Not sure whether you should get epoxy flooring or not? We’re here to tell you all the reasons why you should! First, you need to know what epoxy flooring is.

Epoxy flooring is a coating of epoxy resin, polyamine hardener, and other additives that is put over top of concrete floors. When this coating is mixed, a chemical reaction is formed that creates distinct qualities for flooring. One of the qualities that is produced is new stability and endurance in the surface of the flooring. This process seals and cures the surface it is applied to, forming a firm bond.

There are many benefits to getting epoxy floors, including:

  • Appearance
  • Affordability
  • Resistance
  • Durability and Protection
  • Easy Installation and Maintenance
  • Safety
  • Strength

 

Appearance

When epoxy coating is applied to concrete floors, it creates a beautiful sleek, shiny, and bright appearance. The epoxy will compliment the lighting you have in the room, and the lighting will bounce off of the shiny flooring, creating a new dimensional look.

Epoxy is also a very versatile option as it comes in many different colours, designs, and finishes. This can also be a good way to hide any previous damage such as scratches or dents that your floor has endured. Mica or quartz chips can also be added into the coating if desired to create a speckled appearance.

Affordability

Epoxy flooring is a very cost effective choice. Compared to other flooring choices, the price per square foot can’t be beat. As the coating can be applied directly over pre-existing flooring types, you don’t have to worry about paying for removal of your current floor.

Resistance

Epoxy floors are resistant to just about anything harmful that might come in contact with it like shock, heat, chemicals, and water. This is great for garage flooring, workshop flooring, or anywhere really. Epoxy is shock resistant, meaning anything heavy that comes in contact with the floor that would normally cause damage, will not.

Heavy items falling, cars driving over top, tools, machinery, or recreational gear that is dropped will not cause a whole lot of damage to the floor. When epoxy is dried, it is resistant to most levels of heat. Usually the heat limit of epoxy is 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but higher grade epoxy is able to withstand even higher levels of heat.

Epoxy coatings that contain phosphorus are better at withstanding heat than those that don’t, so it is generally added into the coating. As epoxy is also chemical resistant, any chemicals that come in contact with the flooring will not cause any damage. Chemicals that are spilled can be easily cleaned up without any worry.  The density and depth of the epoxy layers stops chemicals from seeping through to the concrete and leaving any harmful residue.

As epoxy is also water resistant, you don’t have to worry about distortion to your floors due to flooding or spills. Another great quality is that epoxy flooring is also resistant to bacteria and germs, making them very easy to sanitize. This is why epoxy is an excellent choice for hospitals and clinics.

Durability and Protection

One of the main values epoxy floors are known for is its durability. Due to its high resistance, epoxy can last for a very long time without its appearance being ruined. Epoxy is a sealant and protects concrete and other floorings. Epoxy acts as a shield, causing the concrete underneath to last longer because the membrane-like coating of the epoxy bonds to the top of the rough flooring.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

If you have concrete flooring, epoxy is incredibly easy to apply right over the concrete surface. Epoxy coating can be placed on both new and old surfaces. The thickness of the epoxy can be customized to your needs as well.

Epoxy flooring is also incredibly easy to take care of. Regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floor will allow it to continue to shine. You don’t have to worry about scratching the surface if heavier cleaning appliances are needed. Soap or detergent and water are the simplest and best cleaning methods for epoxy, and you should avoid using acidic cleaning products as they can potentially dull the shiny surface.

Safety

Epoxy flooring increases visibility in large garages or rooms by reflecting lighting, which illuminates the entire space. Certain epoxies also offer traction and stability so you don’t have to worry about falls.

Polymer grit, mortar, aluminum oxide, gravel or sand can be added for grip, altering the slick surface of the epoxy. If this is something you think you need in your space, request an additive when speaking with your flooring company and they will help you choose the best option for your needs.

Strength

Epoxy is able to withstand immense amounts of weight and pressure. Adding an epoxy coating to concrete can increase its ability to hold weight, while certain kinds of epoxy  can even increase the concrete surface strength from about 3,000 pounds per square inch to 10,000 pounds per square inch.

As long as the epoxy bonds to the concrete properly, the surface will be stable enough to hold heavy loads and withstand wear and tear. Although epoxy looks like glass or a breakable veneer, since it is a kind of resin, it is incredibly sturdy and will not shatter. The tenacity of epoxy is in the hardener, a part of the epoxy compound which is made of polyamine.

These qualities make epoxy flooring an especially perfect choice for many spaces, especially garages, workshops, kitchens, and hospitals. Have we convinced you to get epoxy floors yet? Here at Polished Floors, we can’t wait to help you with your next epoxy flooring project. Contact us today by calling (905) 731-7085. We look forward to hearing from you.