Why Cement Epoxy Floors Are the Best Choice for High-Traffic Areas

The main arena floor at a stadium needs to be able to handle the weight of heavy equipment and high foot traffic. Epoxy floors provide the durability that this type of environment demands.

It doesn’t matter if you put the best roof on the house or nice cabinets in a home if the foundation needs to be fixed. Correct floor prep is just as important for an epoxy coating.

Easy to Clean

Cement epoxy floors are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear. They are also easy to maintain with the right care and cleaning techniques. Your epoxy floor will last longer and look great if you use the right materials to maintain it.

An epoxy coating is a great way to protect concrete floors from damage and stains caused by chemicals and other substances. However, the floor must be installed properly to be effective. If the concrete slab is contaminated with grease, oil, wax, or paints, it may not bond well with an epoxy coating. Moisture migrating into the concrete slab and causing moisture vapor transmission (MVT) is a major cause of failure for epoxy floors.

When spilling chemicals onto an epoxy floor, cleaning up the chemical immediately is important as a safety precaution and to prevent staining the floor. Using a neutralizing agent before washing the floor with water is also recommended.

An epoxy floor will take a long time to dry, so it is important to keep it from wet materials for a long time. Protecting the floor when working on machinery or vehicles is also recommended to avoid scratching the surface. Using mats or plywood can help to avoid this and will prolong the life of your epoxy flooring.

Slip Resistant

While epoxy floors are very durable, they can be slippery when wet. Anti-slip additives are available to combat this problem and help prevent slip and fall accidents that can result in costly lawsuits. These anti-slip additives can be added to the floor coating during installation. Some solutions include adding silica sand or an aluminum oxide additive to the final flooring surface. These additives create a rough texture, reducing the risk of slip and fall.

These types of additives can be applied to both the top and bottom layers of the epoxy. In addition, some floor coating products come with a built-in anti-slip surface. These include water-based urethane, rubberized epoxy, and polyurethane elastomeric membranes. Water-based urethanes have a subtle ripple texture that produces a higher wet slip coefficient than their solvent-based counterparts. Rubberized epoxy has a natural rubber-like surface that conforms to the shoes/boots and decreases a floor’s slip factor. Polyurethane elastomeric membranes are designed to stretch and flex, decreasing a surface’s slip factor.

Another option is using an additive such as shark grip, silica sand, or anti-slip grit. These are added to the epoxy’s surface and can be applied during the initial coat or added as a separate layer. These are permanent solutions to slippery epoxy floors that eliminate the need for containment mats or other surface coverings. However, the correct floor prep must be done to ensure the surface is ready for the additives.

Durable

In addition to providing a bright, showroom-quality appearance, epoxy floor coatings are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. They resist stains and chips, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like garages, shop floors, and warehouses. However, they are versatile enough for use in any commercial space. When applied by a professional contractor, epoxy is one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials available for flooring.

The first step in installing an epoxy floor is to thoroughly prep the surface and remove contaminants, such as oils or grease. This process, outlined in a Sub-Floor Preparation Guide, includes methods like media blasting, diamond grinding, or even using jackhammers for tougher substrates. Proper sub-floor preparation is critical to ensure the epoxy adheres correctly and lasts for years. Additionally, moisture levels must be controlled to prevent damage and ensure the resin bonds securely with the concrete substrate.

Once the surface is ready, it takes about two to three days for a contractor to finish adding the epoxy. This includes preparing the surface, applying the first and second coats, and finishing with a polyurethane topcoat. The floor must cure for a day before you can drive your car over it.

The durability of epoxy flooring results from how it’s applied and the quality of the product. When an expert applies it, the floor becomes smooth with no cracks or weak points. It’s also designed to resist impact, making it tough to scratch or dent. Epoxy can withstand acid and chemical spills, although a specific blend is recommended for these hazardous substances.

Easy to Maintain

Epoxy floors are easy to maintain because they are water-resistant. This means liquid spills on the floor can be easily cleaned with a mop and warm water. This is a big advantage over other types of flooring that cannot be cleaned with water, such as wood floors. It is important to note that using soap-based cleaners on epoxy floors can damage the coating. It is also best to use only mild chemicals when cleaning. Using heavy chemical cleaners or citrus-based cleansers can strip the floor of its protective coating and damage the concrete underneath.

Similarly, dust and dirt on epoxy floors can scratch the surface over time. Using a dry dust mop or broom daily can help keep the floor debris-free. This will prevent the build-up of particles that can scratch the floor when people walk on it, or machines move over it.

Another benefit of an epoxy coating is that it can withstand the impact of heavy equipment. This is a big advantage over other flooring, such as wood or low-quality concrete. This impact can damage that.

A professional can help install an epoxy coating on a concrete floor. The proper preparation includes:

• Buffing and sanding the concrete.
• Testing for sealant.
• Making sure that the floor is free of cracks and holes.

Choosing the right type of epoxy for a specific environment is also important. Choosing the wrong type of epoxy could result in costly repairs.