Residential epoxy flooring is designed to be long-lasting. It is impact resistant and can withstand the movement of heavy machinery. It is also resistant to cracks and peeling.
Epoxy floors can be customized with anti-slip additives and a variety of texture chips. These can add a decorative touch to your floor and increase safety in your workspace. Their reflective surface can help illuminate a space without the need for additional lighting. Visit https://www.surfaceprosepoxy.com/ to learn more.
One of the best things about epoxy flooring is that it’s easy to clean. This is a huge benefit for residential and commercial properties alike. In fact, it’s easier to clean an epoxy floor than a carpet or tile. Despite this, it is still important to follow the proper cleaning protocol. This ensures that the floors last longer and stay hygienic.
The first step to keeping your epoxy floor clean is to sweep regularly. This will remove loose dirt and debris before it can damage the floor coating. For more difficult stains, you can use a non-toxic degreaser like Simple Green or ammonia solution. These can be scrubbed into the surface using a deck brush and rinsed with clean water as you go. Alternatively, you can use a cleaner such as Windex to clean up oil, chemical or even water spills that are left on the floor too long.
For a deep clean, you can use a mop or vacuum to rinse the entire floor. Once the floor is dry, you can apply a clear top coat to restore the shine. This is a great option if your floor goes through a lot of wear and tear or if you have any stubborn grease or grime stains that won’t go away.
Other ways to keep your floor clean and prevent damage include placing walk-off mats at entrances and installing welding mats in places where heavy equipment may be pushed or dropped on the floor. Also, placing plywood under the jacks of vehicles and other tools will help protect the floor from scratching. These small steps can save you a lot of time and money when it comes to cleaning your epoxy floor.
Easy to Maintain
Unlike tile floors, which are prone to cracking and require regular grout cleaning, epoxy surfaces are easy to maintain. They can be swept and mopped on a daily basis or weekly, depending on the level of traffic in your home or business. Keeping your floor clean will keep it looking great and extend its lifespan.
Sweeping will help remove dust, sand and grit that can scratch and etch the epoxy coating. It’s recommended that you sweep your epoxy floors at least once a day in high-traffic areas and once a week in lower-traffic areas. Sweeping will also prevent the buildup of odors and mold and mildew.
The best cleaning products for epoxy floors are pH-neutral and water-based. Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain citrus or acid, as these can radically diminish the epoxy’s shine and cause damage. Scrubbing pads can be used for heavily soiled floors to get rid of tough dirt or grease.
When you have a stain or spill on your epoxy floor, it is important to address it immediately. If you are unable to wipe up the mess, using a commercial auto floor scrubber with a soft pad and 10:1 mix ratio of iKlean solution and warm water can quickly take care of the issue.
It is a good idea to place walk-off mats at your doorways and encourage a “no shoes” policy in high-traffic areas, as this will minimize the amount of dirt that is tracked into your space. Additionally, you can protect your floor by placing protective pads under furniture and equipment to reduce the likelihood of scratches or other damage.
Durable
Epoxy is known for its durability, and it can withstand all kinds of impact. You can drive a car over it, store heavy machinery on it, lay out tools for a project and more without fear of damage. Epoxy floors are also chemical-resistant and meet all regulatory standards for safe use in facilities like commercial kitchens, research laboratories, healthcare clinics, schools, and hospitals.
When properly installed and regularly maintained, epoxy flooring can last for years. The lifespan of your epoxy floor will depend on the type of environment and how it’s used. For example, harsh industrial environments will see more wear and tear than offices or showrooms.
The level of foot and vehicle traffic will have a significant impact on the longevity of your floor as well. An epoxy floor in an industrial setting with heavy machinery will require a more robust coating than a residential garage. The quality of the initial installation is another important factor in your floor’s durability. A professional installer with experience ensures proper surface preparation, mixing ratios, and application techniques. Cutting corners during the installation process can lead to adhesion problems and reduce your floor’s durability.
The type of maintenance you perform will have a direct impact on your floor’s lifespan as well. Regularly sweeping or dust mopping your floor will help to remove dirt, debris, and other abrasive materials that can wear down the epoxy coating. Properly cleaning your floor with gentle detergents will keep it looking vibrant and pristine. Performing routine inspections and tackling any issues promptly, including spot treatment for stains, will also contribute to the longevity of your floor. If your floor starts to show signs of aging, like scratches or scuffs, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Easy to Apply
Unlike tile or wood floors that require the removal of the old floor and the purchase of new materials, epoxy flooring is much more cost-effective as it only involves cleaning the concrete and sanding the surface. Once the preparation is complete, it is very easy to apply an epoxy coating. However, it is recommended to work with a professional to ensure the correct application methods are used and the highest quality products are utilized.
First, it is important to thoroughly clean the floor and remove any grease or oil. Once the floor is free of any contaminants, it is best to let it dry overnight. Next, sand the floor using 180-grit sandpaper and pay special attention to any rubber tire scuff marks that may be present. This step is crucial as it will give the epoxy a smooth and even finish. Once the sanding is finished, use an industrial strength vacuum to suck up any dirt or dust left over.
After the floor is cleaned, it is necessary to fill any cracks or holes with a high-quality epoxy resin and hardener. This will help prevent future cracks or leaks. It is also a good idea to use a sander to level the surface. If you do not have a sander, it is possible to use a hand trowel or handheld sander for a more controlled sanding.
Mix the epoxy coating product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, use a roller to apply the first coat of epoxy on the floor. For the best results, it is recommended to use a short/ medium pile roller and cross-roll. This method helps to create a more even and thin coating and removes air bubbles. If desired, you can also add color flakes to the epoxy while it is wet by scattering them lightly and mixing them in.
Versatile
There are a variety of epoxy flooring types to suit different needs. For instance, self-leveling epoxy is ideal for laying a smooth surface over existing concrete floors. It is also resistant to heavy impacts, chemicals, and abrasions. This makes it perfect for industrial and commercial spaces that see a lot of foot and vehicle traffic. Another type of epoxy floor is mortar epoxy, which can be used to repair existing cracks in concrete surfaces. It is resistant to sudden impact, chemical spills, and high temperatures.
Epoxy is also highly customizable and offers a variety of textures and colours to choose from. This makes it easy to match the flooring to the rest of your facility or even your company colour scheme. It can also be used to mark out specific areas, such as walkways, forklift paths, and loading bays.
During the curing process, the epoxy resin and hardener react to create covalent bonds. This gives the epoxy floor exceptional tensile strength and allows it to resist heavy loads without warping. It is also able to withstand temperature changes without losing its form or durability, making it an excellent option for Torrance and other places with fluctuating weather.
The durability and customization options of epoxy make it suitable for a variety of environments, including industrial and manufacturing facilities, schools and educational institutions, retail spaces, and residential garages and basements. The versatility of the epoxy coating means that it can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of these environments, from the level of resistance to impact and abrasion to the aesthetic finish. This flexibility also means that the epoxy can be customized to include slip-resistant additives or decorative flakes to further enhance safety and style.