Epoxy floors have become a popular flooring option over the years, especially for industrial and commercial applications. Epoxy coatings are usually applied over concrete floors to provide a smooth, durable and high-performance surface that can withstand heavy loads and last many years. But what is epoxy flooring?
What is Epoxy Flooring - Benefits and More
This article explains what epoxy floors are and their various applications and types. It also outlines the difference between an epoxy floor and epoxy coating.
What Is Epoxy Flooring
One of the primary aspects of epoxy coating is that it is chemically distinct from regular floor paints or coatings. They’re made by combining resins and hardeners resulting in a chemical reaction that forms a rigid plastic material. The final material is not only durable and resistant but also extremely strong and bonds well to most base layers. This explains why epoxy floors are a top choice for heavy traffic areas such as sports facilities, hospitals and industrial environments.
It’s important to note that there’s a difference between epoxy coating and epoxy flooring. The simple definition of epoxy flooring suggests a flooring surface comprised of multiple layers of epoxy that’s applied to a floor and has a depth of at least 2mm. The difference, therefore, between an epoxy coating and epoxy floor lies in the depth of the epoxy. As such, an epoxy floor that’s less than 2mm thick is commonly referred to as an epoxy floor coating.
Benefits of Epoxy Floors
There are many advantages to having epoxy flooring. Below is a list of the true benefits of epoxy floors:
Appearance
Epoxy floors are brighter and appear more professional than your average garage floor, for example. They have an enticing appearance and the smooth, even surface makes for easy maintenance and cleaning. Since not much will stick to an epoxy floor, cleaning up messes is easy.
Affordability
When compared to other types of flooring, the per square cost of an epoxy floor is tough to beat. Since epoxy can be installed directly over concrete and other types of flooring, the costs of installation are a bit lower than the others. Pricing remains a big selling point for epoxy floors.
Resistance
Epoxy floors are resistant to just about everything - from cleansers and transmission fluid to bleach, gasoline and oil. That is why they’re frequently used in garages. In addition to withstanding chemical spills, epoxy floors are also resistant to water and heat. Another significant benefit is that they’re resistant to germs and bacteria, making them very easy to sanitize. That’s why epoxy is ideal for clinics and hospitals.
Durability
An epoxy floor will have a longer useful life than many other floor types. The only material tougher than epoxy is concrete that’s properly sealed and well maintained.
Protective
An epoxy coating will protect the underlying concrete from cracks, grease, stains and moisture. Ultimately, this can save you a great deal on maintenance and cleaning costs by eliminating the need to clean grout, for example.
Bottom Line
Now you should be able to answer the question; what is epoxy flooring? If you’ve always wanted a floor that looks fantastic, is easy to maintain, strong and durable, then you should consider epoxy flooring. Truly, the benefits of epoxy flooring are amazing. To make the most of your epoxy floor, be sure to hire an expert installer. Research several contractors and choose the one you trust to provide professional installation services.
