If you are looking for a new kind of floor covering, you should check out epoxy flooring. It’s very easy to install, very low-maintenance and looks great in any home. Do you need a great deal of floor covering strength? Epoxy has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any type of flooring covering. It is not only very, very strong but it is also extremely durable and easy to maintain. Our blog is about epoxy flooring and everything you need to know about this exciting new floor covering option. Find out why this type of flooring is quickly becoming the “hot” floor covering of choice and read about the many testimonials from happy customers.
You’ll learn why flooring contractors love working with this material, and why you should consider it as an option for your next remodeling project.
In fact, if you are interested, you should seriously consider this option for your entire house. It’s truly a win-win situation for you and your family.
What Is Epoxy?
Epoxy is a hard, clear plastic that is tough, flexible, and extremely durable. It can be applied to almost any kind of surface, and will adhere tenaciously to most anything it comes into contact with. The best part of epoxy is that it is completely non-toxic and odorless. This makes it safe for use in both commercial and residential applications. It is also easy to clean and can be re-used over and over without any harmful effects. There are several different kinds of epoxies, each designed for a specific purpose. When used properly, epoxy can be one of the strongest floor coverings available.
It is perfect for use on floors that receive heavy traffic, such as commercial kitchens, garages, workshops, woodworking facilities, and similar areas. Epoxy is ideal for use under high-traffic areas, such as where people are working on their feet all day long. It is also perfect for use in homes with young children or pets, since it is extremely tough and will not harm your family’s safety. It can be used on stairs, too, and will adhere tenaciously to the steps. If you decide to use epoxy on your stairs, you should make sure use a non-skid or slip-resistant additive to the topcoat.
Have you been searching where to buy an epoxy flake floor resin?
What's The History Of Epoxy Flooring?
As far as we know, epoxy was first developed in the 1940s by a scientist who was working for the U.S. military. At that time, the military wanted to create an impenetrable coating on metal airplane parts. After many failed attempts, the scientist came up with a formula that worked.
And from there, companies developed many other products using this amazing formula. Among these other products were flooring materials.
This flooring material proved to be a real game-changer! It was easy to install, it was inexpensive, easy to maintain, it was the first to resist stains and scratches, and it was one of the first to be durable.
The rest, as they say, is history. Epoxy flooring is now used all over the world. It’s installed in high-traffic areas like garages, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, warehouses, and even inside homes. In fact, some estimates say more than 90% of all homes in the U.S. have some type of epoxy flooring. But, did you know there are actually different kinds of epoxy? There are, and each kind has its own unique qualities. And knowing these differences can help you decide which kind would work best for your home or business. In this article, we’re going to explain the different types of epoxy, how they differ, and which ones would be best for your specific needs. By the way, when we talk about “best,” what we really mean is…
The Kind Of Epoxy That Will Give You The Most Bang For Your Buck! So, let’s get started. First, there’s the standard two-part epoxy. This is the kind most people are familiar with. It’s available in a variety of hardnesses and it cures to a strong, permanent bond. It has great tensile strength, is abrasion resistant, and has good chemical resistance.
However, it does have one major drawback:
It’s rather expensive!
How Does Epoxy Flooring Compare To Other Floor Coverings?
Epoxy flooring has a couple of advantages over other types of floor coverings. The first is cost. It is much less expensive than hardwood or tile flooring. The second advantage is that it is very easy to maintain. Since it is a hard floor covering, it is very easy to clean and looks great even after years of heavy foot traffic.
Another type of floor covering that has gained popularity in recent years is vinyl flooring. Like epoxy, this type of floor covering is durable and easy to install. However, it does have some disadvantages when compared to epoxy. The main disadvantage is cost. Vinyl flooring is much more expensive than epoxy. Also, since it is a softer material, it will eventually need to be replaced. But, since it is a floor covering made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base, it can be recycled.
This means that instead of throwing away an old vinyl floor, you can sell it to a company that makes a new floor covering out of the old vinyl. This helps to reduce the amount of virgin vinyl flooring that ends up in a landfill. Vinyl flooring also has some disadvantages when compared to epoxy. The first is that it will eventually need to be replaced. Like hardwood or tile flooring, it will wear out over time.
The second disadvantage is that it is not as easy to clean as epoxy. When flooring gets dirty, it is usually only the top surface that gets dirty. But, with vinyl flooring, both the top surface and the bottom surface get soiled. Also, since vinyl is a softer material, it will eventually begin to look worn and the color will begin to fade.
