deal flooring in industrial settings should easily take heavy foot and vehicle traffic, resist chemicals and impact, and minimize the risk of accidents, such as slips and trips. Moreover, it should be low maintenance and have a long lifespan. And, industrial epoxy flooring is a flooring type that can offer businesses these benefits and more.
The epoxy floor has been the go-to choice for many years now because of its various advantages for industrial and commercial settings. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of epoxy flooring, its applications, installation, and maintenance. At the end, we will also address some common questions about industrial epoxy flooring.
Minuteman Floors is a reliable epoxy floor installation company in Manchester, NH. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is made of a combination of polymers and hardeners, which is called epoxy resin. It is sometimes referred to as resinous flooring and is a kind of synthetic resin flooring. It mostly serves as a protective and/or decorative layer on top of a substrate, usually concrete.
Epoxy floors are very popular for a wide range of applications, such as residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It is even used as a decorative coating for countertops and tables. Usually, in commercial and industrial settings, a thicker and harder epoxy is used. This industrial-grade epoxy is 4 times thicker than the standard one and provides a thickness of 200 to 500 microns.
Below, we will delve into the common applications and advantages of industrial epoxy flooring that have made it such a desirable choice.
Applications and Benefits of Epoxy Floors in Commercial and Industrial Facilities
Choosing the right flooring type for a specific place is important to make sure it is durable, resistant, beautiful, and safe. When it comes to industrial and commercial settings, making the right choice is even more vital because we are dealing with harsher conditions.
Some of the main advantages that explain the popularity of epoxy flooring in industrial settings include
Durability of Epoxy Floors
The combination of polymers and hardeners makes for stiff and durable flooring that does not scratch, break, crack, or chip easily. Durability is one of the most essential requirements of industrial flooring because there is usually a lot of foot and vehicle traffic, and heavy machinery in such locations. So, if the flooring is not strong enough, frequent flooring repair and replacement will be necessary.
Except for industrial applications, epoxy floors are also a great water-proof flooring option for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, etc., in residential areas. This means you will not need to worry about your floor for many years to come.
Epoxy Flooring Is Exceptionally Strong
Another vital feature of flooring in industrial facilities is its compressive strength. In these environments, the fall of heavy objects is very common. Therefore, the flooring must be impact-resistant and strong enough to withstand such mishaps.
Also, there may be heavy loads, such as machinery, that put a lot of pressure on the floor. Epoxy floors can handle these kinds of compression for a long time which makes them ideal for workshops, warehouses, automotive showrooms, and other manufacturing facilities.
Epoxy Floor Is the Best Chemical-Resistant Flooring
Spills of oils, acids, greases, solvents, and other chemicals are unavoidable in some industries, like refineries. So, chemical-resistant flooring is essential to tolerate harsh substances and not get damaged by them. Additionally, such environments require frequent cleaning, because the hazardous chemicals might pose a threat to the people. As a result, the floor must be able to deal with frequent cleaning as well.
With industrial epoxy flooring, you do not have to worry about these matters as it can resist any chemicals and abrasives better than other flooring types.
Cleaning and Maintaining Epoxy Flooring Is Easy
Easy maintenance industrial flooring would save you from spending too much time, energy, and money on maintaining, cleaning, repairing, and replacing the flooring frequently.
Due to its smooth and seamless surface, you can clean your epoxy floor simply and fast with a sweep, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, or a brush to scrub. And, to maintain your epoxy floor, all you need to do is keep it clean by removing stains, rubber burns, and spills. Besides, you should repair any gouges or deep scratches soon to avoid worsening the problem.
Generally, epoxy flooring does not absorb stains quickly, so if you regularly sweep and mop it, it will remain shiny and glossy for years.
Epoxy Flooring Is Aesthetic
Contrary to what many would think of industrial epoxy flooring, it is beautiful and adds to the overall aesthetic of the place. This would make your commercial space attractive and more professional-looking.
There are various colors and patterns available in the market, not to mention different finishes. Another advantage of epoxy is that it can be customized for design to achieve a unique look. So, you can easily match customizable epoxy floors with the style and theme of your place.
Hygiene Is a Big Advantage of Epoxy
Except for industries, epoxy flooring is commonly used in hospitals, medical laboratories, and other places that require a high standard of hygiene, like food processing facilities. This is because a seamless epoxy floor is not a suitable environment for bacteria and mold to grow. Besides, as mentioned above, it can be cleaned very easily.
However, you should avoid inhaling the dust right after sanding epoxy floors.
Epoxy Offers Non-Slip Flooring for Industries
Accidents that cause injuries to customers or workers in a commercial setting can lead to costly lawsuits. So, to prevent such accidents and their consequences, you should make sure the flooring is also safe. Epoxy flooring offers some safety features, like anti-slip textures to minimize the risk of slips.
Non-slip epoxy flooring is also useful in bathrooms and kitchens to make them safer for seniors and kids.
