6 Signs You Need to Hire an Epoxy Floor Installer ASAP
Installing epoxy is a serious job that requires extensive preparation and suitable materials. A professional flooring contractor can help you install your floor promptly and correctly. Moisture must be removed before applying the epoxy; only an expert can do this properly. They can also advise you on the best type of coating for your specific needs.
Cracks or Crease
Epoxy has extremely high compressive strength, but it’s brittle and can crack, particularly in areas where the movement of the concrete floor or self-leveling screed is occurring. Ideally, these cracks should be chased with a diamond blade and filled with specialist strong epoxy crack repair resin before the coating is applied. To their customers ‘ regret, many epoxy contractors skip this critical prep step. The concrete surface must be slightly rough for the epoxy to adhere, so etching is required before applying an epoxy flooring system. A professional epoxy floor installer will apply an even coating and sealant with industrial equipment. It will prevent a mess and ensure the finished product is smooth. It’s also an opportunity to add a cove base to the floor, creating a seamless transition between wall and floor that is easier to clean and sanitize.
Deterioration
Epoxy is tricky to work with and must be applied correctly to function properly. Even experienced contractors may sometimes encounter issues such as discoloration or blistering in their flooring projects. However, a professional should be able to solve these problems quickly and effectively. The concrete floor must be clean and free from cracks, debris, stains, skid marks, and other coatings before applying epoxy. A professional will prep the surface by sanding or shot blasting to ensure the epoxy adheres to the substrate. It would help if you also chose a high-quality, commercial, or industrial-grade epoxy. Low-cost epoxies often need more durability and wear resistance for an industrial or commercial floor. They may yellow, fade, and wear out more quickly than a proper aliphatic epoxy with a urethane topcoat.
Water Damage
When properly installed epoxy, water can roll off the floor without leaving marks or stains. If your epoxy is damaged by water, you must hire a flooring contractor to repair it ASAP. Water damage can happen to your epoxy floor for several reasons. It can be due to a rushed application, high humidity levels, or excess moisture in the concrete slab. A professional flooring contractor will wash and etch the concrete before applying an epoxy coat to prevent water damage. It will ensure the epoxy can bond directly to the concrete and minimize bubbles and blistering. They will also use a moisture barrier to reduce the chance of condensation. It will help protect your floor from water damage and mold.
Damage to the Substrate
Concrete floors become extremely durable surfaces when epoxy is applied. However, the substrate underneath must withstand the weight and pressure of an epoxy floor to work correctly. If the substrate is damaged, it can lead to various problems, from blistering to peeling. The epoxy could also crack or indent if the underlying material weakens. Moisture trapped beneath the epoxy can cause similar problems, so testing for moisture before applying the resin is essential. The lifespan of your epoxy floors can be increased with proper cleaning and upkeep. It’s recommended to sweep and vacuum frequently to remove leaves, grass clippings, dust, dirt, and debris. In addition, using only cleaning products safe for epoxy is essential.
Bubbles
Tiny bubbles in the epoxy are a natural occurrence that results from air or gasses escaping from the concrete slab underneath the epoxy. These bubbles can be repaired by grinding the affected area, opening it up, and adding a fresh coat of epoxy.
Discoloration
While a color change in your epoxy flooring isn’t necessarily a sign of a problem, it is essential to discuss it with an expert as soon as possible. A professional will know how to fix the discoloration without damaging the resin or concrete.
