The Lifespan of Industrial Epoxy Floors
Industrial facility floors need to withstand extensive wear and large volumes of foot traffic. Concrete flooring is a popular choice because it is durable and inexpensive. However, to prevent concrete floors from staining or cracking, an epoxy coating is essential.
So how long do epoxy floors last? The answer depends on a few factors and varies by industry. In this post, we’ll take a look at the lifespan of industrial epoxy floors and the steps you can take to keep your concrete floors looking brand new for longer.
How Epoxy Protects Concrete Floors
Although concrete has a hard surface, it’s a porous material and, therefore, susceptible to stains and moisture. Concrete coatings use a mixture of resin and a hardening agent to create a waterproof and scratch-resistant top layer. There are a few variations of epoxy that work better for different applications:
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Epoxy: Versatile and visually pleasing coating that works well for both industrial environments and office buildings
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Polyurethane: UV stable and scratch-resistant to hold up to sun exposure and high-traffic use
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Novolac: Designed to resist damage from exposure to chemicals, making it ideal for labs, pharmaceutical facilities, and chemical plants
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Urethane Mortar: Thick, heat- and fire-resistant epoxy that can resist extreme temperatures in commercial kitchens and food processing plants
Epoxy Flooring Lifespan by Industry
One of the biggest factors affecting the lifespan of concrete floor coatings is the industry that uses them. Different types of facilities pose different risks to epoxy floors, which impacts their lifespan.
Manufacturing Environments
The manufacturing and warehouse industries take a heavy toll on floors. In addition to the foot traffic, these facilities usually house heavy machinery like forklifts. Beyond protecting the floor from damage, industrial buildings usually need to be slip-resistant to protect workers.
The demands of manufacturing environments can reduce the lifespan of epoxy flooring. You can expect to get at least ten years of use out of a concrete floor coating in a warehouse. However, with proper care and maintenance, the floor may last over 15 years.
Commercial Offices
In commercial offices, how a floor looks is as important as its durability. However, these buildings usually see high foot-traffic as well, which can lead to scuffing and dulling. While the environment is less harsh on floors than in manufacturing, the epoxy must still stand up to consistent wear.
Epoxy with decorative flakes is a popular choice for office buildings. The glossy look is visually appealing, while the durable resin keeps the floor looking new. These floors often last as long as 20 years with resealing every few years.
Retail Buildings
In environments like department stores, the biggest hazards to the floor are spills and the weight of shelving. Retail stores see a fair amount of foot traffic from shoppers and staff. These floors also usually get cleaned daily, which can add wear to the coating.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and other healthcare buildings don’t usually have as much foot traffic as shops or offices. However, the floors need to be resistant to food and drink as well as chemicals. They must also be slip-resistant and sanitary. This makes concrete flooring with a Novolac epoxy coating ideal for medical environments.
Assuming the building doesn’t house caustic chemicals, the floors of most healthcare facilities can last as long as 20 years.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Industrial Epoxy Flooring
Here are some tips for keeping your concrete floors looking new for longer:
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Cleaning
Sweep regularly so dirt and debris don’t scratch the surface. Mop up any spills as soon as possible. -
Maintenance
Consult with the epoxy installer about how often you should reseal your epoxy flooring, and don’t neglect maintenance. Repair chips and cracks as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading. -
Protection
Laying down mats in high-traffic areas can reduce wear on your industrial epoxy floors. You should also avoid sliding freight across the floor without protective pads.
High-Quality Concrete Coatings In the Charlotte Area
Epoxy flooring is a great choice for industrial buildings. It’s scratch and stain-resistant, easy to clean, and comes in various colors and finishes. The lifespan of your epoxy floors depends on the type and amount of wear they endure on a regular basis.
Epoxy floors can last as long as 20 years in an office or medical setting but closer to 10 years in a production facility like a warehouse or factory. We specialize in installing the highest-quality epoxy floors throughout the greater Charlotte area.
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