Epoxy is a type of chemical-resistant flooring used in industrial and commercial settings. It consists of two different components: epichlorohydrin and ethylene glycol resin. Once these two chemicals are combined, they react with each other to produce a polymeric molecular chain that can be applied as a liquid or solid film on top of the surface being treated. The reaction between the chemicals produces heat, which is why it’s important to use proper ventilation during application. This type of flooring typically has a five-year warranty and can last anywhere from 5-50 years depending on the grade of epoxy used.
The main types of epoxies are solvent-based, water-based, UV cure, reactive powder coatings and hybrid organic solvent-borne. Solvent-based floor coatings react with oxygen when drying, whereas water-based floors dry by evaporation. The difference in drying mechanisms can affect the amount of time required for application as well as the degree of chemical resistance.
UV-cured epoxies are a variety that uses ultra-violet light to initiate the curing process, whereas reactive powder coatings have a chemical reaction that occurs when it comes into contact with water. Hybrid organic solvent-borne products contain two separate components: an acid and a resin. Once these chemicals are mixed, a chemical reaction creates a hard film within minutes. Epoxy flooring is available in flake, liquid or solid form and can have colour added during the application or come pre-coloured from the manufacturer.
Are epoxy floors safe?
Epoxy coating materials vary in chemical composition and come with their own associated health risks – some of the more harmful than others – that depend on the chemicals used and the amount of exposure. Solvent-based epoxies, for example, use large quantities of highly flammable and toxic solvents such as acetone or methylene chloride; water-based stains contain less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but can still cause problems if they are not applied correctly.
Epoxy floor coatings registered by Greenguard Environmental Institute meet rigorous performance standards for air quality emissions and indoor air quality (IAQ). They can be applied to most hard, clean surfaces such as concrete, masonry, asphalt and wood.
What are the Pros & Cons of an Epoxy Floor?
Pros:
- Chemical resistant – Can withstand spills that would otherwise damage the surface it’s protecting.
- Easy maintenance – Prep is minimal because there are no penetrations or joints for dirt to get trapped in. Also, routine cleaning with soap and water is sufficient enough to maintain its appearance.
- Durable – Provides long-lasting protection against extreme wear.
- Low installation costs – Doesn’t require underlayments, rendering or infill materials.
- Non-slip surface – Increases safety in areas that are prone to water, grease or oil spillages.
Cons:
- Some varieties of epoxy coatings emit VOCs which can make them harmful for use around pets and small children when applied with solvent-based products. However, there are zero-VOC alternatives on the market today for commercial settings.
- A high level of chemical resistance may prevent certain types of paints from being compatible with an epoxy floor coating during repairs. For these instances, specialized paint products are available at additional cost to increase flexibility when working with different surfaces.
Best flooring for residences
When it comes to choosing the right flooring, durability is always a major concern. However, if you have pets or small children in the house, chemical resistance may be a top priority as well. In these cases, epoxy floors might not be for you because some varieties emit VOCs that can make them harmful for use around pets and small children when applied with solvent-based products. However, there are zero-VOC alternatives on the market today for commercial settings. Though durable overall, some epoxy coatings aren’t as resistant to scratches as other types of flooring such as solid surface or engineered hardwood.
Best flooring for commercial spaces
While flooring in your living room will take a beating over the years, the same can’t be said for epoxy floors in commercial spaces. They are considered to be durable enough to handle heavy foot traffic without much visible wear and tear.
Epoxy floors also do well in high traffic areas that get exposed to chemicals due to its chemical-resistant properties. However, there are varieties of epoxies that emit VOCs that can make them harmful for use around pets and small children when applied with solvent-based products so look for zero-VOC alternatives if you’re concerned about chemical exposure near kids or animals. Solid surface coatings tend to be less slippery than other options so they might suit areas where safety is a concern.