Epoxy flooring stands out as one of the most resilient and durable flooring options available today, boasting an impressive bending strength of over 10,000 psi. The surface can be further reinforced with coatings, making it an exceptionally robust choice for various settings, most widely used in Orange County residential garages. Let’s delve into why epoxy flooring is hailed for its durability and scratch-resistant qualities.
1. Unparalleled Durability: Epoxy flooring is a top contender in the durability arena, demonstrating resistance against scratches, breaks, stains, and chemical damage. Its ability to withstand impact makes it an ideal choice for spaces where heavy equipment is regularly utilized. Garage floors, in particular, benefit from the robust nature of epoxy, effortlessly handling the weight of vehicles and occasional tool drops.
2. Decoding Scratch-Resistance: Scratch resistance is not a binary characteristic; rather, it operates on a gradient scale across different materials. While epoxy flooring exhibits resistance to scratches, understanding the degree of resistance is crucial. The pertinent question is how much force the durable flooring can endure before showing signs of scratching. Although scratch hardness testing dates back to the 1820s, the key lies in recognizing that daily traffic will inevitably impact the epoxy floor.
3. The Science of Scratch-Resistance: Epoxy floor coatings adhere seamlessly to the surface without leaving gaps, resulting in robust and high-quality floors designed to endure the test of time. The toughness of epoxy flooring extends beyond scratch resistance; it is an ideal choice for commercial and industrial spaces in addition to your garage, withstanding constant traffic from delivery trucks, heavy machinery, forklifts, and the bustling activity of customers and workers.
a. Heavy Duty: Premium epoxy floors handle moderate foot traffic effortlessly, even with individuals in heavy work boots or shoes with studs. The resilience of these floors ensures they remain unscathed, making them perfectly durable for your garage.
b. Cars: Garage epoxy flooring is engineered to withstand the weight of medium to small-sized cars. Allowing the epoxy sufficient time to harden before driving prevents scratches or dents, making it an excellent solution for garages and parking lots.
c. Polished Shoes: While polished shoes or new leather oxfords won’t cause damage to epoxy flooring, they may leave scuff marks that require cleaning. It’s advisable to scuff-test shoes and use doormats to prevent any unwanted marks on the epoxy surface.
d. Moving Things: The weight of furniture or the impact of placing items like bookshelves or heavy tables typically doesn’t dent or scratch epoxy floors. However, sharp edges on furniture can potentially breach the sealant layer, making furniture padding advisable when moving heavy items.
e. Stroller/Bicycle: Epoxy floors can withstand contact with wheels, making them suitable for hallways where off-road vehicles like bikes, scooters, strollers, and rollerblades may traverse. Most epoxy covers for floors handle this traffic without succumbing to scratches.
Why Choose Epoxy Floors:
Now that the durability and scratch resistance of epoxy flooring under normal conditions are evident, it’s essential to explore additional advantages that may not be immediately apparent.
1. Easy Application: In contrast to other flooring options, epoxy flooring can be installed quickly and easily. The installation process is efficient, minimizing business disruption. Additionally, the lower installation costs make it a cost-effective choice compared to hardwood or timber flooring.
2. Chemical Resistance: Epoxy flooring exhibits resistance to various chemicals, solvents, and acids, making it a resilient option in environments where exposure to such substances is likely. This resistance contrasts with the vulnerability of polished concrete to chemical impacts.
3. Everyday Convenience: Epoxy flooring, with its seamless construction, keeps liquids at bay due to the absence of seams. The shiny surface not only makes cleaning easier but also prevents liquids from penetrating the floor. This advantage becomes particularly apparent when comparing epoxy floors to wood floors, as wood, even when sealed, is more susceptible to damage from everyday use.
4. Recoatable Epoxy Floors: A standout feature of epoxy floors is their ability to be recoated without the need to remove the existing layer. This flexibility in recoating sets epoxy floors apart from other flooring types, such as vinyl, wood, paint, or tile, which typically require the removal of the previous layer for refinishing.
In conclusion, epoxy flooring not only proves to be durable, reliable, and scratch-resistant but also offers additional benefits that make it a premium choice for various applications. When properly cared for, an epoxy floor maintains its pristine appearance for many years, showcasing resilience and longevity. The team at DIVERSE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIAL INC. employs a specialized coating process to ensure the correct installation of epoxy floors, further enhancing their durability and scratch-resistant properties.
