Epoxy Flooring in Chicago, Illinois

+ What is an epoxy floor coating?

The best epoxy is a resilient and durable coating type applied to concrete floors to give them a professional and sleek look. Composed of a chemically-crafted hard plastic bonded to your concrete floor, epoxies are typically regarded as consistently long-lasting floors that are reliably more stable than carpets, hardwoods, and other types of flooring. This process is executed through a simple operation of mixing resins and hardeners, which are then spread across concrete floorings, resulting in a glossy and clean appearance guaranteed to last for years.

+ How is epoxy installed?

The epoxy installation begins with taking measurements of the space in which it is applied; this way, an accurate estimate of the required material can be made. After understanding how much epoxy resin is necessary for the prepared floorspace, the concrete must be thoroughly cleaned so that the epoxy can securely adhere to the surface.Suppose there are cracks or blemishes on the concrete surface. In that case, they will be repaired, as any imperfections in the original flooring can affect how well the epoxy coating settles. Once the concrete flooring has been securely cleaned and prepared, an initial primer coat is typically applied before the epoxy is poured. This works similarly to paint primers and serves as an additional layer to maximize the epoxy installation process's effectiveness. After the full preparation process is executed, the epoxy materials are combined, mixed, and then spread across the concrete flooring in layers using rollers in a fashion similar to paint. After all of the desired layers are laid down and have cured, a final finishing coat is added to ensure a long life span.

+ How long does epoxy flooring last?

While the longevity of an epoxy floor can significantly differ depending on its installation's success and other varying factors, such as how much traffic and wear the area sees, they typically last for over ten years. However, re-coats and routine maintenance of the floor can significantly improve its lifespan.

+ How thick is epoxy?

The thickness of epoxy flooring is reliant upon how many coats are applied during the installation process. Typically the thickness ranges from .01 inch to ⅕ inch, however in certain situations, the thickness can extend up to an inch.

+ How much does it cost?

The cost of epoxy flooring is dependent on the type of epoxy desired and how many coats are applied, but you will typically see professionally-installed floors cost around $3-$12 per square foot. The choice between 100% solid epoxy and solvent or water-based epoxies will also affect the pricing.

+ How to clean epoxy?

The preferred cleaning garage floor epoxy predominantly revolves around routine sweeping and gentle scrubbing at least once a week. It's also essential to avoid soap-based cleaners, as these can leave a residual build-up on the floor's surface. Mopping with warm water is also an effective means of cleaning these floors.

+ How to install epoxy?

The installation of epoxy flooring is both incredibly simple yet nuanced. Simply put, the concrete flooring is first cleaned. Then the two components of the epoxy materials are blended. An initial coat is spread across the concrete, followed by a second coat a certain amount of time later. After the desired number of coats have been applied, a final layer is applied.

+ Why use epoxy?

Epoxy flooring is often chosen for its superior durability and long-lasting quality. Its distinctly unique cosmetic factors and lustrous shine also makes it very appealing. In addition to simply looking stunning in professional and residential settings, the epoxy application can also raise the property value of where it's installed.

+ Are epoxy floors slippery?

One of the most common questions surrounding the implementation of epoxy floors is their texture. Are they slippery? They sure look like it sometimes, especially given their glistening and sleek appearance. While these shiny floors may look like they'd have a frozen-over lake's consistency, epoxy floors are surprisingly skid-resistant, making them great for areas that harbor a higher amount of footfall traffic.

However, it should be noted that epoxy floors can become quite slippery when wet or exposed to oily substances. While this aspect can present a risk in areas prone to spills and wet surfaces, you can help counter this effect by choosing a type of decorative epoxy that offers a textured surface.

Overall, epoxy's consistency is very gripping, meaning that worrying about their slipperiness shouldn't be a huge concern.

Read More about the subject in our blog article: "is epoxy flooring slippery"

+ What are the different types of epoxy paint?

It can be a little overwhelming when you first dive into the world of epoxy flooring and discover a wide variety of paints. When lots of big words and varying terms turn up, it can become challenging to discern the different colors available. This simple yet comprehensive list should help you determine what those types are and how they compare.

Solvent-based epoxy: This type of epoxy is one of the first kinds that existed. It is mixed with many organic compounds that evaporate after the epoxy is applied, leaving behind a hard coating afterward.

Water-based epoxy: As the name suggests, water-based epoxy is soluble and uses water instead of solvents.

100% solid epoxy: This type of epoxy paint is made from pure epoxy and lacks any liquid carrier, unlike the former two types. While it is more hygienic in nature and much safer in terms of environmental impact, it is the most expensive and difficult to install due to its high viscosity.