Wood flooring has been around for a very long time. It is still a very popular type of floor covering. But, it does have some disadvantages when compared to more modern floor coverings. The first disadvantage is cost. Wood flooring is much more expensive than vinyl or epoxy. Also, it is heavy and difficult to install.
A new wood floor covering can weigh up to 80 pounds per square foot! That means it will take 4 or 5 men (or women) to install a new wood floor. And, if you have an old wooden floor already installed, you will have to remove the old floor covering before you can put the new floor covering on the floor. This can be very costly and time-consuming.
Why Would I Want To Put Epoxy Flooring In My Home?
There are many reasons why you would want to put epoxy flooring in your home. Here are just a few of them:
Lower Cost Of Maintenance – Since epoxy flooring is a hard floor covering, it requires much less maintenance than other types of floor coverings. That means you will spend much less time keeping the floors clean and maintaining the appearance of the house. This makes it a great option if you have children or pets.
No Hazards From Chemicals – Most people are very concerned about the safety of products that are used in and around their homes. With epoxy, there are no harmful chemicals that can leach into the sub-flooring or be ingested by the family. This makes it a great option for anyone with allergies or chemical sensitivities. It also makes it an excellent choice if you are doing any kind of renovation project that involves working on the sub-floor.
Extremely Durable – Because it is a hard floor covering, epoxy is very resistant to scratches, stains, and scuffs. That means you can go barefoot all over the house without worrying about damaging the floor. In fact, when you are done walking around, the floor will look like it has been protected by a coating of armor plate.
Very Easy To Clean – Since it is a hard floor covering, it is easy to clean. You can use a damp mop or sponge to clean the floor. When you are finished cleaning, just give the floor a quick dry with a towel or let it air dry. It will be ready to use again in just a few hours.
Looks Great – Last but not least, epoxy flooring looks beautiful and gives you the “wow” factor.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Epoxy As A Flooring Option?
There are many advantages to using epoxy as a floor covering option. The first and probably the most important advantage is cost. Epoxy is far cheaper than other flooring options and usually lasts three times longer than vinyl or linoleum flooring. Another big advantage is that it is easy to install. Most contractors love working with this type of flooring because it requires almost no skill to put in, and it can be installed in just a few hours. Another advantage is that it is very durable.
When used properly, epoxy flooring can last for decades. The only maintenance required is regular cleaning with a non-abrasive sponge or rag. If you decide to use it on stairs, you should clean them every month or so, just like you would wax your car’s paint job. If you decide to use it in a garage or other area where there is a lot of dirt and oil, you should clean the floor on a regular basis. It is also extremely resistant to most acids and alkalies.
This means that it will not stain or corrode from spilled gasoline or other acids. Yet another big advantage is that it is virtually impossible to scratch. This means that it is safe for little kids and pets. If you decide to use it in a child’s room, it will make a great play floor because it is so hard to scratch. Yet another advantage is that it is easy to clean. If you decide to use it in a kitchen or bathroom, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and it will be as good as new. Yet another advantage is that it is very easy to work with.
Most contractors love working with epoxy because they can just mix up the required ingredients and apply it directly to the floor without having to mess around with measuring and mixing individual compounds like they have to with other flooring options. Yet another advantage is that it has a very high gloss finish. This means that it looks great and is easier to keep clean. Yet another advantage is that it comes in almost an endless variety of colors. You should never be limited to the standard black, yellow, and red that most people choose.
What Are Some Of The Disadvantages Of Epoxy Flooring
One of the primary disadvantages of using epoxy flooring is the initial cost. This type of flooring can range from $2 to $30 per square foot. It all depends on the size of the job too. You must factor in the preparation needed on the surface, by grinding the concrete, which will open the pores of the concrete so that it can receive the epoxy resin and form a permanent bond.
We must also factor in the severity of the cracks in the concrete. A good installer will repair and fill the crack before resurfacing the concrete, some of the installers that have been in the trade for a very long time might even have their own special formula they prepare for the crack.
But Before You Go Out And Install Epoxy Or Have It Professionally Installed, There Are Some Important Things To Know...
First, it is best to do your homework. If you decide to use floor epoxy on your own, the first thing you need to find out is how much resin (the sticky stuff that makes the floor “stick”) is in each gallon. You can get this info from the package insert or from the manufacturer. The second thing you need to find out is how hard (or how “solid”) the resin is. You can test the resin by mixing a small amount with some sand (the kind used for playgrounds) and water. If the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, then the resin is too hard and will not adhere to the floor.
