Epoxy Flooring: What is it and How is it Installed?

Epoxy flooring is a resinous flooring system made by mixing epoxy resin with a hardener and applying it to a suitable substrate, such as concrete. Epoxy flooring got its start in the industrial sector as a robust factory flooring option. These floors are remarkably durable and can withstand hard impacts, the weight of heavy loads, rough abrasions, and high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic. This made them perfect for industrial floors. However, they’ve made their way into commercial businesses and residential homes across the country over recent years!

There are several epoxy flooring styles, including standard epoxy, metallic epoxy, and decorative flake epoxy. Each brings its own unique look and pattern options. Though they all share the same excellent benefits of increased durability, longevity, and resistance.

Cleaning and Inspection

The epoxy flooring installation process is a multi-step process that begins with cleaning and inspecting your concrete substrate for damage. If any damage is present, such as cracks, chipping, or flaking, it’ll need to be repaired before the surface prep can begin. Minor blemishes don’t need fixing as they’ll be handled during the surface prep as well.

Repairs

All substantial damage to the concrete needs to be repaired as it can negatively impact the final product of your epoxy floor. Cracks are usually fixed using an injectable epoxy filler to prevent them from worsening or spreading. Chipped or flaking areas are typically repaired using a concrete patch that’s applied over the damaged area. Once these repairs are complete, the surface prep can start.

Surface Preparation

The purpose of preparing the surface is to remove any minor blemishes from the concrete and to ensure proper adhesion between the concrete and the epoxy resin. Surface prep is typically completed one of two ways, floor grinding or shot blasting. The most common choice is to use a floor grinder fitted with a diamond grinding wheel. However, some contractors may prefer shot blasting.

Pouring the Epoxy

After the concrete’s surface has been prepped, the epoxy resin is mixed and poured over the concrete base. Several layers will be applied to reach your particular floor’s desired thickness, accounting for the final clear topcoat. As the epoxy is poured, any patterns you wanted for the floor will be made using specialized tools before finishing the floor. Once the desired thickness has been achieved and the designs are in place, the next step can begin.

Finishing with the Clear, Epoxy Topcoat

The floor is finished using a clear, epoxy topcoat. This topcoat seals everything in place, including your patterns, and gives your floor some depth. Once this last layer of epoxy is poured, your floor is all but finished!

Curing

The last part of the installation process is allowing your epoxy floor to cure. Curing is the process where the epoxy dries and hardens. In most cases, the floor can be walked on in 24 hours. However, the epoxy floor isn’t 100% cured and ready for full use, including vehicle traffic until 72 hours.

Now that you’re familiar with what epoxy flooring is and how it’s installed, you can make an informed choice whether or not this floor is for you! If you’re considering joining in on this popular flooring trend, epoxy flooring is an excellent choice for any home or business, bringing a myriad of benefits to any setting!