Epoxy is an excellent option for refinishing floors in your business, but there are some things you need to consider before choosing it. This guide will help you decide if Epoxy Flooring Morgantown WV is suitable for your space.
It can take several days for epoxy floor coatings to cure. During this time you will not be able to park your car or use the space for any other reason.
Durability is one of the most significant benefits of epoxy flooring, especially when it is installed by seasoned specialists. The floor coating will last much longer than floors covered with carpets or tiles, and it also has protective qualities that make it resistant to extreme wear, stains, water, and shock. This durability makes it a cost-efficient choice because property owners don’t have to worry about replacing or redoing the flooring for extended periods.
Industrial areas are commonly exposed to heavy traffic, wetness, heat, or shocks, and the durable surface of an epoxy coating is capable of absorbing impacts without damage. Epoxy is highly resistant to chemicals, brake fluids, oil, corrosive materials, and more. It can also support the weight of machinery, tools, and vehicles, and it is not easily damaged by these factors.
The smooth surface of an epoxy coating produces a nonslip surface that can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and injuries in industrial environments. It can even be enhanced with traction-enhancing additives like vinyl flake or mild aggregate to further enhance safety. This helps to protect employees from accidental slip-and-fall incidents and keeps them safe and productive in their workspaces.
Epoxy can also be applied to existing concrete surfaces, and it is not as difficult to install as other types of flooring products. However, it is important to ensure that the concrete is thoroughly prepped before applying the product, including testing for moisture. If the concrete is wet, a new layer of epoxy may not bond with it correctly.
The best way to test for moisture is to pour a small amount of water on the surface of the floor. If the water beads, it is still possible to apply epoxy, but the process will be more involved and you may need to hire a professional to do so. The good news is that a professional can quickly and efficiently address any issues that arise, so you can continue working on your projects. This can save your business valuable time, and it also prevents a potential loss of productivity that could otherwise affect revenue.
Aesthetics
Aside from being incredibly durable, epoxy floors are visually appealing. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, offering a customizable look that complements any style. They also have low maintenance costs, which makes them a great option for homes and businesses. Moreover, they can increase the value of your property and improve the overall look of your space.
Epoxy is one of the most versatile flooring solutions available today. You can choose from a variety of color mixes, and you can even opt for a floor coating that has decorative flake incorporated into the finish. The flake comes in different sizes and styles, and the size you choose will have a significant impact on your floor’s final appearance. For example, smaller flakes can create a modern-looking design with a multi-color mix, while larger flakes work better as a single-color installation.
The sheen of an epoxy floor is an attractive feature in any garage or other residential spaces. Its high-gloss finish reflects light into the room, making it more visible. This can be especially helpful for commercial showrooms and facilities with poor lighting conditions.
Furthermore, an epoxy floor is easy to clean and maintain. In addition, it is resistant to chemicals and stains. Unlike tiles, which can crack and chip easily, an epoxy floor can withstand a high level of traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Another benefit of an epoxy floor is its low-odor and moisture-resistant properties. This makes it a good choice for a home or garage, where smell and moisture are common problems. Additionally, an epoxy floor is more affordable than other flooring materials such as tiles or vinyl.
The best way to get the most out of your epoxy floor is to hire a professional to install it. A reputable contractor will ensure that your concrete is prepared properly before applying the epoxy coating. The preparation process typically involves grinding, shot blasting, and scarifying. In addition, an experienced technician will use the proper tools and techniques to apply the epoxy coating.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy floors have a smooth surface and don’t need harsh cleaning chemicals like those used to maintain other types of flooring. A mop is typically all that is needed for regular maintenance. The only time that a harder brush might be necessary is to remove tire marks, and this can easily be accomplished with a concrete degreaser. The floor can also be waxed to add extra protection, which is a good idea to do if the floors are heavily trafficked and exposed to lots of sun.
Since they are a seamless system, epoxy floors can be installed without the need to cut or remove existing tiles, wood or vinyl flooring. This means that installation is quick and easy, which can save both money and time. At B-Protek, we can typically install an epoxy floor in 3 to 4 days, although this varies depending on the size of the space and the type of finishes chosen.
Proper care of epoxy floors is essential to extend their lifespan and keep them looking glossy and new. Sweeping and dusting daily in high-traffic areas will help to keep dirt, grit and other debris from scratching or etching the surface. Waxing the floor once a month will also reduce the risk of gloss-dulling build-up. It is also a good idea to place a walk-off mat near the entrance of the space to trap dirt and grit that might be tracked in, as well as chemicals such as battery acid, which can damage the floor.
When stains do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately to prevent the liquid from soaking into the resin top coat and causing further problems. Tough stains may need to be soaked up with a diluted solution of ammonia and water, which can be prepared by diluting 1 part ammonia with 10 parts water. This should be wiped on the stain and allowed to soak before being scrubbed with a nylon bristled brush. Rinsing thoroughly afterward will help to ensure that the floor is fully dry.
In addition to daily cleaning and rinsing, it is recommended that epoxy flooring be protected with mats or plywood when jacks or other equipment are used on the floor. This will help to prevent the floor from denting and will make it much easier to clean up any debris that may fall off equipment.
Slip-Resistant
While epoxy floors are naturally durable and resistant to stains, many homeowners and business owners still worry that the floor will be slippery. This is not an unreasonable concern, as slippery surfaces can easily cause accidents and lead to costly lawsuits. Fortunately, there are easy and cost-effective ways to make your epoxy flooring slip-resistant.
One simple way is to add a fine texture to the final epoxy coat. This texture, which is often achieved by adding flakes, will increase traction and reduce the risk of slips. Professional installers can adjust the amount of flakes in the floor coating to create a traction level that matches your needs and concerns.
Another method of making an epoxy floor slip-resistant is to apply a topical anti-slip sealant to the surface once it’s cured. This will give the floor a more grippy surface and can help reduce accidents in high-traffic areas of your home or business. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your epoxy floor stays slip-resistant over time. Sweeping the floor daily to remove grit and dirt, mopping it with mild cleaning chemicals at least once a week, and reapplying the protective wax will keep your floor looking and functioning like new.
The most effective and long-lasting method of making an epoxy floor slip-resistant, however, is to choose a specialized anti-slip additive that will be incorporated into the resin before it’s applied to the concrete. The additive, which can be anything from sand to specialized anti-slip granules, will provide the extra traction needed to prevent accidents. Professionals can incorporate the additive into any type of epoxy, ensuring that the floor will be safe and secure for years to come.
Epoxy flooring is a smart choice for homes and businesses, offering beauty, durability, and safety. While it may be more expensive than other options, it will last longer and can be installed quickly to save you time and money in the long run. It also helps protect the environment by reducing landfill waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It is a sustainable option that will add value to your property and boost your business’s image by creating an attractive and welcoming space for customers and employees alike.