Epoxy flooring is composed of two main components: a hard plastic polymer, like polymer resins, and a bonding agent. When these two ingredients are combined, they produce a chemical reaction that causes the product to harden into a durable coating. The liquid ingredient is usually poured directly on a hard surface, and then the hard material is left to dry. As the epoxy dries, it hardens, but because of the bonding agent, it maintains its adhesive qualities.
Epoxy flooring offers many benefits over other types of flooring materials. Among the primary benefits of epoxy flooring are durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic benefits. Another benefit of epoxy floors is that they can be applied over almost any surface. Epoxy can even be applied over bare metal surfaces to create a durable, scratch-resistant finish. Epoxy has been found to improve the grip of shoes, provide resistance to dirt, grease, or grime, and make sinks, tubs, showers, decking, decks, and patios safer.
One of the primary reasons why epoxy floors are so durable is the physical properties of the substance itself. Epoxy is extremely durable when it is coated with other materials. When floors are coated with vinyl or other flooring materials, the durability decreases because the other materials make the floor more slippery and thus more likely to damage or break.
In addition, epoxy flooring can withstand high temperatures. This includes, but is not limited to, hot weather and the cold during the winter months. In areas with harsh winters, epoxy flooring can often withstand frigid temperatures without deteriorating or chipping.
In most homes, one of the biggest challenges is keeping bathrooms and kitchens from becoming too cold. In order to keep warm water coming in and warming the room, you often have to run a large heater in the room. However, using large heaters in the bathroom or kitchen can cause them to become very noisy and can cause the room to lose its heat quickly. This problem is easily fixed with epoxy floors; since epoxy floors do not absorb sound, they are perfect for bathrooms and kitchens where solid hardwood flooring would normally be installed.
Perhaps one of the most surprising benefits of epoxy coatings is their ability to be used in commercial space. One of the biggest problems in commercial space is moisture. In order to reduce moisture, many businesses have installed special systems that include dehumidifiers and vapor barriers. However, if these systems are not properly maintained, they can cause problems in the long term. Epoxy floors are an excellent way to solve this problem. Since they will not absorb any moisture, they can easily prevent mold and mildew from starting in the future, and they can help to keep the air quality better throughout the facility.
While epoxy flooring has many benefits, it does have a few drawbacks that some business owners may not be ready to live with. One of the biggest concerns is the fact that these systems can easily become a mess, especially in large industrial buildings. If the floors get too dusty, it is easy for dust particles to be kicked loose and accidentally breathed in by workers. If the air quality in the garage or office gets too bad, it can be very hard for customers or employees to be able to concentrate and function properly. While there are solutions that have been developed that make epoxy flooring easier to maintain overall, these come with the additional expense of special truck mounts or other mechanisms that can help to keep the floors in place and improve air quality throughout the space.
Regardless of the drawbacks that are associated with these floors, there are definite benefits that can be had by installing these floors over traditional carpeting or linoleum. Epoxy flooring solutions are incredibly easy to install, and they provide a durable and attractive surface for any business to use. They can be designed to match nearly any type of decor, and they can be purchased in a wide range of colors. If you are looking for a great way to improve the look of your business while potentially lowering your maintenance costs, epoxy floors should be considered.