What Are The Common Misconceptions About Epoxy Floors?

Moreover, misconceptions urge people to compromise the quality they could get. Due to a lack of knowledge regarding epoxy flooring and its wonders, they prefer to stick to their comfort zones. There’s nothing wrong about choosing what makes you comfortable, just that change is good, too. 

If you are reading this and want to make a change now, Epoxy Flooring is very much obliged to be at your service. As the best flooring specialist in Melbourne, we provide quality services to satisfy your flooring needs and budget. Our team specialises in the design and installation of hard-wearing epoxy for your floors.

Any business or home needs the best flooring that not only looks awesome but lasts long. An epoxy coating is all you need to achieve this. This type of surface can last many years and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. For example, it is resistant to debris, oils, and chemicals, something that cement is not resilient to if not treated over time. However, there have been some myths about epoxy floor coatings.

Most Common Misconceptions About Epoxy Floors

Epoxy Flooring Is Slippery

This is probably among the first impressions when epoxy flooring is brought up. Epoxy has a smooth and highly reflective surface, making it look slippery. 

Despite that, epoxy is far from being slippery. It is skid-resistant, and you could opt for additional anti-slip features if you want. 

Likewise, you could add raised bumps for additional user safety. More industrial buildings, hospitals, and other establishments are choosing epoxy for their floors, not just because they want it but because it is ideal and promotes a safer working environment.

Epoxy Coatings Are Expensive

“It’s too expensive.” That’s what most people say. Although they also say it with anything professionally installed. Economical is a better word in the case of epoxy floors. They are durable, long-lasting flooring solution that gives you value for your money. 

It is an investment that saves money in the long run with minimal maintenance. Going for cheaper options only increases your expenses for repair and maintenance.

FAQs About The Common Misconceptions Of Epoxy Floors

What Can Go Wrong With Epoxy Flooring?

Pinholes, cratering and bubbles are common epoxy flooring problems that give surfaces a blistered look. Although, when your epoxy floor blisters, similar causes of resin peeling may be to blame, if conditions are too cold or direct sunlight hits your curing resin, you could see bubbles.

Are Our Epoxy Floors A Good Idea?

Extremely safe – Epoxy is a very safe coating for your hard floors. It’s slip-resistant, shock resistant, and less abrasive than concrete and other types of industrial flooring. ... It can also withstand the heat of up to 200 degrees, making it a better choice than most other types of flooring when it comes to fire resistance.

Are Our Epoxy Floors Rough?

Feel and Look. Non-slip epoxy floors have a rough consistency which creates positive traction and reduces the possibility of slipping and falling.

Does Epoxy Floor Increase Home Value?

Epoxy Garage Floors: The Most Cost-Effective Way to Increase Your Homes Value. Epoxy garage flooring can increase a home’s value by up to $8 per square foot! Considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and comparatively inexpensive upgrade, that’s a lot of money.

Why Does My Epoxy Floor Have Bubbles?

When bubbles appear in a freshly applied epoxy coating, the most common culprit is something called “outgassing”. Outgassing is a site condition that allows air or gas from the concrete substrate to escape in excess and cause blisters, craters, bubbles, or pinholes.

Is An Epoxy Coating Right For You?

Epoxy surfaces are not right for everyone or all spaces; however, they are a versatile and flexible option that can provide the high level of durability you are looking for. 

However, as mentioned above – this is not a DIY installation job. Instead, you should hire professionals to help ensure you get the results desired for the epoxy flooring you want to be installed. 

With the pros’ help, you can feel confident that the results will be what you need and pay for. As you can see, epoxy is a smart investment and one that you should consider for the concrete floors in your residential, commercial, or industrial space. Being informed and knowing what epoxy offers is the best way to ensure it is the right option for your flooring needs. 

How Much Does Concrete Polishing Cost Per Square Metre?

Mechanical concrete polishing ranges in price from $75 to $110 per square metre, depending on the level of aggregate (stone) exposure, level of gloss and how much repair work is required.

How Much Does Grind And Seal Cost Per Square Metre?

Grind and seal ranges from $60-$85 per square metre, depending on the aggregate exposure level and type of sealants used in the process.