If, however, the mixture becomes fluid and starts to “mushroom” on the surface of the container, then the resin is not as hard and will adhere better to the floor. The third thing you need to know is the type of catalyst that is required. Most often, there are two types: An “acid” catalyst that lowers the pH of the resin and makes it more reactive, and a “base” catalyst that raises the pH of the resin and makes it less reactive. A fourth factor is a temperature at which the epoxy must cure. This is measured in degrees Fahrenheit.
Curing happens when the resin reaches its “gel point.” This is the temperature at which the resin stops flowing (like Jell-O) and becomes hard and sticky. Another factor is the time allowed for the epoxy to reach its gel point. This is called the “pot life.” The next factor is the type of container in which the epoxy is stored. Containers that are most often used for storing epoxy are those with a plastic screw cap. Screw caps keep out dust and other contaminants but let in oxygen.
Oxygen is a “reactive” element and it is this element that causes the curing of the epoxy. If you use a screw cap, make sure you replace it with an “airtight” cap after each application of epoxy. And lastly, determine how much flooring you have to cover. If you only have one room to work in, then you can probably get away with using very little resin.
However, if you are doing a large project such as an entire house, then you should use considerably more resin than is required for small projects. When you are using too little resin, the floor will not adhere well and you will have to sand and refinish the floor often which is very expensive. Using too much resin will also cause the floor to become sticky and difficult to walk on.
More About The Epoxy Flooring Installation Process
The most important thing you must do is remove all of the dirt and dust from the concrete floor. Use a combination brush and vacuum cleaner to get the job done.
Vacuum the floor until no more dirt comes up in the suction. Then, use the brush to loosen and remove any remaining stubborn dirt and dust. When this step is completed, the floor should be clean and ready for the next step which is applying the primer or adhesive.
Apply the primer or adhesive to the entire floor using a putty knife or other tool. Make sure you apply it to all areas that will eventually have the epoxy flooring. This includes the walls, the ceiling, and all floor surfaces including the basement floor and any sub-flooring that has been previously covered with another material. Don’t forget the floor joists and the floor joist hangers. When you are finished, let the primer or adhesive dry for 24-hours. After the primer or adhesive dries, you can start laying your epoxy flooring. Laying the Epoxy Flooring Once the primer or adhesive has completely dried, you can begin installing your epoxy flooring.
Epoxy Floors Where You Need Them
Mostly, you need epoxy floors where there are people. People who walk on them, people who drive over them, people who work on them, and eventually, people who live on them. That’s the way it is with most things in life; it’s not easy to find something that lasts forever unless you make it so. But, as a general rule, epoxy floors last longer than any other kind of flooring available today.
Even concrete can be made to last 100 years if proper maintenance is provided. Concrete doesn’t look great for a long time though. Once it starts to crack, it starts to look terrible. By that time though, it may be too late to do anything about it. With epoxy, you can still put a fresh coat of epoxy on top of the old one and make it look like new. After all these years, it will still look great. You know what?
It will really improve the quality of your life. If you have any doubts about the durability of epoxy, just look at how many boats were built using this material as their primary building material. Those boats have been in service for decades and they are still in use today. The same thing can be said about many planes, trains, and automobiles. The first step toward having epoxy floors in your home is to find a good floor covering contractor in your area.
He should be someone you can trust and who has a good reputation. After you decide on the type of floor covering you want. He will then tell you the approximate cost of doing the job. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of having an epoxy floor. In most cases, it is actually a very simple process. However, there is one important thing you must remember. The epoxy needs to be allowed to fully cure before you walk on the floor. This is usually 24-hours after the floor has been applied but it could be longer.
The floor covering contractor will tell you when the floor is ready for you to walk on. If you try to walk on the floor before it is cured, you will seriously damage the floor. By that time, it may be too late to do anything about it. It’s as simple as that.
Don’t be afraid of epoxy. It may even improve the quality of your life. How do we find a good epoxy floor covering contractor? It’s really very simple. All we have to do is ask around. Word of mouth is still the most effective form of advertising and there are plenty of people who have had no other experience with a floor covering contractor than the one they had while having their floors done. We only need to find someone who has been doing this for a long time and who has a good reputation. There are plenty of these contractors. All we have to do is ask.
Residential Garage Floor Epoxy
Residential epoxy flooring is rapidly gaining in popularity. Why? Actually, there are several reasons:
It Looks Great!
It Is Durable!
It Is Easy To Clean!
