Are you thinking about installing some new flooring for your home? Maybe it’s time to consider epoxy flooring for your next renovation project!
You already know that there are dozens of options at your disposal and different materials are more suitable for specific rooms. For example, hardwood is a gorgeous option for a living room or a bedroom but a bad idea for a basement. But epoxy coating is quickly gaining in popularity with contractors and homeowners because you can make it work in virtually every room of a home, including the garage. But like with every building material, there are pros and cons to consider before you commit.
In this blog, the flooring professionals at Prestige Painting & Contracting will explain what epoxy flooring is, as well as lay out the pros and cons of using this flooring material.
What is an epoxy floor?
An epoxy floor begins with a standard concrete pour. Once the concrete has cured, a synthetic resin is applied on top. This epoxy resin provides protection for the concrete, enhances durability, and can also serve a decorative purpose.
Typically, multiple layers of synthetic resin are applied to create a strong, long-lasting, and visually appealing epoxy coating.
Pros of Epoxy Flooring
Let’s look at the pros and cons of epoxy flooring, starting with the pros:
Durable Material
Epoxy coatings for floors are renowned for their durability and long lifespan. However, several factors determine exactly how long they will last. You must consider the room in which it was applied, the environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture exposure, and whether the epoxy was installed properly.
The installation location also plays a key role. While epoxy is highly resistant to corrosion, cracking, and peeling, heavy foot traffic can reduce its lifespan by several years. On the other hand, if installed in a low-traffic area like a basement, an epoxy floor can last up to 20 years. Additionally, because epoxy coatings are resistant to chemical spills, extreme heat, and moisture, they are also ideal for commercial and industrial renovations.
Very Affordable
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to elevate the look of your existing concrete floor, then you may be surprised by what a good deal epoxy floor coatings are. The installation is easy, although it can be time-consuming. So, you’re looking at a much cheaper installation that uses fewer materials.
Now, you’ve probably heard of concrete polishing, and admittedly, it’s a nice finish and has its own merits, but that’s much more expensive than a good and durable epoxy floor coating.
Easy to Customize
There are no limits aesthetically when it comes to epoxy floor coatings. There are limitless colour options. Let your creativity soar with epoxy’s seemingly magical ability to show off complex patterns, metallic finishes, and other fun geometric shapes.
And don’t worry about whether your pattern will start to fade under years of dirt and wear. Epoxy floor coatings are so durable with their non-stick engineering making it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
Here are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring.
Lengthy Installation Process
The preparation process for your epoxy floor coating may take several days. The concrete surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils or grease. Installers also need to check the humidity levels in the room, as high humidity can prevent the floor from curing properly and reduce its lifespan.
Can be Slippery
Sometimes, an epoxy floor coating can make for an especially slippery surface in the case of a liquid being spilled on it. That’s because the floor coatings are so water-resistant, there’s nothing to absorb a spill. However, there is a solution. For an additional cost, you can choose to add silica sand or aluminium oxide to the finish, which should make the floor less slippery.
Long Curing Time
Unlike a hardwood floor or laminate you can walk on right away, poured epoxy floors require you to wait for several days before walking on top of it. The longer the resin cures, the more durable and resistant to damage it will be. This may end up being a major frustration for some homeowners, but if you go in knowing what to expect, you won’t be disappointed with the final product.
Contact Us
Those are the pros and cons of epoxy flooring. Does the idea of epoxy flooring in homes or resin flooring sound like the perfect idea for your next home renovation? The contracting team at Prestige Painting & Contracting specializes in residential epoxy flooring.
Contact us today to book your free consultation.