Disadvantages
Preparation
When it comes to epoxy flooring it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare the underlying flooring to guarantee proper adherence. Granted, this step is necessary for your epoxy flooring to bind correctly with the underlying concrete but it is still tedious. The concrete flooring has to be completely clean without any traces of oil or solvents before epoxy can be applied. Any cracks in the concrete will have to be filled as well. Concrete preparation can be very time consuming and considered a drawback because it may require multiple attempts.
Slippery
For the most part, epoxy floors are slip-resistant but they can be very slippery when wet. If the area is prone to leaks or spills epoxy isn’t the best flooring option as it can pose a fall risk. Homes that have small children, pets, and elderly family members may want to take this into consideration for the safety of the family.
Smell
Epoxy floors have an ammonia smell to them, especially when freshly installed. Darker shades of epoxy have more hardeners in them than lighter shades producing a stronger smell. This can be a nuisance and potential health risk with long exposure without proper face mask and ventilation. Once your epoxy floors have completely dried the fumes won’t pose any health risks, but the fumes can be harmful while wet.
Cure Time
Sensitivity
Tedious Installation
Costly Removal
Once your epoxy flooring has been installed it can be costly if you decide to change colors or designs. It’s best to have a professional install your epoxy floor, but you’ll definitely need a professional to remove it. It takes industrial-grade grinders to remove epoxy. It is important to hire a professional for removal so that the underlying floor isn’t damaged or that will be another cost on top of everything. Luckily, a professionally done epoxy flooring should last a lifetime.
Cold Feet
Advantages
Cost-friendly
Epoxy floorings are a wonderful investment to your home due to their long lifespan. The cost per square foot can’t be beat compared to other floorings such as hardwood. Having a long-lasting flooring like epoxy is a money saver because you won’t have the constant worry of resealing or any other costly maintenance bills. Epoxy floorings increase the value of your home and create a beautiful floor that is worth every penny.
Appearance
Epoxy flooring is known for its eye-catching shine and beautiful designs and patterns. Epoxy is a smooth finish that is bright and professional. There are many different colors and designs to choose from. Metallic epoxy offers a unique design that is known for its showroom shine. It can also be made to mimic scenes of nature such as rushing water, lava, or moon craters. 3-D epoxy can give a visual effect that will be hard to believe. You can recreate underwater scenes or waterfalls. Decorative flake epoxy can come in many colors not only in the base but the flakes as well. You can use this personalization option to show support of your favorite sports team! There are also many unique epoxy projects you can do. It is always recommended to use a professional, so talk them about a penny floor or a glitter epoxy floor for a truly unique look.
Damage Resistant
Epoxy floors are a durable flooring solution that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. You’ll not have to worry about cracking, fading, peeling, or corrosion. These floors are resistant to chemicals, such as motor oil, and will never stain. Dropping tools in the garage won’t be a problem as your floor won’t crack or chip. These durable floors are resistant to heat as well as water making them perfect for areas like kitchens and garages. Hospitals also commonly use these floors because they’re not prone to bacteria or germs and are easy to sanitize.
Durability
Known as one of the most durable flooring options, epoxy is great for any area that needs a strong floor. Chemicals won’t harm this flooring and it is safe against household cleaners. Garages are common areas that epoxy is installed and it is because of the durability of these floors. They won’t be harmed by motor oil or gasoline. They can withstand the weight of heavy machinery such as your vehicle and still won’t lose there shine.
Protective
Epoxy protects the underlying concrete from moisture, stains, grease, and cracking. Flooring, especially in garages, can take a beating. Epoxy floors protect against staining and are resistant to fading.
Longevity
Epoxy coatings last longer than other types of flooring. When installed properly, this flooring can last for several decades with proper maintenance. Besides its durability, commercial and industry have increased due to the longevity of epoxy floors.
Maintenance
Epoxy flooring is incredibly easy to maintain. They are resistant to most household chemicals. It is safe to use your household cleaners to clean your floor without the worry of damage. Although these cleaners are safe, epoxy is easily maintained with a simple dustmop or broom. There is no worry of constantly having to reapply coatings and this flooring will last you for many years to come.
Safety
This style of flooring is considered safe for its bright, reflective surface. It can also have anti-slip additives added to prevent slipping. This can be handy in areas such as kitchens and garages. Design such as the decorative flake epoxy can offer safety built-in. The decorative flakes in this epoxy can offer slip resistance.
Wrapping Up
Epoxy floors are like any other flooring options, they all have pros and cons. In the end, you have to see if the benefits outweigh the risks, which in this case they do. The prep time may be tedious but you’ll want to take time to make sure your floors are prepped properly to make sure you have a quality floor to last. The installation and cure time may seem pretty tedious. In the long run, you won’t remember the time it took to cure when you have your beautiful epoxy floors to enjoy. Epoxy is a durable flooring that can increase safety with its bright, reflective surface. Its smooth installation makes maintenance a breeze with a simple dust mop or broom and with this maintenance it will last you for years to come.