For many, the concept of epoxy flooring is a bit of a mystery. You may have heard the term but can not quite put your finger on what it is. What goes into the process of installing an epoxy floor? What do they mean by epoxy? What will happen to my current floor? And most importantly, how do I find epoxy flooring near me when I’m ready to take the plunge?

The last question is simple to answer. If you are in the New York City area, then you need Manhattan Epoxy Co. Our expert staff will have your floors looking incredible so that you can enjoy them for years to come. Reach out today for a free estimate.

Before you dive into your search for “epoxy flooring near me,” it is best to start with understanding the basics. It may be useful to explain what it is not. Epoxy flooring is not paint. Epoxy flooring is not a stain. Epoxy flooring is much more.

We could go the scientific route with the definition and explain that “epoxide” refers to the cyclic atomic structure of something. When several of these combine, they create an epoxy.

For flooring purposes, this means that the mixture of a resin and a hardener gives you epoxy flooring. The two materials bond chemically, forming a molecular chain. This process is what allows the epoxy to adhere to the floor and last for a very long time.

Chemists developed a variety of epoxies that are fantastic for flooring. This variety gives you a lot of options when it comes to designing your space. Some epoxies look and behave like paint. These are excellent for areas that do not get significant foot traffic. Heavy traffic areas, like those in bars, warehouses, and hospitals, benefit from more robust epoxy floors.

Choosing the right company to install your epoxy floor is critical. The technicians must have the experience and expertise to handle the installation correctly.

As with any home improvement or commercial property upgrade, there are many options when it comes to installing an epoxy floor. While these floors can go into any sort of home or business, the same basic installation process will apply. 

And it all begins with your current situation. Will your epoxy be for new construction, or is it going to replace existing flooring? The preparation will be different for these two situations.

In new construction, the epoxy flooring is part of the initial design plan. The building process will prepare specifically for an epoxy floor. This means that the construction team will build the subfloor with epoxy in mind, and there will be no need for additional preparation. 

One thing to keep in mind with new construction, however, is the timing. Fresh concrete slabs generally need to cure for at least 30 days before anyone can install an epoxy floor. Fresh concrete releases moisture for about a month. This water would make it impossible for an epoxy coating to adhere.

With existing floors, however, your installation team has more to do before applying the resin. This situation is more common. So what does that mean? It merely means that there will be some additional steps that need to happen before the crew applies the resin mixture to the floor.

These extra steps are no problem. The process of replacing your existing flooring with epoxy flooring is tried-and-true. Many Manhattan concrete floors are approaching a hundred years of age. So the vast majority of epoxy applications are replacing existing floors.

Proper preparation is critical to a viable epoxy resin application. It’s sort of like when you need to paint your house. You can’t simply paint it as-is without taking some other steps first. You have to wash and scrape and repair any damage before applying the new house color.

Epoxy floor prep follows some similar steps. So it’s crucial that you choose a highly-qualified installation expert. You deserve a job done right, and that involves hiring someone who does the process correctly. 

People love epoxy floors for their beauty. And the first step in any beauty care regimen is to start with the foundation. For your floors, that means beginning with preparing the surface. 

Without careful preparation, the epoxy will not adhere to the floor correctly. Your installer will need to grind or shot blast the surface to get a smooth area. Diamond grinders are often the best choice for this step. 

The crew also must carefully repair any fissures or divots. Leaving damage unrepaired will almost guarantee a poor installation. Installers will address oil spills, water damage, or other issues as needed before beginning the epoxy application.

Installers also need to check for signs of excessive moisture coming up through the concrete. If you see a white powdery substance on the surface, it may be efflorescence. 

This substance occurs when water that contains salt moves through the stone or concrete surface. When the water evaporates, the salt and other minerals remain in the form of a white or gray powder. Efflorescence can indicate a leak or other moisture problem that you need to address before installing epoxy.

After preparation is complete, the next step is applying the primer. This is a protective coating that will ensure a long-lasting epoxy floor. 

Next up is the long-awaited epoxy coating. Installers must work quickly and carefully, as this is a time-sensitive part of the process. Once they mix the resin and the hardening agent, they have a certain amount of time to finish the installation before the product is too hard to use.

Typically the epoxy application involves two components. The build coats create the floor with the self-leveling epoxy and reinforce the strength of the floor. Topcoats improve the look and add design elements to the finish.

This versatile product looks fantastic in a variety of settings. From residential to commercial, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the most popular spots to use epoxy flooring.

Garages

If you are most at ease with a set of socket wrenches nearby, then you likely spend a fair amount of time in your garage. Give it an aesthetic and functional upgrade with an epoxy floor. You will enjoy a durable and stunning surface that makes it a pleasure to go out and work on your vehicle.

Basements

Turn your drab gray concrete floor into a beautiful foundation for a bonus room or other usable space. Epoxy floors help brighten a dark room with their reflective quality.

Retail Showrooms and Warehouses

Epoxy floors are excellent installations in retail spaces because they are durable and beautiful. And you can customize them to your needs and preferences. Warehouses require floors that can take a beating, and epoxy options fit the bill.

Restaurants and Bars

The inherent flexibility of epoxy floors makes them a great fit for kitchens, bars, and restaurants. This stain-resistant surface is easy to clean, so you can keep your space safe and sanitary.

Kennels

Spoiler alert: pets aren’t tidy. Kennels are an excellent place to use epoxy resin floors since they are durable and simple to clean.

When it’s time for a new floor or a stunning upgrade, Manhattan Epoxy Co is who you need. Our expert technicians work carefully and quickly to deliver a beautiful floor you’ll be proud to show off. Reach out today for your free quote, and let’s get started.