How Long Does Concrete Epoxy Flooring Last?

Is your office floor starting to show signs of wear, such as flaking or chipping? Perhaps it’s time to consider updating it with a more resilient material.

We recommend epoxy flooring, a durable solution that is perfect for commercial spaces. But durability isn’t the only benefit of epoxy floors. In this guide, we will look into the factors that affect the lifespan of epoxy floors and provide tips to ensure you make a sound investment. So, let’s explore how long epoxy coating can last when applied correctly.

What is Epoxy Coating?

Epoxy coating is a two-part system consisting of resin and hardener. When these components are blended, they form a robust, chemically resistant plastic coating that adheres to the underlying concrete floor, considerably increasing the surface’s lifetime and durability. Epoxy comes in a range of colours and treatments; consider urethane finishes to increase the durability and lifespan of your epoxy flooring installation. can even be customised with decorative chips for a distinct appearance, improving the beauty of your epoxy garage floor.

Understanding Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is a two-component system consisting of a resin and a hardener. It’s often referred to as resin or polymer flooring. When mixed, these components create a chemical reaction resulting in a tough plastic layer that adheres strongly to the surface below.

Epoxy floor coating can be applied over various surfaces such as concrete, vinyl composite tile (VCT), wood, or tile. The quick curing time of epoxy makes it a convenient choice for commercial space transformations.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Epoxy Coating

While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact lifespan of epoxy flooring, several factors can impact its durability.

Sunlight Exposure

UV rays in sunlight can damage epoxy coatings over time, leading to fading and a chalky appearance. To prevent this, it’s best to apply epoxy flooring in areas that aren’t exposed to direct sunlight.

Coating Thickness

The durability of epoxy coating significantly depends on its thickness. Generally, thicker applications tend to last longer than thinner ones.

Traffic Volume

High-traffic areas can put more stress on the epoxy coating, potentially accelerating wear and tear. Similarly, the use of heavy machinery can also impact the longevity of the epoxy layer.

Underlying Flooring

The condition of the underlying flooring is equally important. If the base layer is weak, even the most robust epoxy coating won’t perform optimally. Ensure that the underlying flooring has a PSI value between 2,500 and 3,000.

Quality of Top Coat Installation

Investing in a high-quality epoxy top coat will yield a longer-lasting result than opting for cheaper alternatives. You can enhance the durability of the epoxy layer by adding a slip-resistant top coat, such as urethane, which is known for its scratch-resistant properties.

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prolong the life of your epoxy flooring. Use soft mops for cleaning to avoid scratching the surface, and promptly address any cracks or damages.

Installation Process

Proper installation is key to ensuring the durability of the epoxy floor. Hiring a skilled epoxy floor services team that adequately prepares the floor increases the likelihood of the epoxy layer binding well to the underlying flooring.

Expected Lifespan of Epoxy Coating

Considering the above factors and assuming regular maintenance, epoxy flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years in a commercial setting. However, it’s important to be vigilant about signs of deterioration, such as scuffing or breakdown, and to address these issues promptly.

On the bright side, even if sections of the flooring get damaged, it’s usually unnecessary to replace the entire floor. Instead, you can repair specific areas by pouring more epoxy or restructuring and recoating the surface.

Maximising the Lifespan of Your Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is a resilient and versatile flooring option, particularly suited for commercial spaces where durability and aesthetic appeal are crucial. It’s not just a cost-effective solution but also one that offers a considerable lifespan when maintained correctly. By managing these aspects above, you can ensure your epoxy floor remains in top condition for up to 10 to 20 years.

Here are some tips in maintaining commercial epoxy flooring

1. The look and performance of your business epoxy floor depend on daily cleaning. To get grit, grime, and trash off the surface that can dull or harm the finish, sweep or dust mop. Use a neutral pH cleaner and a soft-bristle scrub brush to get stains and spills out without damaging the epoxy resin in deeper cleaning.
2. Although epoxy floors are quite chemical-resistant, over time exposure to strong solvents, acids, or alkalis can cause the surface to deteriorate. On an epoxy floor, steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners since they might undermine the effectiveness of the protective coating.
3. Take early steps to stop damage to your epoxy floor. At doorways, place floor mats or rugs to catch dirt and moisture before it gets to the floor. To stop heavy equipment or machines from scratching and gouging furniture padding or casters will help.
4. Implement precautionary actions to guard your epoxy floor from harm during daily operations. Install barricades or bumper guards to stop runs-on against walls and other objects. Moving machinery or large objects should be done carefully to prevent surface damage or scratches.
5. Frequent Inspections: Look over your epoxy floor often to spot any wear or damage. Look for regions of discolouration, peeling, or bubbling; these could point to underlying problems that call for treatment. Early problem addressing helps avoid later expensive repairs or replacements.
6. Plan frequent maintenance and inspections with a certified epoxy flooring contractor to make sure your business floor stays in best shape. To increase the lifetime of your epoxy floor, professional maintenance treatments could call for comprehensive cleaning, buffing, recoating, or small repairs.

Furthermore, epoxy flooring offers the convenience of localised repairs. Instead of overhauling the entire floor, you can address specific areas showing signs of wear and tear, further extending the life of the floor.

In essence, the lifespan of an epoxy floor is not just about the product itself but also about how it’s applied, maintained, and cared for. By investing time and effort into these areas, your epoxy floor can continue to present a polished, professional image for your business for many years to come.

Let Us Transform Your Floors

If you’re looking for an epoxy flooring company then get in touch with Safecoat Flooring at 1800 231 907 or send us a message to receive a free quote.