Epoxy flooring is a resinous synthetic material used on most modern structures. It has seen applications in both commercial and industrial projects as floorings finished with epoxy have several advantages compared to other forms of floor work.
Not sure if epoxy flooring suits your home, office, or commercial property? Well, you’re in luck, because we will talk about the things you should know about epoxy floors before you look for an Epoxy Flooring Service company.
Let’s start by looking at some of the frequently asked questions about this type of floor finish.
- What is an epoxy floor?
- Are there different types of epoxy floors?
- How much do they cost?
- How long do they last?
- Where can they be applied?
- Are they durable?
- How do they differ from regular floors?
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What is an epoxy floor?
As we’ve briefly covered above, epoxy floors are made out of synthetic epoxy materials. The solution is applied to a concrete slab as a coating to create a seamless and smooth surface. As a result, it provides a solid floor with a flat colour.
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Are there different types of epoxy floors?
Yes. These floorings do come in various types which include smooth, light non-slip, and non-slip.
All these epoxy coatings use a low VOC epoxy resin material and are typically used as a protective floor coating in high-traffic areas and industrial facilities.
A smooth finish gets a P1 slip resistance rating, a light non-slip finish achieves a P3 slip resistance rating, and a non-slip finish receives a P4 to P5 slip resistance rating.
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How much do they cost?
Various factors affect the overall cost of epoxy floors like material availability and labour. However, this flooring solution is usually seen as a cost-effective option and will range somewhere around $40 per square meter.
When choosing a contractor who will apply epoxy coating on your floors, make sure to consider their track record and not just the quoted amount they provide you before they take on a commission.
Like most construction projects, the application of epoxy floors is a service that gives you exactly what you pay for.
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How long do they last?
The duration of how these floorings last vary depending on the situation.
When applied in places with high foot traffic, an epoxy floor can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Places like garages, restaurants, and factory spaces can expect the same amount of time before the epoxy coating wears out.
And while the typical epoxy finish lasts for a decade or so, other factors can affect its longevity. The thickness of the applied coat, maintenance, and whether it was applied by an amateur or a epoxy floor contractor can affect its overall lifespan.
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Where can they be applied?
Epoxy flooring can be used in a wide range of applications although they are often seen on floors of commercial buildings, businesses operating in the automotive industry, factories and storehouses, as well as on diners, restaurants, and fast-food joints.
In residential buildings, epoxy flooring is generally used in garages.
Thanks to the wide variety of sealers available, these floor coatings can be applied to concrete floors both internally and externally.
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Are they durable?
Yes, these types of flooring materials are in fact durable making them the choice of most professionals, especially in high traffic areas.
Epoxy floorings are made from a wide variety of chemical compounds including epoxy and polyurethane. This makes them highly durable and easy to maintain. Epoxy floors are highly suitable not only for foot traffic but also for vehicular traffic.
As we’ve mentioned above, these types of floor coatings can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
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How do they differ from regular floors?
Epoxy floors differ greatly from regular floors in more ways than one.
First, they are easy to maintain compared to bare concrete floorings. Concrete will easily wear out and can be affected by the elements causing it to weaken over time. Epoxy floors, on the other hand, are protected by a hardwearing chemical coating allowing them to last longer.
Second, they are easy to maintain and keep hygienic, making them an ideal choice for places that require the observation of such practices.
Lastly, they can be installed quickly as most epoxy floors are finished in approximately three to five days. The process includes cleaning the actual floor, application of several layers of epoxy, and curing of the said chemicals.
Takeaways
The advantage of epoxy flooring over regular floors depends on your needs. If you own a business that requires a hardwearing floor that’s easy to maintain, you should look into having an epoxy coat applied to your floors.
Leave the job to epoxy flooring professionals and do business with companies that have a proven track record.