Epoxies have been used as coatings on concrete structures since the 1920s when they were first developed by scientists at DuPont Chemical Company. Since then, their use has expanded significantly across industries that require durability, strength, resistance against extreme weather conditions, chemical contamination, high traffic flow, etc., coupled with water repellency and fire retardance properties. The most common application areas of these products include construction, automotive manufacturing, sports arenas, industrial complexes, airports, hospitals, hotels, malls, schools, garages, etc. In addition, epoxies find applications in other sectors like aerospace, electronics, defense, energy, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, textile, packaging, food & beverage, paper industry, etc. They also serve as protective layers over various types of surfaces such as wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, stone, glass, ceramic tile, masonry block, marble slabs, brick, asphalt shingle, vinyl siding, composite decking boards, painted surface, carpet pad, etc. As far as residential homes go, epoxies are mostly used as underlayments or subflooring materials. With so many uses and applications, there are several reasons why you would want to install them in your home or business premises. Let us discuss some of its merits below...
We asked an epoxy garage floor expert about the advantages and disadvantages of epoxy floor coating.
1. Epoxy is an affordable option
This might be one of the main factors which makes people choose this product for their next project. Most manufacturers offer competitive rates without compromising quality standards. This means that if you are planning to invest in this type of flooring, you will not need to spend extra money on labor costs associated with installation. Moreover, you will get a longer warranty period along with hassle free maintenance services from the manufacturer. Lastly, you won't even think about having to hire experts who specialize in this field because all you'll have to do is apply the base layer (usually called "undercoat") followed by topcoating once every 6 months.
2. It's durable, resistant to scratches and stains
The primary reason behind choosing epoxy resin flooring lies within its ability to provide excellent protection against damage caused due to spills, moisture, impact, wear and tear, heat, cold temperatures, salt spray, UV rays, chemicals, etc. Apart from being tough enough to withstand heavy loads while supporting up to 100 lbs per square foot, epoxies feature superior stain resistance abilities. Therefore, you don't have to worry about damaging your new floor coverings with coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice, ink, rust, urine, grease, oil, tar, grass, mud, etc. Additionally, they're highly resilient against impacts and vibrations resulting in reduced chances of cracking or shattering. If you live in a house where pets or kids play around and make mess, you know how difficult cleaning becomes after a day or two? Well, epoxies come with spill containment features which help prevent liquid splatter during accidents. Hence, they ensure long term usage without any compromise regarding aesthetics.
3. You can paint your floors with ease
If you own a commercial space where painting isn't possible, you must already understand how frustrating it is to repaint the entire area twice just to achieve uniform coverage. However, if you've chosen epoxy resin flooring, you can easily give it a fresh look without worrying about low productivity levels. All you'll have to do is follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully. For example, if you want to change the color palette, you only need to mix few pigmented components together before applying it onto the existing material. Afterward, you can finish off using regular household tools to complete the job quickly. Once everything gets dry, you can start polishing the surface, sanding it down lightly, and re-painting it again. And unlike traditional methods, you don't have to deal with multiple coats, waiting periods between each session, etc.
4. It comes in a variety of colors
Garage owners often face problems related to selection of proper colored paints for their facility. While selecting appropriate shades for different parts of the building, it is crucial to consider local climatic conditions and lighting settings. But with epoxy flooring, it doesn't matter what kind of environment you work in. Whether you want to decorate garage entrances, interior walls, ceiling tiles, doorways, etc., you can always select a suitable shade based on practical needs. Unlike conventional options, epoxy resins can be customized according to specific requirements of clients. Consequently, you can add unique patterns, designs, logos, pictures, graphics, text, stickers, etc., to create eye catching effects. Additionally, you can avail customized solutions at nominal prices, thereby saving money on overall expenses.
5. It can last up to 15 years
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners when it comes to installing new flooring materials is repair, replacement, and restoration issues in case of damaged sections. But since epoxies possess strong adhesive characteristics, they can bond well with cementitious substrates making sure that no cracks form underneath the newly installed covering. Furthermore, you can expect maximum longevity from this material as it takes approximately five years for the initial performance level to reach full potential. Also, epoxies can stand the test of time if properly maintained. So, whether you plan to renovate your garage or build a new structure, opting for this product is always a good choice.
