Whether for your home or business, you want durable flooring that can withstand whatever is thrown its way - sometimes literally. You may have a garage floor that you want to keep nice and new-looking, or you may have a showroom at your business where the aesthetics are crucial to keeping your clients interested.
No matter where you want to install epoxy flooring, one question is usually asked by those looking at its benefits: "How durable is epoxy garage floor?"
One of the common misconceptions about sealing the garage floor is that epoxy garage floor coating is an upgraded type of paint for cement. The truth is that garage floor epoxy differs from the latex acrylic products you can buy.
An epoxy treatment is an actual thermosetting of resin on the surface of the concrete. This coating is formed by mixing polyamine hardener with epoxide resin. The combination gives epoxy the strength and durability you need because of the hardener additives.
Another notable difference between epoxy paint and real epoxy treatment is that paint dries, but epoxy cures. When the two parts of the epoxy resin are mixed, a chemical reaction requires curing. Polymer structures are developed, so garage floor epoxy has top-notch durability and strength compared to other flooring products. Even though the surface might feel dry, the curing takes longer.
Finally, the epoxy coating is much thicker compared to paint. The product can create a strong bond to the surface of the concrete, but the surface must be properly prepared before application.
VERY! Epoxy flooring is the leading floor coating solution that is durable and looks amazing.
Epoxy floors are layers of hardeners and epoxy resin used to protect the building or home's main flooring while adding improved safety or unique flair. Epoxy is normally used to cover concrete in commercial, industrial, and residential spaces.
Yes, epoxy flooring is amazing, but how durable is it?
Epoxy floors are great for heavy foot traffic, traction, and equipment. They are used in many retail spaces, garages, galleries, and factories to safeguard us while we walk around and use the equipment. They are leveled to ensure safety and can come with various textures to improve traction.
Here are some reasons you won't regret your choice to epoxy the garage floor:
Epoxy is built to last. Even well-used garages look amazing years after the epoxy application. These garage floors can withstand wear and tear and resist damage, chipping, and chemicals. If you drop a wrench or a bike accidentally knocked over in the garage, you don't need to think about damage to the flooring.
Adding a garage epoxy floor coating indicates creating a layer of protection to minimize damage to the cement. For example, the epoxy reduces the odds of oil stains on the floor, making it easier to clean up the mess after you work on your car in the garage. It also protects the flooring from certain solvents and salts.
Every home improvement project boosts your property's value, and garage epoxy flooring is no exception. Potential buyers prefer having shiny, durable garage floors and are willing to pay extra for a home with this feature.
Garage floor epoxy increases safety for yourself and your family. This coating lessens slippage, is fire resistant, and protects against extreme impact.
If defects are found in the cement, then garage floor epoxy is an amazing solution to hide these problems. An epoxy mortar can conceal cracks up to half an inch mortar before the final application of epoxy.
The reflective surface and stylish colors help to brighten up the garage and boost the overall appearance of this space. Talk to our team regarding the results you can expect from various types of epoxy finish.
Bare cement flooring will shed eventually, creating a phenomenon known as "dusting." Regular foot and car traffic in your garage can kick up the dust, which stays on tool benches, cars, and anything else kept in the garage. If you prefer to clean up the fine powder only some of the time, then adding an epoxy coating is a good solution. Since it serves as a topical sealer, it offers you the anti-dusting benefits that make it easy to maintain a clean garage floor.
A garage epoxy coating is beneficial to minimize moisture damage on the garage floor. You don't need to worry about water dripping off the car when it rains. Note that some epoxy surfaces can be slippery when wet. Add extra grip in the final coat to minimize slippage to create a non-stick surface.
Another advantage of epoxy is its easy upkeep. Covering the concrete reduces the amount of cement and dust particles released onto other surfaces in your garage. Unlike a plain concrete floor that's coarse but brittle, you can easily maintain and sweep the resilient and shiny surface of epoxy. Dust gets less of a nuisance when the main source of residual concrete is contained.
Salt from winter roads does not affect epoxy, and you can remove the build-up just as easily as other particles your car may leave behind. Cleaning epoxy floor coating is simple, whether you use a mop, broom, or vacuum. Even bacteria, germs, grime, and other contaminants do not adhere to epoxy, so it is an effective and sanitary coating.
The surface also resists scratching if heavier cleaning appliances are necessary. Detergent or soap and water are the best and simplest cleaning methods for epoxy, and you should avoid acidic products due to their potential to dull the shiny surface. The previously mentioned resistant features also help with maintenance, as water or chemicals can be wiped away without tarnishing the floor.
There is no cut-and-dried answer to this question. How long your epoxy floors will last will depend on several factors (outlined below). That said, we've seen stunning, expertly installed epoxy flooring last a decade or longer.
The following factors significantly influence the longevity of epoxy floors.
Going the DIY route might seem like a cost-saving choice, but you'll pay a lot more for your epoxy floors.
Achieving a beautiful, strong, resilient floor depends on how the material is applied. Epoxy specialists like the Floor Doctor team understand how the various chemicals involved react and how to achieve flawless outcomes that meet strict local standards.
In the home, epoxy garage flooring is likely to experience little foot traffic. It's only you and your family, visitors a couple of times a week, and maybe a furry friend or two. Commercial floors will be more stressed, particularly if heavy equipment is dragged over your floor regularly.
Let your trusted epoxy flooring contractors know how much traffic you expect the floor to get. That way, they can provide a flooring solution that withstands wear and tear for as long as possible.
Caring for your epoxy floor will extend its lifespan considerably. How often you'll need to clean your floor will again depend on how it's used and how much traffic it endures. We suggest a quick daily sweep and a deeper clean every week. If your floor looks dirty – clean it. It is that simple.
Learning about your options is the key to applying the right type of flooring in your garage. Knowledge is power when you are investing in home improvement. Understanding the industry gives you a clear idea about the cost of these products and the long-term results you can expect.
Nevertheless, we understand that choosing from a sea of options can be overwhelming. These flooring choices have their different pros and cons, and their efficiency would still depend on the intended use. You don't have to worry, though, because we at Floor Doctor will guide you every step of the way.
At Floor Doctor, our experienced team is committed to your satisfaction. We use the highest quality equipment and stay current with the latest training and recommendations in the industry. Not only do we offer garage floor epoxy, but we provide a range of concrete solutions.
We will also make sure to keep you in the loop so you know where we are with the project, and so that you understand the processes involved in applying epoxy flooring. Our full-service approach means you can enjoy quality concrete flooring designed to save time and money over the years.