Choosing a floor covering for a new house? Or maybe you started a renovation in your apartment? Don’t know how to do everything in time, and deadlines are running out? A few extra pairs of hands will definitely not hurt you. Transfer the scope of tasks to experienced movers who will help you move furniture out of the room, as well as help with moving to a new house with a new floor covering. Useful link to study information about moving with professionals. It can be tough to find a floor solution that stands the test of time whole being chemical, spills and stain resistant. Almost every type of flooring has some disadvantage or the other.And that’s one of the reasons as to why having stable shoes for walking on concreteis very important.An excellent choice for a variety of needs, epoxy floors seem to have fewer drawbacks and more benefits. However, examining both pros and cons of this material is a good idea if you’re considering installing it at home or work.
Appearance
Compared to an average garage floor, epoxy floors are bright and professional. Their appearance alone makes them enticing to use. The smooth and even surface is also very easy to sweep and maintain. Since not much sticks to this type of flooring, cleaning up a mess a very easy. Appearance is one of the most important considerations when choosing the best epoxy for wood floors.
Affordability
Compared to other types of flooring, the per square foot cost of epoxy floors are tough to beat. Since it can be installed directly over concrete and other flooring types, the installation costs are quite a bit lower than the others. Pricing remains one of the biggest and the most immediate advantages you’ll find with epoxy flooring.
Resistance
Epoxy floors are highly resistant to just about everything – oil, gasoline, bleach, transmission fluid, cleansers and more. This is one the main reasons they’re frequently used in garages and within the automotive industry. Besides withstanding chemical spills/cleaners, epoxy floor coating is also heat and water-resistant. They are almost impervious to most chemical spills without any negative effects on the coating.
Another pro is that these floors also resistant to bacteria and germs, which makes them very easy to sanitize. This is why epoxy is an excellent choice for hospitals and clinics.
Durability
Distinctly valued for their durability, epoxy floors have a longer lifespan than many other floor types. Concrete is the only material that beats it, but it needs to be properly sealed and maintained. Besides, an epoxy floor coating required concrete beneath it anyway. Epoxy floor coating makes renders concrete exceptionally durable. They also offer benefits of anti-fatigue and can be easily rolled-out on the cement without mortar or glue. But if you wish to go that extra step to care for your floors, consider getting yourself epoxy resins for wood on woodimprove.
Protective
Epoxy flooring protects the underlying concrete from moisture, stains, grease and cracks. In the long run, this can save you a great deal on cleaning and maintenance costs by eliminating the need to clean carpet or grout. It’s also very reasonably priced for the duration and level of protection that it offers.
However, the protective qualities of epoxy flooring depend on the installer. You need to find a quality local epoxy floorer. You can find epoxy flooring near me if this is a concern.
Longevity
Epoxy coating lasts longer than many types of flooring. When installed properly, it can last for several decades without cracking or peeling. Besides the durability, its lifespan makes it popular for commercial and industrial use.
Variety
Epoxy is a great choice to decorate your floors as well. It’s available in a variety of colors that add a flawless, smooth, elegant shine elegant shine. The flooring can also be arranged into traditional or personalized patterns and designs. The number of choices makes it an economical way to upgrade plain concrete and improve the ambience of a home or office.
Safety
One of the lesser-known advantages of using epoxy on a garage floor is it enhances visibility inside the garage by reflecting light off the floor.
Temporary
One of the major disadvantages of using epoxy on your floors is that it’s a temporary flooring solution. Though durable and resistant, you will have to replace it eventually. Unlike some other flooring solutions, everyday wear and tear takes it toll on epoxy floors. To keep things looking good, you’ll have to put down a new coat of epoxy. This is inevitable especially if heavy things are dropped on the surface of the floor.
Cracks can develop and chipping is a very common issue. Thought chips can start out as a small annoyance, eventually they can lead to a large area of the coat peeling off of the floor. Wheeled carts and toolbox wheels also get caught catch as they are rolled over the damaged spot. The floor has to be repaired when this happens.
