How Epoxy Resin Flooring Stands the Test of Time
April 16, 2024Epoxy resin is a reliable and visually appealing flooring option for commercial spaces. However, as with any material, epoxy floors have their pros and cons.
Durability plays a huge role in determining the lifespan of an epoxy floor. Incorporate regular inspections and maintenance routines to help your floors last longer.
Versatility
While epoxy resin has historically been used for commercial and industrial flooring, it’s popularity has skyrocketed in homes over the last few years. This is due to its versatility, and it’s ability to provide both durability and style in the same flooring solution.
This makes it an ideal floor for those who want to renovate their homes without having to worry about building work and debris. It can also be applied over existing concrete, making it a quick and easy solution for homeowners.
Additionally, epoxy doesn’t require specialised temperature ranges to bond with the substrate, unlike vinyl floors. This allows for greater job-site flexibility, and saves both time and money by not having to wait for specific conditions.
Finally, epoxy provides excellent chemical resistance and can be customised to suit the specific needs of any space. This is especially important in areas with a high concentration of chemicals or industrial substances, where safety is paramount.
However, despite these impressive qualities, it’s crucial that your epoxy floor is correctly installed to ensure long-lasting protection. This means a thorough deep clean, repair of any cracks or holes, and grinding to create a level surface that’s ready for the application of the epoxy coating. This is the only way to ensure that your flooring will stand the test of time and last for as long as possible.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy resin flooring Melbourne are a breeze to maintain. They can easily withstand high traffic areas and even heavy machinery, but they require a little regular cleaning to keep them looking great.
Regular sweeping will keep dust, grit and other particles from embedding in the epoxy surface, reducing scratches. Sweeping daily is recommended in high-traffic areas, and weekly in less-traveled locations. Weekly scrubbing is also important, especially in facilities that deal with chemicals that can etch or wear away at the floor coating if not cleaned up quickly.
For more thorough, deeper cleanings, an industrial-grade, non-abrasive floor cleaner can be used. This product can be sprayed on and left to work for five minutes before scrubbing with a deck brush or squeegee. This will remove stubborn grease and oil spots without removing the epoxy coating, and it will leave the surface smooth and shiny once again.
For additional protection and a sleek finish, consider coating your garage or shop floor with epoxy garage flooring. A specialized floor mat designed specifically for use under vehicles can be placed to catch dirt and moisture before it gets on the floor. You can also put down plywood under any equipment that will be lifted, such as a car or forklift, to prevent scratching the floor. Finally, you can use a tar or chewing gum remover, such as WD-40, to remove sticky deposits like tar or glue that could otherwise damage the floor coating.
Durability
There is no cut-and-dry answer to how long epoxy floors last, as there are many factors that influence their longevity. However, expertly installed epoxy coatings can stand the test of time for decades.
Durability is one of the main reasons that epoxy flooring has been a go-to solution for industrial and commercial spaces. These robust floors can handle heavy machinery and extreme loads without damaging the material. In addition, they offer exceptional resistance to chemicals that can otherwise erode or damage concrete surfaces.
The durability of an epoxy floor is enhanced by the use of high-quality raw materials and proper installation techniques. Pre-installation procedures like media blasting, diamond grinding, jack hammering, and de-greasing are often necessary to prepare the concrete slab for a durable coating. In addition, an experienced team of technicians can recommend and implement additional surface preparation techniques that will significantly enhance the lifespan of the final floor.
The longevity of an epoxy floor is also influenced by the type and use of the space. For example, a manufacturing facility with frequent machine operation may experience more wear and tear than a showroom with static displays. Regular maintenance practices can also contribute to the longevity of an epoxy floor. Regular sweeping or vacuuming can eliminate dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can scrape or wear down the finish. In addition, using furniture pads to secure the legs of office furniture and equipment can mitigate the risk of scuff marks and scratches.
Aesthetics
Unlike tile, epoxy floors are seamless and glossy, making them the envy of any room. They also provide an aesthetic that is hard to achieve with paint, especially when used on concrete.
Whether you want to use a unique metallic pigment to create a speckled surface or simply opt for a clear coating, the resulting visual effect is stunning. It is important to note, however, that this isn’t a floor that will last forever. While it is more durable than paint, it does require regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of grime which could dull the finish.
Epoxy resin can be used both indoors and outdoors but requires different solutions for each environment. For example, resin flooring in an industrial setting must be able to withstand frequent contact with vehicles, such as forklifts. In addition, the floor must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations and the potential for moisture exposure.
Epoxy floor systems are designed to meet these specific needs and can be used in a wide range of environments, including commercial, aviation, recreational, manufacturing and even healthcare settings. In fact, a properly installed epoxy floor is suitable for many uses and can be customised to suit your space. For example, you can add protective measures like rugs and mats in heavy traffic areas to help preserve the lustre of your floor.
