Epoxy vs. Traditional Flooring: Which Wins? Find Out
Epoxy coating is a great way to improve the look of your home or business. It can achieve the look of granite, marble, or quartz. It is long-lasting and can be designed to suit your individual needs.
It is also an environmentally friendly choice. It doesn’t require the use of extra lighting to illuminate the space, resulting in reduced energy costs. It also reduces dust and cement particles from contaminating other surfaces in the room.
Durability
Epoxy floor coatings are one of the most popular flooring options in commercial and industrial settings. This is because epoxy floors are ultra-durable and offer many benefits that other flooring systems cannot match.
Epoxies are highly specialized chemicals that can be created in liquid, paste, semi-cured film, or solid forms. They are designed to bond with other materials and create composites with exceptional strength, durability, chemical resistance, and internal flexural strength. They are also known for their ability to resist thermal shock, vibrations, and mechanical impact.
For these reasons, epoxy floors are extremely tough and can withstand significant levels of foot and vehicle traffic. In fact, a well-maintained epoxy floor can easily last over 20 years in residential areas with light to moderate traffic. It will likely have a shorter lifespan in high-traffic locations such as warehouses, factories, and auto garages.
In addition to their durability, epoxy coatings are water-resistant and stain-proof. They are very easy to clean and can be sanitized quickly. They are also non-porous and do not trap moisture that can lead to mold growth, fungus, or even Sick Building Syndrome.
Unlike other types of flooring, epoxy doesn’t absorb dirt and dust and can be buffed to restore its shine and luster. It’s important to maintain a regular maintenance schedule that includes cleaning sessions with gentle detergents and spot treatments for any stains. Regular inspections should also include checking for cracks or signs of damage so they can be repaired in a timely manner before they worsen.
To make your epoxy floor even more durable, consider placing protective mats in high-traffic areas or underneath heavy equipment or furniture to protect it from abrasions and scratches. Additionally, you can reduce the stress on your epoxy floor by strategically moving or lifting furniture instead of dragging it across the surface. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help your epoxy floor last longer and extend its lifespan by up to three times.
Easy Maintenance
Floors are often given less priority in commercial and industrial buildings, but they are critical for productivity and safety. Epoxy is a popular flooring option for its durability and resistance to cracking, staining and fading. It also requires very little maintenance.
A daily sweep and a mop are enough to keep epoxy floors clean and free of small particles. This prevents scratches that could affect your workflow and expose your equipment to damage over time. In addition, it is important to wipe up spills right away to avoid long-term deterioration. This is particularly true for erosive or chemical-related substances such as antifreeze, oil and household cleaners. If a spill is allowed to sit on an epoxy surface for extended periods, it can eventually begin to erode the concrete beneath.
It is a good idea to choose a gentle detergent for your regular cleaning sessions, as this will help your floors retain their glossy shine. You can also apply a spot treatment for stains right away to keep them from spreading and creating unsightly marks on the floor. A thorough inspection of your floor is also a good idea, to ensure that it remains in good condition.
If any parts of your floor are showing signs of wear and tear, they can easily be sanded down, refreshed with epoxy and recoated to give them back their original appearance. This will save you money on expensive replacements and eliminate the need for costly restoration errands.
In addition to being durable and resistant to stains, scratches and corrosion, epoxy floors are also highly slip-resistant. This can be especially beneficial in the case of garage floors that will see the use of vehicles and machinery that require a high degree of grip. You can add extra traction to your floors with the addition of decorative chips, which are an easy and affordable way to dress up your flooring.
Investing in epoxy is an excellent way to protect the investment you made in your facility. This material stands up to shock, chemicals and water far better than tile or carpet, so you can rely on it to hold up well under heavy machinery and other conditions.
Safety
In addition to its aesthetic and maintenance advantages, epoxy is an effective way to protect the underlying concrete floor of your garage, workshop or storage space. This will prevent cracking and other damage that can occur with the regular use of heavy equipment or frequent traffic. This will keep your floor looking its best and extend the life of your flooring, saving you money in repair costs over time.
Epoxy is non-porous, which means that it is impenetrable by water, dirt, cleaning chemicals or other substances that can wreak havoc on a concrete surface. It also blocks the penetration of corrosive chemicals, which is great for spaces that store cars because they often emit highly flammable and dangerous chemical compounds.
Another safety benefit of an epoxy floor is that it is very slip resistant when in good condition. This is especially important during the winter when slippery floors are a major hazard for vehicle or pedestrian injuries. However, if the epoxy coating becomes worn or damaged, it may lose its anti-slip properties and cause accidents.
Additionally, an epoxy floor can be made even safer with the use of abrasion-resistant additives. This is ideal for facilities that must comply with strict environmental and occupational health and safety regulations. These types of abrasion-resistant additives can be mixed into the epoxy coating to provide extra protection for areas with high levels of foot or vehicular traffic.
An additional benefit of epoxy is that it can be mixed with pigments to create a variety of colors and textures. This allows you to customize your floor to match the style of your home or workspace, adding a nice finishing touch to the room.
Lastly, epoxy is shock resistant, making it the perfect option for a garage or workshop. This means that it can withstand the impact of heavy machinery, tools and recreational gear without chipping or damaging the underlying concrete. You can still expect to see the occasional ding or scratch from the normal wear and tear of these items, but it will not be nearly as severe as it would be on a bare concrete floor.
Aesthetics
There are many options when it comes to industrial flooring, but epoxy stands out for its beauty and aesthetics. Unlike paints that need frequent repainting, epoxy floor coatings can last for years with the same high-quality finish. The durable nature of epoxy flooring means it can withstand heavy loads and resist cracking, making it a great option for warehouses or commercial showrooms that need to accommodate large equipment like vehicles and machinery.
Epoxy is also highly customizable for an extra boost of style, adding visual appeal to your floors. From metallic hues to vinyl flake and concrete sealants, you can create a unique look that perfectly suits your space and matches the rest of your building.
Aesthetically, the most appealing aspect of an epoxy floor is its glossy finish. The smooth, reflective surface is perfect for large industrial spaces that often struggle with lighting. A well-lit epoxy floor reflects existing lighting back into the space, cutting down on energy costs by eliminating the need for additional illumination.
The high-end aesthetic of an epoxy floor is also a selling point for residential homes, increasing their value and attracting discerning buyers. This is especially important in Pittsburgh’s competitive real estate market, where a standout feature like an epoxy floor can help you sell your home faster and at a higher price.
In addition to the durability and design flexibility of epoxy flooring, it’s also quick and easy to install compared to traditional flooring solutions. At our company, it typically takes us three to four days to complete an epoxy installation project. This short turnaround time minimizes disruption to your business or residence and allows you to start enjoying the benefits of your new floor sooner.
The key to the success of an epoxy floor is proper surface preparation. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked when DIYers attempt to tackle a project themselves. However, our professionals know how to ensure that your floors are perfectly prepared before applying the epoxy coating. This is the only way to guarantee that your epoxy floor will be both long-lasting and beautiful.