Flooring is one of the most important aspects when doing a home remodel as it can drastically change how a home will function and its aesthetics. Epoxy flooring is a great choice for homeowners who want durability, style, and low maintenance. Epoxy is durable, seamless, can stand up to heavy traffic, is stain resistant, and will transform your garage, basement, or even interior living space into a modern, polished, and clean space. However, to achieve these benefits, the DIY approach will not cut it; a professional epoxy flooring application needs to be performed to ensure a surface that lasts and is of high quality.
This guide will explain to homeowners why hiring professional epoxy flooring experts is important, each step of a professional installation, and the benefits of working with experts.
Key Takeaways of Professional Epoxy Flooring Application
- ● Enhanced Durability: A professionally applied epoxy floor will last longer and perform well.
- ● Superior Aesthetic Appeal: Design options for customization allow experts to achieve a flawless and uniform finish.
- ● Safety and Slip Resistance: Epoxy flooring is safer when properly applied because it has more grip.
- ● Increased Home Value: Epoxy floors can be of big value and appeal to a property if professionally installed.
- ● Cost-Effective Maintenance: A good epoxy floor applied well is easy to clean and maintain over time.
1. Why Choose Epoxy Flooring for Home Remodeling?
Epoxy flooring is becoming popular among homeowners because of its durability, sleek appearance, and versatility. While other types of flooring are laid during the construction process, epoxy is a type of resin that bonds to the surface, creating a hard, solid, and durable surface. It has various color options and finishes, including metallic, matte, and high-gloss, to suit any design preference. It can also be applied on any surface, like concrete, and is especially suitable for garages, basements, and utility rooms.
This could be done yourself, but applying the epoxy comes with its own expertise. Each step, from proper surface preparation to drying times and the environment, is important. While you could do the work yourself, there is a big difference between a flawless, long-lasting surface and one that cracks or peels over time, and a professional installation can make that difference.
2. Benefits of Professional Epoxy Flooring Installation
Enhanced Durability and Longevity
Durability is one of the reasons that you should go for professional epoxy flooring. Applying epoxy correctly produces a tough, resistant surface to wear and tear, high impact, and heavy foot and vehicle traffic. The epoxy mixture is applied in the most optimal conditions as long as professionals prepare the surface adequately in order to provide maximum durability. Unfortunately, DIY applications generally fall flat in this arena, resulting in cracks, peeling, or bubbling that undermines the floor’s durability.
Flawless Aesthetic Appeal
Professionals have the tools and expertise to do the job smoothly, evenly, and visually appealingly! Because they can match the home’s look, they can be colored, patterned, and textured, and they can even make custom looks, such as marbleized or terrazzo finishes.
Achieving this level of aesthetic appeal is possible when using DIY kits, but the DIY kits generally need to be more balanced and patchy with more than professional handling and tools.
Safety Enhancements and Slip Resistance
Applied correctly, epoxy flooring can greatly enhance safety. Slip-resistant additives may be added to the floor, allowing professionals to access a less slippery floor. That’s especially true in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like a basement or garage.
However, DIY applications rarely have the same safety features as they don’t include the right additives or proper experience in mixing them.
Increased Home Value
Installing professional epoxy flooring improves the value of your home because it is durable, low maintenance, and a stylish floor that will attract potential buyers. Epoxy floors also require less maintenance than other floors and are replaced less often. Many homebuyers value professionally finished floors like epoxy ones when buying a home. This value addition is best achieved with a high-quality expert installation that will stand the test of time.
Long-Term Cost Savings and Ease of Maintenance
Unlike other types of flooring, epoxy flooring is naturally resistant to spills, stains, and dust and is very simple to clean and maintain. With stains- and moisture-resistant professional application, you have a non-porous surface that will resist stains and moisture and keep your floor looking beautiful with minimal maintenance. However, DIY jobs can end up porous or uneven, trapping dirt and needing more frequent cleaning and maintenance, which adds to higher long-term costs.
Key Steps in Professional Epoxy Flooring Application
Installing an epoxy floor successfully is done through a number of steps, and each step must be followed exactly for the best results. Here’s an overview of the process a professional team would typically follow:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
The first step is to be sure the surface is as clean and free from any dust, dirt, oil, or grease as possible. For the professionals utilize specialized equipment such as industrial grinders to rough up the concrete, allowing the epoxy to stick better. This is a crucial step because if you prepare it wrong, you will get peeling or bubbling.
Step 2: Moisture Testing and Application of Primer
It’s tested to ensure there’s no water trapped in the concrete that would affect the epoxy’s bond, and professionals conduct a moisture test. A primer is then added to the epoxy to help it stick to the concrete, increasing the final coating’s strength and durability. If you skip this step, the bond will weaken, and dentures will wear prematurely.
Step 3: Epoxy Base Coat application
The epoxy base coat is mixed to the manufacturer’s requirements and evenly applied in specific proportions. The professionals understand the correct ratio and drying times, so that a consistent layer is created. This is a skillful and time-consuming process that, if not done properly, can result in imperfections or air bubbles that can mar both the appearance and durability of the floor.
Step 4: Finishing Touches & Adding the Top Coat
After the base coat has dried, professionals apply a topcoat, sealing the surface and giving another layer of protection, and that finish can be matte, glossy, or metallic. It does this not only by adding slip resistance, but also by adding depth to the floor appearance. The floor is finally left to cure completely and can be used.
4. Common Mistakes in DIY Epoxy Flooring Application
Some homeowners attempting a DIY epoxy application could face challenges resulting in disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes made during DIY applications:
- ● Inadequate Surface Preparation: Skipping or rushing the prep work can cause the epoxy to fail.
- ● Incorrect Mixing Ratios: An uneven, patchy surface can even result from slight mistakes in mixing.
- ● Inconsistent Drying and Curing Times: DIYers without professional knowledge often rush drying times and end up with poor adhesion and finish.
- ● Lack of Proper Tools: DIY kits may come without all the tools needed for a smooth application.
The best thing you can do is find a reputable, licensed technician to make the repairs. Here are some tips for selecting the best professional for the job:
5. Choosing a Professional Epoxy Flooring Company
To choose an epoxy flooring company, choose the company with experienced contractors with a good portfolio and customer reviews. Check that they work with good materials and back their work up with warranties. You will have all your questions answered by the right professionals, be guided to choose the right design option, and have the installation catered to your specific requirements.
Conclusion: Invest in a Lasting Floor Solution with a Professional Epoxy Application
Regarding home spaces, epoxy flooring can change your home’s look while adding durability, beauty, and value. But to take advantage of epoxy, you need a pro to apply it. With experience, tools, and expertise in all the correct steps, from proper surface prep to flawless application, they guarantee a properly prepared, durable finished product that will last. Make sure such an important part of your home remodel isn’t left to chance —contact a professional epoxy flooring company to invest in an epoxy floor that will bring long-lasting value and style to your home.
Are you ready to improve your home’s floors? Experts Garage Doors stands ready to provide professional epoxy flooring solutions that will transform and elevate your space.