Weighing up the pros and cons of epoxy floor coating? Then this is the best blog for you. We’re going to take a close look at all of the benefits and drawbacks of this popular floor treatment.
As epoxy floor coating specialists, we have vast experience and there isn’t much that we haven’t dealt with or come across! So read on to see what we think makes it the ideal solution for many floors – and why it might not be for you…
What Is Epoxy Floor Coating?
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s first make sure you know what exactly epoxy floor coating is and what it’s commonly used for.
In simple terms, epoxy is a type of resin floor system that hardens to create a solid coating, much like plastic. This coating bonds well to appropriate base layers, making it well suited to high-traffic areas.
Where Is Epoxy Floor Coating Best Used?
Industrial and commercial flooring benefits most from the durability that epoxy offers. The common floors that we treat are;
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Areas for machinery and vehicles
- Walkways
- Public buildings
- Care homes
- Showrooms
But this is not an extensive list – at GI Sykes, we have used epoxy floor coating in so many locations, we can’t list them all.
The Pros Of Epoxy Floor Coating
We’re not going to pretend that we’re not huge epoxy flooring fans – we even have it in our own facilities. But we do like to make sure we give an unbiased overview of the product so you’re more informed. We’re going to start with the key advantages of using epoxy coating on your floors.
Protection For Your Floor
While a little obvious, it’s the main reason people opt for epoxy as a floor coating. The thick layer of resin protects your floor like nothing else.
Extremely Durable
There are different types of epoxy, and as with anything, the quality of the product plays a large part in its longevity. We only use trusted brands that deliver exceptional results and many of the epoxy floors we have applied are still going strong many years later. With the correct base, careful application and ongoing maintenance, your epoxy floor coating can last up to ten years.
Easily Applied
Epoxy flooring is one of the most convenient flooring solutions in terms of downtime for your property. Our team of professionals can quickly apply the coating and once it’s cured – you’re back in business.
No Skidding
Despite its glossy appearance epoxy floor coatings can reduce skidding if the right type is used – so fewer slips and trips!
Hygienic
One of epoxy resin’s superpowers is that it can be made to be antimicrobial. This makes it ideal for buildings that work with food, medical facilities or places where bacteria and germs need to be kept to a minimum. Even standard epoxy flooring offers a high level of hygiene and it’s non-porous and smooth, making it easy to keep clean.
Affordability
Epoxy floor coating is one of the most affordable flooring options on the market. Compared with alternative flooring choices, such as rubber, concrete or PVC, epoxy flooring is the best value.
Colour Options
You can even have your flooring coloured to match your company brand – epoxy floor coatings can be custom coloured if you are looking to reflect your brand or environment. Many businesses, particularly warehouse and industrial ones, colour code their flooring to denote areas of hazard or safety. Red flooring is ideal as an additional warning of hazards like moving vehicles, chemicals or other dangers, while green or blue work well for marking out walkways and safe zones.
The Cons Of Epoxy Floor Coating
With such a long list of benefits to epoxy flooring, you might be wondering what the disadvantages could possibly be! And although it is a shorter list, it’s important to know the drawbacks so you can make an informed decision for your building.
Slippery When Wet
Ok, we know we said it’s anti-skid, but some epoxy coatings can be more slippery when they’re wet. If you know that your floor is going to be frequently wet, then you can take a couple of approaches. You can use a different floor covering in that area or, if you still want the benefits of epoxy, you can either have an additive mixed in, like grit, that creates a rough surface or we can use a specialist roller that leaves the surface textured.
Preparation Plays An Important Role
The durability and longevity of your flooring depend heavily on the quality and reliability of your base. Making sure that the floor that is being covered is clean, damage-free and prepared for the coating is one of the most important jobs. If damage is discovered or if the floor needs a deep clean to remove grease or oil, then this can extend the project.
Maintenance Required
You can leave your epoxy floor coating to its own devices – but it’s not recommended. Ensure that your floor is regularly cleaned – but don’t reach for the Flash just yet. Epoxy flooring can build up a ‘haze’ over time when soap-based cleaners are used, there are specialist liquids you can buy to ensure your floor keeps its shine. A weekly vacuum and dust are also advised as this keeps grit to a minimum and prevents scratches and gouges.
Hard To Remove
This is a big one to consider. If you think that you might want to remove your epoxy flooring in the future, then think carefully about having it installed in the first place. Epoxy floor coating is tricky to remove once applied and may even require a whole new floor!
Want To Know More About Epoxy Floor Coating?
So now you’ve heard the pros and cons. Hopefully, this has helped you come closer to deciding if an epoxy floor coating is right for your property, but if you’re still left with questions, then our team are more than happy to help. You can call 01384 891 341 or click here to arrange a call-back.
