Committing to epoxy floor installation is no small investment, but when cared for correctly, these flooring systems are very durable and well worth the money. With proper maintenance, an epoxy floor can last up to 30 years. However, you play the most significant role in maximizing your floor’s lifespan.
Why Use Epoxy Flooring?
In short, epoxy flooring is a mixture of resin and a hardener poured on top of cured concrete. The chemical bond between these two agents forms a hard-wearing plastic-like finish making epoxy floors ideal for enduring heavy machinery, areas of high foot traffic, hot and cold temperatures, and chemical/oil spills. It is also resistant to impact, chipping, and cracking. In addition to a quick installation process and an attractive glossy finish, epoxy flooring boasts the benefit of less maintenance than its counterparts due to its non-porous nature.
7 Tips to Maximize your Epoxy Floor’s Life
1. Start with a Good Foundation
Peeling is a common complaint for epoxy floor owners. It is almost always a poor foundation, or the concrete underneath, that causes this issue. Epoxy floors require a porous surface underneath with which mechanical bonding can take place. If the underlying concrete is sealed, the epoxy cannot stick correctly. Moisture in the concrete can also cause peeling.
2. Keep a Clean Floor
Dirt and dust become abrasive to the epoxy floor coating over time, especially when highly trafficked by heavy items and machinery. Sweep regularly. A soft brush attachment is best for vacuuming. For best practice, perform a weekly or bi-weekly scrub with a microfiber mop, soft scrub brush, or mechanical scrubber.
3. Clean Chemical Spills Immediately
Epoxy coating is chemical resistant, but spills should be attended to quickly in order to maintain the health of the top coating. Chemicals threaten erosion to the epoxy floor underneath, so it is important to maintain the protective coating. Use a soft bristle brush and gentle cleaning agents.
4. Use Proper Cleaning Agents
Warm water is great for cleaning epoxy floors. However, if your floor is soiled, a water and ammonia solution is your best cleaning option. Use one gallon of warm water plus three ounces of ammonia. Avoid soap-based cleaning agents or acidic cleaning agents, such as citric acid, vinegar, and bleach. These can cause damage or wear to the coating.
5. Prevent Damage Before It Occurs
Use protective mats in high-trafficked areas. Mats prevent excess dirt, salt, dust, or ice from getting on your floor. It is also beneficial to place mats where heavy machinery could cause scratches. Plywood can also be used as a protective mat.
6. Repair Damages Quickly
Despite good maintenance, epoxy floors can still be damaged. Repair these damages as soon as possible to reduce further damage. Minor scratches or chips could spread if not addressed in a timely manner. Affected areas should be cleaned, rinsed, and dried before applying the original coating material to repair the area.
7. Recoat Every Few Years
If your epoxy floor gets a lot of traffic, its glossy finish may wear away slightly over time. Recoat as needed to maintain the floor’s original shine and quality. It may be time to recoat if you notice peeling, bubbling or excessive wear to the coating.
About All Around Surfaces
Based in Sioux City, All Around Surfaces offers a variety of premium flooring, coating, and concrete services. We have a team of certified coating professionals and over 20 years of experience in the business to provide the highest quality service. We are committed to competitive prices, timely installation, and quality, offering a 20-year warranty on all projects.
For project inquiries or for more information about All Around Surfaces, contact us online or call (605) 777-0999.
