Epoxy floors are generally seen as a type of flooring best left to professional kitchens and warehouses because they are extremely durable and are not thought of for residential applications. However, epoxy floors can be an excellent choice for some homes, especially industrial buildings that have been renovated into apartments.
Aesthetics
For residential applications, especially multi-level apartments, concrete floors are the gold standard because they are durable and can help with soundproofing so you cannot hear the people above you. Unfortunately, concrete floors are not visually appealing and can make newly renovated industrial buildings continue to have an industrial look. To improve the aesthetics of concrete floors, they are often covered with epoxy. Part of the visual appeal of epoxy floors is they are shiny. A shiny floor is excellent for illuminating a room because it allows more light to bounce off the floor.
Another benefit of epoxy floors is they can be made in numerous colors and patterns allowing them to look similar to other materials. For example, if granite or marble is not in your budget, you can have an epoxy floor that looks like granite or marble. Some people also have more unique epoxy floors. For a more custom look, it is possible to have graphics installed during the flooring process. Once the first layer of epoxy has cured, the graphic is laid over the floor, then another layer of clear epoxy is used to seal the graphic. Some examples of graphics include beaches, dolphins, and waterfalls.
Durability
The durability associated with epoxy is a major reason it is popular in industrial settings and residences can have that same benefits. Epoxy is a good option for high-traffic areas or areas of the home where the floor may be subjected to dropped objects or heavier weights. Some people choose to have their garage coated in epoxy since it can withstand the weight of a car and would resist any accidents associated with power tools. Epoxy flooring is often used to protect the flooring underneath the epoxy. If the epoxy becomes cracked or otherwise damaged, it is much easier and cheaper to fix the epoxy than more expensive flooring under it, like concrete. Epoxy is resistant to many substances, such as oil, water, and chemicals. This makes epoxy work well in certain areas of the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Maintenance
Epoxy can be easier to maintain than other flooring options. Since the floor is resistant to many substances, there are no concerns about staining that can occur with more porous flooring such as concrete or unsealed wood or tile. This also makes epoxy easier to clean. It generally requires sweeping or a vacuum designed for hard floors. People who live in humid environments should consider epoxy because it eliminates some of the cleaning issues that can come with high humidity. Since the floor resists moisture, you do not have to worry about dust sticking to the floor, making it harder to sweep away. Epoxy is seamless so there is no chance for debris to become stuck within the seams. Like other types of flooring, it will be necessary to periodically have a fresh coat of epoxy. How often you need to have a new layer of epoxy installed will depend on the condition of your floor and the type of epoxy used. A new coat of epoxy can work well to cover any chips or other damage that may occur over time.
Although epoxy flooring is often associated with commercial or industrial use, there are advantages to using this type of flooring in residential applications. The durability and aesthetic value of epoxy can make it the right choice for many residences.
Contact a company like Hello Garage to learn more.
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