Epoxy flooring is a great way to upgrade and protect the concrete floors of a home, garage, or industrial facility. It also looks amazing!
Unlike paints, epoxy floor coatings dry and cure through the evaporation of a chemical solvent. True 100 percent solids epoxy products emit intense fumes that require thorough ventilation during application.
1. They are water-based
A premium epoxy flooring system can be a great investment for commercial or residential spaces. However, it’s important to understand that the price tag varies greatly depending on the type of epoxy flooring you choose and the customizations and additives you want to add.
There are three types of epoxy coatings: water based, solvent based, and solids based. Water based epoxy is the lowest quality and least expensive, while solvent based epoxy is middle of the road in terms of price and durability. Solids based epoxy is the highest quality and most expensive, but it’s also the most durable.
Different types of epoxy require different curing conditions. A water-based product will need to be cured in the sun, while a solvent-based or solids-based epoxy will need to be cured in a dark area. This is because the light causes the water in the epoxy to evaporate, which will affect its ability to cure properly. If you opt for a low-cost, water-based epoxy, you’re likely to end up with an unsightly floor that requires more maintenance than a premium epoxy system.
Epoxy floors are a cost-effective alternative to other flooring materials and offer superior durability, longevity, and beauty. They are also easy to clean and resistant to spills, scratches, dents, and gouges. Additionally, they are hygienic and highly sanitized, making them ideal for areas where there are frequent chemical spills or infections.
Many property owners invest in a high-quality epoxy layer for their concrete surfaces because they are more affordable than other flooring options and provide long-term benefits. The costs of an epoxy floor range from $2-$5* per square foot, including do-it-yourself (DIY) applications and professional installation.
This price range includes both the cost of the epoxy and the labor to apply it. For example, DIY applications can be as low as $2 per square foot, but applying a full-thickness coat of epoxy to a garage or workshop floor will typically cost $5-$12 per square foot. Additional customizations and additives will increase the total price, too. For example, decorative flakes of mica or quartz, metallic pigment blends, and aggregates such as pebbles or river rocks can be hand-spread over the wet epoxy after pouring for a unique look that can cost $10-$12 per pound.
2. They are thin
When it comes to garage flooring, epoxy coatings offer an inexpensive way to upgrade your floor’s appearance and protect the concrete. In contrast to traditional paints, an epoxy layer is durable, scratch-resistant, and can be formulated with anti-slip properties, making it ideal for high traffic areas. However, like any flooring material, there are a few key factors that determine how much an epoxy floor will cost. These factors include the type of epoxy, customizations and additives, as well as surface prep and application.
Depending on the size of your garage and your desired aesthetic, there are many different types of epoxy to choose from. For example, a metallic flake epoxy will add a beautiful shine to your floors, while a vinyl chip option offers a more rugged and industrial look. Other popular options include a quartz mix, which has a reflective quality that makes floors brighter and more energy efficient.
A good quality epoxy will contain a high percentage of solids, which will make it more resistant to damage. A higher solid content also allows the epoxy to be thicker and more durable. Cheaper epoxy products are often thinner and may be more susceptible to damage. Additionally, they tend to have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance.
While you can install an epoxy floor yourself, the process is difficult and time consuming. Investing in a professional installation will ensure that your floor is installed correctly and lasts long. It will also save you the hassle of dealing with potential issues that could occur if you try to install an epoxy floor yourself.
There are a few common mistakes that can cause an epoxy floor to fail, including incorrect floor preparation, improper resin and hardener ratios, and chemical exposure. If these mistakes are not corrected, your new epoxy floors will likely peel or crack within a short amount of time.
The best epoxy products will provide a smooth, even finish that is easy to clean and stain-resistant. They will also be slip-resistant when combined with a grit additive. Additionally, they will have low VOC’s and odors, which is especially important for homes with children or pets. In addition to these benefits, the best epoxy flooring will last for years and protect your concrete from dirt, stains, and other environmental contaminants.
For those considering upgrading their garage flooring with epoxy coatings, consulting reputable epoxy flooring contractors in Cincinnati can ensure a smooth and successful installation process. These professionals offer expertise and experience in selecting the right type of epoxy for your garage size and desired aesthetic, as well as ensuring proper surface preparation and application techniques. By entrusting your project to reputable contractors, you can enjoy the benefits of durable, long-lasting epoxy floors that enhance both the appearance and functionality of your garage space.
3. They are not a solids based product
The majority of cheap epoxy products are a water or low grade solvent based product. These epoxies contain about 50% water and when they dry the water evaporates leaving you with only a thin coating that will wear off your floor much quicker than a quality 100% solids based product. They also don’t have the abrasion resistance or adhesion of a true 100% solids epoxy product.
Epoxy is very expensive to manufacture, and that cost gets passed down to the consumer. This is why it’s so tempting to try and save money with a cheap epoxy kit, but beware! Low price epoxies are not durable and will wear off your garage floor in no time. They also often require multiple kits to hide your concrete and they never yield their advertised coverage. They require more time and effort to apply than a true 100% solids product and they will not last as long either.
A real two part epoxy product has a resin and a hardener that must be mixed together for the chemical reaction to begin. This is an involved process and there’s a substantial learning curve for achieving consistency with the mix ratios. If a mistake is made during the application of the epoxy, it will fail to cure properly and may chip or peel. The concrete must be prepared correctly prior to the installation of any floor epoxy, and that’s often where many DIY garage floors fall short.
In addition, a true two part epoxy will have specific “induction” times that must be met in order to begin the chemical reaction and create the hard epoxy that protects the floor. Many cheap epoxies that do not require an induction period have decades old formulations that simply do not perform as well as modern chemistry.
A quality 100% solids floor coating is a great investment for your home, and it will outlast most other conventional flooring materials such as carpet and wood. Compared to traditional flooring, an epoxy floor is more durable and will resist stains from oil and petroleum-based chemicals. Additionally, it will not yellow with UV exposure like most vinyl and carpet.
4. They are not a long term durable coating
When choosing a concrete floor coating for your home or business, you want something that is durable and long lasting. This is why many homeowners and businesses choose epoxy floors. This material is a hard, smooth surface that resists impact damage, water and chemical spills, oil staining, and dirt buildup. It is also easy to clean and maintain. The durability and longevity of an epoxy coating will save you money in the long run, as it reduces the need for costly replacements or repairs to your flooring.
While it is possible to purchase low-cost epoxy products from local hardware stores and online, these are often thin water based or low grade solids based epoxies that do not fully hide the concrete floor. They often do not hold up to the test of a durometer, which is a device that applies constant force to a material and records the results. Most of these low-cost epoxy resins have a poor durometer rating and are not durable.
If you do decide to use a low-cost epoxy product, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the material adheres correctly to the concrete floor. It is also a good idea to have the floor professionally prepared before applying the epoxy. This will include cleaning and etching the concrete, as well as removing any existing layers of sealant or paint. This is typically included in the overall cost of a professional floor coating.
In addition to the basic cost of an epoxy floor, there are additional costs associated with customizations and add-ons. These can include decorative flakes such as mica or vinyl, quartz aggregate blends, and metallic pigments. You can also use pebbles or stones to create a unique river rock finish to your floor.
Other customizations that can be added to the epoxy coating to increase its durability include a top coat of polyurethane, which is resistant to yellowing and offers a higher sheen than standard epoxy finishes. You can also opt for a non-slip additive, which is helpful in commercial facilities where employees are frequently walking or working in wet areas.