All you need to know about Epoxy Flooring systems

15-December-23

Floor coatings are quickly becoming the new norm in several industries with many governing bodies making it a mandate to have Epoxy Flooring systems due to its beneficial properties. Floor coating systems are highly customisable and application specific, which is why it is important to get professional help before going forward with any decision with regards to it.

Here are some of the benefits of floor coatings,

• Increased durability
• Easy to clean
• Gives longer life to floors
• Aesthetic look
• Easy to remove dirt and dust
• Harder than RCC Concrete
• Good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance
• Good anti-fungal / anti-bacterial properties

Chemistry

Epoxy floor coating systems are based on cross-linking polymerisation reactions. Epoxy resins, composed of highly reactive epoxides, are mixed with suitable hardeners to induce this cross linking of polymers, producing a highly resistant, durable and long-lasting coating.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with applying epoxy flooring systems. As mentioned earlier, the cross linking of polymers is induced by mixing the components. This process can be hampered by moisture, humidity, rains or other such atmospheric conditions.

Furthermore, there are several other issues with regards, to adhesion problems between inter-coats that could completely ruin the entire epoxy floor coating. This could be because of low bonding between the primer, screed and topcoat or due to inadequate surface preparation / poor application methods. Some coatings, due to their poor quality tend to blister or peel off over time, while others simply don’t withstand the high mechanical movement epoxy floors are supposed to endure.

It is thus highly recommended to leave the process in the hands of experienced professionals to apply the coatings and solve any issues, if they arise. Not following the correct procedures or by using products of poor quality, could lead to the entire floor getting damaged, requiring an entire reworking of the floor.

How to choose the perfect product

As mentioned earlier, floor coatings are highly customisable and application specific. Click here to see which product would suit your needs the most. It is, still however, recommended to seek professional help before you decide which system to go for at the end.