What You Wish You Knew About Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings for floors are a versatile option for commercial buildings, schools and healthcare facilities. Below are things you should know if you are considering this type of flooring.
First, improper surface prep could lead to problems with your flooring later down the road. Moisture is one of the main problems. If it permeates the concrete, it can prevent adhesive bonds from forming and slow the curing process.
Although concrete is the most common flooring to coat, epoxy can be used as a protective layer on just about any hard surface. This includes metal and wood subflooring.
Epoxy coating is often associated with industrial and commercial buildings. However, epoxy flooring can come in some beautiful colors, effects and shades.
Epoxy mixed with a gravel component makes for a great outdoor flooring. It may be wise to purchase a UV-resistant coating if the area will experience direct sunlight. The UV rays sometimes cause a yellowing or the formation of a chalky look.
The epoxy used to coat floors is made up of a polyepoxide resin and a curative. The chemical bond that forms is what makes this type of surface so durable.
Many times, the terms flooring and coating are used interchangeably, but in actuality, epoxy flooring must be at least 2mm thick otherwise it is considered a coating.
Other products can be added to epoxy coatings. This can create a variety of surfaces.
Although epoxy tends to set quite quickly, it takes time for it to fully cure. It can take as little as 18 to 24 hours or as long as 30 days.
Cheaper epoxies can create a less durable floor. This is because they have a lower percentage of solids by volume.
Lastly, some coatings expand quickly when exposed to extreme heat. The thick barrier that forms acts as a fire-retardant that could buy you enough time to put the fire out.
If you are thinking about epoxy coatings as a flooring solution, consider all of your options. These coatings and floorings can be very versatile and offer many benefits.