Pros of Epoxy Floors:
Appearance
Compared to an average garage floor, epoxy floors are bright and professional. Their appearance alone makes them enticing to use. The smooth and even surface is also very easy to sweep and maintain. Since not much sticks to this type of flooring, cleaning up a mess is very easy.
Affordability
Compared to other types of flooring, the price per square foot of an epoxy floor is much lower. This makes installation cheap and also can be applied on top of concrete for a low cost when compared to other options.
Resistance
Epoxy floors are highly resistant to just about everything – oil, gasoline, bleach, transmission fluid and more. This makes them great for garages and areas where a lot of harsh chemicals are being used. Besides their chemical resistance, epoxy floor coating is also heat and water-resistant. Chemical spills typically don’t have any negative effect on.
Another plus is that these floors are resistant to bacteria and germs, which makes them easy to clean. This makes epoxy an excellent choice for hospitals or clinics.
Durability
Epoxy floors offer incredible durability. They can be used without mortar or glue, and are especially suited for concrete-based surfaces–the only floor type that lasts longer than epoxy. Epoxy is particularly comfortable for bare feet due to its anti-fatigue properties, but you’ll need a separate layer of clearcoat.
Protective
Epoxy flooring is a type of coating that ultimately acts as a protective layer for the concrete surface underneath. This helps to protect against water or staining better than a traditional paint, and from cracking due to dryness much more easily. It can also be surprisingly affordable considering the longevity of its usage and how well it protects your home.
Epoxy flooring is important for having a good surface to work with. However, when deciding on the type of epoxy finish that you prefer, it is hard to know which one will actually be best for your needs unless you talk to trusted experts in the industry.
Longevity
Epoxy coating lasts longer than many types of flooring, such as wood and vinyl. When installed properly, it can last for a few decades without cracking or peeling. Besides the durability, its lifespan makes it popular for commercial and industrial use.
Variety
If you’re looking to renovate the look of your home or office, one choice is epoxy flooring. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns for this type of flooring. This product will update concrete floors with an elegant shine.
Safety
One lesser-known advantage of using epoxy on a garage floor is the reflecting light off the ground and enhancing visibility inside.
Cons of Epoxy Floors:
Temporary
One of the major disadvantages of using epoxy on your floors is that it’s a temporary flooring solution. Though durable and resistant, you will eventually have to replace it. Unlike some other flooring solutions, everyday wear and tear takes its toll on epoxy floors. To keep things looking good, you’ll need to put down a new coat of
Cracks and chipping are common problems with epoxy flooring. The chips can start as a small annoyance until they spread across the floor. Carts and toolbox wheels get caught when rolling over specially damaged spots on the ground.
Slippery
Epoxy flooring is generally resistant to skidding, but they can be very slippery when wet. You can reduce the risk of a slip by texturizing your floors, and making sure that you don’t cover these floors with oil or anything else that becomes slick when it gets wet.
Preparation
Epoxy flooring does require a lot of preparation to ensure a beautiful and durable finish. But working with concrete surfaces is complicated enough without applying the epoxy coating first, as it doesn’t improve their texture or offer any protection.
Though installation can be a daunting task, it has been simplified with improvements in tools and the manufacturing processes.
Application
While the first coat of epoxy may take several days to dry completely, subsequent coats don’t require as much drying time. Additionally, a few hours is usually enough for the second layer to dry before additional applications can be applied.
If you’re pressed for time, you can also try using a penetrating concrete sealer instead. The downside will be that your garage floor won’t have the aesthetic look of epoxy and it’ll save on both time and cost.
Smell
Epoxy has a strong chemical odor, which may be bothersome for sensitive people. Epoxy is typically mixed in batches and its color can vary depending on the shade you choose.