What is epoxy?

Epoxy was first discovered in the 1930s and industrial applications for the product have multiplied ever since then. The term “epoxy” is used to describe coatings that are created from two components, meaning, a combination mix of two different chemicals, referred to as “resin.” This classifies epoxy as a copolymer. Chemically, resin is composed of short chain polymers, which at their end contain an epoxide group. Epoxy is a stain-proof alternative to cement grout. that is epoxy grout is not porous. Making it a more durable product that won’t stain, crack or shrink. It's comprised of epoxy resins and a filler powder. The chemical bonds in these resins make them more resistant to abrasive cleaning products. The filler powder gives the mixture a more even colour. This makes matching the grout to the tiles rather simple. The polymer molecules are cross-linked to transform a soft substance into a hardened waterproof material. This is also known as curing.

What is Epoxy Flooring?

 Epoxy is becoming more and more popular as a flooring option in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Epoxy floor coatings are typically two-part systems consisting of a Part A resin and Part B hardener. Specialty additives like flow control, UV inhibitors, adhesion promoters, accelerators, etc, are added to create coatings that perform well in a wide variety of flooring applications. Using these specialty additives, epoxy floor coatings are formulated to achieve different desired performance characteristics like a more rapid cure, increased abrasion resistance, higher chemical resistance, higher or lower viscosity, and many others. Different pigments, decorative coloured quartz aggregate, vinyl flakes, glitter, and other additives are added to the epoxy floor resin to achieve a different performance and aesthetic characteristics. Lastly, different types of aggregate sand blends (slurry, trowel, broadcast, etc) can also be added to the epoxy as well to create thicker, more durable flooring systems, and add non-slip texture. Epoxy Floor Coatings are an extremely versatile flooring option and can be made and applied in a large variety of performance and aesthetic characteristics.

Epoxy Floor Coating Advantages

Epoxy floor coatings offer many advantages when compared to other traditional coatings applied over concrete:

•Creates a shiny high-gloss surface that can significantly increase the brightness of interior areas

•Offers a hard-wearing durable surface able to withstand heavy and continuous traffic

•Quick and easy to install, requiring no layout, cutting additional adhesives, or special tools or equipment

•Durable and easy to clean

•Ideal for warehouses and industrial applications

•Resists oil stains and water

•Creates a seamless surface that can last many years

•Can be combined with paints and colours to mask off chips and cracks

•Provides a chemically resistant surface ideal for manufacturing plants

•Offers enhanced safety when the surface contains anti-slip additives

•Can be applied in different patterns to create visible driveways and/or identify walkable areas

•Prevents wear and tear on existing concrete floors

•May be compatible with self-levelling products that can be applied over new or old concrete, depending on the product

•Requires little or no major maintenance

Where is epoxy flooring used?

•Use in Factory Floors, Warehouses, Garage Floors, Hallways, Covered Porches

•Use in Hospitals, Cafeterias, Restrooms

•Use in Lobbies and Store Display Floors

•Use in Spaces to Meet Safety and Environmental Standards

1. Chemical Resistant

Epoxy flooring is ideal for commercial areas as it is resistant to stains and chemicals. You can wipe the spillage without worrying that you will leave a stain. It doesn’t absorb the spillage into the surface.

2. High Resistance

Choosing garage floor epoxy is ideal because it fortifies the area and blocks harmful elements. In addition, epoxy is resistant to shock-meaning crashes that will not affect the concrete. It is also heat and water-resistant. As such, it is ideal for waterproofing, making a good flooring choice for the basement.

3. Lasts Long

If you install the floor properly, it will last long. Some brands offer a guarantee of up to 10 years. It is good to look for the best epoxy resin floor installers to avoid repeating the work.

4. Strong

Epoxy floor coatings for concrete help to enhance its ability to hold the weight. It also adds stability to the surface, helping to carry heavy loads and avoid wear and tear.

5. Protection

Epoxy floor offers protection as it is a sealant. It keeps the concrete below the material from wearing and tearing. As such, it works as a preservation overlay.

6. Covers Damages

Is your old concrete floor damaged? You can use epoxy floor resin to cover these damages. It makes the surface smooth, sleek, and complete. In addition, designer metallic epoxy flooring can add a polished ambiance to imperfections and defects.

7. Cost-Effective

The epoxy resin floor price is pocket-friendly. Furthermore, it does not require additional sub-flooring materials, which reduces the installation cost. More so, the fact that it is long-lasting makes it cost-effective.

8. Safety

Many industries and commercial projects choose epoxy floor materials for their safety. Investing in high-quality industrial proxy floor coating, garage epoxy floor, and others gives you a polished look with increased safety. Also, since the surface gets slippery when wet, using anti-slip mixes helps increase traction.

ARE EPOXY FLOORS WATERPROOF?

Epoxy coating is an effective system to protect porous concrete from splashes. An epoxy coating is waterproof and durable, resistant to liquids that would otherwise seep into cracks and other hazardous areas of the concrete floor below. Since the surface is smooth and homogeneous, epoxy makes it easier to wipe up puddles and other dirt that may occur.

HOW LONG DO EPOXY FLOORS LAST?

Epoxy floors are very resistant, they usually resist 30 years with regular residential traffic. The performance of the floor depends on the way you preserve the surface.