Epoxy floors are a popular trend for commercial and corporate buildings. This trend is here to stay through 2023 due to its durability, affordability, and exclusive designs. The corporate and commercial spaces attract a lot of business and market attention. The unique and eye-catching flooring allows the company to stand out in many aspects. However, this kind of unique flooring also requires extra attention in its implementation for the long term. Epoxy flooring is all about shine and colour. However, the implementation of epoxy flooring is tricky, and it needs professional experience and attention to be applied.
The epoxy flooring process is done with two major products. The first resin is applied to the floor, and later, true epoxy seals the resins with the perfect ratio and installation. The inexperienced installation creates challenges and imperfections that affect the result and, ultimately, the overall appearance of the floor. Typically, there are a handful of issues commonly noted with floor coating. The major challenges and their prevention are as follows:
Problems with epoxy
While implementing epoxy flooring on the existing floor surface, a special blend of ingredients is required in the perfect ratio. Many times, epoxy manufacturers note the product as "epoxy paint." This is misleading, as epoxy is not paint; rather, it is a clear coating on the floor. If any inexperienced person installs the epoxy on the floor, it will lead to major flaws such as improper installation and the tearing off of the floor. Major problems during and after the installation of epoxy include the following:
Pin Holes
Pinholes in the epoxy floor occur due to outgassing. This appears when the epoxy coat is applied to a concrete floor. Applying the epoxy when the temperature is rising causes outgassing, and thus, in the process, pinholes appear in the epoxy floor. Pinholes are inevitable, especially when the old concrete is aggressively overworked or blasted from different places. Pinholes in the epoxy flooring are preventable by taking some measures. Applying the coat during the evening or when the concrete is cool helps smooth the process. Further, applying two coats of epoxy is always better than one thick coat on concrete.
The Coating Has Bubbles
If the temperature and air conditions during the process are not right, you may notice bubbles popping up on the coat. Air bubbles form when the two ingredients are not mixed in the right ratio and resin is harder than epoxy, or even when the mixture is mixed too fast. Applying a thick layer of resin also prevents air from coming out, and thus bubbles form. Air bubbles are preventable by mixing the material accurately and applying it back and forth so that the coating is applied uniformly. Air bubbles do not usually form. But recoating the surface helps overcome this challenge.
Crawling on the surface with fish eyes
When there is dirt or contamination in the coating or mixture, fish eyes or crawling on the surface form. This also happens when the floor has oil or any silicone material that prevents the epoxy from forming a smooth film. The most effective way to reduce this problem is through proper surface preparation. The floor needs to be prepped, and no dirt or contamination should be on the surface. Cleaning the floor helps with prevention.
Benefits of Expert Epoxy Installation:
- Durability: Expertly installed epoxy floors offer unmatched durability, making them ideal for commercial and corporate spaces. They resist heavy foot traffic, chemicals, and abrasions, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Increased Aesthetic Appeal: Professional application delivers a flawless finish, showcasing the vibrant colors and shine that epoxy floors are known for. This visual appeal helps businesses stand out and create an impressive space.
- Prevention of Pinholes: Pinholes caused by outgassing are common when epoxy is applied to warm concrete. Experts prevent this by applying coats when temperatures are cooler and using two thin coats instead of one thick layer.
- Minimizing Bubbles: Air bubbles in epoxy result from improper mixing or quick application. Professionals avoid this by mixing components slowly and applying even layers to prevent air entrapment, resulting in a smooth surface.
- Eliminating Fish Eyes: Dirt, oil, or silicone contamination can cause surface defects like fish eyes. Proper surface preparation and cleaning by experienced installers help avoid these issues, ensuring a clean, uniform epoxy coat.
- Cost Efficiency: Although epoxy installation requires expertise, it prevents costly mistakes, rework, and repairs. Professional installations ensure the investment in epoxy flooring lasts, providing long-term value.
- Customizable Design: Professional installers can create intricate designs, patterns, and finishes with epoxy, allowing businesses to customize their flooring to suit their brand or ambiance.
By addressing these common challenges with professional techniques, epoxy flooring installations become a visually striking, durable, and long-lasting solution for high-traffic environments.
Conclusion
To keep up with the modern look and style, epoxy flooring is effective. It is not only shiny but also protects the floor flooring is effective. It is not only shiny but also protects the floor. Unfortunately, its application demands expert installation. Epoxies and resins are tricky materials, and a lot of challenges can occur during the implementation. Through expert and professional application, an epoxy floor can turn into a beautiful piece of art and display a total change of surface.