A Complete Guide To Installing Basement Epoxy Flooring

You know that it’s time to replace the flooring system in your basement. The concrete material is deteriorating and getting worse by the day. After incurring a lot of damage, you realize that you need a flooring system that can remain in good condition for the foreseeable future. This is where basement epoxy flooring comes into play.

What makes epoxy flooring so unique from some of the other options? We want to help explain why basements are the ideal application for epoxy flooring:

What Is Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy enamels consist of two different types: solvent-based epoxy and a solid epoxy base. When contracting a professional installer, they will recommend that you choose a solid epoxy base when it comes to basement floorings. There are two basic elements in every epoxy mixture: resins and hardening agents. Solvent-based epoxies also contain a filler, which is most commonly water.

Solid epoxies produce a stronger and more durable surface, and they also cure a lot faster and provide greater resistance to heat, moisture, and impact. You will need to consult with your professional installer about the thickness of the overlay. The density of the epoxy installation will ultimately depend on how you plan on using your basement.

The Benefits of Basement Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy installations offer many unique benefits that you won’t receive from other flooring methods. Epoxies are most commonly known for their durability, strength, and resistance to damage. This will allow you to store more items and materials in your basement without creating any undue structural tension for your home’s foundation.

Most homeowners decide to install epoxy flooring for its customizable qualities. Think about all the color schemes and designs that you can implement – your options are virtually limitless! You can also consider some of the unique variants of epoxy flooring, including flake epoxy and metallic epoxy. Each design produces a unique appearance that no one else will be able to recreate. You can also have your epoxy flooring system emulate the appearance of clouds, waves, and even lava!

Listed below are a few additional benefits that might entice you to install your new basement epoxy flooring system:

  • Resistance to water damage, heat and bacteria
  • Maintenance that is simple and easy to perform
  • Affordable installations and minimal long-term expenses
  • With proper maintenance, epoxy flooring can last up to 25 years

Maintenance

Perhaps the most amazing feature of epoxy flooring is the minimal maintenance required to keep it in good shape. The process is extremely simplistic and doesn’t require a great deal of effort. When it comes to long-term maintenance, we recommend that you periodically reseal the epoxy overlay to get the most out of it. Regular epoxy resealing can easily extend the lifespan of your flooring by about 10 years.

You will discover that epoxy flooring represents a major upgrade in terms of ease of maintenance. Minimal work will go long way and the only items that you will need include a soft bristle broom or a dust mop to remove the debris from the epoxy’s surface. We advise that you use a soap or cleaner that is pH neutral when mopping the floor. Here are some additional suggestions when it comes to maintaining your epoxy flooring:

  • Avoid using any abrasive or harsh acidic cleaners
  • Use a rag or cloth to wipe up minor spills
  • Use a TSP cleaner for stains that are tougher to remove

Quick Installation Periods

If you plan on installing an epoxy flooring system in your basement, we recommend that you hire a professional contractor. Why? They can offer you a lot of expediency when it comes to the initial installation period. You should also avoid purchasing DIY home epoxy kits from a store because they are not ideal for most installations.

A professional installer is going to assess the situation fully before applying the epoxy paint to your basement floor. They will need to evaluate the condition of your slab, measure the dimensions, and implement any custom design of your choice. The entire process is multi-faceted and without professional assistance, you can easily get lost in all the minor details. Most epoxy contractors can complete an entire installation in as little as two days!

Potential Drawbacks of Epoxy Flooring

We also want to inform you about some of the drawbacks of epoxy flooring. First off, epoxy overlays are temporary. The material itself is incredibly strong and durable, but you will need to replace it eventually. Damage is going to set in and once this happens, the surface will begin to crack and deteriorate. With a basement installation, we always recommend that you install an extra coating to maintain its structure and appearance.

Epoxy flooring is also not easy to remove. This can create a problem if you want to change the design and appearance of your flooring. The process is extremely labor-intensive and it can be costly depending on your situation.

This is our complete guide to basement epoxy flooring and we hope that you find a lot of value in the information we provided! If you plan on undergoing a complete remodel for your basement flooring, then you should consult with a professional epoxy installer. They will present every available option to you so that the decision is much easier going forward. You should never settle for less when it comes to any home improvement projects, and we wish you luck in finding the basement flooring that works best for you!