Can I Get A Concrete Polish When I Currently Have Tiled?

The tiles will first have to be removed before concrete polishing or grind and seal can commence as this process is performed on the slab and is not an overlay. When working on concrete slabs that have previously had tiles, it’s important to understand that there is a risk that the outline of the previous titles will be visible in the polished concrete due to years of cleaning agents penetrating through the grout and into the concrete.

How Long Will It Take To Polish My Floor?

Most domestic works, such as large garages or downstairs living areas, will take 3-5 days. We bring multiple industrial-grade concrete grinders for your larger commercial projects to speed up the process - please allow one day per 40 square metres.

Is There Any Waiting Time Before I Can Reuse My Floor?

For Grind and Seal or Epoxy Flooring, you will need to give it 24 hours minimum before you can have foot traffic on your new floor. Mechanically polished concrete floors can be walked on immediately afterwards, however it’s important not to expose them to excess water for 72 hours.

No Need For Professional Installation.

You need a professional for epoxy flooring, you’ve probably encountered DIY epoxy coating kits on home improvement stores and thought, “Well, I can do it.” Of course, you can, But do you want to take your chance on it? Firstly, these ‘kits’ don’t have the same quality as most flooring specialists’ professional-grade ones. Plus, some tools are required for a more pleasing result.

Secondly, it’s not as easy as how it looks. Experts in the field have years of experience and training doing it. It’s the reason why it looks easy on them. They are well-trained in using the tools and techniques in installing an epoxy floor flawlessly. 

As a result, you get properly installed flooring that will last long. Attempting to do it on your own may result in a defective floor that may soon need to be replaced—not convinced? Check this extensive article about why hiring a professional epoxy floor installer is better than doing it yourself.

Re-Coating Every Few Years

Epoxy is a strong and durable flooring solution that lasts up to 15 years. Amazing. It probably has a longer life span compared to other floor types. Additionally, epoxy floors can withstand heavy foot and vehicular traffic. It could also tolerate the wear and tear caused by heavy machinery and equipment. This product hardens once applied, so it doesn’t require repair for a long time.

Epoxy Floors Are Hard To Maintain

Aside from the fact that it doesn’t chip or stain, epoxy floors are simple to clean. You don’t need harsh chemicals to do the job. Soap and water are fine. Epoxy floors don’t need much of your attention, so sit back, relax, and look how beautiful and clean your floor is.

Paint And Epoxy Are The Same Things

The application looks very similar, but these two are different. Sure thing, paint is a protective coating, but it doesn’t have the same results and benefits as epoxy. Epoxy creates an impenetrable barrier once installed. It is a moisture-resistant resin, and the paint is far from being one.

Epoxy Are For New Concrete Floors Only

Epoxy over your existing floor is very much possible. It can be applied to both existing and new floors. The catch is you need to make sure that your existing floor is stable enough to take the coating. Then, preparations are to be made, like cleaning and roughing the surface to ensure a good result. Consult your trusted flooring specialist if you’re considering resurfacing your floor. 

Epoxy Floors Are Dull

Epoxy has the power to transform a bare concrete floor. Aside from its powerful features, epoxy can also be aesthetically pleasing. It is highly customisable with various colour options to choose from. 

You could choose from available patterns and designs or make your own. With epoxy as your choice, floor brightness increases up to 300%, adding value and beauty to your space.

Epoxy Can Be Installed As A Diy Job

There are kits you can purchase to install epoxy surfaces alone. However, these kits sell a product that is much lower quality than the available professional-grade products. 

If you want to ensure the cementitious overly correctly bonds to the surface, the concrete must be prepared properly. If you do not have the proper experience or tools, the epoxy could be installed incorrectly, leading to several issues down the road. 

Paint Provides The Same Results That Epoxy Does

While a properly installed epoxy coating may be similar to paint before applying it to the cement, these two substances do not do the same thing. If you use paint, it does not protect the concrete floor. It will not protect against abrasion or staining, either. 

With epoxy, you have a substance that bonds to the concrete, creating a non-volatile and resistant surface that can withstand wear and tear and other issues for many years to come. 

You Cannot Install Epoxy On A Budget. 

