Epoxy Floors For Residential Home Garages

Epoxy flooring a popular choice for industrial buildings is also making its way into Michigan residential homes. Its durable and resistant nature is making it a desirable coat for garages and storage spaces. Oakland County garages are no longer used to just park cars. Garages are also used as storage space or can be converted to man caves office. The multi-use nature calls for a durable and yet beautiful flooring. Epoxy is a perfect candidate because it can withstand heavy use and heavy traffic as well. It is also effortless to clean and maintain. It is also used to protect the floor from oils, grease, and chemicals.

How is it different from other floor types?

Epoxy floors are different when compared to other floor types such as wood, tiles, concrete and marble. It is the most resistant of the lot, and even the installation techniques differ. Tiles, wood parquets are usually assembled at the factory, and when you buy them, you get ready-made tiles to be fixed on the floor. Epoxy floors are different because they are curated on location. If you need it installed in your garage, the polymer liquid is evenly applied to the floor and left to dry. It converts to tough durable solid when it dries. It can also be textured to make it less slippery. Unlike tiles and wooden floors that have spaces in between them, epoxy floors are seamless and impervious. Compared to tiles or hardwood floors they are very adhesive. If the surface is cleaned and prepared correctly, the epoxy will stick to the floor while it solidifies.

Another notable difference is the difficulty of application. It requires expertise and experience to be able to apply epoxy flooring. This unique type of floor demands a thorough preparation of surface and cleaning. Remove any oil or grease and ensure the surface is dry. The floor moisture’s content must also be checked before applying epoxy. The humidity must also be right unlike other floor types that can be installed at any time of the year; you may not be able to apply epoxy when their humidity levels are high. While only a single layer of tiles or concrete is required, epoxy flooring needs multiple coating to attain a beautiful and durable floor.

Resins and hardeners

Epoxy gains its strong characteristics from the two components used to make it. The two chemicals, resins and hardeners combine to form a durable, resistant and impermeable plastic-like coating. For an even stronger coat, it is recommended to use two layers, they take longer to install but will last longer than its one coat counterpart. Some people complain that epoxy is smelly, that is because of the hardeners that smell like ammonia.
Which one is ideal for your garage?

There are four different types of epoxy flooring.

Solid epoxy does not contain any solvents. They solidity very fast and should be applied quickly. They are also difficult to apply and should be handled by an expert. It is 100 % solid.
Solvent base epoxy has chemical solvents as part of its composition. They can be harmful if inhaled directly and one wear must wear protective gear when applying it to avoid respiratory ailments. Compared to solid epoxy this mixes well and adheres to the floor. It usually has a 60% solid composition.
Designer epoxy uses either marble or metallic flakes in the second layer of coating to create a stunning finish. If you are seeking a unique and beautiful epoxy coat for your garage, consider getting this designer epoxy. It may be expensive, but it’s also long-lasting, custom and highly adhesive.
Water-based epoxy does not use chemical solvents. They are water based making it a popular and safe choice for use in residential floors. It does not emit any harmful vapors. They also have a solid composition of between 50% – 60%.

If you intend to apply the epoxy yourself, then the water-based epoxy is the most suitable. It is easy to apply and does not harden as quickly as solid epoxy; you do not need to rush when applying it. They are also single coat; use a roller to apply a thin coat of epoxy to your garage. They are not as resistant or durable as the others.

Solid epoxy is the most durable and resistant. They cure to form a thick coat and are available in a variety of colors to match your taste and preferences. It is expensive but gives you value for your money. Though it is usually used on industrial floors, its long-lasting nature makes it suitable for Oakland County Michigan home garages as well.

Feel free to give Top Shelf a call for your Epoxy Floor Installation (586) 465-0867