Epoxy flooring is hard and abrasion-resistant, which makes it a great choice for commercial and industrial settings. It can also last for a long time, as long as it is properly installed and maintained.
Proper maintenance practices include sweeping and vacuuming, wiping up spills and stains quickly, and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives. The quality of the initial installation and regular inspections can also impact floor durability.
High Traffic Areas
The level of foot or vehicle traffic an epoxy floor is subjected to has a huge impact on its lifespan. In residential areas, epoxy floors can last 10 to 20 years, but in commercial or industrial settings where traffic levels are higher, they may wear down faster and need replacing in two to three years.
Similarly, if an epoxy floor is exposed to chemicals or oils that it cannot easily break down and withstand, its lifespan will also be reduced significantly. The best way to extend the lifespan of your epoxy floor is to minimize the amount of time it is exposed to these contaminants, or make it forms a solid, seamless layer. For example, placing walk-off mats at entry points will help to trap dirt and moisture before it can reach the floor, whereas incorporating protective pads underneath machinery or furniture will mitigate the effects of friction on the coating. Consistent floor inspections are essential, as early detection of creases, dents, cracks or chipping will allow for repairs to be made promptly.
One of the biggest influences on how long an epoxy floor lasts is the quality of materials used in its construction. Choosing the highest-quality material will ensure that your floors are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear, while also providing an attractive finish.
Another factor that affects how long an epoxy floor will last is the strength of the underlying concrete it is applied to. If the concrete has low strength, it can cause the epoxy to become brittle and wear down much faster. This is why proper subfloor preparation is crucial before an epoxy floor can be installed.
The final factor that can impact how long an epoxy floor will last is the level of care and maintenance it receives. The more regularly the floor is cleaned, the longer it will remain in good condition and its lifespan will be extended. For example, scrubbing the floor with a hard bristle brush or mop once or twice per week will keep it looking clean and new. Periodic recoating will also improve the appearance of your floor and add an extra layer of protection.
Poor Preparation
In industrial settings, epoxy floors often face a lot of foot and wheeled vehicle traffic and potential exposure to harsh chemicals. Due to this heavy use, these floors need to be prepared properly to withstand these conditions. If they are not, the surface will likely degrade faster, leading to a shorter lifespan.
The type of epoxy product you choose can also have a significant impact on the lifespan of your floor. High-quality products will withstand wear and tear much better than low-grade alternatives, so always look for this when choosing an epoxy coating supplier. Additionally, make sure that the company you are working with has experience preparing the specific surface you want to coat. This will ensure that the application process is as smooth and seamless as possible, and the end result is a strong, long-lasting floor.
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your epoxy floors. Regular sweeping or dust mopping will help eliminate dirt, debris, and abrasive particles that can scratch or dull the surface. It is also recommended that you apply felt or rubber pads to the legs of furniture and equipment to prevent these items from damaging the epoxy coating. Additionally, minimizing exposure to extreme temperatures will help extend the lifespan of your flooring.
Another sign that it is time to replace your epoxy flooring is the presence of deep scratches or scuffs on the surface. These can damage the structural integrity of the flooring and create a safety hazard for those using the area. If you notice that your floors have begun to deteriorate, contact a renovation team right away to repair the flooring.
Epoxy floors can be repaired and recoated to increase their longevity. The repair and recoating process will rejuvenate the floor, making it look new again. It is important to note, however, that you must wait for the floor to cure completely before attempting this procedure. Curing times can vary, so check the epoxy product datasheet for more information.
In commercial environments, an epoxy floor will typically last for 5 to 10 years before it needs to be recoated. Residential garage and basement epoxy floors are less susceptible to the same levels of wear and tear, so they can potentially last 15 to 20 years or more before they need to be reapplied.
Poor Maintenance
The longevity of epoxy floors can be significantly reduced by poor maintenance. Regular inspections and cleaning of the floor are essential to ensure that it is in good condition and free from damage or wear. If the signs of deterioration are not addressed promptly, they can escalate into bigger problems.
One of the main reasons for this is that dirt left on an epoxy floor acts like grit and grinds into the surface, quickly wearing it down. This can be caused by human traffic, with their shoes grinding the dirt into the surface, or from heavy-duty machinery, such as forklifts and trucks, driving on the grit.
Sweeping and dust mopping can help remove this abrasive dirt and prevent it from damaging the epoxy coating. The use of mild cleaning solutions that are not abrasive is also important, as they can keep the floor looking clean and protect it from stains. Regular reapplying of the coating is another effective way to protect and extend its lifespan.
Another factor that can cause a rapid decline in the durability of epoxy is improper substrate preparation. The concrete that is laid beneath the epoxy needs to be in good condition and free from cracks and other damage. If this is not done properly, it can lead to the epoxy cracking and chipping after a few years.
Fortunately, this can be avoided by hiring professionals to carry out the subfloor preparation. The professional will ensure that the concrete is clean and free of any damage, which can significantly increase its lifespan and make it more resistant to impact.
With proper installation, care, and maintenance, epoxy floors can last for many years and add beauty, strength, and functionality to any space. However, it is important to know the factors that can influence their lifespan so you can plan accordingly and get the most value out of your investment. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of epoxy flooring and how it can enhance your commercial or industrial space. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the results you want and need for your facility.
Poor Underflooring
Epoxy floors are hard and abrasion-resistant, making them an ideal flooring option for industrial and commercial properties. However, epoxy is not impervious to damage and can deteriorate over time if it isn’t properly maintained.
The quality of the substrate, average foot traffic, and environmental factors affect the lifespan of epoxy floors. Chemicals and UV light are also significant factors that can diminish the durability of an epoxy floor coating. In addition, if a facility or industry uses harsh chemicals or oil-based materials, the proper level of chemical resistance must be chosen for long-term use.
Inadequate concrete preparation is another common cause of poor epoxy coating performance. Without a strong foundation, the epoxy will eventually separate from the surface it is installed on. It’s important to remove any existing contaminants and properly prepare the concrete surface prior to installing an epoxy floor. This will ensure that the epoxy bond is stronger than the underlying concrete and extends the lifespan of the floor.
Regular inspections of your epoxy floor should be conducted to identify any chips, stains, or discoloration and address them as soon as possible. If left unattended, these problems can worsen and result in costly repairs down the road. It’s also a good idea to install walk-off mats in high-traffic areas and put rubber pads or sliders under machinery or heavy equipment to prevent scratches and gouges on the epoxy floor surface.
If your epoxy floor has a dull appearance or is scuffed and scratched, resurfacing can significantly improve its appearance and protect the integrity of the floor. Regular cleaning with pH-neutral and non-abrasive cleaners will help to keep your floors in pristine condition.
A professionally-installed epoxy floor can last up to 30 years in a residential setting and up to 15 years in a commercial or industrial environment. With proper care and maintenance, however, you can extend its lifespan well beyond these numbers.
