Epoxy flooring has emerged as one of the best selling flooring options in recent years. According to Bernard Bauger operations manager at Hychem epoxy resins have been one of the top choice concrete floor covering solutions for a number of industrial sectors like concrete floor leveling, concrete grinding, concrete staining, concrete polishing, and concrete painting. As concrete is susceptible to wear and tear due to daily foot traffic, harsh chemicals, oils and fluids from cooking and cleaning activities, it is important to protect concrete floors. Epoxy coating provides an excellent solution for this as well as other concrete floor covering needs.
Epoxy concrete floor coatings provide several advantages over many other concrete coverings, the first of which is its epoxy resin based compressive strength. When applied correctly, epoxy provides incredible tensile strength that exceeds 300 psi pounds with a minimum amount of residual stress. This superior compressive strength makes concrete flooring stronger and much more durable than other forms of concrete coatings such as fiberglass and linoleum. In addition, epoxy has been found to increase both the chemical and electrical resistance of concrete when combined with various impurities. These additional strengths help improve concrete's environmental performance, making it a greener choice than most competing products.
The second major advantage epoxy floor coating provides lies in its epoxy resin based penetrating abilities. Epoxy provides a surface that when sprayed on is nearly impossible to avoid trapping airborne contaminants. If a contaminated surface were to come into contact with standard concrete before being sprayed with epoxy, the surface would instantly develop a chemical or physical barrier that prevents some forms of contaminants from penetrating the concrete. This added layer of protection against toxins allows concrete floors to be safer for cleaning, healthier for walking on and more durable for use in any area where cleanliness and health are important concerns. As an added benefit, the resiliency of epoxy makes it easier for water and moisture to move off the concrete surface while it is being protected from harmful contaminants.
Cleaning concrete floors with chemicals and other harsh substances can cause a great deal of harm to the body. For this reason epoxy resins offer a much healthier alternative. Epoxy concrete flooring resins resist harsh chemicals found in soaps and cleaning supplies by being non-toxic. This added benefit helps protect those that may have sensitive skin and eyes from the negative affects of chemical based cleaners.
Most epoxy flooring systems are available in both linear and compressive strength. In order to determine which type of system will best meet your needs, you must evaluate your space and the specific components of your floor. For example, if you will be exposing your floor to heavy traffic you will most likely want a system that offers excellent tensile strength. Many epoxy flooring resins available on the market today offer impressive tensile strength, but they do not have the compressive strength necessary in high traffic areas. A good example would be a concrete floor that is located near a kitchen. This type of application would require a system that has excellent compressive strength for resisting indentations caused by pans and pots.
When purchasing epoxy flooring, you will also want to choose a quality carrier. The most common carrier is a roll that is most often made of polyethylene but other carriers such as expanded polystyrene or ABS are acceptable. When shopping make sure to ask the retailer to provide a sample of the epoxy flooring you are considering so you can compare it with similar products. If you have any questions about the carrier, most manufactures are happy to email you the specifics.
Proper installation of epoxy flooring is essential to obtaining the maximum benefits from your investment. The proper leveling of the floor is essential and should be left until the concrete has completely set. You should not walk on top of the finished floor after it has cured. One way to ensure proper leveling is to lay the tiles down in a straight line. Another is to place spacers between the tiles to insure even leveling. It is important to follow all the instructions included with your epoxy flooring to prevent damage and reduce the chances of an epoxy floor becoming a problem.
There are many options available for the care of your epoxy floor. These include coatings that maintain the gloss, shine, and color of the floor. There are cleaners that are specifically designed to reduce grease, stains, and odors. These cleaners are generally non-toxic and environmentally friendly. And if you want to go green, epoxy floor care does not mean just using a damp mop to remove dirt. In fact, it is recommended that the entire floor to be cleaned in a washing machine using a gentle liquid detergent.
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