If you are looking for the best information about residential epoxy flooring you have come to the right place. Here you will find the latest news about this amazing flooring product, as well as tips from real residential flooring contractors who are using it on their own projects. Residential Epoxy Flooring is a type of floor covering that has been used in the United States since the late 1960s. This type of floor covering is easy to install and provides a non-slip surface.
Residential epoxy floors are ideal for both residential and commercial applications. They are perfect for high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, mudrooms, workshops, playrooms, and more. These floors are also excellent for use in the home theater, game room, music room, office, den, and bedrooms.
In fact, residential epoxy floors are so versatile they can be used in just about any room in the house. They can even be used in the basement or garage. These floors are non-toxic and low-maintenance They also have a very long life span if cared for properly. There are many different types of epoxies available for residential use.
- Metallic Epoxy Flooring
Flake Epoxy Flooring Or Epoxy Paint Chip
Standard Single Color Epoxy Floor
Quartz Epoxy Flooring
Wondering Where to buy an epoxy flooring kit?
Why Do So Many People Still Not Know About Residential Epoxy Flooring?
The main reason people do not know about this type of floor covering is they are not informed by their contractors. Most contractors that install vinyl or laminate flooring will not inform their customers that these types of floor coverings have a limited life span. When this happens the floor covering has to be replaced every few years. However, with epoxy flooring, there is no need to replace it because it can be sanded, refinished, and used for many more years. Another reason people do not know about residential epoxy floors is they are not informed by their manufacturers.
Most manufacturers of vinyl or laminate flooring will not inform their customers about the harmful effects these types of floor coverings have on the environment. In fact, some of these types of floor coverings have been linked to cancer! Also, these types of floor coverings are made with potentially toxic adhesives. But, there is no need to worry about that with residential epoxy floors. These types of floors are made with non-toxic and low-emission adhesives. A third reason people do not know about residential epoxy floors is they are not informed by their designers.
Most designers who use vinyl or laminate flooring in their projects do not consider the traffic patterns of the rooms where the flooring is going to be installed. However, this is an important factor to take into account when installing any type of floor covering. If the room has a high traffic pattern then the type of floor covering you use should be appropriate for the application. But, if the room has a low traffic pattern then a different type of floor covering may be ideal for that room.
Commercial Epoxy Flooring
If you’re looking for information about what is commercial epoxy flooring, you’ve come to the right place! Our team of writers regularly puts out informative posts about this subject on this blog. Commercial epoxy flooring is an economical solution for all types of businesses including retail, warehouses, offices, and restaurants. Unlike other flooring options, this type of flooring is easy to maintain. It is virtually odorless, non-toxic, and extremely hardwearing.
Commercial epoxy flooring has many advantages over other types of flooring. Not only does it look great, but it is also easy to maintain, very durable, and low-maintenance. If you are looking for a flooring solution for your business or commercial establishment, you should consider epoxy flooring.
Why Should You Consider Commercial Epoxy Flooring?
Commercial Epoxy flooring has many benefits and uses. One of the primary reasons people use epoxy flooring is because it is so cost-effective. This type of flooring can be installed in a matter of hours as opposed to days or weeks with other types of flooring. Another reason people use epoxy flooring is that it looks great! When properly installed, this type of flooring will blend in with almost any décor.
When you are ready to sell your commercial building or property, the first thing potential buyers will notice is the flooring. If it is not up to par, they will quickly pass on your property. However, if the flooring is done right, it will help you get top dollar when you are ready to sell.
Another thing people like about epoxy flooring is how easy it is to clean. Unlike other types of flooring, this type of flooring can be wiped down with a damp cloth. It also has a low-sheen finish which makes it easy to clean. If you have a hardwood floor, you may want to consider epoxy flooring as a less expensive alternative. Hardwood flooring has a beautiful warm look, but it is extremely difficult to keep clean.
Pets In The Workplace? Consider Epoxy Flooring
If you have pets or children who are prone to getting dirt and dust on their hands and feet, you should definitely consider epoxy flooring. It will make cleaning a snap! If you have an establishment that sells food and beverages, you should seriously consider using epoxy flooring. This is because it will dramatically improve the overall appearance of your establishment. It will add a nice luxurious feel to your flooring.
Food & Beverages? You'll Love Our Epoxy System
Many people who sell food and beverages use this type of flooring in their restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. They find it helps to set the ambiance for the type of business they are in. It creates a tranquil, luxurious atmosphere which helps boost sales. If you are in the restaurant business or if you own a bar or nightclub, you should definitely consider using epoxy flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is epoxy?
