Can You Install Epoxy in a Condo Garage Floor in Winter?
When you manage a condo complex or a multi-unit property in New Jersey, maintaining shared
Whether you just installed your new epoxy floor or you have had your durable flooring for years, it’s important to take care of it regardless of the season. Epoxy floors have different considerations and cleaning needs than traditional flooring like wood or tile, so knowing how to take care of yours can help safeguard your investment for years to come.
As you come inside to seek refuge from the winter chill, take some time to maintain and care for your epoxy floors to give them the lifespan that they deserve.
Let’s explore some great tips for how to maintain your epoxy flooring in winter below!
The winters can be brutal here, bringing rain, sleet, snow, ice and unpleasant weather conditions for months on end. The good news is that epoxy floor coatings are incredibly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear no matter the time of year. They are moisture-resistant, meaning that they don’t absorb water or other liquids like other flooring materials do.
They also hold up well in subzero and freezing temperatures. Since water cannot infiltrate the resin once it is cured, it can’t buckle or crack. That being said, installing epoxy in the winter seasons takes a bit more preparation and consideration. The cold temperatures can make the epoxy compound slower to pour, which can make installation more complicated. The cold concrete below can also make it harder for the compound to adhere, which can result in premature cracks and peeling.
The cold temperatures can also extend the curing time once the resin is installed, which can be frustrating if you don’t have very much flexibility when it comes to your timeline and using your space.
That being said, once the epoxy is installed and cured, it will become a reliable flooring solution for your home or business as the seasons change.
Just like any other flooring solution in your home, epoxy needs general cleaning and maintenance to continue performing at its best. At the core of your epoxy floor cleaning routine should be regular sweeping!
This task is even more important if your flooring is in a high-traffic area like your mudroom or garage. As your family and pets carry in dust, dirt, snow, and ice, it can quickly build up on your floors. While epoxy floors are incredibly durable, they can become scratched if debris builds up and your family continues to walk on them and scrape it along the floor.
Simply grab a soft-bristled broom or brush and sweep the debris up at least once a week to remove everything that has the potential to scratch your floor.
Spills and accidents happen, that’s just a fact of life. While you might not think it is a big deal to leave a spilled juice box or a tipped can of paint for a while, you would be wrong. While it is true that epoxy floors don’t absorb moisture, it doesn’t mean that they can’t suffer from unsightly stains if the substance is potent enough.
Chemicals and substances that are known to stain epoxy floors include:
These substances, among other abrasive liquids, often found in garage spaces, can wreak havoc on your epoxy floor if left to dry for a significant period of time. Once the stain has occurred, it will either need to be scrubbed carefully or sanded down and re-coated to fix the problem.
If you do spill any sort of chemical or substance on your epoxy floor, grab some gloves and some towels to clean it up completely. Gently wash the area with some soap and water as well for an added level of protection.
One of the biggest benefits of epoxy floors is that they are incredibly durable. That being said, epoxy resin is not invincible and can suffer wear and tear when exposed to the wrong tools.
When you are cleaning, avoid using abrasive tools like hard-bristled brooms and metal shovels. These heavy-duty tools can lead to serious scratches that can compromise the surface of your flooring.
Winter brings about many different weather considerations, including ice. While it is important that you put down de-icing chemicals on your front walkway and driveway, those chemicals will easily adhere to your shoes and can be tracked into your home and onto your floors.
Once there, the salt particles can become scratch hazards and their abrasive chemical composition can slowly degrade the surface of the epoxy. One easy way to control salt exposure during the winter season is to lay down protective mats over high-traffic areas.
Do your best to only walk on the protected areas and take off your shoes before walking around on your epoxy floors for the best outcome during the winter months.
Finally, the best way to keep your epoxy floors shining brightly is to mop and dry them regularly. This task should ideally be done once a week, or at least two times a month. Traditional mopping with a mop and a detergent solution will remove all of the dirt and grime from your floors. This will not only help them look brand new, but it will also reduce the risk of premature damage and aging.
Just be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and only use a gentle solution of water and mild detergent and set out a fan to help dry your floors completely.
Stay on top of your epoxy floor maintenance! If you are in the market for an epoxy flooring upgrade, contact the talented team at Jersey Epoxy today at (877) 376-9965 to schedule a free flooring evaluation.
Meta Description: Do you have epoxy floors and wonder, “How do you maintain your epoxy flooring?” This guide offers great tips for your epoxy floor maintenance.
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