Epoxy floor coatings are an attractive, economical, and durable flooring solution for residential and commercial applications. However, epoxy floor coatings may not be the best choice for environments that are perpetually damp or exposed to UV rays on a regular basis. Additionally, epoxy floor coatings can be a pain to install, yet it’s a low-maintenance and long-lasting flooring option in the long run. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of epoxy coatings for residential and commercial applications.
Pros of Epoxy Floor Coatings
Floors Coated with Epoxy are Easy to Maintain
Epoxied floors are water-resistant, stain-resistant, and can withstand contact with abrasive chemicals. This makes epoxy a perfect choice for high-traffic areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, and basements in residential homes, as well as commercial showrooms and warehouses. Epoxy floor coatings can also be cleaned quickly and easily with a mop and a mild cleaning solution, making it a low-maintenance flooring option.
Epoxy Makes Flooring Durable and Long-Lasting
An epoxy coating makes floors resistant to a number of substances such as acids, chlorine, bleach, oil, and gas. The coating also creates a seal that can prevent damage to the concrete below, which is quite costly to repair. Epoxy floor coating creates a scratch-resistant surface that can hold up to rigorous use over a period of 7-20+ years. Additionally, epoxy is fire-resistant, which is one of the reasons it’s often used in industrial buildings.
Floors Coated with Epoxy Are Hygienic
Epoxied floors don’t have any joints, creases, or pores for dirt and bacteria to sink into. As a result, pathogens and other microscopic organisms are less likely to spread in an environment with epoxy floors. Because epoxy creates an even surface, there’s no need to clean grout or dirt that settles between seams as there is with tile, wood, and vinyl flooring. This makes it an excellent choice for both commercial and residential use.
Epoxy is an Economical Flooring Solution
Epoxy has a low cost per square foot and is relatively easy to install, meaning that the overall cost of the epoxy floor won’t skyrocket because of labor fees. The durability and life-cycle of an epoxied floor also make it an economical option because it doesn’t need repairs and can last for over 20 years in some applications.
Epoxy Coatings Create Visual Interest
The sheen of an epoxy floor creates a high-end finish that can be customized to suit a variety of styles and applications. Epoxy is available in numerous colors to suit any design requirements. It can also be used to create a marbled effect or combined with vinyl flakes for a speckled effect. Because there are so many design possibilities, epoxy is an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Cons of Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy Can Be A Hassle to Apply
Epoxy floor coating doesn’t require a lot of intensive labor to install it, but the trade-off is the necessity for specific conditions of the surrounding environment during install. First, the existing floor that the epoxy will be applied to needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any oil, dirt, or other residues, and the floor needs to be smoothed out as much as possible. Any defects in the floor will affect the epoxy coating. Next, the pitch and hardener have to be mixed correctly or the solution won’t cure properly. Finally, if the environment is too moist, the epoxy won’t adhere correctly. This is a problem that is especially concerning for applications such as storm cellars, which may never be dried out enough for the epoxy to adhere. The good news is our team of specialists have mastered the art of concrete coating installations.
Dropping Heavy Objects May Cause Epoxy to Chip
Despite its durability under most circumstances, epoxy is vulnerable to chipping. Repeated stress from sudden contact with heavy objects is the most prevalent cause of chipping. As a result, epoxy isn’t the best choice for an environment where the floor will sustain frequent abuse from heavy objects.
Epoxy Has A High Level of VOCs
Although epoxy is perfectly safe when it’s dry, while it’s still wet it can emit fumes containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To avoid inhaling the potentially harmful fumes, appropriate protection such as a mask and gloves should be used during the installation process.
Exposure to UV Rays Can Cause Epoxy to Yellow
Lastly, using an epoxy coating isn’t appropriate in a location that’s frequently exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays cause epoxy to turn yellow over time, which alters the color of the flooring if it receives too much sunlight.
In conclusion, epoxy has many beneficial qualities for use in residential and commercial contexts. Epoxy is affordable, hygienic, durable, and long-lasting. Epoxy floor coatings are also highly customizable, so the design potential is endless. However, epoxy can be difficult and potentially hazardous to apply so proper steps need to be taken to ensure best results. Finally, despite its overall durability, epoxy is susceptible to yellowing from UV rays and chipping from forceful impacts. If you have questions or are considering a concrete coating for your home, contact us or give us a call at 940-898-9988. We’ll happily talk you through your options and help you make an informed decision.