If you are looking for a flooring solution for your garage, epoxy is one of the leading choices. When Dr. Pierre Castan used epoxy for dental fixtures back in the 1930s he never knew that it would be used for flooring. There are several reasons why this material is gaining popularity in most industrial places. Owing to its durability and aesthetic appeal reasons, homeowners are now using it for garages and other high-traffic areas. To make the right choice, you must know what to expect when you install epoxy floors, for that you must epoxy floor pros and cons.
Here in this article, you’ll find a brief guide about epoxy floors plus their pros and cons as a garage floor choice.
What is Epoxy Floor?
Epoxy flooring is a type of synthetic resin floor system which is comprised of a two-part epoxy system. It is typically a mixture of hardeners and polymers applied on top of concrete substrates. This thermosetting resin cures as the hardener and epoxy resin bond with each other and the underlying substrate. This chemical nature makes this stiff plastic material extremely durable. Read on for the pros and cons of epoxy garage floor.
Pros of Epoxy Garage Floor:
Here are some of the advantages of epoxy garage floors.
Chemically Resistant
The garage floor is subject to different chemical spills. Epoxy flooring is the perfect choice for the garage as it is highly chemically resistant. Whether the spills are acidic or alkaline, the floor is virtually resistant to almost every chemical. Be it oil, gasoline, bleach, transmission fluid, or cleansers, the floor does not stain or deteriorate easily. As the surface is non-porous, simply wipe off the floors to remove any spillage without worrying about stains.
Withstand High Traffic
In general, epoxy is applied over concrete. If installed properly, it can enhance the ability of the concrete floor to endure heavy traffic, abrasions, and dragging of materials. The application of epoxy adds a ton of stability to the floor reducing the impact of heavyweight. In addition, epoxy is resistant to cracks, heat, and water, making it an ideal choice for garages and other commercial areas.
Durability
When it comes to lifespan, the epoxy coating can last for more than ten years with minimal maintenance. Some brands offer a guarantee for ten years or more. As epoxy is a highly resistant material, it lasts longer than many other flooring solutions. Concrete is the only material that beats it and when epoxy is laid over a concrete surface, it virtually renders concrete exceptionally durable.
Safety
One of the lesser-known benefits of epoxy flooring is its safety. Once properly installed and cured, the smooth surface is highly reflective. It enhances the visibility inside the garage by reflecting the incident light. Better visibility in a garage directly translates to improved safety. The addition of anti-slip mixtures improves the traction of the floor minimizing the chances of skidding and car slip.
Pocket Friendly
If you are looking for a durable flooring solution for your garage without spending a huge sum of money, epoxy is your best choice. It comes out to be an economical choice especially because it lasts long. Furthermore, the installation costs are reasonable because it does not require any additional sub-flooring materials. Epoxy is one of the most economical choices for residential garage floors. The average cost of installing epoxy floors is anywhere between about $3 to $7 per square foot.
Acts As A Sealant
Installing a concrete floor is a costly endeavor thus preventing it from wear and tear is especially critical. Epoxy flooring is one of the most reliable methods to secure your investment as it acts as a sealant and prevents the underlying floor from all kinds of wear and tear. Working as a preservation overlay, helps you save money otherwise spend on yearly touchups and repairs.
Restores Old And Damaged Concrete Floors
If your garage has old and deteriorated concrete floors, epoxy can help you restore the look at affordable costs. When properly installed, the resin leaves the surface smooth, sleek, and complete.
Aesthetically Appealing
Compared to an average concrete garage floor, epoxy floors look more aesthetically appealing. Their appearance alone has enticed several homeowners over the years. As the surface is easy to sweep and clean, it is easier to maintain the bright and sleek look of your garage.
Cons of Epoxy Garage Floor:
Long And Tiring Installation Process
Installing epoxy flooring over your garage is not an easy feat. It takes rigorous preparation before you can apply a coat of epoxy over it. First, the floor must be checked for excess moisture and signs of concealer. The existing paint coat, if any, is removed and the surface is degreased with industrial-grade cleaners. Then the floor is power washed to remove any remaining impurities which are then followed the spraying the floors with mild hydrochloric acid. Application of epoxy comes after the floor is completely dry and clean. The installation of epoxy floors can take as long as 30 days. The rigorous preparation phase and long time are the most notable cons of this flooring material.
Toxic Fumes
When wet, epoxy has strong fumes. These fumes are not only unpleasant but are toxic. If inhaled, they can irritate lungs, eyes, and skin. The side effects can impact anyone who is working around during the installation process. This makes it rather a dangerous DIY project for some homeowners. If you are planning to do it on your own, don’t forget to wear personal safety equipment.
Non-Porous Slippery Surface
After complete drying, the surface is non-porous and super smooth. It turns out to be a serious disadvantage when the floor is wet or moist. Moreover, the removal of epoxy floors is costly and labor-intensive.
The Verdict
Epoxy garage floors can last long and offer value for your investment for at least a decade. You can avoid the cons of this flooring material by consulting a reliable epoxy floor installation contractor. They not only handle the preparation and installation phase with professional expertise but also add anti-slip chemicals to improve the grip. Epoxy floor pros and cons may not be limited to these. We have discussed the important ones here.
Now that you know the pros and cons of epoxy garage floor, you are well-prepared to make informed decisions. Moreover, get expert advice and hire a professional as per your requirements easily, with the help of our directory. Search now in your area.
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