Because of epoxy’s high durability, many people think it is not cost-effective. This is not the case. Epoxy is a coating that is both long-lasting and cost-effective. 

When you compare this coating to some of the other popular options used today, along with the maintenance and repairs that are often needed, investing in epoxy will pay off in the long run. If you choose a cheaper flooring solution, you will wind up paying more in the long run for upkeep and repairs – which will be inevitable. 

Common Epoxy Flooring Myths

In this article, we’re going to bust this myth and others and show you how investing in a good quality epoxy floor can save you money, time, and effort while boosting the value of your property.

Epoxy Floors Need To Be Replaced Every Few Years

A true epoxy floor that has been professionally laid can give you up to 20 years (or longer) of high-performing service if the professional care instructions are followed.

Epoxy Is Just An Expensive Paint Job

While several DIY epoxy “paints” and coating kits are on the market, a true epoxy floor forms a highly durable, bonded surface that seals the underlying concrete. 

Paints – even epoxy paints – can lift and crack, allowing grease and oils to penetrate the concrete beneath. Any stains that seep in can be impossible to remove, and the original substrate beneath can be damaged as a result. 

The bonded finish of professionally laid epoxy floors means they will not lift or crack and will be highly durable and easy to maintain throughout their useful life.

Epoxy Floors Don’t Need Much Skill To Apply

While the number of DIY epoxy kits available in the retail market may promote themselves as “easy-to-apply”, more often than not, they’re a false economy, especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing. 

Good preparation of the surface substrate is fundamental to getting the best bang for your buck where epoxy floors are concerned. The two earlier myths point directly to poorly prepared floors and poorly applied coatings.

An epoxy floor professional is intimately acquainted with their materials, the different conditions of substrates (that is, the floor you’re coating) and how to prepare them to get the best results over the long term. Add to this the fact that a reputable installer will also guarantee their work over a fixed term.

Epoxy Floors Are Ugly, So They’re Only Good For Industrial Situations

Modern epoxy coatings offer a range of high-gloss to non-slip textured finishes. There are a variety of colours, not to mention effects, like pearl, marble, metallic and quartz flake. We’ve worked on some epoxy floor designs that are incredible works of art.

With such a broad spectrum to choose from, modern epoxy floors can make a stunning statement throughout your home, as well as in retail stores, commercial kitchens, sporting clubs and schools – wherever you need a hard-wearing, easy-care floor that will stand the test of time.

Epoxy Flooring Needs To Be Redone Every Couple Of Years

With the right materials and preparation, epoxy flooring has an average life expectancy of about 10-15 years when properly installed by a professional. DreamCrete Custom Creation’s metallic epoxy floors have the longest lifespan on the market due to their resilience and ability to withstand heavy weights and constant traffic.

Epoxy Flooring Can Be Installed DIY

It is possible to install epoxy flooring yourself. However, if you choose to do that, you will most likely be sacrificing the quality and appearance that comes with a professional installation. 

In addition, DIY installation usually means that your epoxy flooring will have a shorter lifespan and less durability due to a higher probability of mistakes, incorrect installation, and improper materials.

Epoxy Flooring Is The Same As Simply Painting The Floor

Paint is not nearly as durable or protective as epoxy and chips easily. Epoxy provides a protective coating from cracks, moisture, and stains to the concrete underneath, while paint does not contain the hardener or resin needed for this purpose. 

Epoxy is also chemical resistant, while the paint is not.

Concrete Only Needs A Light Cleaning Before Installation

If the concrete is not prepared appropriately, the epoxy coating will not adhere properly. As a result, it will not last as long as it would have if a professional installer correctly prepared the concrete.

Conclusion

There are several common misconceptions about epoxy floors that you’ve probably heard of. Being slippery and expensive are among the top issues. 

Well, epoxy is a durable, versatile, and long-lasting flooring solution that’s ideal for most of your flooring needs. 

Epoxy flooring also offers a couple of benefits that will surely convince you to have one. Unfortunately, some people avoid epoxy because they believe all the myths and misconceptions that are “out there.” 

Keep reading to learn the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about epoxy. 

There are many common misconceptions when it comes to concrete polishing & flooring and many of these could potentially lead to disaster if you undertake a project without completely understanding what you’re paying for.