Concrete floor coatings are a massive industry. It was valued at $323 million in 2022. The market is expected to grow by 4.9% by 2030. 

Within that industry, there are countless options for you to choose from when redoing your concrete floors. Whether that’s in your garage, auto shop, or another facility, you must choose the best material possible. Epoxy flooring is one of the most popular flooring options available. 

This guide will discuss the top pros and cons of epoxy floors. Decide if this type of floor coating is the right choice for you. Partner with an experienced flooring company in South Florida to get the job done right. 

What Are the Pros of Epoxy Flooring?

There are countless advantages of installing epoxy flooring. Its versatility makes it a great choice for both residential and commercial purposes. Let’s discuss some of the most common pros of working with this material. 

Durable

Epoxy coating seamlessly bonds to the existing flooring underneath it. The flooring option is synthetic floor resin. It’s laid on top of your flooring, typically concrete. 

There are usually several layers of resin that are applied during the process. Once the resin cures, the flooring creates a permanent and strong bond. The flooring is as decorative as it is impervious to wear and tear. 

The chemical compounds in epoxy create a floor coating that’s impact resistant. It can effortlessly handle the following things:

• Heavy machinery
• Heat
• Shock

You don’t have to worry about cracks if your epoxy flooring is in an area that sees a lot of traffic. It can also withstand spills from various chemicals. There are additional top coats you can have applied on top of it to increase its durability and strength. 

Affordable 

The overall cost of epoxy flooring is less than other options. One of the main reasons it’s less expensive is the straightforward installation process.

Flooring contractors don’t need to install a separate flooring system for the epoxy coating. It can be applied directly on top of your existing concrete floors after a little prep work. 

Another thing to consider is that when properly maintained, epoxy flooring can last for many years. It can last up to 30 years depending on how much use your floors see. 

Customizable

There are countless aesthetic options for epoxy flooring. The epoxy coating comes in many colors, including:

• White
• Gray
• Black
• Blue 
• Red
• Green 

There are other ways to customize your epoxy flooring besides the base color. You can add other effects that make the flooring more attractive while providing you with additional benefits. Some features are:

• Metallic epoxy
• Logos
• Geometric patterns
• Flake flooring

You can also ask your installers to create a pattern or design on your floors. This is a great option for those looking to install epoxy flooring in commercial or retail locations. You can have warnings and stripes featured in your flooring to improve foot traffic DNA safety. 

Improved Safety

Installers can apply an anti-slip coating with your epoxy flooring. This is especially helpful if the floors are in a facility where liquids commonly get spilled. 

This type of flooring is also very visible. Due to the smooth application process, there aren’t any hidden bumps or cracks that people could trip on. 

Easy Maintenance

Other types of flooring options are full of pores and crevices. This can make it hard to keep them clean because dirt and bacteria can easily accumulate. 

The completely sealed and smooth surface of epoxy flooring is easy to clean. Follow these tips to keep your floors in pristine condition:

• Sweep or vacuum 
• Use a hard foam mop and hot soapy water to clean 
• Rinse

We recommend using mild dish soap to clean your epoxy floors. You can also use a diluted ammonia solution if you have stains you need to tackle. 

What Are the Cons of Epoxy Flooring?

It’s important to know the disadvantages of a product before you commit. You want to have all the information you need to make an informed decision. 

Lengthy Installation Process

While the installation process itself doesn’t take a long time, getting ready for that point does. The flooring that’ll be underneath the epoxy needs to get prepped. Various substances, like grease and oil, will need to be removed. 

Additionally, the installation process needs to be followed to the letter. For example, you don’t want there to be high humidity levels on the installation day. Too much moisture in the air can damage the flooring, causing it to age at a fast rate. 

There will also be an odor while the flooring is getting installed if it’s not water-based. You may experience irritation in the following areas:

• Lungs
• Nose
• Throat
• Eyes

That’s why most experienced installers will choose epoxy that’s water-based and low VOC. Solvent-based epoxy tends to cause the above unpleasant sensations. 

Keep in mind that you don’t need to worry about any health risks once the epoxy is cured. This applies to both solvent and water-based epoxy. 

Long Curing Timeframe

Epoxy flooring can take a few days to cure. The timeline depends on how intense the project is and what type of epoxy is installed. You can expect the process to take 24 to 72 hours. 

You might experience an interruption in your operations if you have epoxy installed in your business. Parking in your garage might be impossible for a few days if the flooring is installed at your home. Humid climates will also experience a longer curing time. 

Could Be Slippery

Epoxy flooring can be slippery if you don’t have an additional anti-slip top coat applied. That’s because the floor coating is non-porous. Speak with the installation company if you’re worried about people or animals slipping on your new floors. 

Hire SPF Industrial for Floor Coatings in South Florida 

Epoxy flooring is one of the best investments you can make for your home or business. The numerous benefits and endless customization options ensure that your concrete floors get protected. Partner with a reliable flooring company to make sure the job gets done right. 

SPF Industrial is here to assist with your flooring needs. We offer a wide range of flooring services to South Florida-based homes and businesses. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more.