Pros and Cons of Epoxy Flooring

Posted by Whitemetalco on October 18th, 2022

Appearance

Epoxy floors are bright and professional when compared to a typical garage floor. Their mere appearance makes them appealing to use. The even and smooth surface is also simple to sweep and maintain. Because nothing sticks to this type of flooring, cleaning up messes is a breeze.

Affordability

An epoxy floor is much less expensive per square foot than other types of flooring. This makes installation inexpensive, and it can also be applied on top of concrete for a lower cost than other options.

Resistance

Oil, gasoline, bleach, transmission fluid, and other chemicals have no effect on epoxy floors. This makes them ideal for garages and other areas where harsh chemicals are used. In addition to chemical resistance, epoxy floor coatings are heat and water-resistant. Chemical spills usually have no negative consequences.

Another advantage is that these floors are resistant to bacteria and germs, making them simple to clean. As a result, epoxy is an excellent choice for hospitals and clinics.

Durability

Epoxy floors are extremely durable. They can be installed without the use of mortar or glue and are ideal for concrete-based surfaces, which are the only floor type that outlasts epoxy. Because of its anti-fatigue properties, epoxy is especially comfortable for bare feet, but it will require a separate layer of clear coat.

Protective

Epoxy flooring is a type of coating that serves as a protective layer for the concrete surface beneath it. This protects against water or staining better than traditional paint, and it is much more resistant to cracking due to dryness. It can also be surprisingly affordable given its longevity and how well it protects your home.

Epoxy flooring is essential for having a good working surface. However, unless you consult with trusted industry experts when deciding on the type of epoxy finish that you prefer, it is difficult to know which one will actually be best for your needs.

Longevity

Epoxy coating outlasts many types of flooring, including wood and vinyl. When properly installed, it can last for decades without cracking or peeling. Aside from its durability, its lifespan makes it popular for commercial and industrial applications.

Variety

If you want to update the look of your home or office, epoxy flooring is one option. This type of flooring comes in a variety of colours and patterns. This product will provide an elegant shine to concrete floors.

Safety

One less-publicized benefit of using epoxy on a garage floor is that it reflects light off the ground, increasing visibility inside.

The disadvantages of epoxy floors include:

Temporary

One of the major drawbacks of using epoxy on your floors is that it is only a temporary solution. Despite its durability and resistance, you will need to replace it at some point. Unlike other types of flooring, epoxy floors are subject to normal wear and tear. You'll need to apply a fresh coat of paint to keep things looking nice.

Cracks and chipping are frequent issues with epoxy flooring. The chips can begin as a minor annoyance and quickly spread across the floor. Cart and toolbox wheels become entangled when they roll over especially in damaged areas of the ground.

Slippery

Although epoxy flooring is generally resistant to slipping, it can be extremely slippery when wet. Texturizing your floors and avoiding covering them with oil or anything else that becomes slick when wet can help reduce the risk of a slip.

Preparation

To achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish, epoxy flooring must be thoroughly prepared. However, working with concrete surfaces is difficult enough without first applying the epoxy coating, which does not improve their texture or provide any protection.

Though installation can be a difficult task, advances in tools and manufacturing processes have made it easier.

Application

While the first coat of epoxy may require several days to dry completely, subsequent coats do not. Furthermore, a few hours is usually enough time for the second layer to dry before applying additional applications. 

If you're short on time, you can also use a penetrating concrete sealer. The disadvantage is that your garage floor will not have the aesthetically pleasing appearance of epoxy, but you will save time and money.

Smell

Epoxy has a strong chemical odour that may irritate sensitive individuals. Epoxy is usually mixed in batches, and the colour will vary depending on the shade you select.