Poured Epoxy Flooring: Pros, Cons, Safety, And Where Can Be Used
Do you want your floor to be sturdy, durable, easy to care for and look great? Then an epoxy floor can be the perfect solution. You may never have heard of epoxy floors, so in this article we have gathered all the information you need to know about them.
What is an epoxy filler floor?
An epoxy floor is a floor consisting of several layers of epoxy resin that are applied in 1-2 mm thickness. An epoxy resin is a polymer that consists of two components: a resin and a hardener. When they are mixed, a chemical reaction takes place, resulting in a solid, strong material. Epoxy resin floors are so strong and durable that they are used even in the most difficult industrial environments.
What are the advantages of an epoxy floor?
Epoxy floor coverings have a number of advantages compared to other types of floor coverings:
Wear resistance and durability
Epoxy floor coverings form a highly durable surface that is resistant to mechanical and thermal damage, cracks, impacts, vibrations, movement of people and machinery. The service life of epoxy floors is up to 30-40 years.
Quick and easy installation
Casting epoxy floors does not require markings, additional adhesives, special tools or equipment.
Easy to care for
No more difficult to care for than a lacquered wood floor.
Resistant to temperature fluctuations
Epoxy floors can be filled even in baths and saunas.
Water resistance and waterproofing of the surface, oil resistance
Seamless and easy to clean
As a result of polymerisation, the epoxy resin forms a strong seamless surface in which no dust, dirt, rubbish or mildew accumulates. Thanks to their easy cleaning, epoxy floors are ideal for food processing and packaging plants or pharmaceutical products.
Chemical resistance
Epoxy resin floors allow the use of aggressive cleaning agents, including alkalis, acids, solvents and disinfectants. This is why epoxy floors are perfectly suited for companies where hygiene requirements are extremely high, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical or food processing plants.
Dustlessness
Safety
The hardened epoxy resin is non-toxic and completely safe for human health.
Noncombustible
Attractive appearance
The resin forms a smooth glossy coating that not only looks spectacular, but can also visually expand the space, reflecting light. With the help of dyes and various fillers it is possible to create various decorative effects.
Anti-slip effect
Epoxy floors prevent sliding and falling due to their inherent anti-slip texture. What may seem uncritical actually leads to greater social benefits. Accidents related to slippage and falling are the main cause of occupational injuries. The reduction of injuries is an important issue in any industrial sector. Epoxy floors will also play a role in this issue. It will reduce the cost of compensation and litigation resulting from work-related injuries.
What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?
The disadvantages of epoxy flooring can be referred to:
- yellowing under the influence of ultraviolet.
- difficulty in disassembly (it’s easier to put the new coating on top)
- can release toxic substances when heated up.
- relatively high price
Installation of epoxy flooring is more expensive in comparison with other materials. However, armour epoxy in San Jose prove in the long term, that such floors will not need to be replaced as often as other types of flooring. They are easier to keep clean and disinfect due to lack of seams and increased resistance to strong cleaning agents. They are easier to install and are less frequently replaced than other types of flooring, so they produce less waste and require less disposal costs. In general, epoxy flooring offers significant cost savings even with higher initial investments. In Europe, epoxy floor coverings save industrial companies around 125 million euros in repair and maintenance costs per year.
Where can epoxy flooring be used?
You can use epoxy flooring in any room of your house. At first glance, it may seem to be suitable only for modern styles, but a variety of possible colours and textures will help to adapt it to almost any interior. Poured epoxy flooring was originally used in industrial premises because it is wear-resistant, hygienic and economical to use. Today you can make such floors in any room of your choice.