Slippery
Epoxy floors are relatively skid resistant. This con is not universal. It’s specific only to oil-covered epoxy since that can be very slippery. But they can also become very slippery when wet, which creates a dangerous situation. They are not a good choice in areas that may be prone to spills or water on the floor. This is another drawback. However, you can mitigate this risk, at least to some degree, if you’re able to texturize your floor.
Preparation
Getting the existing floors ready for applying epoxy is tedious. A significant amount of effort goes into it to. The concrete floor has to be clean and free of any grease, oil, or solvents before the epoxy coating is applied. Cracks will need to be filled as well. Cleaning concrete floors requires multiple attempts. All this preparation work required is a drawback.
The good news is that with the advancements in the manufacture and application methods, homeowners will find it relatively easy to apply using hand tools in a minimum amount of time.
Application
Apart from the extensive preparation that goes into getting the concrete ready, applying the epoxy coating is a time-consuming process. It also takes several days to dry properly. Additionally, the first coat of epoxy must dry completely before adding the next coat.
If you’re in a time crunch, you can also utilize a penetrating concrete sealerinstead. You’ll be able to save on time and cost, but the downside is you won’t have the aesthetic look of an epoxied garage floor.
Smell
Wet epoxy has strong fumes. Darker shades of epoxy have more hardeners than the lighter shades. They tend to have an ammonia smell after applying.
Sensitivity
Epoxy flooring needs to be installed exactly according to directions. If not done properly, the flooring will not last as long as it should. The coating also gets scratched pretty easily. It’s very hard to clean paint overspray off of it. The coating should be applied only when during that time of the year when the humidity levels are low. This is because moisture can affect the durability of these floors.
We recommend using a dehumidifier to lower humidity for a period of 24 hours before applying your first coat of resin. This will extract as much moisture from the air as possible which will prevent moisture from becoming trapped underneath the floor once the resin finish has been applied.
Adherence
The concrete floor must be dried, prepared and cleaned thoroughly before applying epoxy to avoid adherence issues. Epoxy does not adhere well in a moist environment such as a basement. The epoxy paint peels off the floors if applied in a damp environment on a moist floor.
Moisture
Since the material doesn’t breathe once it cures, any moisture trapped below the surface can be a problem as it evaporates. It may lead to the eventual need for repair or refinishing as bubbling or buckling in the flooring material may occur in some cases.
Additional Costs
Homeowners have to buy special cleaning acids and other chemicals to ensure that the epoxy sticks. It’s also necessary to buy and use special protective clothing, protective eyewear and breathing devices when using these chemicals. Not only does this increase the amount of time and effort necessary, but in some instance, it can also increase costs.
Removal
Once the epoxy is applied, changing colors or designs can be a labor-intensive and costly endeavor. In those situations where the floor has to be repaired, removing the coating is quite extensive and difficult.
There are several pros and cons to using epoxy floors. It’s highly recommended that you consult a professional contractor to conduct an analysis of your floor before making any decision. A professional can also evaluate the moisture tolerance of the floor to minimize the chances of delamination.
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FAQs
Are epoxy floors a good idea? ›
Extremely safe – Epoxy is a very safe coating for your hard floors. It's slip resistant, shock resistant, and less abrasive than concrete and other types of industrial flooring. It's also water resistant, and will protect your floor from any spills, including harsh chemicals that would harm other types of floor.
Do epoxy floors scratch easily? ›Does epoxy flooring scratch easily? Epoxy flooring doesn't scratch easily due to it being a hard resin coating, however like any surface if something sharp enough scratches the surface, scratches may appear.
Is epoxy flooring hard to maintain? ›Even when these heavy objects are being shifted around on the floor continuously, the epoxy floor surface will maintain a very high luster. Epoxy floors are pretty easy to maintain as long as you follow some ground rules.
