Epoxy floors, also known as resin floors, are one of the top choices when it comes to flooring systems used in industrial settings. In short, it is described as a synthetic protective and decorative floor that is laid on concrete substrates to prevent the concrete from deteriorating over time. Are you planning to use epoxy floors?
Before searching for the best epoxy flooring in Mississauga, you should first understand the different types of epoxy flooring, their uses and applications.
Types of epoxy floors
Before we dive into the different types of epoxy floors, let's first address the confusion between epoxy flooring and epoxy floor coating. What sets them apart is the depth – the epoxy floor is more than two millimeters thick, while any resin floor that measures less than two milliliters is called an epoxy floor coating. Even so, both floors offer the durability and slip resistance of epoxy.
Here are the different types of epoxy floors:
- Antistatic epoxy floorsFloors, also known as Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), are used to reduce ESD hazards in work environments such as electronic, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, or rooms that use flammable gases or liquids that pose a risk of combustible dust. This epoxy floor contains a conductive compound that collects static electricity and eliminates possible discharges.
- Epoxy flake floors Contains decorative flake chips that also have subtle grooves on any surface that require anti-slip properties. This type of flooring is widely used in locker rooms, sports venues, showrooms, clinics, commercial kitchens, and more. When it comes to the variety of sizes, colors, styles, and textures of epoxy flake floors, the options are endless.
- Epoxy mortar floors are made from 100 percent solid epoxies and graded or quartz sand. This type of flooring is ideal for work environments where people use chemicals frequently and perform high impact activities such as walking around the corner. B. mechanical rooms, warehouses, commercial kitchens, restaurants, garages and production facilities. Epoxy mortar flooring is also used to repair cracks before applying another type of epoxy flooring.
- Epoxy floors filled with quartz are made of high-performance epoxy polymer resin and colored quartz grains. This epoxy floor is used in spaces that require sanitary and non-slip properties, such as cafeterias, lobbies, changing rooms, offices, toilets, schools, showrooms and more.
- Self-leveling epoxy floor is a glossy and seamless epoxy floor that is applied to new, old, cracked or damaged concrete floors to create a smooth, permanent and even texture on the surface. It is available in different colors, making it ideal for industrial, commercial and residential environments.
Applications
Now that you know the different types of epoxy flooring, the next step is to learn how to apply epoxy resin. The first and most important part is preparation. Here's how to prepare your concrete floor before applying epoxy:
- To make sure it sticks to the concrete floor, it's important to clean and harden the surface, repair any major cracks and chips, and remove all of the grease.
- Check to see if any epoxy or other products have been applied beforehand. You can test for sealant by pouring a small amount of water on the floor. If it soaks, the floor is suitable for epoxy resin. However, if the water is beading on the surface and not soaked, it may not be suitable for an epoxy floor application.
- Make sure the temperature is suitable for the application. The epoxy can bubble and peel off if the surface is too hot or too cold, or if the humidity is high.
- Depending on the product you are using, you may need to apply an epoxy primer and finisher layer which will add length to the whole process. To apply the primer, moisten the floor with a thin layer of water and spread the primer in a thin layer with a roller pen. Let the primer dry for a few hours, then apply the second coat and let it dry like the first coat before applying the epoxy. Apply the finisher the same way as the primer, but remove the water in this step.
- Read and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions in making the epoxy mix. Once the product is mixed, apply it immediately as epoxy resin dries quickly.
Conclusion
The high performance, durability, ease of use, versatility, and undeniable aesthetics of epoxy make epoxy high on the list of flooring systems. Do you need an elegant entrance to a restaurant? Or an unyielding surface that can withstand industrial work? The different types of epoxy floors in Mississauga give you unlimited options in terms of design and functionality.
