Epoxy floors are tough, resilient, beautiful, and very durable. They add both monetary and aesthetic value to a home. That is why they’re a favorite floor type among homeowners because they can withstand high car and foot traffic, as well as heavy weight.
Depending on the type of epoxy used, the installation prep, how the epoxy was applied, and how well the epoxy floor is maintained, these factors have a significant impact on how long your floor will last.
Oftentimes, DIY floors do not last as long as a professionally installed epoxy floor. This article will cover many other factors that contribute to having years of enjoyment out of your new epoxy floor.
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How long will my epoxy floor last?
The life of an epoxy floor depends on these primary factors:
Was the epoxy floor done by a professional or DIY? Professional installers have access to high-quality materials with better and stronger formulations. The epoxy stuff bought out of big box retailers is lower grated and increases risks of peeling, bubbling, and delamination. Pro installers know what to look out for regarding making sure your existing floor is ready for an epoxy overlay.
Is the epoxy floor well-maintained? Cleaning up chemical, grease, oil, and liquid spills as they happen, along with regular sweeping to remove dust and debris, will help keep your epoxy floors looking vibrant. Of most flooring applications, epoxy floors are some of the easiest to maintain and keep clean.
How heavy is the traffic and weight impact? If your epoxy floors undergo very heavy traffic and repeated shifting of heavy objects, in most cases, wear and tear will begin to show sooner than standard floor traffic. But, not to worry, talk with a professional epoxy floor installer, and they will make recommendations for making your epoxy floor look like new again.
Overall, epoxy flooring applications are hardy and pretty easy to maintain. As long as you follow some basic ground rules below, your garage epoxy floor can last for many years - 10 years or more!
How to remove dirt and grit right away
Moving machinery or vehicles can leave dirt and grime on the floor. Cleaning regularly will keep your floor free of abrasive elements that can begin to dull the floor’s shine as a result of micro-abrasions.
One of the best benefits of epoxy flooring is that it doesn’t require hours of deep cleaning. Simply cleaning with pure dish soap, and warm water and wiping the floor dry with a microfiber towel will leave the floor looking as good as new.
The Power of Ammonia
One of the best ways to keep epoxy floors clean is using 2 to 3 ounces of ammonia to a gallon of warm water. Using a microfiber mop and drying towel, simply mop the floor and wipe it dry for that lustrous look. Can you use ammonia-based Windex? Yes! But, be sure to use a 1:3 ratio of Windex to water.
When dealing with stubborn stains like paint and rust, you can use a soft scrub cleaning product like a kitchen sponge with a light brushing motion until the stain has been removed. Never barrel down on a stain with force - you can risk scratching in the floor coat.
Under no circumstances do you ever use harsh household chemical cleaners, vinegar products, or any products containing citrus. The acids within these products will eat away the top coat leaving your floor blotchy and dull.
Cleaners You Should Avoid for Your Epoxy Garage Floor
Citrus cleaners
Vinegar
Straight ammonia or bleach
Abrasive compound cleaners like Comet
Steel wool and hard-bristle brushes
Strong soaps and astringents
Alcohol-based cleaners
Epoxy Floor Coating Maintenance Tips & Guide
With proper maintenance, an epoxy floor coating can easily last 10+ years. From professionals who install epoxy floors, there are a few things you should do to maintain the life of your epoxy floor:
Sweep the area daily to remove dust, dirt, and gritty substances. Not doing so can introduce tiny scratches in your epoxy coating. Monthly, get the corner spots and nooks with a vacuum.
Mop the floor once per week with a mixture of warm water and clear ammonia (2-3 ounces per gallon). A garage with a much bigger space can make use of an electric polishing machine to restore shine.
Clean up spills right away.
Waxing is not necessary. The luster and shine of your epoxy floor will last with proper care and maintenance. If you notice the shine is not as good as before, you can use a good wax and a buffing machine to bring back the luster of your epoxy floor.
Avoid dragging or sliding heavy equipment or sharp objects across your floor
Use mats to protect your epoxy flooring, especially if you intend to put indoor plants or other heavy objects in a fixed, long-term position.
For car repair protection, you can place painter’s cloth underneath work areas to minimize potential staining. Otherwise, do not let car chemicals such as motor oil and antifreeze remain on the epoxy, as the chemical properties can eat away at the epoxy coating.
Removing tire marks: Occasionally, you will get tire marks on your epoxy floor. To remove them, simply mix a solution of dish detergent (1 ounce) with about a gallon of warm water and apply the solution to the tire marks for about 3-5 minutes. Using a non-scouring pad, gently remove the tire marks from the epoxy floor.
Removing scuff marks: You will get slight scratches and scuffs on your epoxy floor, but no worries. Using a microfiber cloth and a dab of furniture polish will have those scratches gone. Gently rub the area with small circles until the scuff marks fade into the rest of the epoxy floor coating.
How to Maintain Your Garage Epoxy Floor Coating
Epoxy floors are unarguably a great choice for garage floor coatings and other areas of your home. To safeguard the investment in your new epoxy floor, it doesn’t take much to keep them clean and looking good.
With proper care and maintenance, your epoxy floor will last a very long time.
Feel free to reach out to our team at Advanced Surface Solutions regarding epoxy floor questions. As a professional installer of epoxy floors, we only use the highest-grade epoxies and paints. Call us at 863-243-9508 for a Free Quote.
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