What is the disadvantage of epoxy flooring? ›A possible disadvantage of epoxy flooring is its slipperiness due to its non-porous seamless structure. This negative quality surfaces when your epoxy coating gets wet or oily. HOWEVER, at a small additional cost, it's possible to take measures that will make the flooring less slippery or not slippery at all.
What is better than epoxy floors? ›Polyurea is more durable than epoxy and more flexible because it is an elastomer. It is also chemical resistant and can withstand stable heat up to 266℉ and 430℉ for a shorter amount of time according to Corrosionpedia. Polyurea is UV resistant and will not yellow in the sun.
How many years does epoxy flooring last? ›For residential spaces that use epoxy flooring—like patios or garages—homeowners can expect to keep their epoxy flooring looking great for even longer. Typically, residential epoxy flooring can last up to 10 years with proper care!
Do epoxy floors require maintenance? ›In terms of daily maintenance, epoxy floors are pretty low-key. They don't need much, but a daily sweep and mop should be part of the cleaning routine. By removing the presence of any small particles, you'll keep the floor free of scratches and reduce wear and tear.
Does epoxy floor increase home value? ›Epoxy Garage Floors: The Most Cost Effective Way to Increase Your Homes Value. Epoxy garage flooring can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot! That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and comparatively inexpensive upgrade.
Do and dont on epoxy flooring? ›DON'T use surface waxes or sealers. Use of such products can result in slippery surfaces. DON'T use cleaners containing water soluble, inorganic or crystallizing salts, harmful alkali or acids. Use of such products could prove harmful to your decorative polymer floor.
Can you pressure wash epoxy floor? ›If the garage epoxy floor becomes extremely dirty you can mix up some dish washing liquid or some Simple Green and wash the floor down with that and a garden hose. Pressure washing is now no longer necessary but OK to do if you want to. Just don't zero point the nozzle.
Why is my epoxy floor chipping? ›
If your epoxy floor is not installed correctly, this will cause adhesion issues and lead to peeling and/or chipping. You must ensure that the surface is free of dirt and contaminants, then apply a consistent amount of adhesive as specified by your manufacturer.
How much does it cost to epoxy floor? ›Epoxy flooring costs ranged from $1,407 to $2,942 for the US in 2021 according to HomeAdvisor. Professional epoxy flooring installation costs anywhere from $3 to $12 per square foot including materials and labor. Equipment and material alone will cost about $2 to $5 per square foot.
Is epoxy floor coating worth it? ›Durable and long-lasting
Epoxy flooring is highly durable and will last for years to come. With other options, you'll find you must reapply the paint frequently to keep the floors looking great. With epoxy, you won't have to touch your floors again for years after the coating is applied.
Let the material cure for about 60 days. Once it's fully cured, you can apply a new layer of epoxy. A good epoxy patching kit can replace mortar to speed up this process. If the damage is far more extensive than a handful of minor cracks and chips, you may need to take more extreme measures to repair the flooring.
What are the side effects of epoxy? ›- Contact Dermatitis. Fewer than 10% of epoxy users react when overexposed to epoxy resin or hardener. ...
- Allergic Dermatitis (Sensitization) ...
- Severe Irritation and Chemical Burns. ...
- Respiratory Irritation.
Do Epoxy Floors Crack? Epoxy floors are very rigid. As a material, epoxy has very little flexibility, so slight shifts in the foundation can lead to cracks forming in an epoxy coating, leaving you with cracked floors that are difficult to repair without recoating with a new layer of epoxy–an expensive proposition.
Can you put a rug on epoxy floor? ›Generally though, if the epoxy is well adhered and fully cured and is not sticky at all, a mat can be safely applied over. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to check from time to time and make sure the mats are not beginning to stick to the floor below.
Is it cheaper to epoxy or tiles? ›Epoxy flooring is usually cheaper than tiled flooring, but it depends on the qualities and finishes of what you compare. Epoxy can cost anywhere between $30-$100 per sqm installed. The price range for vinyl tiles is similar, while for ceramic tiles the average cost is a lot more – $90-$150 per square metre.
