Bare concrete floors present a dull and lackluster appearance. That’s why many property owners choose to coat their garage floors with epoxy for its durability, aesthetic appeal, customizability, and water and chemical resistance. Plus, you can lay epoxy over your existing floor, eliminating the hassle and expense of removing it.
But have you ever wondered how long epoxy garage floor coatings last? If you plan to install garage epoxy floor coatings, keep reading for insight into your epoxy coating’s expected lifespan and get a few tips on how to make the most of your floor.
What Is Epoxy Floor Coating?
Epoxy coatings are comprised of an epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener that bond together when mixed to create a hard plastic-like substance that you can pour over concrete, wood, or other types of flooring.
How Long Will Garage Epoxy Floor Coatings Last?
How long your epoxy floors last will depend on several factors. Expertly installed and well-maintained epoxy garage flooring may last ten years or more. Factors that influence your floor’s lifespan include the following.
Traffic
The amount of vehicle and foot traffic your floor sees determines how much stress it handles. Expect high-traffic areas to wear out faster.
For example, epoxy floors in commercial garages with heavy traffic typically last two to three years, while properly maintained residential epoxy flooring may last up to 20 years. If you have a commercial garage with high traffic, consider an additional topcoat for added protection.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your floor in good condition and extend its lifespan. Sweep your floors daily with a broom to remove any dirt, dust, or grit that may damage the surface. You also want to mop or clean it with a mild scrubber at least once a week to maintain its shine.
In regard to spills, try to clean them up as soon as possible to minimize the risk of stubborn stains. Finally, inspect your floor for signs of damage every so often to catch problems before they get out of hand. A few quick repairs lower the risk of irreparable damage and premature replacement.
How It’s Installed
Going the DIY route may seem tempting because of the low initial cost. However, you’ll end up paying more in the long run to install epoxy yourself. Garage epoxy floor coatings sold in big box stores rarely meet the high-quality standards of products installed by professional contractors.
Achieving a strong and durable coating also requires proper preparation and quality application. Hire a seasoned professional for flawless results.
Thickness of the Coating
A thick coat of epoxy coating will last longer than a thin coat. If you apply a thin coat of epoxy over your high-traffic commercial garage floor, it will wear down faster, forcing you to recoat it sooner.
Coating contractors typically customize installations based on the need. Industrial establishments, for example, often prefer much thicker coatings than residential applications.
UV Light Exposure
It helps to note that epoxy coatings don’t fare well when exposed to UV light. Sunlight discolors and degrades epoxy. Garage floor epoxy that contends with extreme temperature fluctuations or rain may crack.
Because of this, epoxies work best as indoor coatings. For exterior applications or indoor spaces with lots of natural light, we apply UV-stable polyaspartic coatings. Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic floor coatings won’t fade or discolor due to UV exposure.
Signs You Need a New Coat
Although effective, garage epoxy floor coatings fail over time. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of a damaged coating:
- Visible cracks
- Uneven surface
- Standing water
- Peeling or bubbling
- Discoloration
Whether you need to reapply your coating after many years of use or a faulty installation, this isn’t a project you want to put off. Waiting longer will damage your floor further, costing more time and money on repairs.
Small cracks might seem harmless, but they may lead to serious issues with your flooring. These cracks may allow moisture to build up underneath the floor, leading to mold, stains, and various other issues.
Our Epoxy Floor Coating Process
Our thorough floor installation process makes a significant difference in how long your coating lasts. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Step 1: We assess your floor to determine the workload.
- Step 2: We prepare the floor using blasters and diamond grinders to ensure proper bonding.
- Step 3: We remove loose concrete and use a specialized product to fill cracks or divots.
- Step 4: We clean the floor thoroughly and then apply the base epoxy coat.
- Step 5: Next, we add a color flake broadcast and ensure you have a level coat.
- Step 6: Finally, we add a top layer to give your floor a smooth, seamless appearance.
About Epoxy Floors by Welch
At Epoxy Floors by Welch, we go above and beyond to ensure you get the most longevity out of your floor. Our team prides itself on providing top-quality epoxy floor coating solutions to residential and commercial clients throughout Kansas City and surrounding areas.
We acknowledge that every property has unique needs. Trust us to work closely with you to provide a custom flooring solution that suits your specific situation.
Garage Epoxy Floor Coatings in Kansas City
Looking for a garage flooring solution that will stand the test of time? Look no further than Epoxy Floors by Welch for the highest quality garage epoxy floor coatings. Call us at (913) 207-7196 to receive a free quote.