An increasing number of commercial facilities and homeowners are adding epoxy flake floors to their spaces, and its praise and popularity are well-deserved. Epoxy flake floors look amazing while adding durability and strength. When properly installed and maintained, epoxy floors can last 10 to 20 years.
About Epoxy Floors
Epoxy flake flooring is a durable polymer coating applied over the top of existing concrete. The coating consists of two components: a resin and a hardener. When these are mixed, they bond with the concrete and harden into a shiny, durable layer. Epoxy is a more flexible compound than concrete, therefore it is more resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. While regular concrete can withstand 2,500 to 5,000 psi, epoxy floors can hold 10,000 or more psi. To top it off, the epoxy seal prevents spills from sinking into and staining the floor.
Factors that Influence an Epoxy Floor’s Lifespan
Of course, the lifespan of your floors depends on a few factors. The main influence on how long your epoxy flake floor lasts is the amount of use it gets. Epoxy floors in commercial settings that undergo heavy foot traffic and heavy machinery typically don’t last quite as long. Exposure to sunlight can also deteriorate epoxy floors faster.
Another influence is the quality and thickness of the epoxy coat. Thicker-coated, professionally installed epoxy will have greater longevity. Finally, whether or not the floor is properly maintained greatly impacts its lifespan.
Tips To Make Your Floor Last
1. Proper Cleaning and Care
Cleaning your epoxy floors is the simplest way to extend their lifespan. Not to worry, though! Epoxy floor maintenance is quick and simple. If your floor gets a lot of foot traffic, plan to sweep daily. This removes dirt and dust that could etch into the coating if continually trampled on.
Every week or two, perform a more thorough clean with a microfiber mop and warm water or a very gentle detergent. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. The amount of cleaning needed depends on the amount of use, so a good rule of thumb is if it appears dirty, clean it.
2. Protective Mats
Consider using rubber mats or plywood under heavy machinery. Place mats at the entrances, as well, to limit excess dirt and debris from peoples’ shoes. Protective mats aren’t absolutely necessary, but it is an easy and affordable way to go the extra mile to preserve your epoxy flake floor.
3. Reapply Coating If Needed
To keep your floor looking brand new for decades, have a professional reapply the top coat every 3 to 5 years. The top layer needs to be sanded first, so the recoat can properly bond with the existing epoxy. Then, a clear coat can be applied. This is usually only necessary for high-traffic, commercially used epoxy floors.
4. Professional Installation
The last tip for maximizing your epoxy flake floor’s lifespan is having a professional do the job. Though epoxy can be installed DIY, it is best to have a professional help you choose the right epoxy for your space’s needs and they will use high-quality products.
In addition, proper concrete preparation is imperative to a solid bond with the underlying concrete. Concrete preparation requires expensive machinery, as well. In the long run, hiring a professional team gives you a longer-lasting floor and a better return on investment.
About Spartan Coatings
Looking to increase the value of your home and upgrade your floor? Spartan Coatings is the company to call for epoxy flake flooring. Our team of experts has installed nearly one thousand epoxy flake floor coatings in Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding areas. We value quality service and customer satisfaction. Visit our website to learn more about our services.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Are you ready to upgrade your property with an epoxy flake floor? Or do you just want to learn more about Spartan Coatings and our process? Either way, get in touch with us today for a free quote for your project or to discover what separates Spartan Coatings from the rest.