If you have or are considering epoxy floors, you are probably aware of the many benefits of these coatings. But do you know what really makes it stand out from other flooring materials? This article will provide information on what epoxy is and how it can benefit your home or workplace.
Epoxy floors are a type of floor coating that is designed to create a permanent bond with concrete, stone, or wood surfaces. It comes in 2 parts- resin and hardener- which you mix together before applying to the substrate.
Epoxy is known for being durable and long-lasting because once fully dried/cured, it becomes strong enough to withstand anything. Once applied, epoxy sticks extremely well to its surface because of its chemical makeup. You can choose from dozens of different epoxies available on the market; some come as high gloss polished finishes while others may be more satin-looking.
Epoxy is waterproof and does not retain any moisture like other types of flooring materials do (carpet, for example). This helps prevent mold growth and lessens the risk of your floor becoming discolored or damaged by water.
Epoxy floors are also more hygienic than many other types of flooring. Not only does it keep dirt and debris from getting trapped in the surface (which would attract bacteria), but it is also much easier to clean. If you have children, pets, or workers around that come into contact with your floor often, then you will definitely benefit from this factor.
So what exactly makes epoxies such a great option? Read on to find out:
1) Durability
Epoxy will not crack under pressure and is resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting. In fact, this floor coating can be compared to a high-end kitchen countertop in its durability! When compared to other flooring materials, epoxies are much more likely to last a long time. With the proper maintenance plan set up for your epoxy floor, it will last up to 20 years or more!
2) High Resale Value
Epoxy flooring is a great option for home and business owners that want to increase the resale value of their property. It’s guaranteed to stand out from other floors because of its unique design and increased durability. Many people will appreciate the time and money you put into choosing such an amazing floor! In the Austin area, for example, many types of epoxy flooring can increase the resale value of your home or office by up to 25%.
3) Extremely Low Maintenance
Did you know that it takes just around 10 minutes to maintain an epoxy coating? Because this type of floor is so durable and water-resistant, all you have to do is sweep or use a commercial-grade sweeper daily. The occasional mop with a diluted bleach solution is all you need for cleaning! The minimal time and effort put into maintaining your epoxy coating make this choice perfect for anyone who values their free time.
4) Attractive Appearance
Because there are countless options when it comes to color and design, you’re sure to find an epoxy that will help your home or business stand out. You can choose from matte, gloss, textured, and metallic finishes, each with its own benefits depending on what you are looking for. With epoxy flooring, there is no limit to the look you want to achieve!
5) Eco-Friendly
Did you know that epoxy includes zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? VOCs are hazardous ingredients that release into the air when you use them. Not only do they make your home unbreathable without proper ventilation, but they also aren’t healthy for humans to be exposed to over a long period of time! Because epoxies were created using non-toxic chemicals, it’s much safer for both people and pets who live in your home.
6) No Stains, Stuck-On Dirt, or Dust
When it comes to epoxy floors, there is no residue left behind once they are fully cured/dry. This means that you won’t have to worry about the trapped dirt, dust, oil spots, or any other type of stains like carpeting or hardwood flooring (common culprits for these problems). Instead of having gritty surfaces covered in stuck-on debris that just gets pushed around by people and pets all over the house, you can enjoy seeing each room exactly how you intended it to be!
7) Customizable Appearance
Because epoxies are so versatile, you can mix and match almost any combination of colors. This means that if you want to pour your own design into it, then you can! There is no limit to the number of colors or designs that can be put into creating an epoxy coating. Painting your floor is another option for adding color; however, there is only one color choice per painting job. With epoxy, you can create a totally unique look that compliments your room’s decor perfectly.
8) No Odor
Due to the fact that this type of flooring does not contain VOCs, it doesn’t emit any dangerous fumes when being installed or maintained. If you are looking into ways to improve your indoor air quality or are worried about the smells that other types of flooring give off, then this is a great option!
9) No Waxing Needed
Compared to floors like hardwood, which requires regular waxing in order to prevent scratches and keep them looking new, epoxies don’t need any maintenance. Because they are made using very hard materials without any type of wood included, they resist furniture-caused scratches better than other finishing materials. This makes it much easier for you when moving around large pieces of furniture on them!
10) Non-Slippery Surface
One thing that most customers appreciate about epoxy coatings is that it doesn’t have a texture designed specifically for gripping. If you have a basement or other space where you use a lot of tools and equipment that can slip, causing serious injury in a split second, then choosing an epoxy floor can help prevent accidents from happening.
11) Quick Installation
Compared to other types of flooring like carpeting, hardwood, tile, etc., epoxies require less time to install. In fact, one person can usually do the entire job on their own when following all directions from the manufacturer’s installation manual. It only takes 24 hours for epoxies to fully cure/dry after installation so that you can enjoy your new space quicker than with other options.
12) Protection Against Moisture and Standing Water
Epoxy coatings are great for protecting against both moisture and standing water damage because they are made using chemicals that bond to the flooring exceptionally well. This type of coating is resistant to chemicals like gasoline, oil, etc., that can seep into other kinds of floors, including hardwood! For example, if you suddenly spill a lot of fluid on your epoxy coating, it would be effortless to wipe it up with a wet rag or paper towel.
Now that you’ve heard about the benefits of epoxy floor coatings compared to other options available today, do you think this might be something for your space? If you want to learn more about epoxy coatings, reach out to our team at Epoxy Flooring Austin for a free consultation!