All You Need To Know About Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring has been a go-to choice for many homeowners and businesses for a long time. If you’re new to the concept of epoxy floors, you’ve landed in the right place. In this article, we will dive into everything you need to understand about epoxy flooring, including its definition, pros and cons, how to determine its thickness, and its lifespan. Continue reading to determine if epoxy flooring is the right fit for your space.

The Basics of Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is a unique floor covering made from a blend of resin and hardeners that form a protective, plastic-like layer. Typically, multiple layers are applied which, upon drying, create a robust, stain-resistant, and easy-to-maintain floor. An epoxy floor should have a minimum thickness of 2mm; anything less is considered an epoxy floor coating. The beauty of epoxy flooring is that it can be customised to match your preferred colour and design, perfectly complementing your space.

Varieties of Epoxy Floors

There is an array of epoxy flooring options to choose from, including:

Self-Leveling: Ideal for creating an even surface, self-leveling floors are perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. They work best on damaged or cracked concrete floors.

Self-Dispersing: This type is perfect for industrial settings with heavy traffic due to its strength and durability.

Mortar: This is the most robust epoxy flooring option. Mortar epoxy floors, made from solid epoxies mixed with quartz sand, are excellent for repairing cracks before applying another epoxy layer.

Gravelled: Although complex and challenging to install, gravelled floors offer excellent anti-slip properties. Their design can incorporate brand logos, images, and other decorative details.

Terrazzo: Mainly decorative, epoxy terrazzo floors are often used in large spaces for aesthetic appeal.

Anti-Static: In work environments where electro-static charge could pose a risk, anti-static epoxy floors are the best choice.

Flaked: Decorative flake floors contain coloured flakes or chips for a decorative effect, and their slightly rough surface can add anti-slip properties.

Epoxy Flooring Applications

Epoxy flooring is versatile and can be used in a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial settings, such as Kitchens, Living Rooms, Bathrooms, Schools, Hospitals, Garages, Basements, Offices, Factories and Warehouses.

Benefits of Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring offers several advantages, including:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Stain resistance
• Easy maintenance
• Durability against chemicals, oil, gas, and other harsh liquids
• Versatility (suitable for indoor and outdoor use)
• Anti-bacterial properties
• Minimal maintenance required
• Floor protection
• Customizability
• Ability to brighten interior spaces.

Drawbacks of Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring does come with some disadvantages, including:

• Long curing time
• Potential for slipperiness (although this can be rectified with the addition of non-slip aggregates)
• Complex installation process (the floor needs thorough cleaning, and humidity must be low during application)
• Difficulty in removal if you change your mind

Lifespan of Epoxy Floors

A well-installed epoxy floor coating can last for many years. The typical range is between 10-20 years, but this can vary depending on whether the floor experiences light or heavy foot traffic. Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your floor.

Heat Resistance

Epoxy flooring is known for its resistance to heat and fire. This makes it an excellent choice for environments that are exposed to high temperatures or fire hazards, offering an additional layer of safety.

Improved Visibility

Due to its glossy finish, epoxy flooring can significantly improve brightness and visibility in a space. This is particularly beneficial in work environments that require good lighting, such as garages or warehouses, as it can help to reduce the need for additional lighting fixtures.

Contact Safecoat Flooring for Your Epoxy Flooring Needs

Are you considering investing in epoxy flooring for your commercial business? Reach out to the experts at Safecoat Flooring who can guide you through improving the safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal of your floors. Our team specialises in all types of epoxy solutions, so feel free to ask us what would work best for your business needs.