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Epoxy flooring is a mixture of resin and a hardener used to coat floors; it is often used in industrial flooring or greenhouse construction, although it is also a popular choice for home garages. This additional layer is usually applied to wood, concrete, or tile floors for decorative and protective purposes.
Epoxy floor projects generally range from about $1,400 to $3,000, an expense that makes many consumers cringe and clutch their wallets. However, the application of a layer of epoxy is an investment, offering benefits that make the process well worth the expense.
Here are 8 benefits to demonstrate why epoxy flooring is an excellent choice:
Attractive & Appealing
Epoxy creates a sleek, elegant floor surface that is attractive and inviting. Whether employing a smooth surface or adding mica or quartz chips to generate more traction and an alluring design, epoxy floors are beautiful. They can also grant a professional air to a company building, setting an appropriate tone and polished look for business meetings and transactions.
This flooring has the added advantage of improving defects in the floor, too, so it is impossible to eliminate or hide damage and small divots, especially if using paints mixed with epoxy for that purpose.
Cost-Effective
Flooring removal, installation fees, and replacement materials are expensive, and costs continue to rise. Epoxy flooring can provide a new look without tearing everything apart and starting from scratch. It can take a dull, chipped floor and turn it into a shining new foundation, especially if you consider options such as mica and quartz to stimulate its appearance.
Furthermore, epoxy flooring is durable, and the resin provides a thick layer of protection, ensuring your floor is optimized for longevity. Due to this quality, you significantly reduce the odds that you will have to make expensive repairs in the future.
The hardened resin is a rubbery shield to protect the surface beneath, preventing wear, cracks, and crumbles. A little up-front expense for prevention will save a bundle down the line.
Resistant To Wear & Tear
That epoxy strength also has another benefit: it is highly resistant to foot traffic. Years of shod feet trampling on a floor can cause wear and tear, leading to an inevitable surface material weakening. In turn, the flooring is more susceptible to damage. With epoxy, that is no longer an issue, for this durable material can withstand this type of wear.
This is one reason why epoxy works so well around machinery; it has the power to withstand both machine shifting and increased weight without damaging the surface. Similarly, this surface is perfect for automobiles as it can withstand their weight while providing a more suitable surface that reduces wear on the tires.
Other Resistances
Epoxy flooring is also able to withstand both water and chemicals without losing its effectiveness or suffering damage. It works as a sealant, preventing liquids from corroding or warping the surface materials beneath it. When working on a car in the garage, you don’t have to worry about oil leaks or other drippage; the floor can withstand it, while the solid protective layer makes it easy to clean such spills.
The nature of epoxy also provides a measure of heat resistance, generally up to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some specialized epoxy mixtures can provide even more excellent protection, particularly if they include phosphorus.
Sustainable
Even though the installation process requires tools and materials and the mixture itself is a chemical compound, epoxy flooring is an eco-friendly option. The primary reason is that it is meant to prevent floor replacement, providing an enduring option designed to last for many years.
Replacement flooring and reinstallations require the manufacture and use of many materials and the transport thereof using vehicles and equipment. Not to mention how those materials are crafted at industrial factories.
Epoxy flooring reduces the need for these resources, and cutting down on material production, and transport helps reduce carbon emissions while creating less environmental waste.
Safety
There are many ways that epoxy flooring can increase safety in the garage or business. For one, many color options are available, making it easy to color code and partition off safety zones, leading to increased awareness to prevent accidents.
The floor’s sheen draws the light on its reflective surface, making it more visible. This is especially useful in low-light situations as that light is reflected around the room, making it brighter.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy is a sealant, so applying it to a concrete surface will prevent corresponding dust and particles from escaping and settling on the floor. Even if the floor surface is not concrete, they are easy to keep clean.
Generally, sweeping is enough to maintain the floor, although the epoxy’s resistance makes it easy to use water to mop as necessary. However, you should avoid using soap as it can dull the surface. If the mop is not enough to remove staining, a scrub brush will generally do the trick, with a hot water/ammonia mix for particularly stubborn dirt or stains.
Simple Application
While the epoxy application process might sound like a complicated procedure, it is pretty simple. In fact, it is a popular project for do-it-yourselfers looking to improve their home flooring. Nevertheless, Boulder architects would still advise you to call a professional to discuss your flooring plans, needs, and desires.
With a proper guide or expert advice from a professional, you can make the preparations yourself and apply the resin/hardener mixture to your floors, saving the expense of having a professional do the work.
Of course, always take safety precautions and have an expert contact available for advice if you have any questions or run into problems during the application process.
The Bottom Line
An epoxy layer on a flooring surface is a great way to ensure longevity through optimal durability and protection. They are easy to clean and maintain and resistant to heat, water, and chemicals, making them ideal for heavy equipment or garages while being beautiful and elegant enough for the main room of an office or display center.
While the installation itself can prove a bit pricey, in the long run, it will lead to increased savings by eliminating the need to replace and repair flooring, making it worth the expense.
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