Epoxy floors allow you to work on your car or perform household chores without worrying about chemicals leaking through the floor and damaging concrete. Oil, solvents and salts can be easily cleaned from an epoxy garage floor.
A gentle detergent can be used to regularly mop the flooring, maintaining a pristine appearance. Regular inspections can identify problems early on and prevent serious damage.
1. Durability
Epoxy floors are among the most durable flooring solutions available. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with heavy traffic and frequent machinery use. They are also resistant to staining, moisture and chemicals. This makes them a solid choice for garages that are used as workspaces or storage areas.
The durability of epoxy floor coatings is partially due to their thick nature, which is five times as thick as average paint solutions. They are also non-porous, which helps prevent the penetration of moisture into the concrete. Proper maintenance practices also play a role in the longevity of an epoxy floor. Floors that are regularly cleaned, free of debris and undergo scheduled maintenance tasks such as recoating when needed tend to last longer than those that are neglected.
Epoxy is also incredibly strong and can withstand the impact of dropped tools or even heavy weights such as those used in a home gym. This durability explains why they are the flooring of choice for many commercial and industrial installations that see high volumes of traffic day in and out.
Another benefit of an epoxy floor is that it can be used to repair cracks and chips that may have developed over time. This can be a much less expensive and more efficient option than having to remove the existing floor, purchase and install new tiles, hardwood or carpet. Epoxy is also affordable to fix if it does suffer a dent or scratch in the future, making it an excellent long-term investment for your garage. It can even add value to your property if you decide to sell your home in the future, as potential buyers will be impressed by a clean, attractive and well-maintained garage floor.
2. Easy Maintenance
The durability of epoxy garage floors isn’t just a perk for homeowners, they can also boost your property value. Buyers love the clean look of a home with shiny, easy to clean floors.
Considering garage epoxy providers in Houston can offer professional expertise and services to ensure your epoxy floors remain in top condition. Epoxy flooring is durable, but it’s still a good idea to sweep and dust mop your garage or service area floor on a daily basis to prevent abrasive particles from damaging the epoxy surface and causing unsightly scratches. You can use a microfiber or regular dust mop or a broom with soft bristles to sweep up any accumulated dirt, debris, and sand particles.
Occasionally, you may need to scrub your floor with a non-abrasive cleanser or mild detergent mixed with warm water to remove any stuck on dirt deposits. If the floor is particularly dirty, you can use a non-metal scraper to loosen the dirt, then rinse and dry the floor thoroughly.
If you’re in a hurry, a simple cleaning with hot water and a squeegee should suffice. You can also add a degreaser like Simple Green or Barkeeper’s Friend to your cleaning solution for tougher stains. Just make sure you use a non-metal squeegee or one with rounded corners, since metal scrapers can damage your epoxy.
Stains are inevitable in a garage setting, but it’s important to deal with them promptly. Absorbing excess liquids, cleaning with a gentle solution, and rinsing thoroughly will help prevent them from staining the epoxy or etching the underlying concrete.
3. Aesthetics
The shiny, seamless appearance of epoxy garage floors creates a modern and polished look that elevates this utilitarian space into a visually appealing part of your home. This can boost the curb appeal of your property and increase its value if you plan to sell in the future.
Epoxy is available in a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes that make it easy to coordinate with your home’s décor. It can also be customized with stencils or tape for a unique geometric design that aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Another important feature of epoxy is its ability to resist stains and chemicals. This makes it easy to clean up spills and other liquids without damaging the floor. This durability is especially useful in the garage, where oil and other solvents can sometimes spill or leak.
Slippery floors are a major safety hazard in any working area, and the garage is no exception. With a slippery floor, you risk falling and injuring yourself or damaging your vehicle or tools. Many epoxy coatings come with anti-slip properties to prevent injuries and damage from occurring, making them an excellent choice for garage floors.
Aside from a sleek and attractive surface, epoxy garage floors provide a number of other aesthetic benefits. The smooth and polished finish of the flooring helps to minimize imperfections in the concrete and gives it a professionally-designed appearance. Additionally, the coating reduces dust and cement particles, minimizing their release into other areas of your home or garage.
The glossy, reflective nature of epoxy flooring also reflects light well, which can brighten and open up your garage. Combined with the various style and color options, these visual enhancements can transform your garage into an inspiring workspace where you can relax or work on projects.
4. Waterproof
Epoxy garage floors are waterproof, protecting the concrete below from moisture. They also prevent water or other liquids from seeping into the garage and damaging any equipment stored there. This provides a cost savings, as you’ll be able to save money on repairs and replacements that could otherwise occur if your floor is not protected.
Another way an epoxy garage floor can help you save is through reduced cleaning costs. Chemicals like antifreeze, oil, and gasoline won’t damage the epoxy when they spill. The dense nature of the epoxy layering and its depth make it possible to wipe up spills without any danger of them seeping into the concrete below.
In addition to saving you money on your flooring, an epoxy coating will also boost your home’s value and add a beautiful designer finish to your space. Potential buyers will be willing to pay more for a well-designed, modernized garage.
A professionally installed epoxy floor coating is a long-term investment that will last for years and will look good for the life of your home. Its durability and minimal maintenance needs will also result in cost savings over time.
Before applying your epoxy garage floor coating, thoroughly clean the area using a brush and degreaser to remove any dirt and grease. Then, cover any areas you don’t want coated with painter’s tape and plastic to protect them from the epoxy solution. Once your floor is ready, apply the epoxy coating using a roller brush attached to a pole. For a finished look, you can add color flakes to your epoxy and broadcast them over the surface before it sets. Then, allow the coat to set for a few days before you start using your garage again.
5. Easy Repair
Epoxy floors are very durable and hold up well to heavy traffic. They are resistant to chemicals and damage, even from dropping items like tools or bicycles. These floors are also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only gentle cleaning agents for regular mopping. Because of their durability and minimal maintenance needs, epoxy garage floors are a great long-term investment.
The most important step in preparing the floor for an epoxy coating is to remove any dirt, dust, debris or grease from the concrete. To do this, we use a shot blaster to remove the top layer of cement and leave a rough surface for the epoxy to bond to. Next, we apply a self-leveling concrete primer to prepare the floor for the epoxy resin. Once the primer is dry, we mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, we apply the epoxy in thin coats to the floor. After each coat is rolled, we squeegee it to create an even surface. We recommend working in 10×10 sections to simplify the process.
Once the epoxy is cured, it is protected with a clear polyurethane or Polyaspartic coating to guard against UV damage and keep it looking new. This will also help protect the floor from scratches and stains.
A good quality garage floor epoxy will be able to withstand normal vehicle traffic, but it is still a good idea to cover the surface with mats or carpet in areas that get frequent foot traffic from outside vehicles or household pets. Also, you can protect your epoxy floor from chemical exposure by wiping up spills of antifreeze, engine oil or other automotive fluids immediately, as they contain chemicals that can discolor new epoxy if left on for too long.
