Epoxy is a resin-based coating that is applied over concrete to create a durable, long-lasting surface. It is mixed with a hardener that chemically reacts to create a plastic-like material.
It is resistant to fire, extreme temperatures, slippage and is easy to clean. It looks great and provides safety in your garage by adding traction, decreasing slippage and preventing accidents.
Durability
Epoxy is a resin-based coating that bonds with concrete to create a tough, protective layer that can handle everything a garage floor is exposed to. From oil spills to heavy traffic, this flooring type is extremely durable and can protect your garage floor from wear and tear. This durability is what makes it so popular among commercial, residential and industrial property owners.
When compared to traditional concrete or even regular house painting, epoxy is far more resilient. This material resiliency makes it able to withstand the impact damage that often accompanies a garage environment, from dropping tools to repeatedly parking vehicles or machinery. Furthermore, the material is able to resist the chemicals and stains that are commonly encountered in a garage setting, making it an ideal option for the space.
In addition to being incredibly durable, garage epoxy floors are also aesthetically pleasing. These flooring options come in a wide range of color options to suit any style and taste, allowing homeowners or business owners to revamp the look of their garage. The flooring can be customized with a variety of different flake sizes to achieve a unique aesthetic. Additionally, the thickness of the coating can be altered to suit individual needs. Thicker coatings will provide more protection from scratches and abrasions, while thinner coatings may be more suitable for lighter use.
As an added bonus, these floors are easy to maintain. Using mild, non-abrasive cleaning products will help to keep the surface looking fresh and clean. Additionally, it is a good idea to use felt or rubber pads for furniture and equipment to prevent scratching the surface. The flooring can also be resealed periodically to extend its lifespan and protect against future damage.
In addition to being long-lasting and highly durable, epoxy floors are also fire resistant. This feature is particularly important for businesses that operate in a fire-prone environment such as warehouses. This fire-resistant quality helps to ensure that the floor will not buckle or burn, giving employees and customers a safe working environment.
Water Resistance
Epoxy garage floors are water resistant, and they’re built to hold up to a lot of it. That’s because epoxy coatings are composed of resins that combine with hardeners to create a chemical bond that’s nearly impenetrable. This chemistry also makes epoxy resistant to chemicals, air, petroleum products and heat.
The durability of epoxy floors is further bolstered by the fact that it’s easy to maintain. The floor coating is seamless, so it resists the build-up of dirt and dust more effectively than a traditional concrete floor. A broom or sweeper is sufficient to clear away the majority of the debris that accumulates on epoxy floors, and it requires less cleaning time than other flooring materials.
In addition, if you have an epoxy garage floor coating installed in your home, you’ll be able to save money on pesticides. The seamless nature of the floor prevents insects from getting trapped inside, which means you’ll need fewer pesticides to keep them at bay.
One of the most important reasons to choose an epoxy coating for your home garage or commercial facility is its water resistance. Whether due to a burst water pipe or a backed-up toilet, spilled water can quickly saturate a concrete floor, leading to damage to the lower levels. An epoxy floor, however, will be able to stand up to a flood without damaging the basement or any other lower level in your home.
Although your epoxy garage floor is able to withstand liquids and chemicals, it’s best to take precautions to minimize damage. Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may erode the surface, so it’s crucial to clean up any spills as they happen and wipe down your epoxy surfaces with a degreaser after each use. You should also use mats or trays under your vehicles to catch leaks, and you should avoid abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch the epoxy.
Even with these precautions, epoxy isn’t perfect. It can be slippery when wet, and you’ll want to consider adding an anti-slip additive if your floors are exposed to frequent use. However, by taking these simple steps and following the recommended maintenance practices, you can expect your epoxy garage floors to last for a decade or more.
Chemical Resistant
One of the major reasons why epoxy flooring is so popular in garages and commercial spaces is its resistance to a wide range of chemicals. It is also impact resistant, meaning that a dropped tool or automobile will not leave an imprint in the concrete and that it stands up well to continuous use of heavy equipment. Epoxy floors are also highly fire-resistant, making them the perfect choice for a workshop, warehouse or retail space.
Epoxy floor coatings are also stain-resistant, which is another important factor when choosing a flooring option for a harsh environment. The color options for epoxy coatings are nearly limitless, allowing you to find a finish that will suit your décor. This is especially important for industrial environments where you need to showcase your brand. You can even choose an epoxy flooring option with aggregate, which adds a little bit of texture and makes the floor more slip-resistant.
In addition to its durability, chemical-resistant garage epoxy floor coating is also easy to maintain. This means that you can keep your floor looking fresh and new for a long time without the need for extensive scrubbing and sanding. A quick sweep once a day and a periodic mopping will help your epoxy floor stay clean, shiny and free of stains.
The thickness of the epoxy also plays a role in how well it resists chemicals. The thicker the coating, the better it will stand up to spills, splashes and droplets of corrosive chemicals. For this reason, it is important to consult with an epoxy flooring contractor about the level of usage you plan on putting on your garage floor and to discuss a suitable coating option.
Epoxy garage floor coatings aren’t just durable and attractive, they can actually help you save money over time. While the initial cost may seem a bit high, the longevity of an epoxy coating can pay for itself in reduced maintenance and repair costs. Plus, a beautiful and functional garage floor can significantly increase your home’s property value. For more information on adding an epoxy garage floor coating to your home, schedule a consultation with a reputable and experienced epoxy contractor.
Scratch Resistant
Epoxy floors are tough, but even the best materials can get scratched by heavy equipment, sharp tools, and other common items that are used in a garage or workspace. The good news is that if you take the right preventative steps, your epoxy floor will be resistant to most damage and remain glossy and beautiful. These include using mats or trays under vehicles, which catch spills and leaks before they hit the floor, cleaning up chemicals immediately after use to minimize exposure time, using furniture pads or felt glides instead of direct contact with abrasive metal or wooden furnishings, regularly trimming pet nails, choosing non-abrasive cleaning products for routine maintenance, resealing the surface periodically to extend its lifespan, and keeping it protected from harsh cleaners.
The thickness of the coating plays a major role in how durable it is. Thicker coatings—typically above two millimeters—are more abrasion-resistant, and provide better protection against chemicals. Depending on the specific product you choose, a top coat of polyurethane or ceramic can also make your floor more scratch-resistant.
Another factor in durability is the quality of the concrete floor on which the epoxy is applied. A poorly prepared floor is more prone to cracking and damage, so it’s important that your contractor pays special attention to the condition of your garage flooring before beginning work.
In addition to abrasion and chemical resistance, epoxy flooring can also withstand extreme temperatures. It won’t buckle or become discolored when exposed to high heat or sudden changes in temperature, making it an ideal choice for Torrance, CA and other climates that experience fluctuating weather.
Because it’s a form of coating, epoxy is much thinner than the concrete or steel on which it is installed. This makes it susceptible to scratching, but many brands of epoxy have a hardener added that helps it resist scratches. Another option is to use a high-quality chip flake finish, which has small ridges that help it resist scratches when walked on.