What Contractors need to consider for a seamless flooring installation!

For a brilliant, lasting, outstanding shine on concrete floors, epoxy flooring can be an excellent option. Epoxy coatings are applied directly over the flooring, often for aesthetics, but they do so much more than make a space beautiful. Epoxy also protects the underlying flooring material from moisture, stains, chemicals, abrasion, chipping, and impacts. You can use epoxy anywhere and on just about any flooring type but it is especially beneficial in high-traffic areas, including spaces with vehicle traffic, because it can withstand the most rigorous daily use while adding durable slip-resistance. Installing epoxy is a fairly straightforward process, too, but installers do need to address a few considerations in the process.

Choose the right surface.

This might be the easiest part. Epoxy can be applied to just about any flooring, including tile, VCT, concrete, and many other industrial, commercial, and residential flooring materials. In other words, it is not so much the type of flooring that is important but rather how that flooring is prepared. That said, not all epoxy flooring is appropriate for all substrates so contractors must have an understanding of both the flooring material they are working with and the best types of epoxy to use.

Proper preparation is crucial.

Several steps can go into the preparation process to ensure a successful installation. The preparation process can vary based on the substrate and epoxy involved. Generally, though, the basic steps are similar. The floor should be clean and dry and free of any stains or damage. Concrete that is cracked or damaged might need to be repaired. If there is any coating on the floor, it should be securely bonded. The floor will need to be sanded to remove the gloss, and the floor should be cleaned again. Finally, before the epoxy can be applied, the floor will need to be roughened using a diamond grinder.

Test for moisture.

Moisture vapor can cause premature failure in epoxy flooring. If the humidity level is too high, the epoxy will not properly bond to the concrete, and the curing process will be slower. Contractors must test moisture levels and address excessive moisture before an epoxy flooring installation.

The right products matter.

Miami sees about 250 days of sunshine a year, which means that many floors are exposed to a lot of sunlight. Floors that get a lot of direct sun exposure can benefit from epoxy with UV-resistant coatings. Epoxy can be further customized with added slip resistance, antimicrobial finishes, and aesthetic features for a wide range of colors, styles, and effects. It’s equally important to remember to choose only epoxy made with 100 percent solids, which means that it is not diluted by harsh solvents.

At Blackrock Industrial, our contractors are professionals with extensive experience in epoxy flooring installation. Our teams are trusted by leading product manufacturers and maintain all certifications to ensure we continue to provide our clients with the high-quality products and installations they expect from us. Whether you need a simple epoxy coating to protect your floor or a lustrous metallic epoxy floor with added features for safety and beauty, we can help. Call our team today to learn more or to schedule a site visit with our team.