Choosing the right epoxy flooring for your space is an important decision. It will affect how your space looks and feels.
There are many different epoxy flooring finishes to choose from. These range from a basic solid color to unique mixtures with colorful flecks. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Durability
Durability is one of the biggest reasons homeowners and businesses choose epoxy floors. These durable floor coatings create an impenetrable seal that is non-porous and waterproof. This helps to protect the floor from water damage and staining, especially in spaces that may be susceptible to spills of oil or other toxic substances.
Epoxy flooring is also easy to maintain and clean. This is an important factor for salons, where cleanliness is key to a clean and inviting atmosphere. Epoxy floors resist dirt, stains, and hair, nail, and chemical products, which cuts down on cleaning time and saves labor costs.
A properly installed epoxy floor, such as those expertly applied by Statewide Epoxy (statewideepoxy.com.au), can last for years, even with heavy foot or vehicle traffic. To ensure longevity, it’s crucial to hire a professional flooring contractor for the application and proper surface preparation. This involves meticulous debris removal, crack and hole repairs in the concrete, and moisture testing to guarantee optimal adhesion. If water beads on the surface, indicating an existing sealant, the concrete may not be suitable for epoxy coating.
Cleanliness
One of the many benefits that make epoxy floors so popular is that they’re easy to keep clean. Regular cleaning with a mop and bucket or a mechanized scrubber keeps the floors looking bright and fresh. Unlike tile, linoleum or concrete floors, epoxy is non-porous and resists stains and marks. When scrubbing an epoxy floor, be sure to avoid soap-based cleaners. Instead, choose mild, non-abrasive, and pH-neutral cleaners that are safe for epoxy flooring
In addition, doormats and careful footwear can help protect the floor coating from damage. High heels or cleats can scratch the surface of an epoxy floor, so consider banning these types of shoes or providing shoe covers for employees and guests. If a large gouge or scratch occurs, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and prolong the life of the epoxy floor.
A high-quality epoxy floor can last for decades if it is properly installed and maintained. Look for a contractor who specialises in industrial flooring and has extensive experience. Be sure to ask for references and reviews from past clients. Also, look for a contractor that is affiliated with an industry leader or recognised epoxy manufacturer. These affiliations often indicate a commitment to best practices. A professional will be able to recognise and correct potential problems during the installation process before they become serious.
Slip Resistance
Epoxy floor coatings offer excellent slip resistance, which makes them a smart choice for wet environments. They can also be customized with aggregates to achieve specific levels of slip resistance. Consulting with a specialist is important to ensure the proper level of slip resistance for your space.
A good epoxy floor can last longer than most other flooring types. They’re easy to clean and require little maintenance. In harsh industrial environments they can last 8 to 10 years, and in homes or moderate commercial spaces they may last 15 to 30 years with regular resealing.
In areas of high foot traffic or heavy wear and tear, it’s common for epoxy floors to lose their gloss finish and start to wear through to the concrete underneath. This happens because abrasion from people or machinery wearing away the surface of the coating, but it can be prevented by using a hardened epoxy system with a thick topcoat.
It’s also important to test the concrete surface for previous layers of epoxy or other sealants. A simple water test can reveal this. Pour a small amount of water onto the floor and watch for it to soak in. If it beads up, the surface is likely sealed and will not hold an epoxy coating. Also, avoiding contrast lines, dark or yellow-based colors, and tinted windows can help limit fading and yellowing.
Safety
The flooring at your spa has a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of the space, and the color of the floor is an important decision. Whether you want something neutral, bright or unique with flecks of color throughout, there are several options available.
If you opt for a metallic epoxy, it will reflect light and create a sense of openness in your space. This makes it perfect for spas that place a premium on creating a sophisticated, elegant image in their branding.
While this is not necessarily a safety concern, you should know that epoxy can yellow over time when exposed to excessive sunlight. This usually shows up as a subtle tinge or undertone and doesn’t affect the integrity of the coating, however.
You should always choose a professional flooring contractor for your epoxy floor project. Look for one that is bonded with an industry leader or recognized epoxy manufacturer, as this indicates a commitment to quality and best practices. You should also check out the contractor’s website and social media pages for customer testimonials.
Epoxy is an extremely durable surface that will protect your concrete flooring from damage and wear. It is also hygienic and easy to clean with mopping or food-safe sanitising agents. In addition to this, it offers slip resistance and will not absorb moisture, which can be problematic for some types of flooring.