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Commercial Concrete Epoxy: Are There Other Options for Your Business?

calander Dec 13 , 2022 user-iconAnderson Painting
Man cleaning a floor.

Commercial concrete epoxy is a type of construction adhesive typically used for bonding new concrete to old. On the whole, epoxy is among the most popular floor coating solutions for businesses across industries. That said, it’s far from the only option. Let’s explore the ins and outs of concrete epoxy coatings so you can decide whether or not it’s right for your operation.

1. What is Concrete Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring consists of a cured layer of epoxy resin beneath an underlayment and a protective overlay. These coatings are resistant to most common chemicals, including gasoline, acids, oils and solvents. The surface of the epoxy coating is also smooth and abrasion-resistant for easy maintenance. Epoxy can be installed over concrete, wood, and other porous surfaces thanks to its adhesive qualities. Polyurea floor coatings are similar to epoxy, but differ in price and longevity – polyurea is watertight, offering superior protection against water penetration. Unlike epoxy, polyurea coatings will not easily crack or chip.

2. Pros and Cons of Epoxy Flooring

Pros of Epoxy Flooring

Economical Flooring Choice

Epoxy floor systems are very durable and long-lasting. This type of floor coating is ideal for high-traffic areas, including retail spaces, warehouses and garages. The durable nature of the epoxy floor coating can help reduce maintenance costs over time. Additionally, these coatings can protect a concrete surface from moisture damage, making it ideal for below-grade applications.

Resistant to Damage

Commercial epoxy floor coatings are resistant to scratching and damage. This means that they can withstand heavy foot traffic and equipment maintenance without showing any signs of wear and tear. As a result, employees that pass through the area will not have to worry about uneven wear on the flooring.

Cons of Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Strong Application Fumes

Epoxy resin is known for its strong odor. The strong odor can be irritating to some people and may cause issues with employees and visitors. So, you may need to plan ahead and make sure the space is well-ventilated during the application process.

Long Curing Time

Commercial epoxy flooring will perform well for a long time. However, the strong smell and long curing process can make it difficult to work in the building over a lengthy period of time. This is especially true if your facility is highly active.

3. Cost of Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring can be a cost-effective option for various commercial building types, but the total cost depends on the precise type of epoxy you choose, the size of your building, etc. It’s important to consider the right type of epoxy coating for your application so you get the most bang for your buck.

4. Drying Times for Epoxy Floor Coating

The dry time of an epoxy floor coating depends on whether it’s applied by batch or by continuous flow. A continuous-flow application will dry quicker than a batch type since the coating is continuously applied to the floor surface. The dry time of epoxy is influenced by the substrate, temperature, and ventilation levels, among others. The hard-shell time is the time taken for the epoxy resin to form a hard shell. The curing process is typically slower in comparison to other types of coatings such as polyurethanes.

5. Application of Epoxy Flooring

An epoxy coating can be applied to new and existing concrete floors as well as other surfaces. There are a few factors that need to be considered when applying epoxy floor coating over concrete or other surfaces. Some of these include:

  • If you’re applying the coating to a concrete surface, use an epoxy primer. These primers will help protect the concrete from damage while applying the epoxy floor coating.

  • Ventilation - When applying the commercial epoxy floor coating to a large area, proper ventilation should be emphasized to prevent any harmful fumes from building up in the room. This will allow for even drying since it will take several hours for the coating to properly cure.

6. Maintenance for Epoxy Floor Coatings

The smooth texture afforded by epoxy coatings makes these floors easy to clean. Maintenance is further facilitated by epoxy’s resistance to water and chemicals. A mop or scrub brush with soapy warm water (along with a mild detergent for tough spots) is usually all that’s needed for regular cleaning. Other than cleaning up minor spills, there is not much that you will have to do to maintain the epoxy coating over time. Note, however, that most epoxy floors require resurfacing every 2-3 years, especially in high-traffic areas.

Are Epoxy Floors Right for Your Business?

Epoxy is a durable floor coating with a host of benefits. However, polyurea floor coatings have their epoxy counterparts beat in just about every category. At Anderson Painting, we rely on Penntek polyurea coatings for Raleigh, NC businesses and residences alike. These concrete floor coatings offer superior durability, longevity, customization, ease of installation, and coverage.

To learn more about us, our floor coating services, and everything else we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!


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