What Is Epoxy Flooring?
As you get ready to renovate your space, you’ll want to look at all the different flooring options. Homeowners and business owners with concrete surfaces have the perfect opportunity to install epoxy flooring. While you might have never heard of this material before, you’ve definitely seen it—epoxy is the secret ingredient behind polished foyers and glossy showroom floors.
Keep reading to learn more about epoxy floor coating and why it’s the best choice for you.
How epoxy flooring is made
Epoxy is a liquid substance that creates a glossy finish on concrete floors. The material is called epoxy because manufacturers combine chemicals with epoxides, a hardener that aids the curing process. After mixing in the hardeners, epoxy is placed under extreme heat. This triggers a chemical reaction that leads to curing.
Once the curing process is complete, manufacturers can achieve different styles by adding pigment, aggregate or glitter. Epoxy is highly versatile and offers endless style options. Homeowners and business owners can customize the look of epoxy to suit their unique tastes.
During the application process, epoxy floor coating is split into three phases: the base coat, the body coat and the top coat. First, the floor contractors will sand and shotblast the concrete to level out its surface; then they apply a base coat in order to create a waterproof seal between the concrete and epoxy. Once it dries, contractors spread the body coat to fill in holes and cracks. They finish the installation with a top layer that seals the epoxy.
The benefits of epoxy flooring
Epoxy floor coating is praised for its strong durability. It creates a smooth surface that’s resistant to extreme temperatures and fading from direct sunlight. This long-lasting material is engineered to withstand damage from chemical cleaners and heavy usage. Epoxy is the preferred flooring option for many homeowners and business owners because it lasts for many years.
The material’s resistance to wear and tear makes it the ideal candidate for high-traffic rooms. Homeowners love to coat their garage floors with epoxy because it remains pristine in the presence of vehicles and heavy machinery. Epoxy creates an attractive finish in office spaces yet has the strength to handle operations in factories and warehouses.
You might also find epoxy flooring in basements or other areas with high moisture levels. This is because epoxy is a waterproof material that protects concrete from water damage. While epoxy can seal out moisture, the material can also seal it in. Contractors have to make sure the concrete is completely dry before laying down the epoxy.
In addition to its durability, epoxy is one of the few substances that bonds well with other floor types. For this reason, contractors often use epoxy to repair damaged hard floors. Unlike other materials, epoxy retains its original shape. It doesn’t warp or shrink, which helps preserve the flooring that lies below.
Epoxy can improve your home or commercial space for the better. While epoxy comes with many benefits, it’s important to consult a floor contractor before committing to the change. Homeowners and business owners should first make sure epoxy is the best fit for them. The experienced team at All American Carpet Inc can help you find the perfect flooring.
Categorised in: Flooring