Epoxy Flooring
It's important we offer an informative discussion on epoxy flooring.
Epoxy resins have enjoyed a long history with industrial settings. But in relative terms has only recently taken off as a flooring and countertop option for homeowners.
A Very Brief History of Epoxy
The history of epoxy resin is a rich and exciting tale of discovery, collaboration, and development that spans the globe. A precursor of epoxies we use today was originally developed in 1908 by Russian chemist Nikolai Prilezhaev after he observed double-bonding behavior between long-chain molecules and peracid. Through what is now called the Prilezhaev Reaction, Nikolia had unlocked the door to many synthetic durable materials we use today.
Epoxies became available in a variety of formulas, some of which evolved into plastics and rubber. Hardening epoxies, however, were perhaps best innovated by Dr. Pierre Castan of Switzerland, where from 1940 to 1948, he developed lightweight hardening resins and unlocked the door to the many thousands of hardening epoxy applications in use today.
What is Epoxy
If you walk into a hardware store today to do your epoxy, you should immediately notice there are three main types: countertop epoxy, epoxy floor coating, and epoxy flooring.
Countertop epoxy
Countertop epoxy is frequently sold as a two-part, self-leveling system designed to be poured and distributed across your countertop after it has been sufficiently prepared. This is a very cost-effective way of upgrading your kitchen without replacing your countertops.
Epoxy floor coating
Epoxy floor coating is closer to paint than epoxy because it’s not meant to be poured. It is a two-part system of resin and hardener that should be rolled on after sufficient surface preparations have been made. But, unlike paint, it is not meant to be layered. The finished product should also not have a thickness greater than two millimeters, or a little more than the thickness of a U.S. nickel (1.95mm).
Epoxy flooring
When it comes to epoxy flooring for your home, there are two types to consider. The first is self-leveling epoxy, which is commonly used in older homes to correct uneven floors. But, it is also frequently used in home remodels to protect hardwood floors and seal wet rooms like the kitchen, bath, and laundry rooms. This is a great idea and a good way to protect your investment for years to come.
The second type is epoxy mortar. This is the slip-resistant epoxy like you would find in a gym locker room, restaurant, or on stairs. The quartz sand filler provides a textured surface so you don’t lose your footing while working in the garage. It’s also reinforced with solid epoxies and to help it withstand impact. This is also the epoxy you need for repairing cracks before applying any other epoxies.
Do You Need Epoxy?
According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders of 4,000 homebuyers, the condition of your floors and countertops significantly affects your home’s resale value. The same report also mentions the importance of using resilient flooring materials in kitchens and bathrooms to protect older homes from water damage.
Epoxy floor coatings are among the most resilient flooring materials available. In your home, the subfloor is the wood sheets laid over the floor joists to provide a flat surface, over which you have your tile, hardwood, or carpet. Sealing that layer with an epoxy resin protects the wood underneath from water damage that can sometimes lead to significant repair bills.
Not A Good Fit For DIY Projects
Epoxy flooring for protecting your home and updating its look are exciting developments in both construction and home remodeling. Countertops can always be replaced for a new layout, but a new surface in the garage or a layer protecting the framework of your home is an investment that will be there so long as the building stands. Much less, this article in Better Homes & Gardens makes it look super easy to do with just nine steps.
However, we offer some words of caution. While DIY epoxy flooring or even the more involved countertop refinishing might seem like a great weekend project, it can be very technical. The job requires particular attention to detail. It requires working with hydrochloric acid and mixing ratios of resin and hardener, which are rarely 1:1. An improperly mixed batch may never harden or it may harden faster than you can apply it, leaving you with a great story about that one time when you were refinishing the garage.
If you genuinely want the job done correctly, the only reliable option is to hire a professional like Paint EZ or even the next guy in your Google search. This is one job where experience matters. The pros have access to premium, professional-grade quality epoxy products and the expert skills, tools, and safety training needed to do the job right, the first time.
Call Paint EZ for all of your epoxy needs
If you are in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah, the leading expert in epoxy flooring and countertop application is Paint EZ. We have a reputation for excellence across the country, no-obligation, free estimates, color consultations, and over 20 years’ worth of happy, satisfied clients. You can rely on our friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you with all your epoxy needs. Give us a call today.
