Trying to choose the right flooring for your business can be a little overwhelming because of all of the effective and affordable choices readily available. One such option — epoxy flooring — is one of the top choices for commercial flooring because of its many benefits. But is it right for your business? Here are a few of the benefits of commercial epoxy flooring to help you make your choice.  

PROS

Durability

One of the top reasons that business owners choose epoxy is for its durability. It protects the concrete underneath from scrapes, chips, flakes, and deterioration for about three to five years. In a business or industrial environment with heavy traffic, this can save thousands of dollars in new flooring and maintenance costs. It also lasts one to two years longer than floor paint.  

Chemical Resistance

Another major benefit to epoxy flooring, especially in industrial or manufacturing applications, is that it's non-porous and chemical-resistant. It will protect the concrete underneath from leaks or spills that can quickly cause deterioration or contamination.  

Appearance

Epoxy is applied in thick coats of chemical resin that dry into a shiny protective coating. The final glossy and slick appearance is often desirable in professional settings because it looks cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing than bare concrete. That's often an important quality in a professional workspace.

Cost-Effective

Additionally, along with its durability, protective properties, and slick appearance, epoxy flooring is quite cost-effective, at between $4 and $6 per square foot.

CONS

Maintenance

One of the major drawbacks of epoxy is that once it's been applied, it requires maintenance in order to maintain its protective qualities and aesthetics. Fortunately, as mentioned, that's only about every three to five years.  

Less Traction

Because of epoxy's slick final texture, it's not the most suitable flooring for businesses where water or liquids are constantly present because it can produce a slippery surface.  

Time-Consuming Installation

The installation of epoxy requires time-consuming preparation of the concrete underneath in order for it to properly bond to the epoxy. First, the concrete must be completely free of oil, grease, or other substances. Any existing cracks must be sanded, cleaned, and filled. All this must take place in several steps before the epoxy can be applied. Finally, once the floor is cleaned and the epoxy is applied, it requires several days to dry, and it creates strong fumes during the drying process, so there must be adequate ventilation.

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