When it comes to choosing their flooring, many commercial kitchens, high-traffic retail outlets and medical facilities like hospitals decide upon epoxy resin flooring.
This option can provide these businesses with several benefits. However, you won’t be aware of what they are if you are not familiar with this type of covering.
For this reason, we’ve put together this guide to what exactly epoxy resin flooring is and what benefits it can provide to your organization.
Hopefully, you will find it an insightful resource when determining your needs.
Epoxy resins are a type of polymer and prepolymer which are used as an adhesive coating to provide an extra layer of protection and decoration to concrete floors. Its two main ingredients are polyamine hardener and epoxide resin.
This type of smooth and high impact surface is regularly used for commercial and industrial businesses such as labs, auto shops, garages, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and walkways.
Overall, epoxy resin flooring has a reputation for delivering a range of benefits to those who have it laid down on their premises. They include the following:
One of the major benefits of epoxy resin flooring is that it is very safe for those who walk on it.
As a non-slip surface, staff members and customers are very unlikely to skid, stumble or slip on it, even if water has been spilt. That is because epoxy materials provide resistance to this occurrence by typically including elements like polymer grit, aluminum oxide and gravel within it that enhance traction.
Additionally, the gloss on epoxy flooring, helps to bounce light around it, particularly in massive buildings that don’t normally receive much in the way of natural illumination. This helps to improve visibility and safety, which can be further enhanced by creating contrasting line markings or colors that can signify restricted access, safety zones, and pedestrian paths.
Floors that have heavy scuff marks or fractures can be very unsightly. However, surfaces that have been treated with epoxy resin coating provide a clean, smooth and sleek finish, which creates an instant ‘wow’ factor that is sure to impress.
This type of surface covering can also be mixed with patterns, such as mica flakes or decorative quartz, or paint colors, to create an aesthetic that complements the distinctive style of any branding.
When compared to other flooring options, epoxy can be a very cost-effective choice because laying it down does not require removing or ripping up the old surface.
By simply putting it on top of the present covering, it can be installed very quickly – though it does require some time to dry properly between each layer.
As the process of putting on the epoxy is not labor-intensive, it usually results in cheaper costs over other solutions, such as hardwood or engineered flooring.
If the epoxy flooring has been installed by an experienced professional and is well maintained, it can last for anywhere between 10 and 20 years.
As it is designed to be a solid, defect- and stain-free surface, which is applied in several coats over the course of a few days, it possesses formidable protective qualities.
This makes it resistant to extreme wear, water, shock and abrasion, which provides much more durability than other types of common flooring solutions.
Essentially, this incredibly strong polymer acts a bit like a shield that makes the surface a lot more damage-resistant and keeps it from shattering and breaking.
Another reason why epoxy has good durability is because it is incredibly strong.
Due to its chemical characteristics, this heavy-duty, powerful polymer can handle loads of about 10,000 pounds per square inch.
Subsequently, it can easily withstand the weight of cumbersome tools, manufacturing equipment and other machinery without damage.
As a chemical-resistant and durable surface, properly installed high-grade epoxy – especially those which contain phosphorus, are able to withstand intense temperatures that can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
At the same time, it can also prevent corrosive chemicals from leaving a toxic or otherwise dangerous residue on the surface or seeping into the concrete.
Additionally, it is also resistant to brake fluids and oil, thus making it a great option for commercial kitchens and garage floors.
For many companies who have had epoxy resin flooring installed on their premises, one of its major selling points it that it is easy to clean and maintain.
The great thing about this type of surface is that you can mop it with soap and water, sweep it with a broom or vacuum it to equal effect. You also won’t leave a scratch when doing the latter, thanks to its fantastic abrasion resistance properties.
Epoxy is also well known for being more hygienic than other surfaces due to it not accumulating bacteria, dust or other impurities.
If your business is looking for an environmentally friendly flooring option, then epoxy resin will tick that box for you.
These days, most liquid flooring components are free of heavy metals and VOC. Additionally, they tend not to contain phthalate or formaldehyde.
Moreover, because there is no wastage, the resin will not end up in a landfill, unlike, potentially, rolled goods or cut-off tiles that are used in other flooring options.
As you can see, there are several benefits to installing epoxy resin flooring in your commercial premises.
While it does come at a cost, you should see it as an investment, given the value it will add to your overall organization.
Ultimately, this type of surface not only looks fantastic but also enables your operation to enjoy better levels of functionality, safety, and flooring longevity.
At the end of the day, you have enough to concern yourself with what is going on all around you in your business to worry about issues beneath your feet.
So, why not take the opportunity to take them out of the equation completely with this excellent flooring solution?
Here are some answers to questions frequently asked about epoxy resin flooring.
1. Is epoxy resin flooring good for commercial use?
Epoxy resin flooring is an excellent option for commercial use as it is very resistant to wear and tear. This makes it perfect for high foot traffic areas that are regularly found in business settings, and places like factories, warehouses and garages.
2. Why do people like epoxy floors?
Epoxy flooring is a very popular option among businesses because it is very cost-effective. It is also very durable and can be installed directly on top of an existing concrete floor.
3. Can I do epoxy flooring myself?
In theory, you can do epoxy flooring yourself, as it is a popular DIY option. However, for big industrial facilities or commercial properties, you are strongly recommended to get a fully qualified and experienced professional to do it for you. If you lay the DIY epoxy flooring yourself, the results might not look as sleek or impressive as an expert would be able to create for you