Many of us who grew up with unfinished basements likely only recall concrete flooring. The same holds true for the floors of the garage. To this day, those two spaces of the home often remain as the builder left them, and in some instances, that is fine. Unfortunately, both areas can fall victim to cracks and leaks, damaging your home’s foundation if left unchecked over time. What if there was a simple solution that could serve as a “force field” of sorts to protect your concrete flooring in these two key areas of your home? There is! It’s called Epoxy Flooring. The experts at H2O Proof & Foundation Repair address four questions we often receive about one of our most popular service offerings.
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy is a heavy-duty polymer coating that is often applied as a liquid, bonds to surfaces, and hardens as it dries to repair and protect concrete flooring in both residential and commercial spaces. It usually involves the combination of two different chemicals that are short-chain polymers of epoxides to create a resin, plus the addition of a curative. The durability of epoxy flooring is credited to this chemical bond. Epoxy flooring was first introduced to the commercial market in 1946 but has recently experienced skyrocketing popularity in the residential market. When applied by a skilled professional, epoxy flooring can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years.
What Are the Benefits of Epoxy Flooring?
When applied over dull, gray concrete, epoxy flooring can elevate the appearance of any space where it is applied. It can come in a variety of colors and often boasts a sheen for a clean, crisp look. Texture can be added to create a non-slip surface. It is most commonly known for its durability – so it not only looks great but is also highly functional. When professionally applied, it can render your floors impact, water, and chemical-resistant. At H2O Proof & Foundation Repair, we’ve found that – beyond its aesthetic and functional benefits – our clients love epoxy flooring for its affordability. It’s a cost-effective solution to improving the look of an unfinished space that will help guard against potential future issues, and we offer budget-friendly financing solutions that work for you.
Where Can I Use Epoxy Flooring?
When epoxy flooring first hit the market in the mid-1940s, it was primarily used for commercial applications, including manufacturing, educational, healthcare, food service, and sporting facilities, among others. As it has gained popularity on the residential front, the two most popular spaces to find epoxy flooring in homes are the garage and basement. Epoxy flooring in the garage can protect your floors against oil spills and – if you use a portion of the garage as a workshop – can protect against other chemicals, some heavy objects, and high foot traffic. Epoxy flooring in the basement can offer a layer of protection against cracks and water damage. Two of the things H2O clients love most about their epoxy floors – beyond their affordability – are that they are low maintenance and easy to clean. In the garage, you can just hose it off and let it dry naturally, whereas, in the basement, a bucket and a mop will do the trick. We are starting to see an interest in using it outside, particularly on covered patios that serve as outdoor living spaces.
Why is it Important to Have Epoxy Flooring Professionally Applied?
Just because epoxy coatings are available at big box home improvement stores doesn’t mean you should list them among your weekend warrior DIY projects. It’s vital to ensure that the space where the epoxy will be applied is appropriately prepped, that the epoxy is layered evenly, that humidity won’t be an issue – leading to unwanted warping, and that it is cured properly. Because chemicals are involved, there is an odor associated with it that some people may be sensitive to during application. Its adhesive qualities also mean you’ll need to work quickly. As with most home improvement projects, you get what you pay for; this is one instance where it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience to our credit, not only can H2O Proof & Foundation Repair ensure that it’s applied correctly, but we also open the door to a wide variety of colors and sheens that can help beautify the space. Best of all, we also offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY on repairs. In the event your epoxy flooring fails in any way, we’ll work with you to correct the matter.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and no-obligation epoxy flooring consultation! The experts at H2O Proof & Foundation Repair can be reached at 678-426-8618, info@h2o-proof.net, or via our online contact form. We look forward to working with you to enhance the look and durability of your garage or basement flooring!