Epoxy flooring is a durable, chemical and impact resistant, easy-to-clean option for commercial and industrial facilities that creates a flawless finish in a wide range of designs. However, one of the most significant benefits of epoxy is its longevity. If you are looking for a long-lasting flooring solution, epoxy is an excellent and convenient option.
How long can you expect an epoxy floor to last? What factors influence the lifespan of epoxy flooring? How can you get the most out of your investment? Before choosing the best epoxy coating for your commercial or industrial facility, take a closer look at what you can expect from the lifespan of your epoxy floor.
The Average Lifespan of an Epoxy Floor
While a painted concrete floor will quickly chip and wear away in high-traffic areas, epoxy is designed to be long-lasting. Once an epoxy coating is poured over a concrete floor, it adheres to the surface and becomes part of the structure.
In commercial or industrial settings, you can expect a well-maintained and properly installed epoxy flooring system to last for at least five to 10 years. In a residential setting, where the floor will experience less wear and tear, the lifespan of the epoxy can extend up to 20 years or more.
5 Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Epoxy Floors
The longevity of an epoxy flooring system will vary based on a variety of factors, including the amount of wear and tear, the thickness of the epoxy layer, the quality of the topcoat, how the concrete surface is prepared before installation, and how well (and how often) the epoxy is cleaned and maintained.
1. Amount of Wear & Tear
The amount of daily wear and tear your epoxy floor undergoes will impact its longevity. Traffic from pedestrians, heavy machinery, carts, or vehicles can put the floor under stress, resulting in scratches and scuffs over time.
If you expect a high volume of traffic, invest in a protective urethane topcoat to improve the durability and lifespan of the epoxy coating.
2. Thickness of the Epoxy Layer
Like concrete, epoxy can be laid at many different thicknesses. The thinner the epoxy layer, the more quickly it will wear out; the thicker the epoxy layer, the longer it will last.
3. Quality of the Topcoat
Urethane topcoats and other protective layers will help your epoxy flooring system last longer. Low-quality topcoats or epoxy floors without a topcoat will not last as long as floors with a high-quality topcoat applied to the surface.
4. Surface Preparation
Long-lasting epoxy flooring systems require a well-prepared concrete surface. The concrete floor must be cleaned, repaired, and scarified for the epoxy to properly adhere to the surface. A professional epoxy installer will grind the concrete and ensure the surface is prepared correctly.
5. Maintenance & Cleaning
Using rough or abrasive brushes to clean and maintain your epoxy floor will wear away at the topcoat and epoxy coating, reducing the lifespan of the flooring system.
How to Extend the Lifespan of an Epoxy Floor
While some factors affecting the longevity of your epoxy floor, like the amount of wear and tear or traffic it will endure, are out of your control, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your epoxy floor and ensure it stays in good condition for years to come.
Complete Regular Maintenance & Cleaning Tasks
To keep your epoxy flooring in good condition, you need to follow a routine maintenance and cleaning schedule. Dirt, dust, and grit can abrade the epoxy surface, so sweep the floor daily to remove any particles and scrub it with a wet mop or mild brush once a week to maintain the floor’s flawless, shiny finish.
Reapply the Topcoat as Needed
Epoxy floors can fade over time, especially when they are exposed to extensive wear and tear or the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Applying a urethane topcoat will help protect the floor, enhance its durability, and ensure color stability.
If you notice marks or damaged spots on the epoxy floor, you can reapply a coat of epoxy or the urethane topcoat to refresh the flooring and bring it back to its former glory.
Hire a Professional Epoxy Installer
It may be tempting to DIY your epoxy floor, but for the best result, hire a professional epoxy installer to apply the epoxy coating to your concrete floor.
Professional epoxy installers have extensive experience in achieving a long-lasting epoxy floor. They will ensure the flooring is installed properly for your facility and needs and will use high-quality materials, resulting in a flawless finish.
Contact ICS Coatings for Professional Epoxy Flooring Installation
ICS has been in the floor coating and polishing business since 1993. Today, we are a leading epoxy flooring company based in New England that serves industrial and commercial clients from a variety of fields.
Our team of experienced epoxy flooring professionals have the experience and knowledge required to get the best results. Whether you are a general contractor, public company, or private enterprise, ICS can create and install high-quality epoxy flooring that meets your exact specifications.
Are you ready to get started on a durable, customizable, long-lasting epoxy floor coating solution for your industrial or commercial facility? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.