FAQ’s

A: Epoxy flooring offers a variety of benefits and you can install the material in many different settings, including warehouses, industrial sites, factories, retail stores, and commercial properties. Many people choose epoxy flooring for its durability, strength and longevity. Most epoxies are self-leveling, which allows the material to produce a smooth and seamless surface without any additional work. Most applications are also extremely simple and the entire process only takes a day or two to complete. Many commercial operators rely on epoxy overlays to establish clean and safe working conditions that are conducive to daily business operations. Epoxy flooring systems are incredibly sturdy, and they always deliver a visually unique finish.

Any flooring system will last for quite some time if you make an effort to maintain and clean the material. That being said, epoxy flooring is incredibly long-lasting and that is with minimal maintenance. The lifespan of your system, however, will also depend on the amount of usage. How much foot traffic does your floor experience normally? Are you installing your new epoxy system in a warehouse or industrial environment? Daily usage is going to impact your flooring’s lifespan. We always recommend that you reseal your flooring system periodically to get the most out of your investment. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your flooring by about 10 years.

You can install an epoxy flooring system virtually anywhere. They offer plenty of versatility – especially in residential settings. Epoxy applications are ideal for basements, kitchens, patios, and even car garages. However, the material is also great for commercial settings. You will find epoxy flooring systems in restaurants, hotel lobbies, government buildings and other common areas. More and more homeowners are resorting to epoxy overlays because the material offers an incredible amount of resistance to heat, water, and impact. Commercial epoxy flooring also provides incredible benefits for companies that are searching for ways in which they can optimize their production quality.

Epoxy flooring comes in several different formulas and mixtures that make sense for a variety of applications. Some of the more common styles include flake epoxy, self-leveling epoxy, epoxy terrazzo, water-based epoxy, solid epoxy coatings and metallic epoxy. These types of epoxy coatings offer a variety of benefits and come in several different applications. Water-based epoxies serve more as a sealant/primer for flooring systems that need a little touching up. Solid coatings are the more durable type of epoxy mixtures and they can last up to 20 years even with heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Most solvent-based epoxies only achieve a thin layer which makes them the less favorable choice among home and business owners.

The polishing process involves the removal of rough spots, stains and other physical blemishing from your concrete flooring. This is part of the preparations that are required for the final smoothing. Depending on the condition of your flooring, you may need to undergo extensive grinding to eliminate any imperfections. Your professional installers will also apply an initial sealer that sinks into the concrete material and will protect your flooring from the inside out. The sealer will harden and effectively densify the concrete material. This will sometimes eliminate the need for a topcoat or additional layer of sealant. Some epoxy experts will apply a special polishing compound to establish a shinier veneer. These compounds also do a good job of removing any residue remaining on the surface of your concrete flooring.

Although unpolished concrete is still relatively durable and sturdy, the material does not offer the same level of protection against dirt, debris, and chemical products. The polishing alone is going to greatly reduce your maintenance and cleaning costs while also adding another dimension of beauty to your flooring system. The polish produces a smooth surface that is non-abrasive and adds more slip-resistance to your flooring system. Polishing ensures that the concrete material also won’t require constant resealing. Unpolished concrete is a lot more susceptible to damage and erosion brought upon by natural causes.

We want to focus on the fact that epoxy flooring is also very easy and simple to install. The process itself usually only takes a day or two to complete. However, the length of time it will take to undergo your installation will also depend on the size and scope of the project. It will undoubtedly take a lot longer to install an entire epoxy system in a warehouse or large industrial setting. But again, most epoxy installations take an average of two days to complete. The process involves your normal preparations: repairs, removing stains, and diamond grinding the concrete material. Then, your professional installer will begin the process of producing the epoxy mixture and applying it to your concrete flooring. Once the installation is complete, most epoxy experts will recommend that you wait for at least 24 to 48 hours before you begin to use it.

We can confidently say that you should avoid DIY epoxy flooring projects. The kits that they sell at home improvement stores will produce inadequate finishes that require frequent repairs and resealing. Also, with any DIY project, you run the risk of overlooking those minor details and jeopardizing the entire installation. For example, if you fail to remove all the debris or dust from your concrete flooring, then the epoxy paint won’t properly adhere. Furthermore, the acid washing supplies provided by a DIY kit simply don’t get the job done when it comes to undergoing all the necessary preparations. The difference between commercial grade epoxy coatings and DIY projects are night and day. Most DIY kits only produce only about 30% of the solid content that you would normally get with a professional installation service.

Many people opt for flake epoxy because the material produces a unique and brilliant aesthetic. First, let’s talk about what flake epoxy is, exactly. The material consists of decorative vinyl or acrylic pigments (i.e., “flakes”) that come in a large variety of custom colors and designs. The colors and flake patterns combine to produce a visually appealing finish that no other flooring system can replicate. Greater customization gives you more creative freedom over how your flooring system will appear. This can benefit you immensely if you run a business and want to take your branding to the next level. Many many people are also choosing flake epoxy because the material does a great job of hiding any physical defects or blemishing in your flooring system. This allows you to avoid any unsightly patchwork.

The cost to install an epoxy flooring system will depend on the scope of the project as well as the type of application. The price itself can range considerably. Some installations will cost as low as $1,400 and others will climb up to $3,000 in price. Most professional epoxy installers will charge anywhere from $3 to $12 per square foot including materials and labor. The most expensive epoxies are solvent-based materials because they offer greater durability and they hide any visible imperfection in your flooring system. Water-based epoxies are a lot more inexpensive, although they don’t produce a very thick coating.