Epoxy in itself is made up of two main components, hardeners and resins. This is a system where the two are mixed together creating a chemical reaction that forms a rigid plastic material that is resistant, durable, and able to bond exceptionally to its substrate. Being as strong as they are, this floors are often used in some of the most demanding environments and industries.
There Are Only Two Significant Ways An Epoxy Floor Could Potentially Be Damage
1 – Standing weight
Epoxy can eventually be crushed and crack if enough weight sits on it for long enough. However, the amount of weight or pressure needs to equal that of a parked steamroller for months at a time. Anything short of that should not be an issue.
2 – Sharp impact
Epoxy may be brittle and a heavy sharp object falling on it could result in a compromised floor. This is the most common way floors get damaged. Fortunately, minor scratches can simply be buffed out. And, more serious cracks can be repaired with a patching application of epoxy.
How Long Will Epoxy Floors Last?
When it comes down to it, epoxy is one of the toughest and longest-lasting surfaces you could have for a commercial or industrial floor. Of the typical solutions used in commerce and industry, only pure concrete is tougher. But, of course, untreated concrete is porous in nature inviting microbial infestation.
Even then, it’s hard to beat epoxy coatings when it comes to durability. Lifespans are generally measured in decades, with many examples lasting 30 years or more. This results in a more cost-effective solution over time.
Much of this is due to how this floor works. When it’s properly applied, you get a single continuous smooth surface across the entire room. With no cracks or seams, this flooring doesn’t have any weak points. Weight and pressure are also always distributed evenly, so it’s difficult for the epoxy to be damaged through everyday use.
Typically, epoxy flooring lasts 2 to 3 years in heavy traffic. Commercial properties—like garages, restaurants, or factory spaces—with lots of daily foot traffic can expect this experience. However, with proper care and maintenance, your flooring may last much longer.
For residential spaces that use epoxy flooring—like patios or garages—homeowners can expect to keep their flooring looking great for even longer. Typically, residential epoxy flooring can last up to 10 years with proper care!
How to care for your epoxy floors
- Avoid using soap-based cleaners.Soap-based floor cleaners leave a haze on the epoxy flooring that builds up over time. Epoxy floors do not need soap, warm water, and a good mop or deck-scrubbing brush should be just fine. If you need extra scrubbing power use something like soft soap to aid you with the tougher spills.
- Spot Cleaning. Often you only need to vacuum or sweep a small area of the floor where something has been spilled or tracked in. The liquid that has been spilled needs to be vacuumed up along with any dirt and grime with a shop vac and then clean the area with a mop and warm water. Epoxy floors are highly water resistant and very easy to clean when liquid spills occur.
- Stains. Some stains, such as rust, need to be lightly scrubbed with a kitchen scrubbing sponge or a soft deck brush and warm water. Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemicals like comet, they are too abrasive. Use soft-scrub and a moderately abrasive scrubbing pad or brush. Don’t ever use any cleaning compounds with citrus or acid in them. Citrus cleaners and vinegar will break down the epoxy catalyst and must be avoided.
