I was interested in alternative flooring for my outdoor patio and garage, and a friend suggested I try epoxy flooring. Epoxy has become more popular during the last few decades for all sorts of different applications. However, I didn’t know a lot about epoxy flooring, so I thought I would contact an expert to get more information.
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Epoxy flooring is a type of synthetic resin floor that you lay over a concrete foundation or subflooring. Epoxy flooring consists of multiple layers of thermosetting resin spread with a roller until it reaches about 2 millimeters thick. When the coatings cure, it forms a solid and durable floor.
After talking to a contractor specializing in epoxy flooring, I knew I wanted to use epoxy as a flooring material in my patio and garage. I know I had trouble getting the relative information, so I thought I would share the information I found and explain what epoxy flooring is.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring might look like thick paint but is chemically different from other flooring paints because it hardens/cures. Resin flooring is made up of a two-part epoxy system. They contain hardeners and polymer resins.
When the hardener and polymer resins are appropriately mixed, there is a chemical reaction between the resin and hardener that bonds them together with the floor. As a result, when it hardens or cures, you are left with a thick hard plastic flooring that bonds exceptionally well with the subfloor (usually concrete).
There is also epoxy coating as an alternative to epoxy flooring. The only difference between epoxy flooring and epoxy floor coating is that epoxy flooring is poured and distributed with a paintbrush in multiple layers to at least 2 millimeters thick. In contrast, the epoxy floor coating is only a few thin coats of epoxy painted on the floor.
It is important that it is installed properly though as epoxy requires the right curing process. It can lead to cracks or uneven areas if mistakes are made.
What Makes Epoxy A Good Flooring Material?
Homeowners can use epoxy flooring inside and outside the home. It comes in all colors, and professional flooring contractors can create patterns. Here are some other advantages of epoxy flooring :
Appearance Of Epoxy Flooring
Some DIY epoxy kits come with flakes to give that industrial look and finish, but more modern looks include different colors that contractors can mix to look like marble or wood grain. In addition, epoxy gives floors a bright and shiny appearance.
Durability Of Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is durable when fully cured and can last decades with proper maintenance and care. Also, because it binds with the concrete underneath, it outlasts most other flooring materials. If there is a leak under the floor, the plumber can have a hard time breaking it open.
Resistance And Protection
Epoxy flooring helps protect your floors from mildew, fungus, and mold. It’s rotproof, water and fire-resistant, and doesn’t easily stain. It is often used in hospitals and garages as it can withstand chemical spills, oils, and grease, and you can regularly clean the floor without any damage to the epoxy.
What Different Types Of Epoxy Flooring Are There?
There are different epoxy flooring options that you can have done or do yourself. Some of the epoxy flooring options are common in malls, schools, and industrial areas, and others work better for warehouses. It is possible to add cool images to it:
Here is some information on the different types of epoxy flooring:
Option 1 – Epoxy Tezzaro Flooring
This type of epoxy flooring is used commercially and consists of colored epoxy and specific aggregates such as pieces of glass, mother of pearl, granite, and marble. These aggregates are mixed with the epoxy, and when it cures, it is ground, sanded, and buffed to expose the aggregates then polished to a shine.
The epoxy tezzaro floors can last upward of 40 years if properly maintained.
Option 2 – Epoxy Flake Coatings
Epoxy flake coatings are used chiefly for shops, showrooms, or schools but can also be used in other places. Flake coatings consist of a colored epoxy with flakes sprinkled on top for aesthetic and sealed with a clear epoxy topcoat to protect the chips and give the floor a shiny look that is great for heavy traffic areas.
In addition, they are chemical resistant and easy to clean and maintain.
Option 3 – Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings are commonly referred to as epoxy floor paint and consist of one color that can have a satin, matte or glossy finish. These epoxy coatings are usually used in medium to low traffic areas like storage spaces. There are many epoxy coating variations available; you can speak to a professional flooring contractor for more information on the latest trends.
Epoxy coatings are only a few epoxy coats that get rolled on and left to cure/harden. The coatings are not as thick as the flooring and will only last a few years with regular maintenance.
Option 4 – Self-Leveling Epoxy
The self-leveling epoxy flooring is used in high-traffic areas like warehouses and is poured up to 3 millimeters thick, and the contractor uses a much thinner epoxy liquid. It levels out automatically and hardens to create a durable floor that can be used for decades.
Option 5 – Antistatic Epoxy Flooring
Antistatic epoxy flooring is specialized, and must comply with standard antistatic flooring regulations, such as (ANSI/ESDS2020, IEC 61340-4-1). These floors are primarily used in laboratories, clean rooms, and specialized food processing facilities.
This type of flooring provides lower friction meaning the static electricity that people create gets rerouted to designated earth points away from any sensitive equipment or material that can ignite or get damaged by static electricity.
Antistatic epoxy flooring needs to be installed by professional contractors and will last years before they need to be repaired or replaced. However, you must maintain antistatic epoxy flooring appropriately to stay within the legal framework.
Conclusion
Epoxy consists of one hardener and one polymer resin; when mixed, it bonds with the concrete foundation or floor and hardens. It leaves you with beautiful shiny floors that are easy to clean and maintain, and they will last your years. You can find epoxy kits in as many colors as possible.
There are DIY kits available, but if you are looking for a specific design or color mix, you might want to hire professionals to get your floor the way you want it.
Resources
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Epoxy Floors
https://www.thespruce.com/what-are-epoxy-floors-advantages-applications-844817
