Epoxy flooring is one of the fastest growing types of flooring because it is extremely durable and easy to maintain. The material comes in many different shades and colors and can be easily applied to most concrete surfaces. There are many different factors to consider when choosing epoxy flooring. Some of the main considerations are cost, durability and abrasion rating.
Preparing the surface
Before you start epoxy flooring, you should do a proper surface preparation. This is the most important aspect of your flooring project and will extend the life of your new floor. There are several ways to do this, but the most common method is grinding.
You will also need to use an air compressor and sandblaster. After cleaning the surface, you will need to test the concrete for adhesion and water vapour transmission.
Once you have completed all the steps, you can apply the coating. If you want to make your epoxy flooring more beautiful, you can add decorative color chips.
A good way to do this is to sand the surface with 80-grit paper. Then, you can apply the epoxy. Ideally, you should work in sections to avoid drying out the coating.
Another way to do this is with a scarifier. Scarifiers are a good tool for applying an aggressive surface profile, but can also lead to micro-fissures in the concrete.
Durability
Epoxy flooring is one of the longest lasting floor solutions available. It provides a solid, durable surface that can withstand heavy loads, vehicle traffic, and a wide range of impact. However, it is important to maintain the epoxy floor to increase its lifespan.
Epoxy flooring is often used in areas where heavy machinery or vehicles are present, such as showrooms, warehouses, airport hangars, and industrial businesses. It is also ideal for residential spaces that have high foot traffic.
Although epoxy is an excellent choice for industrial applications, it isn’t the only option. Vinyl and carpet are often less than ideal in certain applications.
Another good choice is a seamless epoxy floor. These floors provide a host of benefits, including durability, ease of maintenance, and limitless design options.
To get the most out of an epoxy floor, consult a professional. An experienced contractor will be able to recommend a floor that can withstand high traffic, wear, and tear.
Abrasion ratings
Epoxy flooring is a type of flooring coating that is resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand foot traffic and vehicular traffic. However, there are a few things to look out for when selecting an epoxy floor. One of the most important is the abrasion rating.
If you want an epoxy coating that is durable and long lasting, you will need to choose one with a low abrasion rating. You can do this by checking the abrasion loss rating.
The abrasion loss is the amount of material that the coating loses to traffic. This is measured in milligrams. Every extra milligram that is lost reduces the lifespan of the coating.
Some epoxies have an abrasion loss rating of less than 10 milligrams. These epoxies are suitable for industrial use.
Another factor that can affect the longevity of your epoxy floor is the adhesion rating. To ensure that your epoxy flooring can withstand high traffic, you will need to select a product that has a minimum adhesion rating of 350 pounds per square inch (psi).
Chemical resistance ratings are another factor that you should consider. You can get information from your Technical Data Sheet. They provide details such as abrasion, film thickness, compressive strength, and chemical resistance.
Cost
Epoxy flooring can be a great way to give your home a new look. It’s also durable and slip-resistant. However, it can be expensive to install.
When calculating the cost of epoxy flooring on concrete, there are several variables to consider. These include the surface area, the type of epoxy, and the type of preparation work needed.
If you’re planning to have epoxy flooring installed in a garage, you may want to negotiate with a flooring company to reduce the price. For example, a contractor may charge a reduced price if you move the contents of the garage to another area.
If you’re planning to have a basement epoxy floor, the cost is usually less than for a garage floor. The process is similar to the outside of the home, but it requires fewer materials and a shorter installation time.
One gallon of solid epoxy can cover 350-400 feet of concrete. Solid epoxy is the most durable and toughest of all types of epoxy.