How Long Should Epoxy Flooring Last?
Posted on: 14 January 2022
Epoxy is increasingly becoming a popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial properties for many reasons. Epoxy coating is both water and chemical resistant, quick curing, and highly customizable.
Additionally, epoxy is generally long-lasting as it consists primarily of resin and a hardener. Even so, the actual longevity of an epoxy floor will greatly vary based on multiple factors.
So, what factors influence how long commercial epoxy floors last?
Preparation
Preparation of the substrate is vital to ensure proper adhesion between the epoxy primer and the concrete surface. Repair and patching work is also important before applying the epoxy.
Ideally, a professional should coat the flooring after removing minor cracks, chips and any chemicals or oils that may block the epoxy from sticking properly. There are many methods to prepare a concrete floor before applying the epoxy primer. The most common methods include:
- Diamond grinding
- Sanding
- Acid etching
- Shot blasting
Simply put, the epoxy primer will work fine if you first do whatever repair work is necessary. Your epoxy floor expert should rid the floor of serious cracks and chips to ensure it's in good shape before applying the epoxy layer.
Skill of Installer
The epoxy floor installer's level of skill is another variable that determines how long the floor will last. To ensure your investment lasts for as long as possible, the professional installer should ensure the epoxy layer is of the right thickness. Thicker epoxy layers are longer lasting. Depending on the number of coats, epoxy floor thickness for light applications should range between 300 and 600 microns.
Aside from the installer's skill, ensure the installation team provides a warranty for their service. Epoxy floor installation is incredibly complex, and you don't want to regret it later. (Especially if your business attracts a lot of traffic from your customers.)
Therefore, hire someone who is truly skilled in epoxy floor installation. Never underestimate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the floor installers you choose honour their warranties. It might make a huge difference if you're running a startup business.
Maintenance Routine
You can achieve a longer life cycle for your epoxy floor if you follow the proper care and maintenance routine. Clean your floor as often as you can using a soft scrubbing tool and a mixture of ammonia and hot water.
Do not use abrasive brushes or pads on the epoxy floors because they could wear away the coating and sealers. Do not clean the floor with bleach, chemical, or acidic cleaners, either. These products can abrade the surface and reduce the lifespan of your epoxy floor.
For the most part, epoxy flooring can last several years if installed correctly and treated the right way. You might want to consult an experienced commercial installer to know what steps you should take to improve the longevity of your epoxy floors.
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