5 Benefits of Epoxy Flooring for Commercial Spaces
Successful business owners understand the importance of selecting a commercial flooring option that will withstand the pressures of daily operations. Epoxy is a versatile, long-lasting flooring solution that can withstand forklift traffic, foot and machinery traffic, chemical spills, and heat while remaining visually appealing.
Epoxy floors are slip-resistant and require only a warm water and gentle detergent mop for routine cleaning sessions. Their versatility in color, finish, and patterns also gives you the option to create a visually dynamic space that matches your brand and design aesthetic.
1. Durability
When businesses rely on their workspaces for production, sales, and service, the flooring must be able to withstand heavy machinery and constant foot traffic. Preparation is the most important aspect. Epoxy floors provide the perfect blend of durability, chemical resistance, easy maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. This flooring solution is suitable for many different commercial spaces – from warehouses and manufacturing plants to showrooms and retail stores.
Durability tests are a valuable tool for assessing an epoxy coating’s performance under specific conditions. These tests can identify potential flaws in the floor’s composition, such as its susceptibility to certain chemicals. This helps companies identify the best type of epoxy for their specific needs and minimizes downtime due to unforeseen issues.
In addition to a rigorous testing process, an epoxy coating must be applied by an experienced professional to ensure it meets industry standards and quality assurance. This is especially important for floors that will be exposed to harsher conditions, such as areas where chemicals and oil are regularly spilt. When the floor is installed improperly, it can lead to cracks or chips that decrease the overall lifespan and damage the surface’s integrity.
Proper maintenance practices can also help extend the longevity of an epoxy floor. These include immediate spill cleanup to prevent slips, strategic placement of protective mats for heavy machinery or furniture, and annual professional inspections to identify small problems before they become more expensive repairs. This proactive approach to flooring maintenance allows businesses to get the most out of their investment and reduces the need for costly floor replacements in the future. This makes epoxy flooring a sound choice for both industrial and commercial spaces that require a long-term, high-quality, durable floor covering.
2. Aesthetics
Commercial spaces need to be durable enough to withstand the traffic and machinery, but they also need to look their best. That’s where epoxy comes in. While it has the practical strength and resistance to withstand the daily wear and tear, it’s also visually dynamic, which makes it a sought-after option for high-end restaurants and car dealerships.
Getting an epoxy coating done right starts with proper surface preparation. Professionals grind or shotblast the existing concrete, creating a smooth canvas that can receive the final epoxy application. Once the primer layer is applied, workers apply the body coat, which typically requires multiple coats to reach the desired thickness and uniformity. Once the body coat is cured, workers broadcast color flakes or additives, which add texture and visual interest to the floor.
The color options are nearly endless, allowing businesses to customize the flooring to suit their brand and aesthetic. For instance, companies can choose to keep it simple with a solid color or go bold and vibrant with electric blues and fiery reds that pop. Other options include incorporating decorative quartz and flakes, as well as metallic finishes that shimmer in the light.
Aside from its striking visual appeal, epoxy floors are easy to maintain. They’re resistant to scratches and scuffs from furniture, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas like warehouses and garages. The smooth surface is easy to mop and sweep, preventing the build-up of dirt or debris. And, if an accident does happen, chemical spills won’t penetrate the epoxy surface and will be easier to wipe up.
3. Low Maintenance
The durability of epoxy floors is an asset that saves property managers and owners time and money. They can rest assured that these floors are able to withstand significant levels of foot traffic, water, heat, chemicals and shocks without damage or need for repair.
As a result, this flooring solution is an ideal option for high-traffic commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, breweries and more. In addition, the floor coating can help to create a positive first impression for visitors and guests alike.
When the floor is crafted by a skilled contractor, it can also serve as an important safety feature for those who work in the space. This is because the coating can be formulated to offer anti-slip properties and improved lighting reflectivity. This helps to prevent tripping and accidents from occurring, especially in areas where equipment is often moved or loaded.
The ease of maintenance that epoxy floors require makes them an ideal choice for busy commercial spaces. The floors are quick to clean and can be easily swept and mopped. In fact, spills can be wiped up immediately, and the epoxy will resist staining, if there is one at all.
The flooring system can be adapted to suit the specific needs of the commercial space, including determining its chemical resistance levels. This ensures the safety of employees and reduces the need for harsh, polluting cleaning materials. This reduced waste is yet another feather in the cap of the eco-friendly nature of epoxy floors, which are a popular option for those who want to minimize their environmental impact. Durability and easy maintenance are just two of the reasons why epoxy floors have become a favored solution for many business owners.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Whether your business is a retail store, restaurant, or industrial space, you have one goal in common: to provide an experience that’s both welcoming and memorable for your customers. In addition, your commercial spaces must also foster a productive environment for the hardworking team members who keep operations running smoothly. One key element of this success is the flooring that’s installed, which needs to be both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
That’s where epoxy floors come in. Not only do they offer a perfect balance of tenacity and taste, but they’re also eco-friendly. With proper care, these floors can last for years. This means that you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing them, saving you both time and money. Proper care includes regularly mopping them with gentle detergents and inspecting them for any cracks or chips, addressing minor issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.
Additionally, epoxy floors are completely waterproof, making them a great choice for areas that may see water spillage or flooding. They also resist bacteria and harmful germs, providing a safe environment for your staff. Additionally, they eliminate the need for harsh and polluting cleaning chemicals, further reducing their environmental impact.
Finally, epoxy floors don’t produce any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are known to cause respiratory and chronic health problems. This is especially important for commercial spaces, which often contain a range of chemical-based products such as cleaners and disinfectants, paints and paint strippers, air fresheners, hobby supplies, and more. In fact, the low-VOC content of many SUNDEK coatings means that your floors won’t even produce any odors at all!
5. Safety
Unlike other flooring materials that can be damaged by abrasions and impacts, epoxy floor coatings are resistant to both. Commercial spaces experience heavy foot traffic and vehicle movement on a daily basis, making it necessary to safeguard the surfaces beneath them from damage. In addition, certain businesses deal with toxic chemicals that can spill over time. Epoxy floors resist these hazards, and can be cleaned using strong disinfectants without risk of discoloration or deterioration.
Aside from the safety benefits of epoxy flooring, it can also boost efficiency by helping to delineate areas within the workspace. This can be accomplished by using different color-coded options or wording painted into the epoxy resin, which helps to create a more organised work space that’s easier to navigate and use.
In addition, the high-gloss finish of epoxy floors reflects light, which brightens up a room and reduces the need for additional lighting fixtures. This can further improve productivity by allowing employees to work in a well-lit environment.
Overall, the versatility of epoxy floor coatings makes them a great choice for any business looking for durable and visually appealing floors that will last for years to come. Whether you’re in need of commercial garage flooring for a car repair shop, brewing facilities, a restaurant or any other retail establishment, epoxy is an excellent option that can be customized to suit the aesthetics of your facility. With the durability and low maintenance required, it’s a cost-effective investment for any commercial space. For the best results, it’s important to hire professional installers to ensure that the floor is properly prepared for an epoxy coating and curing process. These technicians can advise on customization options as well, including the application of flakes and other additives to achieve the desired aesthetic.
