Epoxy flooring is not only beautiful to look at, but it has strength and durability quite unlike any other flooring solution on the market today. When this resinous material is applied, it hardens to create a smooth, seamless finish. The end result is a hard, plastic-like feel with a clean and glossy appeal.
The beauty and strength of epoxy flooring solutions make them ideal for both industrial and commercial applications. Even the residential sector can benefit.
In addition to being beautiful, epoxy flooring is also popular because of how easy and inexpensive it can be to apply. Moreover, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Epoxy resin is also tough. It’s heat-resistant, spill, and stain-resistant, and can handle heavy foot traffic.
In a residential setting, your epoxy floors can last up to ten years before a refurbishment is needed. In a commercial or manufacturing space, heavier traffic might shorten this a little to about five years. However, if well maintained, the lifespan could be longer.
Nonetheless, if needed, refurbishing your epoxy floors with quick recoating is easy enough.
Types of Epoxy Flooring Solutions
Epoxy flooring solutions come in three broad categories: thin film coatings, self-levelling screeds, and heavy-duty screeds.
A thin film epoxy coating is typically applied using a roller or by spray. The coating is a thin layer meant to be applied on top of existing flooring of various kinds, such as concrete, screed, or tiling. It can also be applied to walls and metal surfaces to add a layer of protection.
Epoxy self-levelling screed is generally used for refurbishing and building up a new layer on uneven floors. It is applied by pouring the mixed, flowable material and spreading it over the floor surface evenly. Once applied, the epoxy begins to cure hard, creating a smooth, durable, and seamless surface finish with a high gloss.
Epoxy screeds, on the other hand, are generally applied much thicker, applied manually by hand with the use of trowels and screed boxes. This flooring solution is applied as a base layer to add substantial strength to old, worn-out, or damaged floors because it is very tough and long-lasting. A topcoat is usually applied as the final finish for aesthetics and cleanability.
Within each of these categories are different product formulations, from primers to topcoats, specially designed for specific applications. Speak to our expert team to find out which solution would be best for you.
Whichever epoxy flooring solution you go with, here are some pro tips to ensure it lasts:
Tip 1: Purchase Your Epoxy From Reputable Suppliers
Start on the right foot and purchase your epoxy floors from a professional epoxy supplier, such as Technical Finishes in South Africa. An experienced and well-established company like ours will make sure you are receiving the best quality from the very start. This is the first way to ensure that you get more life out of your flooring.
Our wide range of premium epoxy flooring solutions ensures that we have the right product for your specific needs. Moreover, our team of knowledgeable and highly skilled experts will be able to advise and assist you every step of the way.
Tip 2: Clean Regularly With Recommended Materials
We recommend regular, gentle cleaning to keep your epoxy floors in pristine condition. Sweeping and vacuuming every day will ensure that abrasive material doesn’t build up on the surface. Avoid using hard-bristled brooms or brushes, as this could scratch the surface.
You should also mop regularly to prevent the buildup of grime. Weekly scrubbing or polishing using appropriately gentle cleaning materials and equipment is also recommended.
Spills should also be attended to in order to prevent potential staining ‒ even though epoxy floors are highly resistant. Epoxy flooring is non-porous, which means that it doesn’t easily absorb liquids that can cause discoloration. However, if left untreated for long enough, some substances can stain it.
Moreover, if harsh chemicals are left on the surface for a long time, they can eat away at the surface. This can reduce the glossy appeal and cause chips and pits. For peace of mind, speak to a specialist at Technical Finishes for advice about appropriate cleaning materials.
Tip 4: Minimise Physical Damage
Epoxy flooring solutions are designed to be tough. However, impacts from heavy and/or sharp objects can cause damage. If you choose the right epoxy flooring solution for your particular application, the damage from such events can be minimised.
Using mats or rugs in high-traffic areas can provide added protection against excessive scratches and wear. It’s a good idea to place these mats at entranceways to collect outside dirt and gravel before it is spread across the floor. Placing mats in areas where heavy equipment, appliances, or furniture are used can also protect the flooring. Additionally, applying a sacrificial wax coating over the epoxy floor will extend its life span.
Tip 5: Conduct Monthly Inspections and Repairs
You can save money by regularly inspecting your floors monthly for tearing, peeling, cracking, pitting, and other signs of damage. By repairing these problem areas quickly, you can avoid expensive overhauls later.
Scratches and cuts in epoxy flooring from heavy equipment, for example, can cause moisture to seep in. If left unchecked, this can result in mould buildup. It can also lead to the general degradation of the floor’s structural integrity.
Speak To The Professional Epoxy Suppliers For Flooring That Lasts
Do you need maintenance or repairs on your epoxy flooring? Contact Technical Finishes in KZN, Gauteng, the Western Cape, or the Eastern Cape. As world-class epoxy suppliers, we provide quality service and floors that last!