Epoxy is a synthetic substance that can be applied to concrete floors or to floors made from ceramic tiles and other materials. When properly applied, epoxy has the ability to adhere to the surface it's applied to - both inside and out. It is known for resisting stains, scratches, heat and water damage. Residential epoxy flooring has many different applications, such as in the home, industrial and commercial sectors. Commercial epoxy flooring is used in garages, storage buildings, industrial centers, warehouses and more.
In the home, epoxy flooring is the most popular type of flooring. It can be installed on any floor, although a few cautions should be taken. First, if your floor is in an area with high foot traffic, you may have to remove some existing flooring to prepare the new epoxy for installation. Epoxy will not work in areas where there are cracks or sharp edges because it's adhesive doesn't adhere well to these surfaces. Also, epoxy is only a good choice for flat floors - not at all angled or curved. It also won't work in areas where the concrete gets too much water because it will begin to dissolve.
Industrial epoxy is used mainly for industrial applications. The two main types are hardwood and carpet epoxy. Hardwood epoxy is ideal for indoor applications, while carpet epoxy is best for outdoor applications like garages. These floors have very little traffic but can be expensive and can even be difficult to install.
Residential epoxy flooring is made in the same way as industrial epoxy. It uses a specially formulated mixture that will harden under pressure and get through even the toughest stain. The secret lies in the bonding agents like resin and moisture remover. The product is poured into a mold that's specifically designed for the purpose of laying down the product. When the product dries and hardens, it'll create a tough, durable coating on the floor.
Epoxy flooring has a wide range of advantages. For one thing, it's extremely durable. A typical coating will last up to 30 years, depending on how it's installed. It can be cut and shaped easily and is resistant to staining, so it's easy to find a pattern that matches your decor. Some epoxy flooring comes in patterns that make cleaning a breeze, too.
Residential epoxy flooring can save money in other ways, too. By eliminating the need for carpeting, you'll be able to cut back on the energy cost of your home. Carpeting can add up to about 6% to the cost of a new home, so if you're thinking about moving, this could be a big selling point. It can also add up to about three feet of walking surface area, depending on how extensive your patio or driveway area is.
You may even be able to install your own epoxy flooring. There are kits available that can help you do it yourself, but if you're not experienced with doing projects of this sort, you should really consider getting the help of a professional. It's never a good idea to attempt flooring projects without the proper know-how. Even if you hire someone to do it for you, there's still a chance that something could go wrong. Residential epoxy floors aren't actually that hard to install, but it does take some skill to get it just right.
Once you've chosen the epoxy flooring that best fits your needs, the installation process is relatively simple. You'll need to prep the floors by applying the coating. After that, you can start to lay the planks. Residential epoxy flooring doesn't require you to use a special power drill because the concrete that you use will build up an effective seal against moisture when it's applied. The great thing about this kind of flooring is that it can resist stains and other wear and tear. So you can clean your new epoxy flooring with just soap and water, and you won't have to worry about it staining or developing scratches and other blemishes.