Industrial Epoxy Flooring Is Known for Its Longevity
Due to its durability, strength, and easy maintenance, the lifespan of epoxy floors is long and can usually function without causing much trouble for years (at least 10 to 20 years, if installed and cared for properly). As it does not require frequent repair or replacement, it is a cost-effective choice for both residential and industrial settings.
All in all, the versatile epoxy flooring has various applications. From warehouses and garages to hospitals, gyms, and even kitchens. However, before making your decision, it is good to know about some of its downsides discussed below.
Are you curious about the epoxy flooring installation cost? Call to request a quote.
Disadvantages of Industrial Epoxy Flooring
Although there are a lot of benefits in installing high-quality commercial-grade epoxy in industrial settings, you should be aware of the following potential drawbacks.
- Epoxy flooring can be relatively costly but thanks to its great longevity, in the long run, it would be economical.
- As the installation of epoxy flooring requires preparation, multiple applications of epoxy floor coatings, and curing, the process takes time.
- If you do not use the anti-slip additives, it can be very slippery, especially when wet.
- Discoloration is a common issue in many epoxy floors, particularly those that are exposed to sunlight or UV light.
- Repairing and replacing epoxy flooring is not that simple and requires professional installers to fix it.
- Harsh chemicals, such as acids, should not be left on epoxy for long. Otherwise, they can damage it.
- Epoxy cannot tolerate extreme temperatures.
So, if you want to enjoy the benefits of epoxy flooring, you should also accept its downsides. But considering the nature of the setting and how much any of these advantages and disadvantages would mean to you helps you make the right decision.
Epoxy Flooring Maintenance and Cleaning
We have briefly touched on the matter of cleaning and maintenance of epoxy floors, but we go over some essential tips below to ensure the integrity and longevity of your industrial epoxy flooring.
- Although many consider a DIY epoxy flooring installation, it is not a good idea because if the epoxy is not installed properly, the durability and longevity will be affected.
- Sweep daily with a soft bristle broom or brush to clean up dirt and debris.
- Use mats at entryways to minimize dirt and debris.
- Scrub with a suitable detergent regularly. If the place gets a lot of chemical spills, do it very often.
- Do not let spills remain on the floor for an extended period.
- Fixing gouges, chips, and scratches immediately is key to ensure that the damage does not get worse.
- Use mild detergents and solutions that are suitable for proxy coating.
- Keep your epoxy floor coating away from very high or very low temperatures, moisture, sunlight, and UV light.
Maintaining industrial floor coatings properly is not that hard but it needs a good cleaning schedule. Besides, you should inspect your flooring from time to time to notice damages and deal with them immediately.
Epoxy Flooring Installation Process
The installation process includes different steps that must be done carefully and correctly if you want to have a resilient and smooth floor.
Step 1: Preparing the substrate: Concrete is the best substrate for epoxy flooring. But make sure that it is clean of dust, debris, oil stains, or any other spills. Also, any gouge or crake should be fixed before applying the epoxy. Then, to make the floor even more prepared, you may use grey or clear epoxy coating as a primer.
Step 2: Applying the first coat: When the materials are mixed, in about 30 to 45 minutes, the base coat should be applied on the floor.
Step 3: Applying the second coat: With proper ventilation, after 12 hours, the second epoxy coating is applied.
These three steps are the minimal number of steps needed for epoxy floor installation. To make the floor thicker and harder, more than two cycles of coating is recommended. Besides, it takes a few days for the coating to cure.
Industrial Epoxy Flooring FAQs and Concerns
Let’s go over some of your common questions about epoxy flooring.
Can I Install an Industrial Epoxy Floor by Myself?
A DIY epoxy floor installation is not recommended, especially an industrial one. Although it may seem simple, professional installation is needed to ensure the floor’s integrity and longevity. For example, even tiny bubbles can cause damage to the coating not long after installation.
How Many Layers of Epoxy Coating Is Necessary?
There must be at least two layers of epoxy coatings.
Does Industrial Grade Epoxy Resist Oil and Acid Spills?
Yes. But you should spot clean as soon as possible to avoid any risk of permanent stain or abrasion.
Is Industrial Epoxy Floor Suitable for Garages?
Definitely yes. It is a very popular choice for garages because of its chemical and impact resistance, low maintenance, and non-slip quality.
Are Epoxy Flooring Materials Poisonous?
Once the epoxy is cured and dry, it is completely healthy. Just make sure there is good ventilation during and after installation. Also, if you are sanding the epoxy floor, the dust can be harmful and it should not be inhaled.
Is there a question about epoxy flooring that we have not answered here? Contact us with an email or a call to get your answer.
Professional Epoxy Floor Installation in Manchester, NH
We have reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of industrial epoxy flooring, its maintenance, and the minimum steps we need to install it.
Now, you can make an informed decision about your place. And, if you have decided to have a glossy, smooth, and strong epoxy floor for your residential, commercial, or industrial setting in Manchester, NH, and some neighboring areas, Minuteman Floors is here for you. Read our ‘Epoxy Flooring Installation’ to learn more about different types of epoxy coatings and our service.
Our team of experienced professional installers will give you their honest opinion. Schedule an appointment with a phone call (800) 315-2185.