Epoxies

Q: What are Epoxies?

A: Epoxy systems contain two components, resins and hardeners, which get mixed together creating a chemical reaction that converts them from liquid to solid. A two-part epoxy based polymer system is mechanically strong, chemically resistant to degradation of the chemical elements in the solid form and highly adhesive during conversion from liquid to solid. When these two components are mixed together they will react chemically and link together irreversibly forming a rigid plastic like material.

Q: What are Urethanes?

A: Somewhat similar to epoxies but more durable, has excellent gloss and color retention and has UV resistance. Many epoxies tend to yellow in direct sunlight over time. A top coat of Urethane prevents this yellowing. Urethanes also have superior resistance to engine fluids, acids and alkalies.

Q: What are VOC’s and should I be concerned about them?

A: Volatile Organic Compounds and yes you should be at least aware of what they are. They are gases that are emitted from certain materials like paints and sealers that do pose a health risk if exposed for a certain length of time. They generally come from solvents that act as carriers for the actual material you are putting down such as an epoxy. The carrier flash dries off and leaves behind the epoxy. However, the epoxies we use are almost always 100% solids, so the level of solvents is so low it’s not an issue. You can work all day inside with 100% solids epoxies without a problem.

Q: How do I know what floor system is best for my needs?

A: The flooring system you require depends on the environment you are dealing with and the performance features you desire. An epoxy may not be the best floor system for you! But we are there to advise you on what is according to your needs and budget. We also install urethanes, polyaspartics and acrylics.

Q: Will I have to shut down my operation for the installation?

A: A common concern when buying a new floor involves the disruption of your normal operations. Epoxies do need a couple of days to cure completely. You can walk on the floors the next day but may need to wait a couple of days before you can move furniture back on it. We do our very best to work with your schedule so you won’t have to be inconvenienced. We can schedule your installation during shutdown periods, nights or weekends! No fixed equipment needs to be removed. We also install other flooring systems that are a hybrid type of epoxy called polyaspartics that are specifically designed to be quick curing, enabling you to be back in operation with minimal down time.

Q: How safe are the products?

A: We exclusively use high solid systems, which means toxic or flammable fumes won't be a problem during the mixing and installation process. Our installers are certified and strictly adhere to all safety procedures. In addition, all products come with explicit instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets and clearly labeled packaging. Safety does not have to be substituted for quality.

Q: What type of maintenance should I expect to perform?

A: With epoxy floors cleaning couldn’t be easier. A simple mopping with water and I tiny bit of ammonia cleans the floors great. On larger areas we recommend an auto-scrubber. We also recommend an easily applied floor wax be applied as a protective coating periodically.

Q: Why wouldn’t I just install a big box store epoxy product?

A: A professionally installed epoxy floor by a certified installer will give you a high quality and beautiful floor which will last. The most important part of any concrete surface application is surface preparation. We use top quality planetary and hand-held diamond grinding equipment and shot-blasters to properly profile the floors. We also use only commercial/industrial grade epoxy products which are guaranteed and proven over thousands of square feet of concrete. Big box store generally sell low solid epoxies which are not as strong. Comparing a store bought epoxy vs. a commercial grade; professionally installed floor is like comparing a Pickup to a Peterbuilt…

Q: Are epoxy floors slippery?

A: Yes and no. We’d be lying if we just said no. However, in areas where traction is a concern or there is a likelihood of water, oil or other spills there are a lot of options to solve this problem. We add a variety of different slip resistant additive to the different coats of the floor system which make the floors more skid resistant. And waxing the floors helps also. Texturing a resurfaced floor adds plenty of traction and slip resistance as does installing a double broadcast system.

Q: How dry do the floors have to be to put Epoxy down?

A: All concrete floors not poured over a proper moisture barrier, are subject to possible moisture vapor transmission or hydrostatic pressure problems which can cause a coating system to blister or fail. Before applying a coating system over a concrete floor which is on-grade or below grade, the customer would be informed of this potential problem and given the option to have a qualified moisture testing company perform calcium chloride test to give the proper recommendations.

Q: What if we do have moisture in our floors?

A: Usually we can control or mitigate the amount of moisture that comes through the floors to an acceptable level so that it can be sealed without worrying about it blistering or blushing.