Epoxy flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring option in both residential and commercial settings due to its many advantages and applications. This durable and versatile flooring provides an attractive, high-performance surface with benefits that make it suitable for a wide variety of spaces.
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring refers to a flooring system where a coating of epoxy resin is applied over a primed concrete floor. The epoxy resin is formed by mixing epoxy hardener and resin which undergoes a chemical reaction and hardens into a rigid plastic material. This forms a continuous, seamless flooring surface.
Epoxy floors are known for their high performance, durability, and visually appealing finishes. The resin can be tinted with pigments and colored quartz sand can be broadcast for a decorative, slip-resistant texture. There are many options for customizing finishes from solid colors to intricate patterns or designs.
Benefits of Epoxy Floors
Durability
One of the biggest advantages of epoxy floors is their extreme durability and resistance to damage. Properly installed epoxy floors can last for decades with minimal maintenance required. The hardened epoxy resin creates an impervious, chemical-resistant surface that maintains its integrity despite heavy foot traffic, dropped objects, scrapes, chemicals, and water exposure. This makes it an ideal flooring choice for commercial and industrial settings.
Low Maintenance
Since epoxy flooring forms a protective barrier that is resistant to wear and liquids, it requires very little maintenance compared to many other flooring options. There is no need for polishing or waxing. It can easily be cleaned with mild detergent and water. The seamless surface won’t trap dirt and spills can be wiped up without absorbing into the flooring.
Customizable Aesthetics
One of the most appealing features of epoxy floors is the ability to customize the appearance in many different ways. Epoxy resin can be tinted any color and can mimic finishes like marble or granite. Colored quartz sand or vinyl flakes can add dimension and visual interest. Creative designs, patterns, company logos, safety markings are options for a unique look.
Slip Resistance
The addition of textured materials like angular quartz aggregate into the epoxy flooring system creates an extremely slip-resistant surface. This helps prevent falls and injuries, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or wet conditions. Anti-slip epoxy coatings provide safety and traction even when wet.
Dustproof
Epoxy floors are seamless and non-porous, preventing dust from accumulating on the surface. This helps maintain cleanliness and reduces allergens, making it ideal for medical facilities or sterile work areas. The lack of seams and pores also inhibits mold and bacteria growth.
Chemical Resistant
Epoxy flooring provides excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals from alkaline cleaning solutions to harsh solvents like gasoline, brake fluids or other automotive chemicals. This prevents deterioration and extends the floor’s lifespan in industrial environments. It’s also beneficial for laboratories, hospitals, garages, kennels and more.
Waterproofing
The liquid epoxy resin forms an impermeable moisture barrier after curing. This prevents water absorption into the concrete below even under conditions of prolonged exposure. Epoxy floor coatings protect against leaks, flooding, chemical spills and humidity in basements or food processing facilities.
Applications for Epoxy Floor Coatings
Thanks to their performance advantages, decorative options, and protective properties, epoxy floors are an ideal choice for:
Commercial and Industrial Spaces
- Warehouses – Heavy forklift traffic, chemical spills, high humidity and frequent washdowns are common in warehouses. Epoxy floors can withstand these punishing conditions. Their seamless surface limits dust accumulation from cardboard boxes or pallets.
- Manufacturing Facilities – The durability of epoxy makes it perfect for manufacturing plants, assembly lines and production areas. Its chemical-resistance handles oils, solvents, acids without degrading. Anti-slip coatings enhance safety.
- Commercial Kitchens – Epoxy floors are waterproof, non-porous and highly resistant to food acids, hot oils or grease spatters. Their ability to withstand hot pressure washing makes them perfect for back of house restaurant floors.
- Hospitals and Clinics – The seamless finish inhibits bacterial growth and the non-slip surface prevents slips and falls. Epoxy’s high cleanability helps maintain strict hygiene standards in medical facilities.
- Garages – As a protective coating, epoxy floors are the ideal garage flooring solution. Hot tire pick up, chemical spills and motor fluids won’t deteriorate an epoxy coated garage floor.
Residential Applications
While less common than commercial spaces, epoxy coatings can also be beneficial in certain residential settings:
- Basements – Damp basements can be waterproofed by an impermeable epoxy floor system that prevents moisture absorption into the slab. This also helps prevent basement flooding damage.
