A well-designed interior has the power to shape customer perceptions, employee morale and the overall functionality of a commercial space. One of the most crucial elements that impacts these factors is flooring.
Epoxy floors have become the coveted choice amongst businesses due to their impressive resilience and stunning visual appeal. But how exactly do epoxy floor coatings benefit modern spaces?
1. Environmentally Friendly
As the environmental consciousness of the modern homeowner shifts, so too has the demand for building materials that have environmental benefits and sustainability. Epoxy floors have emerged as a frontrunner, boasting both sustainable benefits and high durability in a single package.
Unlike other flooring options, epoxy is composed of all-natural materials and contains no harsh chemicals or dyes. Its natural, glossy finish is a sleek and durable option for commercial properties, industrial buildings, or even residential spaces. It also provides a hygienic and safe environment for employees, customers, or tenants to work and move about.
Another benefit of epoxy flooring is its versatility in style and design. This floor coating can be colored to match the color scheme of a business or matched to specific areas of a facility like walkways, loading bays, or plant and machinery zones. The floor can also be textured to enhance the visual appeal of the space, further ensuring that it is easy to clean and maintain.
The long lifespan and durability of epoxy floors minimize the need for frequent replacements, which reduces resource consumption and waste. Furthermore, epoxy can be applied directly over existing flooring substrates, further reducing the amount of time and money spent on demolition and disposal.
Additionally, epoxy is a 100% solids product, meaning it doesn’t contain any water or solvents and only uses resin and hardener. This makes it the most environmentally friendly and sustainable choice of all possible flooring products. NEx Systems offers a non-toxic, green epoxy system that is as close to an organic epoxy as possible and doesn’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air during the curing process. VOCs have been linked to poor indoor air quality, sinus and nasal irritation, and chronic respiratory issues including asthma.
VOCs can also be a health hazard for the workers handling the construction and installation of epoxy flooring, as they cause nose and eye irritation, loss of coordination, nausea, headaches, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. NEx’s 100% solids epoxy is free of VOCs and allows the crew to work safely on the jobsite.
2. Durable
If you want a floor that looks shiny and new for as long as possible, then an epoxy coating is the way to go. Whether you need flooring for your garage, living space, industrial environment or showroom, the durable nature of this type of floor is great for resisting dirt and grime accumulation, making it easy to keep looking pristine.
Epoxy floors are also incredibly resilient, meaning they can hold up to a lot of traffic and heavy equipment without wearing down significantly. This is especially important for commercial and industrial spaces, where a lot of people walk and drive on the floor each day.
The durability of an epoxy floor also depends on the specific conditions it is in, such as weather and climate fluctuations. Extreme temperature changes can cause the epoxy to expand and contract, which can cause it to lose its integrity or create cracks in the floor surface.
Another key factor in the longevity of an epoxy floor is its resistance to chemicals. The specific chemicals that it comes into contact with can impact this as well, and some may require more frequent maintenance or recoating than others.
The good news is that there isn’t a whole lot an epoxy floor can’t withstand, and it is resistant to both oil and water, making it an ideal choice for many environments. It is also very easy to sanitize, so it’s a perfect option for hospitals and clinics.
The most effective way to extend the life of your epoxy floor is by performing regular cleaning and protection practices. For example, sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove dirt and grit before it can damage the epoxy. Clean your floors with a mild detergent solution at least once a month, or more frequently if your environment is particularly dirty. Place protective mats in areas where the floor will receive the most foot or vehicle traffic, and use rubber or felt pads under equipment to prevent scratches. Lastly, avoid placing harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the floor as they can damage it.
3. Easy to Clean
When choosing flooring for your commercial or industrial space, it’s important to choose a material that can withstand the demands of everyday use. Epoxy floors are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Plus, they’re resistant to fire and chemical damage.
While some people may opt for tile, vinyl, or hardwood flooring, this is an expensive option that requires extensive preparation and installation time. For this reason, many businesses are turning to epoxy as a more cost-effective alternative that will still offer all of the benefits of these types of materials.
The process of installing an epoxy floor is fairly straightforward and can be done in as little as a day. However, it’s essential to prepare your concrete floor properly before the epoxy can be installed. This typically involves washing, etching, and removing any existing layers of sealant or paint. This can be a costly process if done by professional contractors but will ensure that the epoxy will bond directly with your concrete.
Once the floor has been prepared, regular cleaning can be done using a broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner. It’s also important to wipe up spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining and to help keep the floors sanitary. For oily or chemical spills, you can usually use a degreaser and scrub brush to clean up the mess. Just be sure to test the solution on a small area of the floor before applying it to the entire surface.
Depending on the amount of traffic, you might need to wash your floors every three or four months. You should also use floor mats and rugs in areas with heavy equipment or constant foot traffic. It’s also a good idea to avoid cleaners with citrus or acidic properties as they can be harsh on epoxy surfaces and dull their shine.
If your floors are starting to look worn or have lost their luster, it’s a good idea to apply a clear top coat to the surface. This will fill in any cracks and bring back the natural shine to your floor. You can also choose to apply a colorant or design to the top coat, making your floors truly unique and attractive.
4. Affordable
When you consider the long-term savings and durable functionality of epoxy flooring, it is easy to see why this floor material is a wise investment for any home or business. This is especially true for commercial facilities, where maintaining a strong brand image and creating a positive customer experience are important. In these cases, epoxy floors can be customised to include logos or other thematic designs that promote the company’s identity.
Unlike other flooring materials that may need frequent replacement or expensive professional cleaning, epoxy is incredibly cost-effective in the long run. It is also stain-resistant and provides superior chemical resistance to keep the floor looking new for years. Plus, it can be applied directly over existing concrete, eliminating the need for costly demolition and disposal of old materials.
The initial installation costs of epoxy are relatively low, and the price can be further reduced by handling some of the preparation work yourself, such as removing existing adhesives or filling in cracks. Additionally, choosing a water-based epoxy can save money over traditional solvent-based varieties.
While everyone loves a good deal, it is important to ensure that the lowest quote doesn’t come at the expense of quality or safety. A low bid might mean that the contractor is cutting corners or skipping essential steps like surface preparation, which can impact the longevity of the epoxy coating. It could also indicate that the contractor is using substandard materials or hiring an inexperienced crew.
Another thing to look for in a flooring contractor is a comprehensive warranty or guarantee. This can protect you against unforeseen problems that might arise post-installation. Finally, it is always a good idea to request references and check out a contractor’s reputation before committing to any job.
Epoxy is an ideal flooring solution for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, from creating a sleek modern look in a garage or basement to adding a vibrant pop of color in children’s play areas. It is also an excellent choice for industrial environments, where its durability and strength make it a perfect solution for forklift paths and walkways.
