Epoxy covering is an excellent choice if you need to cover up damage; thus, many commercial work environments opt for epoxy. If you want to improve the look and texture of a concrete surface, stain it to look like natural stone, and achieve a solid, long-lasting color.
Affordability. Applying an epoxy floor coating will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot, which is quite affordable than the $5- $12 price tag that a high-end concrete staining will cost you.
While epoxy covers concrete, a stain simply changes its appearance. Staining is best when you want to give your concrete a new look, but preserve its natural appearance. Keep in mind there may be more maintenance involved with concrete staining, as the surface is still porous.
It all depends on what color and look you are going for. It is also important to note what the basement will be used for. If you are a hobby mechanic and the floor may be prone to chemical spills, an epoxy will offer a slightly more durable surface when compared to staining.
The longevity of an epoxy floor system will vary based on thickness, use and maintenance. Typically, epoxy floors last between 10 and 20 years; much longer than a painted concrete floor, which will chip and wear quickly in high-traffic areas.
Epoxy does not do well in cold weather or in very hot weather. Indeed, the complex application process of epoxy requires temperature conditions below 32 degrees. Using epoxy for your garage flooring is not a good idea if you live in a climate consisting of different seasons.
You will find that in most cases, it is possible, but you have to remember that the concrete should be well-prepared to ensure that the coating will adhere properly.
An epoxy garage floor can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot. That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and inexpensive upgrade.
Yes, epoxy flooring increases home value by enhancing its aesthetic appeal, customizability, durability, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and eco-friendliness, making it an attractive upgrade.
Depending on the type of chemical, your epoxy floor may become yellowed or turn other colors. Allowed UV exposure: Sunlight or UV light causes the resin to darken, even if it's already set. You may notice a pattern or shades of discoloration, depending on how often sunlight shines onto the resin.
White epoxy coatings are the most prone to yellowing, followed by light grey. If yellowing is a concern, opt for colours with a black base such as dark greys and charcoals. Earthy tones are the least likely to discolour, as brown shades are essentially pre-yellowed.
Cons of Outdoor Concrete Staining
Transparent: The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. DIY is not easy: Staining concrete is the not the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior. Using a professional contractor ensure best results.
An attractive and expertly finished garage floor can greatly improve the aesthetics of your home's interior and add to the overall appeal. It not only increases the functionality of your property but also maximizes the resale value when you decide to sell your home someday down the road.
Oil, car chemicals and other chemicals.
Even engine oil has chemicals that could be potentially hazardous to an epoxy floor. Clean up spilled gas immediately, because it will damage the surface of an epoxy floor if allowed to sit for too long.
Highly Durable
In a high-traffic industrial setting like a factory, an epoxy floor might last two or three years. But in a residential basement, the lifespan expands to 10 to 20 years. With proper maintenance, it can easily last longer.
Even though epoxy flooring is popular for being durable and long-lasting, it will crack if there is a foundation shift in your home because it is not flexible. Similarly, your epoxy flooring may chip if it is applied to weak concrete that contains cracks.
For residential spaces that use epoxy flooring—like patios or garages—homeowners can expect to keep their epoxy flooring looking great for even longer. Typically, residential epoxy flooring can last up to 10 years with proper care!
Does epoxy flooring scratch easily? Epoxy flooring doesn't scratch easily due to it being a hard resin coating, however like any surface if something sharp enough scratches the surface, scratches may appear.
Uneven concrete — epoxy spreads in a fluidic state. If applied to uneven concrete, it could pool in dips or depressions. Epoxy is for coating concrete — not leveling it out! It's important to treat the concrete floor first, making sure that it is as level as possible.
If the cement absorbs the water, then the concrete floor is not sealed and it is safe to apply the epoxy coating. On the other hand, if the water is not absorbed and it stays on top of the floor, then the floor is treated with a sealer and you cannot use an epoxy or any kind of paint for that matter.
Prepping for Coating
Remove any previous flooring, like vinyl, carpet, tile, and more, in order to expose the concrete which the epoxy will be painted on to. Clean the concrete surface using a scraper or shovel to remove any debris or carpet glue. Vacuum the floor.