In commercial, industrial and warehousing buildings, epoxy flooring is a commonly used option to have stability, durability and enhanced appearance value of the floor. For garage floor coating or any other outdoor surfaces, epoxy flooring works perfectly well as it has high resistance against usual wear and tear.
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a surface created by applying multiple layers of epoxy to a floor. The coating has a depth of at least two millimetres. It is important to mention here that epoxy flooring and epoxy floor coating are not the same thing. While epoxy floors are those where the coating is at least two millimetres thick, depth below this will fall under epoxy floor coatings. However, epoxy flooring is not a flooring itself, as it has to be coated on top of either steel, concrete or wooden floor base.
Also known as resinous flooring, epoxy flooring is created using a combination of polymer resins and hardeners. This union of two chemicals creates a stiff plastic-like material that is highly durable and extremely low maintenance.
What is epoxy floor coating?
Epoxy flooring is created using synthetic resin. To arrive at the end result, layers of the material is laid on top of a concrete base as a form of protection and decoration. The floor can comprise of several coats of thermosetting resin that are coated, trowelled or poured on the base.
Types of epoxy flooring
Self-levelling epoxy floors: Applied over new, old, cracked, or damaged concrete floors.
Epoxy mortar floors: Applied to repair cracks before having another type of epoxy floor.
Anti-static epoxy floors: Used in spaces that contain flammable materials.
Epoxy flake floors: Flooring used in areas like commercial kitchens, locker rooms, sports venues, showrooms, clinics etc.
Quartz-filled epoxy floors: Used in decorative spaces that require sanitary and slip-resistant properties.
Also read: Vinyl flooring vs laminate flooring: Which is a better option?
What is residential epoxy flooring?
Earlier, epoxy flooring used to be more common in industrial and commercial buildings. However, due to its ability to sustain wear and tear and durability, epoxy flooring has become quite a popular flooring option in residential buildings across the world. An affordable flooring solution, epoxy coating can be applied over the existing concrete without having to create a separate floor system.
What is industrial epoxy flooring?
Due to its versatility, epoxy flooring lends itself quite conveniently as a flooring option for industrial and commercial. Since such establishments are highly demanding when it comes to traffic and wear and tear, epoxy flooring becomes the go-option due to its strength, long lifespan and relatively low maintenance.
What is 3D epoxy flooring?
Epoxy 3D floor has become quite a rage these days. You can frequently see them in offices, shopping malls, and even homes. 3D epoxy flooring installation process involves laying down a layer of self-leveling primer, followed by the desired image.
Epoxy flooring: Advantages
- Easy to install
- Highly durable
- Low maintenance
- Customisable
- Sustainable
- Decorative
- Resists stains
- Resists watermarks
- Anti-slip
- Relatively inexpensive
- All weather-withstanding
Epoxy flooring: Disadvantages
- Temporary flooring solution
- Toxic fumes during its application
- Slippery when wet
- Tedious installation process
- Long curing time
- Possibility of cracks and chips on high impact areas
- Complex removal procedure
- Cold under feet
- Expensive to maintain
See also: How to choose the best flooring for house
How much epoxy flooring costs
The cost of epoxy flooring could range between Rs 30 per sq ft to Rs 150 per sqft, depending on several factors.
FAQs
How long do epoxy floors last?
In residential buildings, epoxy floorings can last up to 10 years.
What will damage an epoxy floor?
Abrasive chemicals, oil, etc., can damage an epoxy floor.