Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings. This floor coating can help protect concrete floors, increasing their durability. Various types of epoxy floors are available, ensuring you have the ideal texture and color to match the aesthetics throughout the building. However, there are several things you should know to ensure you properly plan for this job.

1. Shut Down the Area

You’ll have to shut down the area where the epoxy floor is applied for several days, which may mean using a separate entrance for a building. Factories and other commercial buildings often have epoxy installed in sections to cover various areas and minimize disruptions. According to The Concrete Network, most epoxies require a minimum drying time of 24 hours before recoating, depending on the temperature and humidity. They have to be cured for several days before they can be walked on.

2. Know the Process

Ensuring you understand the complete process before contractors apply epoxy is best. The floor must be cleaned appropriately. Some types of flooring require etching to ensure the epoxy properly bonds to the floor. If contractors skip this step when necessary, the epoxy will slowly chip and peel up. Ask the contractors applying your epoxy for the details regarding the process to ensure you know what’s going on.

3. Provide Ample Ventilation

Epoxy can have a strong odor, and breathing in fumes is often unsafe. The area should be adequately ventilated to ensure everyone is safe. Ensure you can safely open windows and doors to help ventilate the area. Professionals will only be in the area for a specific period. However, the odor will last several days, so it’s essential to ensure the space is ventilated for days after they leave. Avoid entering the area without a mask to ensure you don’t breathe in fumes.

4. Ensure Future Maintenance

There are several types of epoxy, but every epoxy floor requires additional maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Sweeping and spot cleaning are enough to clean the floor in low-traffic areas. Scrub the floor with a mild cleanser and squeegee weekly. You should avoid using harsh brushes and cleansers that can damage your floor. Professionals can further advise you on how to maintain your new floor.

We specialize in various flooring services, including epoxy floor coating. Our professional team can tell you everything you need about the flooring process. Contact Upgrade Contractors when you’re ready to learn more.