When it comes to flooring for a business, there are many options to choose from. One option that is growing in popularity is commercial epoxy floors. Epoxy is a durable and long-lasting material that can be used in a variety of settings. However, before you decide to use epoxy in your business, it’s important to understand the advantages and drawbacks of this type of flooring.
Types of Commercial Epoxy Coatings
There are two types of commercial epoxy coatings: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based coatings are often used in areas where the floor may get wet, while solvent-based epoxies are typically used in dry areas because water can damage them.
Solvent-based epoxy: This type of flooring contains strong chemicals, so only trained professionals should use it. It’s often used in garages, warehouses, and other areas that don’t see much foot traffic because the solvent-based coating can be slippery when wet. With this type of epoxy, the durability depends on the quantity of hardener mixed with the epoxy resin.
Water-based epoxy: This type is easy to install and maintain both when it’s new and as it ages. It also creates a non-slip surface when dry, which makes it an ideal option for commercial showers. Its durability will vary depending on how you apply it; generally, water-based coatings are not quite as durable as their solvent-based counterparts.
Additional Types of Epoxy
Metallic Epoxy: These epoxy coatings are made with small, metallic flakes that create a unique glow. Often used to cover concrete floors or large areas of old tile, this type of coating is popular at restaurants and clubs where the floor will be highly visible. Metallic epoxy can hold up well under wear and tear because it’s designed for heavy foot traffic.
Mirror Epoxy: These types of floors are ideal for high-traffic bathrooms or locker rooms because they make cleaning easy. Mirror epoxies are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and non-porous, but once installed, they cannot be repaired if damaged because the mirror look comes from their shiny surface.
Clear Coating: This type of commercial epoxy is perfect for businesses that want the natural beauty of their flooring to show through. It’s also a great choice for businesses that want to change their flooring often because it’s easy to install and remove.
Flake Epoxy: This type of epoxy is perfect for areas that see a lot of wear and tear. The flakes in the coating helps to disguise any scratches or scuffs that may occur.
How to Choose the Right Epoxy for Your Business
The best way to choose the right epoxy for your business is to consider the traffic level, climate, and maintenance needs of the area. For example, if you have a business that sees a lot of spills, you may want to choose an epoxy coating with a water-based formula. If your business is located in a cold climate, you may want to choose an epoxy with higher heat tolerance. And if you don’t have time to perform regular maintenance on your flooring, you may want to consider an epoxy coating that doesn’t need sanding, stripping, or heavy scrubbing to remain great.
Advantages of Commercial Epoxy Floors
There are several reasons why commercial epoxy floors are becoming more popular. Some of the benefits of epoxy flooring include:
Durability – Epoxy is a very durable material and can withstand heavy traffic and lots of wear and tear. This makes it great for commercial settings like warehouses, factories, and shops. Due to the durability of epoxy floors, you won’t need to replace them as often as other flooring types.
Easy Cleaning – Commercial epoxy floors are easy to clean because they resist dirt buildup. Soap and water are sufficient enough for most cleaning needs. You won’t have to spend time and money on special cleaning products or services.
Aesthetics – Epoxy can be tinted in a variety of colors, so you can choose a color that will complement your décor. It also has a glossy finish that gives your business a sleek and professional appearance.
Slip Resistance – One of the main concerns for businesses that have slippery floors is worker safety. Slippery surfaces can increase the risk of slips and falls, which could possibly lead to injuries. Commercial epoxy floors provide increased slip resistance, so your employees stay safe on the job site.
Longevity- One of the biggest advantages of commercial epoxy flooring is its longevity. With proper care and maintenance, epoxy floors can last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Customizable- A lot of businesses prefer using epoxy floors because they are customizable. For example, you can choose from a variety of patterns and textures to create a one-of-a-kind floor that matches your business branding.
Drawbacks of Commercial Epoxy Floors
There aren’t many drawbacks associated with commercial epoxy floors, but it is important to understand the disadvantages before committing to this type of flooring:
Cost – One disadvantage of commercial epoxy floors is their high cost. Depending on your needs, costs can range anywhere from $5 per square foot up to $25 per square foot or more for certain projects. A lot goes into the cost of epoxy floors, including material prices and project management, so it would be helpful to get a few quotes before deciding if epoxy is the right choice for your business.
Limited Colors- Another downside to epoxy flooring is that the color selection is limited. If you’re not happy with the colors offered, you may have to look elsewhere for flooring.
Final thoughts
Commercial epoxy floors are becoming more popular due to their many benefits. They are durable, easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and provide increased slip resistance. While there are some drawbacks associated with this type of flooring, such as cost and limited color selection, the advantages generally outweigh the disadvantages. If you’re looking for a long-lasting and durable flooring option for your business, commercial epoxy floors may be a perfect choice.
If you are looking to set up an appointment with a flooring contractor for commercial epoxy floor installation, call us or fill out our online request form. We will connect you with our expert contractors in San Antonio that specialize in commercial epoxies!