Epoxy floors are a durable and visually appealing solution for high-traffic spaces. They’re also resistant to chemicals, acids and oils, making them a safe choice in environments where spills are commonplace.
However, not all epoxies are created equal. It’s important to understand what makes an epoxy coating great so you can choose the right one for your floor.
1. Experience
Professional flooring contractors have years of experience and are trained to follow industry best practices. This means they are able to provide a high-quality epoxy floor that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear and last for many years. This also means they can prevent costly mistakes during installation, such as a simple rookie mistake that can destroy an entire floor.
A professional contractor can also help you determine what type of epoxy coating will best meet your needs. They will ask you what the floor is going to be used for and any specific hazards it will need to withstand, such as heavy machinery traffic, chemical spills, or extreme heat or cold. This will allow them to recommend the right type of epoxy and any necessary additives.
Additionally, an experienced contractor will be able to tell you how long the project will take and what to expect during the process. They will be able to work around any obstacles, such as the need for the area to remain open during flooring application or a tight deadline. They will also be able to spot any potential problems early on and work them into their estimate, saving you the cost of unexpected delays and expenses.
Additionally, ask the contractor if they own their own equipment or rent it. Companies that own their own equipment show that they are serious about their business and have the financial stability to purchase newer, better equipment. This also means that they will be able to complete your project faster and with less disruption to your home or business.
2. Certifications
A professional epoxy flooring company should provide a highly-curated portfolio highlighting past projects alongside corresponding testimonials. This allows you to assess their unparalleled expertise, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to delivering flawless work quality. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to confirm that their finished products align seamlessly with your unique needs and aesthetic preferences.
Additionally, reputable contractors should be certified with the International Suppliers Network and Avetta. These credentials show that they have complied with the required safety measures, ensuring the health and wellbeing of their employees.
If you’re unsure of whether a contractor is qualified, you can request proof of insurance and their general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This will protect you against any damages caused during the project, allowing you to make an informed decision.
It’s important to select a contractor that is insured and licensed as this ensures that they are competent and reliable. You should also ask them to give you a detailed timeline for the project. This will help you understand how long each step takes and how it affects the overall completion of the project. A good contractor will be able to discuss any issues that may delay the project and offer a solution to avoid delays. This will help minimize disruptions to your business, ensuring that the job is completed on time and in a timely manner.
3. Reputation
A reliable epoxy floor installer should have a solid reputation in the community. This reputation is a good indication that they are dedicated to providing high-quality floors and have the expertise needed for each installation. It also indicates that they have the right tools to get the job done correctly. For example, they should have the equipment to open concrete pores to just the right depth so that the primer soaks in and adheres properly.
The right epoxy flooring can enhance the look of any commercial property or industrial facility. Its durability makes it ideal for areas with heavy machinery and traffic. It is also water-resistant and can handle chemical spills. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for facilities that are subject to environmental regulations because the resins used in the floor are safe for food and beverage production and distribution.
Unlike DIY kits that you can purchase from home improvement stores, professionally installed epoxy floors require little downtime. With proper surface preparation, the floors can be ready for business in 24-hours. Additionally, the epoxy will be fully resistant to chemicals in 5-7 days. These benefits can significantly reduce your facility’s downtime and save you money. This is important because downtime can affect your ability to meet customer demand, which can lead to a loss of revenue. By choosing a reputable epoxy floor contractor, you can rest assured that your floors will last for years to come.
4. Insurance
When a company is licensed and insured, it means they have the proper liability coverage to protect you in the event of an accident or damage to your property. This also protects the contractor if an injury or property damage occurs during the project.
A reputable flooring specialist will carry the insurance required by law for working on your project. This includes general and workers’ compensation insurance, along with commercial auto and professional liability insurance. In addition, the company should have a business owner’s policy (BOP), which is an affordable option that provides liability, property and often business interruption coverage as well.
An epoxy floor coating is renowned for its ability to withstand heavy machinery, equipment and traffic, as well as abrasion and chemical spills. In addition to being durable, a properly installed floor can be visually appealing with a wide range of color options and metallic additives like flakes and chips. It’s a cost-effective way to beautify a facility or create an industrial workspace that’s easy to maintain and clean.
During the installation process, a professional will use state-of-the-art materials and tools to ensure a quality result. This will include surface preparation to remove any contaminants that could impact the adhesion of the coating. This step is crucial, and can involve media blasting, diamond grinding, jack hammers and de-greasing. It’s also the time to address any structural issues that need to be addressed, such as cracks or spalling.
5. Warranty
A reputable epoxy flooring company will offer a warranty for their services. This is a great way to ensure that you are getting quality work and that the floor will last for years to come. In addition, a warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that if there are any issues with the installation, you will be covered.
A professional will also have the knowledge and experience to properly prepare your floor for coating. They will use a variety of tools and techniques to open up concrete pores to the proper depth for maximum adhesion. This is an important step that many DIY kits skip. They will also repair cracks and other surface damage to make sure that your floors are safe and secure.
Epoxy coatings are non-porous and do not trap dirt like carpet does. This makes them hygienic and easy to clean. This is particularly important for areas such as commercial kitchens and industrial facilities where harmful germs are commonly found. In addition, they can be formulated to include slip-resistant additives or antimicrobial properties to further enhance their sanitary characteristics.
Additionally, epoxy floor coatings can be designed to create a beautiful aesthetic. They can be formulated with metallic additives, chips, or flakes to create a visually appealing design. They can even be customized with company logos or in-laid graphics to further enhance the look of your business.
6. Website
Professional epoxy floor contractors have websites that detail their services and show off the work they do. They also offer a contact form that lets you get in touch with the company. This gives you a good idea of whether the flooring company is legitimate and can handle your project properly.
A quality epoxy floor coating is an incredibly tough, durable surface that can withstand heavy machinery and other equipment. It is also visually appealing and can be customized with a variety of colors, finishes, and additives such as non-slip or reflective elements. In addition, the floors are easy to clean and provide a sanitary and safe environment.
To ensure a seamless, secure, and even finish for your new epoxy floor, a reputable flooring contractor will perform extensive surface preparation on the existing concrete. This process involves diamond-grinding or shot-blasting the concrete, leaving behind little grooves that will create a texture for the resinous epoxy to bond with and adhere to. The textured surface also allows the flooring company to correct imperfections on the surface during installation, such as cracks or chips in the concrete.
In addition, a flooring company with experience installing epoxy floors will use environmentally friendly products during the project. This includes using water-based epoxies instead of solvent-based epoxies, which reduces harmful chemical emissions during the installation. They may also be able to reuse some of the materials used during the process, further reducing the environmental impact of their work.
