What Are The Disadvantages Of Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring is undoubtedly the most popular choice when looking into flooring options for your home. It could be a good solution for you, but like any flooring option, it has its own disadvantages to consider when making a decision. In this blog, we'll explore some common questions about epoxy flooring and the disadvantages of using epoxy. 

What is epoxy?

Let's start with the basics. You may be very familiar with the term epoxy, or you may have never heard of it before. Epoxy itself is a coating system consisting of resin and a hardener. When mixed, it creates a chemical reaction, providing a glossy finish that lays on top of your surface.

 

How long does an epoxy floor last?

The longevity of an epoxy floor is highly dependent on multiple factors. A well-maintained epoxy floor could last you a few years. Our team has seen many failed epoxy floors from our day-to-day experiences, from improper installation to drop impact to hot tire pickup. Many homeowners require frequent maintenance on their epoxy floors.

Is epoxy a good option for floors?

We have a confession to make: We are not the biggest fans of it. Epoxy can give the illusion of a glossy and protective floor, but the drawbacks outweigh the aesthetics. If you want a stunning and equally protective floor, it's time to look elsewhere.  

What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?

 

If you have been following along so far, we have touched on some disadvantages of epoxy, but let's lay them out. 

1. Epoxy floors are not UV resistant: When UV rays from the sun hit the cured epoxy, it will turn yellow. This natural occurrence may not bother some aesthetically, but this is a sign of your floor degrading and weakening. After yellowing, epoxy floors are prone to delamination, cracking, and losing that new shiny top coat look. 
2. Epoxy floors are weather sensitive: It is natural for your concrete to expand and contract due to fluctuations in temperature. Epoxy has little flexibility, so when your concrete goes through these changes, it can cause the floor coating to crack or delaminate. 
3. Epoxy floors have a long curing time: Getting your belongings off the floor and out of the space you want to coat is already a lot of work. Finding a place to store your stuff while epoxy floors cure is another can of worms. Epoxy floors can take up to 7 days until you are allowed to use them as usual. 
4. Epoxy floors don't prevent surface scratches: If you have an epoxy floor in a high-traffic area or in a space like a garage where you might occasionally drop a heavy tool, epoxy is prone to scratch and chip over time. 
5. Epoxy floors can be slippery: Epoxy flooring typically does not have slip-resistance technology when installed. This could lead to slips and falls when the area is wet or dirty. 

Is epoxy flooring a good idea?

Epoxy flooring can be suitable for specific spaces, but it has limitations, from installation to lifelong maintenance. It would be beneficial to look at other options for high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to the weather elements. 

What flooring is better than epoxy?

At Hello Garage, our engineers tested many alternatives until we got it right. We use a 100% polyaspartic blend, a product we believe in and trust so much that we offer a lifetime warranty. 

Why is polyaspartic better than epoxy?

That is a great question, let us tell you. In comparison to epoxy, here are the benefits of polyaspartic. 

1. Polyaspartic bonds with the concrete: When our polyaspartic blend is installed on your concrete, there is a chemical reaction that happens—the polyaspartic bonds into the top layer of concrete, protecting it for the long run. 
2. Polyaspartic floors are UV resistant: Our polyaspartic blends protect against UV rays. When the sun shines, you don't have to worry about your floor coating breaking down or yellowing.
3. Polyaspartic floors are protective through all weather: When polyaspartic bonds to the concrete, it stays flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with your concrete through the changing weather. 
4. Polyaspartic floors have a short curing time: Unlike epoxy floors, polyaspartic floor installation time is very short. Installation takes about a day, and 24 hours later, you can use it like normal.
5. Polyaspartic protects against all damage: If you have ever dropped a hammer and saw a chip or crack in your floor afterward, you won't have to worry about this happening with polyaspartic flooring. It protects against all types of damage from high-traffic areas, drop-impact, and hot tire pick-up. 
6. Polyaspartic is slip-resistant and easy to clean: Just as it says, polyaspartic has a slip grip, so even if there are spills, you don't need to worry about slipping while cleaning it up. Polyaspartic floors are also effortless to clean. Just use a bit of simple green, let it sit, and wipe it up. 

If you want to learn more about polyaspartic, fill out our free estimate form and talk to a Guru today!