Commercial epoxy flooring offers a perfect combination of practicality and aesthetics for commercial spaces. It is highly durable and provides superior resistance to the stresses of heavy machinery, chemicals, and heat.
However, selecting the right epoxy floor coating isn’t easy. Be wary of products that claim to be heavy-duty or industrial grade as they are often not.
1. Durability
One of the main reasons why commercial epoxy is so popular as robust solutions for commercial settings. Epoxy bonds directly to concrete, so it is extremely sturdy. It resists impact from heavy equipment, forklifts, and cars, making it ideal for industrial spaces that experience significant traffic. It is also resistant to chemicals, meaning that spills and other damaging substances can be wiped away easily.
Unlike tile, epoxy is not susceptible to chipping or cracking. Its seamless surface is also easy to clean and provides an attractive appearance that enhances any room. It is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, so it can be customized to match any aesthetic or branding needs. Epoxy is also an excellent choice for safety, as it is slip-resistant and offers better traction than tiles.
However, the durability of an epoxy floor can be negatively impacted by a number of factors. These include traffic intensity, chemical exposure, and temperature conditions. Fortunately, by following a regular maintenance schedule, these effects can be minimized. This includes cleaning the floors regularly with mild detergents to prevent stains and chemical damage, using furniture pads in high-traffic areas to prevent scratches and scuffs, and limiting exposure to extreme temperatures to minimize expansion and contraction of the epoxy.
It is also important to choose a reputable contractor who has the experience and expertise to ensure the quality of the installation. A professional will carefully prepare the space to ensure that the epoxy adheres properly to the substrate. They will use the proper tools and follow the manufacturer’s application guidelines for maximum longevity.
2. Aesthetics
Commercial-grade epoxy floors are not just practical, they also elevate the aesthetic of a space. They transform dull concrete slabs into intricate, stunning flooring that enhances the overall appearance of a business and draws customers in. With the added benefit of slip-resistance, they provide an unbeatable combination of durability and hygiene.
During the installation process, expert technicians take great care to prepare the concrete surface. All dust, dirt, oil stains and other debris are cleaned up and any cracks are filled to ensure the floor has a strong bond with the epoxy coating. The temperature is also carefully monitored since a too-warm environment may cause the epoxy to bubble and peel.
After the primer layer has cured, workers apply the body coat of epoxy paint. This coat binds the concrete and epoxy together, creating a durable surface that resists impact, wear, abrasion and chemicals. Once it has cured, workers broadcast color flakes or other additives over the wet epoxy to create a unique visual design.
Finally, a topcoat is applied to seal the entire system and give it a glossy finish. This last step is important since it provides additional protection against chemical spills and physical impacts, keeping the floor safe for employees. It’s also worth noting that high-quality epoxy systems contain no VOCs, which is good for the environment and for the health of employees and customers.
3. Easy Maintenance
Epoxy floors offer a clean, attractive appearance in commercial settings. This is a major selling point for many businesses and can contribute to a professional, welcoming environment. However, neglecting proper cleaning and maintenance can result in stains and other problems that compromise the integrity of the floor.
While epoxy surfaces are nonporous and resistant to harsh chemicals, they should be wiped up as soon as any spills occur. This prevents the chemical from being absorbed by the substrate or finish and helps to avoid permanent damage.
Regular sweeping will keep the dust, sand, grit, and other debris under control. This is important in high traffic areas where the floor will be walked on or dragged. If possible, a broom with a soft brush attachment is recommended for best results. Weekly mopping using a diluted soap will remove any dirt or grime that is left on the surface and help preserve its gloss. Harsh chemicals are not needed on epoxy floors and should be avoided to prevent dulling or clouding the shine of the surface.
Proper inspection and prompt repair of the epoxy floor is also vital to extending its lifespan. Damage caused by dropping heavy objects or dragging furniture can chip, scratch or etch the surface. This can lead to costly repairs and replacement. Placing protective pads or caster wheels under heavy equipment, machinery or furniture will distribute the weight and reduce the stress placed on the epoxy floor.
4. Low Maintenance
Commercial and industrial spaces demand sustainable flooring that can withstand the weight of machinery, intense foot traffic, and harsh chemicals. Industrial epoxy floors meet this need, as they are durable and require minimal maintenance to keep them looking great.
The initial investment of commercial grade epoxy flooring is greater than some alternatives, but its durability and low maintenance requirements lead to fewer repairs and replacements over time, which can yield significant long-term savings. When paired with high-quality floor coating, the lifespan of epoxy is greatly extended, further contributing to cost savings.
Surface preparation is the most important step in any epoxy flooring installation project. The concrete surface must be free of moisture, oil, and other contaminants in order to achieve optimal durability and chemical resistance. Professionals use various mechanical methods to clean the slab, including media blasting and diamond grinding. They also test the concrete for moisture to identify potential issues that may affect the success of the epoxy floor.
Once the surface is prepared, a primer can be applied to create a base that binds with the epoxy floor better. Then, the epoxy is applied and cured. The curing process produces strong, tightly cross-linked polymer structures that give epoxy its remarkable strength and durability. It is also a non-porous material, so it doesn’t absorb odors or absorb moisture like many other materials do.
5. Resistant to Chemicals
Epoxy flooring protects concrete from damage, especially in areas prone to chemical spills. It also prevents chemicals from seeping into the concrete and leaving behind dangerous residue. It is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only sweeping and occasional scrubbing. It is durable enough to handle heavy loads and equipment, including forklifts.
Additionally, epoxy is able to resist the effects of water, stains, mold, and mildew. It can also be easily sanitized and sterilized for food and healthcare facilities. Epoxy is resistant to heat, impact, and fire. Its strength and resistance to abrasion and corrosion make it an ideal material for industrial floors.
Moreover, epoxy floor coatings can be customized for specific needs of businesses. For example, slip-resistant aggregates can be added to the epoxy to create a non-slip surface for industrial environments. This will improve employee safety and decrease the risk of injury from slips and falls. Epoxy is also available in USDA-approved varieties for use in food processing plants.
Proper surface preparation is the key to success for any flooring material, but particularly for epoxy. The process begins with thorough cleaning of the concrete to remove any oils or greases. Cracks and other damage need to be repaired, as well. After that, the primer layer is applied to establish a strong bond with the concrete and improve the durability of the epoxy. Finally, workers broadcast flakes or additives onto the wet epoxy to create color and texture.
6. Easy to Clean
Epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for commercial spaces. The seamless and non-porous nature of epoxy prevents dirt and grime from penetrating the floor, allowing for easy mopping with mild cleaning products. This reduces the time spent on upkeep and maintenance, saving money and minimizing the need for repairs.
This is especially important for environments like food and healthcare facilities, where cleanliness is key. The epoxy coating repels mold, mildew, water, grease, and oil, preventing staining and damage. This allows the floors to be easily sanitized and sterilized, making them safe for handling food and medical supplies.
In addition, epoxy is often infused with traction-enhancing materials such as gravel, aluminum oxide, or polymer grit, making it resistant to slippage. This increases the safety of employees, reducing risk of accidents and injuries.
With its range of design options, versatility, and durability, commercial grade epoxy flooring is an ideal choice for any space. The installation process may seem daunting at first, but it is simple and straightforward when done by a professional. The result is a floor that will last for years to come and will elevate the look of any space. For this church’s multipurpose room, the epoxy flooring added a modern feel that fits with the rest of the building’s style. The durable material also makes it easier to keep the space clean, so the flooring looks great for longer.
