Search up, “The best flooring type,” on the net, and you won’t see epoxy floors YET. That’s because it is an all-time favorite in commercial areas. The secret is it is one of the most long-lasting floors. Websites place it on their Top 5 List of Most Durable Floors because of its ability to withstand high traffic. In most industrial areas, it’s lifespan is between 5 to 10 years. So, how long does this coating last for residential areas like your garage? In some cases, up to 30 years!
Now, don’t get me wrong here. If you’ve ever had something for a long time, you know how much effort it takes to keep it in tip-top shape. They say, “If you take care of things, they last,” so here are four factors that make or break epoxy floors.
Installation
Ever tried DIY braces or DIY shaving gel? If you have, you know exactly how awful it comes out, and it’s the same with your floors. It is possible to get the job done by yourself, but it will only get you so far. The best way to go is to leave it to the professionals and have fun experimenting with your other DIY projects. The best part is you get a warranty in case they give you a lousy installation.
Things to consider during installation
- The strength of your concrete flooring (more than 2500PSI)
- A Thorough surface
- The Epoxy thickness (400 to 1000 microns)
Moisture
Although these floors can be waterproof, they need a sealant to keep the water out. It would also work best if it is resin-rich. Since they are placed over concrete floors, moisture can evaporate from underneath and cause imperfections to the finish and deplete the air quality in the building. A moisture barrier from underneath is vital to prevent this from happening.
Traffic
Floors also experience wear and tear. Its lifespan will be most affected by food and vehicle traffic. Other factors include objects that scratch or dent the surface due to dragging or dropping objects on it. Though it won’t be a big problem for your home, it may need more maintenance if it will be subject to a lot of activity.
Maintenance
This plays a significant role in any type of flooring. Here are tips you can do to keep them shiny and smooth.
- Clean the surface by sweeping or vacuum cleaning on a daily basis
- Use a hard foam mop and warm water weekly for more thorough removal of stains and other built-up dirt
- Recoat once the floor has lost its shine or if any cracks are appearing on the surface.
Once again, epoxy flooring has a good lifespan when you commit to proper installation, moisture prevention, maintenance, and simply watching out for the traffic it faces. Now you know how they make those shiny floors last for a decade.