- Garages – Like commercial garages, residential garage floors benefit from the oil, chemical and hot tire resistance epoxy coatings provide. They also enhance the appearance of the space.
- Laundry Rooms – Epoxy flooring is resistant to water, detergents and bleach, making it a good option for laundry room floors that see heavy use. A textured finish provides Anti-slip properties.
Other Applications
- Aircraft Hangars – Epoxy flooring is widely used in aircraft hangars due to its strength, chemical resistance and ability to withstand heavy loads. The seamless surface also limits dust.
- Dog Kennels – The sanitary benefits and durability of epoxy floors make them an ideal choice for dog boarding and training facilities. They resist odors, are easy to clean and stand up to claws.
- Retail Showrooms – Many automotive dealerships, furniture stores and retail spaces install epoxy floors for their appealing looks. Creative designs andcompany logos can be incorporated.
- Laboratories – The sterile, chemical-resistant properties of epoxy help laboratories maintain pristine, sanitary conditions for research and testing.
- Schools and Locker Rooms – Epoxy floors in gyms, locker rooms, showers and hallways help schools maintain sanitary conditions and reduce slip-fall risks.
Outdoor Applications
While less common, epoxy floor coatings can also be installed in exterior settings:
- Garages and Driveways – Outdoor garage slabs and driveways can be protected from chemicals, salts and high humidity with an epoxy coating. Anti-slip additives provide traction.
- Patios and Decks – Resin flooring systems can coat concrete pool decks, patios and porches to provide a waterproof, durable and attractive surface.
- Sidewalks and Pathways – Public spaces like parks or zoos sometimes opt for epoxy sidewalks due to the flooring’s durability, custom colors and resistance to elements.
Epoxy Floor Coating Options
There are a few different options when it comes to epoxy floor systems:
High Solids Epoxy
This refers to epoxy floor coatings with low VOC solvent content, typically less than 10%. The high solids content provides excellent protection and chemical resistance for commercial and industrial flooring. High solids epoxy is more difficult to apply than other options but provides the most robust protective coating.
100% Solids/No VOC Epoxy
As the name suggests, this flooring option contains no solvents or VOCs. The two-part epoxy resin and hardener make up 100% of the material. The lack of solvents allows a thicker protective film but the epoxy can be more difficult to apply than lower solids version.
Water Based Epoxy
A more environmentally-friendly option using water rather than chemical solvents as the vehicle for the epoxy resin. The lower VOC/odor improves air quality during application but may sacrifice some protective performance compared to solvent-based options.
Epoxy Terrazzo
This refers to epoxy floors with colored quartz aggregates broadcast into the coating to create decorative, terrazzo-like finishes. The aggregates add slip resistance and visual appeal.
ESD Epoxy
ESD (electrostatic dissipative) epoxy floors contain conductive materials to prevent a static electrical charge from accumulating on the floor’s surface. This helps protect sensitive electronics or materials susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge.
The Epoxy Flooring Process
Installing an epoxy floor coating is usually best left to experienced professionals, but in general involves the following steps:
- Surface Preparation – The concrete must be deeply cleaned to remove oils, paint and debris that could interfere with epoxy adhesion. Mechanical grinding or shot blasting is usually required.
- Crack and Patch Repair – Any concrete cracks or flaws are filled and smoothed using patching compounds.
- Priming – A primer coat is rolled on first to maximize epoxy adhesion and prevent outgassing bubbles in the final coating.
- Base Coat Application – A color tinted base coat of epoxy resin is applied using rollers, brushes or squeegees based on the product used.
- Broadcast Aggregates – Colored quartz sand and flooring chips can be broadcast and seeded into the wet base coat to provide texture and slip resistance.
- Topcoat Application – One or more protective clear epoxy topcoats are applied over the base coat and aggregates.
- Finishing – After curing, the finished floor is cleaned up and prepared for use, which may involve additional scrubbing or burnishing.
The epoxy flooring installation process typically takes 2-4 days depending on the system used. The floor cannot be used until the epoxy is fully cured and hardened which may take up to a week.
Maintaining and Caring For Epoxy Floors
One of the biggest perks of epoxy flooring is the minimal maintenance it requires compared to other flooring materials. However, some basic care is essential:
- Sweep or mop regularly to remove dirt and debris that could abrade the surface over time.
