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
Epoxy is one of the most popular flooring materials for high traffic areas, and for good reason. It is incredibly durable, has a long lifespan and is resistant to chipping and scrapes.
However, that doesn’t mean that epoxy flooring is a simple and easy DIY project that you can tackle in an afternoon! Having a professional install your new epoxy floor can help you avoid making some of the most common mistakes during a typical installation.
Let’s break down the top six epoxy flooring mistakes below so you can better understand why a professional installation is necessary.
Epoxy is a resin that is poured onto a floor surface. In order for that resin to solidify and adhere to the subflooring underneath, the original flooring needs to be ready to accept the resin.
One of the most important steps during an epoxy flooring installation is the floor preparation. The floor must be clean and dry without any sort of oil, grease, or dust on the surface.
Failure to clean the floor appropriately will cause your epoxy to dry unevenly, which can lead to bubbling or peeling. It can even cause your entire floor to not adhere properly. This will ultimately result in a shorter lifespan for your flooring.
To avoid this, enlist the help of a professional epoxy flooring contractor to ensure that the entire subfloor is spotless and ready to accept the resin.
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to epoxy flooring is the cure time. Epoxy resin has a longer cure time compared to other compound-based flooring, which is what gives epoxy its durability and longevity.
However, this cure time is essential to making sure your epoxy is setting up correctly and drying the way it needs to. Utilizing the new surface before it hardens completely can result in a soft or sticky floor. This eventually leads to improper bonding and premature degradation.
Even if the cure time is followed, it is important to consider external factors before walking on or using your epoxy flooring. Heat and humidity can extend cure time and can slow down the hardening process, so use caution during the summer months.
Epoxy is a spreadable compound, but that doesn’t mean you can use just any brush or roller from the store to apply it. Specific rollers, brushes and spreaders are designed just for epoxy installation to minimize the risk of leaving behind streaks, brush hairs and unsightly marks.
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to tool selection is using a wooden stick to mix the epoxy. Wooden sticks or paint sticks can break apart during the mixing process and can even introduce impurities into the compound. This can result in a less-than-professional finish.
Opt for metal spatulas and application tools designed just for resin-based projects.
Like any home project worth your time and money, you want to make sure you are taking the proper time to apply the epoxy the right way. Rushing the process and not slowing down to make sure it is applied evenly can lead to uneven coverage and air bubbles.
Slowing down and taking the time to check each area as you go can help cut down on any imperfections, giving you the finish you are looking for.
Even though epoxy is a very safe flooring material once it is dry, it is still a chemical compound when it is wet and during the entire application process. Failing to wear the proper PPE during the installation can result in skin irritation, eye damage and even respiratory issues.
You should be wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth as well as gloves and a long sleeved shirt. You should also have a pair of goggles on to protect your eyes. Safety is key whenever you are working on a home project, but especially when you are working with chemicals.
While it may seem simple to apply epoxy to your floors and just wait for it to dry, doing the project on your own can result in serious consequences. Trapped air bubbles, peeling resin, marks, and uneven floors can make your floors look worse than they did before you even started! It can also cause you more money in the long run if you have to redo your floors or tend to repairs prematurely.
Leaving your epoxy flooring installation to the professionals is the best way to achieve a flawless finish with the durability you deserve. Flooring contractors have the specialized tools and equipment to ensure a smooth application, and they fully understand the factors that go into curing time so your project is done properly and they prioritize safety to keep everyone protected under your roof.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to epoxy, but that also means there is a wide range of things that can go wrong during installation if you aren’t careful. Let the talented team at Jersey Epoxy handle your epoxy flooring installation this season!
Epoxy flooring is a great choice for:
Jersey Epoxy will follow all safety guidelines and will tackle your epoxy job with the professionalism that you deserve.
Ready to upgrade your current floor with durable epoxy? Call Jersey Epoxy today at (877) 376-9965 to get started.
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