Epoxy is a chemical compound that is mixed together with some sort of catalyst (usually a metallic powder) and then applied as a thin liquid or solid coating. Once it is cured, it becomes a hard, durable, non-skid, non-porous floor covering that is extremely resistant to stains, heat, and most chemicals.
Who Uses Epoxy Flooring?
It is used in many different types of applications. It will outlast any type of flooring that is currently available. Another advantage is that it is easy to clean. It does not attract dirt and dust as other flooring does. Also, it has a low coefficient of friction. This means it will be easy to walk on and it will not cause anyone wearing shoes to slip and fall. Some of the more common ones are:
- Automotive Repair Shops Bars & Nightclubs
- Convenience Stores
- Food & Beverage
- Retailers
- Gas Stations
- Gyms Hospitals
- Industrial Plants
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Residential Homes
- Commercial Businesses
- Hair Salon
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Pet Stores
- Veterinarian Offices
- Doctor Offices
- Hospitals
- Anywhere There Is Concrete
How Long Does Epoxy Flooring Last?
Can epoxy flooring last forever? Well, nothing lasts forever so let’s get that out of the way… But once installed, it will outlast any other type of floor covering that is currently on the market. You will enjoy having an epoxy floor for years and years to come.
What Are The Benefits Of Epoxy Coatings?
Compared to other types of floor coverings, it is extremely durable. It is easy to clean. It does not attract dirt and dust as other flooring does. Also, it has a low coefficient of friction. This means it will be easy to walk on and it will not cause anyone wearing shoes to slip and fall. It is non-toxic and odorless. It is easy to install. It requires no special tools and very little know-how. It can be installed over existing concrete.
Who Is The Best Person To Install Epoxy Flooring?
Any contractor that has done a simple “Google” search will find hundreds of companies that offer to do the work for them. You do have choices. You should select a contractor that has at least a couple of good references. Ask for those references and check them out. Also, make sure the company you are hiring has a “good” rating with the BBB.
How Durable Are These Floors?
For the same reason, I just mentioned the ad you just read. It is extremely durable and will last much longer than any other type of floor covering that is currently on the market.
How Much Does Epoxy Flooring Cost?
In contrast to other flooring options, this epoxy flooring is very affordable especially if you do it yourself. It is less expensive than natural stone, cork, or even wood flooring. It is slightly more than laminate, but a great deal less than solid surface, hardwood, or Carpet.
What Precautions Should I Take Before Installing or Hiring a company to install this type of floor?
Although it is extremely durable, it is not indestructible. Therefore, there may come a time when you will need to have your flooring resealed with a topcoat or another layer of epoxy. The good news is that should not be very often. How often should you have your floors re-sealed? Well, that depends on how often they are abused. If your floors get lots of traffic, they will need to be resealed more often than if they do not get much traffic. However, if you have a home with children and pets, the floors will most likely need to be resealed at least once every five years.
How to extend the life of my epoxy floor?
Certainly, vacuuming the floor should be done after each time you clean the floor with a mop. You should also wipe the floor with a damp rag after vacuuming to remove the residue left by the vacuum. And don’t forget to wash the floor with a strong detergent and water solution every month or so. All of these things will go a long way in keeping your vinyl looking new for a long time. The final thing you can do is not walk on the floor with heavy objects. This will help prevent the floor from getting dented and scratched which will, in turn, make the floor look newer longer. Of course, if you do this, you will have to take extra care when you are cleaning the floor. Don’t use a scouring pad or steel wool. Use a soft brush and mild detergent. Just like brushing your teeth. If you do all this stuff regularly, your floor should last as long as you can imagine.
What About Polyurethane floor coatings?
This is a much stronger and longer-lasting floor finish than epoxy. However, it is also much more difficult to work with. First, it requires special equipment. Second, it has a very high heat tolerance and it must not be applied when the floor is too hot. If the temperature is above 85°F, you must wait until it drops below 85°F before you can apply the finish. This is a much stronger and longer-lasting floor finish than epoxy. However, it is also much more difficult to work with.
Is Epoxy Safe?
Absolutely! All of our products are safe for use within the recommended use parameters. We do not use any toxic materials in our products. We use products that are commonly found in all kinds of other household items, including foods.
In brief, it is safe to use epoxy as a floor finish. However, it is much safer than using something like linoleum which can be extremely toxic if it gets on your skin. Therefore, just like cleaning up after any other project, you should always clean up any spills immediately and remove all of the material from your work area that might come in contact with the finish.