- Clean spills quickly to prevent stains, using mild detergents or degreasers for oil/grease spills.
- Avoid abrasive pads or brushes that could dull the floor’s glossy appearance.
- Use only pH neutral cleaners as acidic or alkaline cleaners could etch or discolor epoxy floors.
- Reapply floor polish to high traffic areas periodically to renew the protective glossy film.
- Harsh chemicals or solvents like brake fluids should be cleaned up promptly to avoid damaging the epoxy.
- Avoid dragging or dropping heavy objects that could scratch the floor’s surface.
Proper maintenance helps preserve the floor for its full lifetime, which can stretch 20 years or longer for quality epoxy flooring. Reinstallation may be needed sooner if the floor sustains significant damage.
Epoxy Flooring Costs
Epoxy flooring is generally cheaper than many other options when you consider its long lifespan. However, it is more costly than basic coatings like paint or stains. Here are some ballpark figures on epoxy flooring costs:
- Residential epoxy floor coating – $3.00-$7.00 per sq. ft. installed
- Commercial/industrial epoxy – $6.00-$10.00 per sq. ft installed
- Epoxy terrazzo – $8.00-$12.00 per sq. ft installed
- Metallic/colored epoxy – $10.00-$15.00 per sq. ft installed
Many factors affect overall job costs including the floor area size, required surface preparation, chosen finish, geographic location and more. Get quotes from several local epoxy flooring contractors to compare prices for your specific project.
Should You Choose Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy floor coatings provide a range of performance benefits, protective properties, low maintenance requirements and decorative options that make them one of the best choices for commercial and industrial flooring applications. Their durability and waterproof nature also lend them to residential spaces like basements and garages. When properly installed, epoxy floors offer an excellent return on investment compared to other flooring materials. Their customizable finishes let you tailor the look while gaining valuable performance advantages. For many settings, epoxy flooring provides the ultimate combination of aesthetics, utility and longevity.
Applications and Advantages of Epoxy Flooring: FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about epoxy floor coatings and their applications:
Can you apply epoxy flooring over existing floors?
In most cases, epoxy floor coatings should only be applied over bare concrete that has been properly prepped. They do not adhere well to existing coatings like paint or tile. The concrete surface needs to be cleaned and profiled for the epoxy to bond correctly.
How long does epoxy flooring last?
With proper installation and care, epoxy floors typically last 10-30 years. In industrial settings where floors are exposed to heavy use and abuse, lifespan is often 20+ years. The coatings last longer than many other flooring options.
Is epoxy flooring slippery?
Plain epoxy floors can become slippery when wet. For slippery areas, an anti-slip aggregate like sharkgrip or angular sand is added to create grip and traction. The textured surface provides skid resistance even when wet.
Can you install epoxy flooring outside?
Outdoor installations are less common but exterior epoxy floor coatings are made for use on concrete patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks. UV stabilizers provide protection against sunlight.
Does epoxy flooring scratch easily?
Quality commercial/industrial epoxy floors are highly resistant to scratches, scuffs and abrasions. But sharp objects can damage the surface over time, so care should be taken to avoid scratching.
Is epoxy flooring eco-friendly?
Many modern epoxy flooring products use water-based resins with low VOCs for more environmentally-friendly installation. Epoxy coatings are also sustainable due to their extremely long service life compared to other floorings.
Can you install epoxy flooring in a basement?
Yes, epoxy floors are an excellent choice for basements because they are waterproof and prevent moisture from passing through to the concrete below. This helps create a dry, usable basement space.
Does epoxy flooring need wax?
No, epoxy floors do not require waxing or polishing, unlike tile or wood flooring. The resin forms a glossy, protective barrier on its own. Polishes may be used occasionally but are not necessary.
Conclusion
Epoxy floor coatings offer many performance advantages that make them ideal for commercial, industrial and some residential flooring applications. Their unparalleled durability, chemical and water resistance, low-maintenance requirements and decorative customizable options provide solutions for many challenging flooring scenarios. When properly installed by experienced contractors, epoxy floors offer beautiful, high-functioning surfaces built to last decades even under punishing conditions. Their protective qualities, attractive appearances and long lifespans make epoxy floors a wise investment for businesses and homeowners alike.