Epoxy flooring has fast become a go-to flooring solution for both residential and commercial spaces, but what exactly is it?
Epoxy floor coating is a two-part mixture consisting of resin and hardener forming thermosetting polymers. The epoxy resin is widely considered the strongest resin available today. When combined with the hardener, it forms an extraordinarily rigid structure and strong bond to the concrete below.
History and Science of Epoxy
Epoxy resins were first developed in the late 1920s and commercialized in the late 1930s by Swiss chemist Dr. Pierre Castan. The resins are typically produced through polymerization of a compound containing acidic hydroxyl groups with epichlorohydrin. The most common epoxy resin used in coatings is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (also called DGEBA or BADGE). When combined with an amine hardener, the epoxy resin undergoes a chemical reaction called cross-linking, transforming from a liquid to a rigid, 3D structure.
This cross-linked structure gives epoxy resins their renowned strength and durability. Epoxy bonds tenaciously to the concrete substrate below and withstands heavy impacts without cracking. The cross-linking also provides excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and temperature extremes.
While the chemistry may seem complex, applying an epoxy coating is straightforward. The concrete floor is prepared, the two epoxy components are mixed, and the mixture is applied using rollers, squeegees or sprayers. The epoxy cures in 24 hours, leaving behind a glossy, seamless floor.
If you need a high-performance garage surface that is smooth, durable, and can withstand heavy loads, epoxy garage floor coatings are the best. Designed for commercial and industrial markets, epoxy flooring will provide the solution you need for your concrete floor.
Benefits Of Epoxy Flooring
This remarkable coating creates a flawlessly smooth, high-gloss surface that not only enhances the visual impact of your floors but also offers long-lasting protection against everyday wear and tear.
1. Durability
Durability is the most sought-after benefit of epoxy in garage installations. With epoxy coating, your garage floor will be extremely strong and durable, allowing it to handle any heavy loads and activities. Epoxy flooring is a game-changer at handling heavy foot traffic, making it perfect for garages, warehouses, and industrial facilities. These coatings resist chemicals, stains, impacts, and abrasions, keeping your floors pristine in tough conditions.
Epoxy floor coating is also very durable against cracks and impacts so you do not have to worry about dropping your heavy tools or putting too much pressure on the floor.
2. Appearance
A dull and unappealing block of cement can be transformed into something amazing with an epoxy coating. With endless design options available, you can create a floor that reflects your unique style or brand identity. Choose from a large spectrum of colors, patterns, textures and even embed logos or graphics to make a bold display with every step.
Epoxy coating can do a lot of things for your garage floor and for the garage itself.
3. Resistance
Epoxy floor coatings are highly resistant to gasoline, bleach, cleansers, oils, transmission fluid, and literally almost everything. This is one of the reasons why they’re widely used in the automotive industry.
In addition to being resistant to most substances, epoxy floor coating is also water and heat-resistant. This makes the floor resistant to almost all possible spills that usually happen in garages.
4. Maintenance
Another benefit of epoxy is how easy it is to maintain. The dust and cement particles released onto other surfaces of your garage are reduced by covering the concrete. Unlike a rough concrete floor, the shiny and resilient surface of epoxy is easy to clean and maintain.
In addition, even if vehicle fluids linger on an epoxy floor coating’s surface for a long time, the surface can still be cleaned without any staining or discoloration.
5. Safety
One of the lesser-known benefits of epoxy on a garage floor is that it improves visibility inside the garage because it reflects lights off the floor.
Epoxy floor coating is also resistant to temperature changes, slippage, and even fire. This means that you and your family can do any garage work safely and comfortably.
6. Long-Term Cost Savings
While initial installation costs may be slightly higher compared to other traditional floorings like vinyl or carpeting, epoxy floors prove their worth in the long run by being highly cost-effective. How? By significantly reducing maintenance requirements! Not only do they save you money on routine upkeep, but properly installed and cleaned epoxy floors also have an impressive lifespan compared to other types of flooring materials.
This means fewer repairs or replacements in the future, resulting in substantial long-term savings. It’s no wonder why homeowners and businesses alike are falling head over heels for this transformative flooring solution.
