying an epoxy coating is in the preparation. The surface needs to be clean and free from dust, debris, dirt and oil. It also must be repaired and prepped, if needed, to fill cracks or chips. An acid wash or etching process is typically used to create a slightly rough texture for better epoxy adhesion.
Once all repairs and prep work are completed it’s time to start the actual application process. It is always a good idea to have an assistant with you, as the epoxy has a very short pot life (30-45 minutes) and it will begin to harden quickly. You will also need wide painter’s tape and masking tools for edges and corners.
After the primer has been applied (again, it is crucial that this step not be skipped), it is time to pour and roll the main coat of epoxy. It is best to apply in 10-by-10 foot sections, working towards an exit point. This will allow the material to dry and cure properly before traffic or automobiles are allowed on the floor.
Depending on the environment and application, a clear topcoat can be added for additional protection and aesthetics. A grit additive can also be added to the final coat for improved slip resistance. The grit helps reduce the risk of accidents caused by slipping on the smooth, shiny surface. In addition, a grit additive can increase durability as well. This is a great option for warehouse floors or other high-traffic areas that are exposed to heavy loads and vehicles.
Slip Resistant
Slip resistance is something that many businesses and homeowners are concerned about when choosing commercial floor coatings. This is particularly important in industrial buildings and other workplaces where employees may be at risk of slipping and falling on the floor. Thankfully, epoxy flooring can come with an optional non-slip additive that will help prevent this. This is applied to the top coat of the epoxy and can be adjusted according to the level of safety required. The most common option is Shark Grip, which consists of ground polymer grit that creates a fine texture on the floor that helps to reduce the likelihood of slipping and provides good slip resistance when dry.
Depending on the needs of the business or homeowner, more aggressive anti-slip aggregates can be used in the topcoat of the epoxy to provide even greater slip resistance. These can be added in the form of sand, glass spheres or aluminium oxide, which can provide more friction on the floor and therefore reduce the risk of slipping. The type of anti-slip aggregate that is chosen will also depend on the expected level of traffic and whether there are any other factors that could affect traction, such as moisture levels or chemical exposure.
One of the main reasons why epoxy floors are often preferred by garage owners is because they can easily withstand the impact of car jacks, tyre irons and rolling tool boxes without damage to the floor. They are also resistant to oil, anti-freeze and other chemicals such as solvents that can be spilled on them.
However, it is not impossible for epoxy floors to become slippery when water or other liquids are spilled on them. Additionally, cleaning products that are not compatible with the epoxy can also make it slippery. Soap residue can also make floors slippery, so it is essential to wash them down properly when they are being cleaned.
While most people do not consider the safety of their epoxy floors when they are being installed, it is important to take into account how the surface can be made safe. This is especially important if the floor will be used by children or adults, who are more likely to fall on slippery surfaces. Epoxy flooring is a great option for many homes and businesses, as it offers a durable surface that is easy to clean and can be made slip resistant.