How much does it cost to epoxy a 2 car garage? ›Typical Epoxy Flooring Costs
A one-car garage is usually about 250 square feet and can cost between $750 to $3,000, depending on the type of coating. A two-car garage is normally between 400 and 500 square feet, so the total cost averages between $1,200 and $6,000.
Is epoxy flooring more expensive than tile? The answer to the question of whether epoxy flooring is more expensive than tile is no. Tiled floors are durable for many years and support the sustainable projects of the facilities with many advantages they offer.
How long does epoxy last on floors? ›
Typically, epoxy flooring lasts 2 to 3 years in heavy traffic. Commercial properties—like garages, restaurants, or factory spaces—with lots of daily foot traffic can expect this experience. However, with proper care and maintenance, your epoxy flooring may last much longer.
Do epoxy floors require maintenance? ›In terms of daily maintenance, epoxy floors are pretty low-key. They don't need much, but a daily sweep and mop should be part of the cleaning routine. By removing the presence of any small particles, you'll keep the floor free of scratches and reduce wear and tear.
Is epoxy floor better than concrete? ›Epoxy is More Durable
That's because it's made of heavy-duty, resin-based polymers that are impact resistant, as well as heat and fire resistant. In fact, epoxy flooring can typically last for up to 20 years. Also, epoxy is much easier to clean than concrete, making it extremely low maintenance.
Another way to clean up your epoxy flooring is by mopping it with a little bit of dish soap and water. Simply add about a 1/3 cup of dish soap to a bucket of water then according to Do It Yourself: Soak your mop in the bucket, and mop your floor. Make sure to cover the entire floor.
Why do epoxy floors fail? ›The most common reasons for a failure in your epoxy floor coating are, the floor was not properly prepared, the epoxy floor coating used was water based or other low grade type of epoxy, the epoxy was not rated for the type of traffic on it and or the floor has an issue such as moisture, oil stains, corrosion or ...
Can I pressure wash epoxy floor? ›If the garage epoxy floor becomes extremely dirty you can mix up some dish washing liquid or some Simple Green and wash the floor down with that and a garden hose. Pressure washing is now no longer necessary but OK to do if you want to. Just don't zero point the nozzle.
Does epoxy floor increase home value? ›Epoxy Garage Floors: The Most Cost Effective Way to Increase Your Homes Value. Epoxy garage flooring can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot! That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and comparatively inexpensive upgrade.
Do things rot inside epoxy? ›Fresh food items with high water content, like fruit, will rot and turn disgusting in resin. You must dehydrate your food first. Even then, it's challenging to make something beautiful. Food releases bubbles into your curing resin, making it hard to see what you've got in there.
Why is my epoxy floor chipping? ›If your epoxy floor is not installed correctly, this will cause adhesion issues and lead to peeling and/or chipping. You must ensure that the surface is free of dirt and contaminants, then apply a consistent amount of adhesive as specified by your manufacturer.
How much does it cost to epoxy floor? ›Epoxy flooring costs ranged from $1,407 to $2,942 for the US in 2021 according to HomeAdvisor. Professional epoxy flooring installation costs anywhere from $3 to $12 per square foot including materials and labor. Equipment and material alone will cost about $2 to $5 per square foot.
Does epoxy floor get stained? ›
Epoxy flooring will resist stains and damage while isolating the liquid, but not indefinitely. Industrial epoxy flooring is very resistant to damage from chemicals but some chemicals can alter the appearance and performance of the floor coating if they aren't cleaned up right away.
Is epoxy flooring cheaper than tiling? ›Is epoxy flooring more expensive than tile? The answer to the question of whether epoxy flooring is more expensive than tile is no. Tiled floors are durable for many years and support the sustainable projects of the facilities with many advantages they offer.