Pros & Cons Of Epoxy Floor Coating

Over the past years, there's been a surge in the popularity of epoxy floor coatings. You may have heard of it more frequently and wondered whether it's the right flooring choice for your basement. But there are a few factors you need to consider before you make your decision. We've spoken to remodeling experts and done our research to help you figure out whether installing epoxy floor coating is right for you.

Epoxy floor coating is a safe, reliable, and eye-catching flooring choice for your basement. The pros of epoxy flooring are:

• Strong and durable coating
• Protective against damage
• Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures
• Sleek, stylish look
• Affordable price
• Easy to clean
• DIY-friendly installation

The cons of epoxy flooring are:

• Temporary flooring
• Tedious preparation
• Lengthy curing time
• Strong odor during installation
• Cold and slippery surface

Still not sure whether you should install epoxy floor coating in your basement? Keep reading! We'll dive deeper into the details of the advantages and disadvantages of epoxy flooring. We'll also answer other relevant questions about this type of floor coating.

Pros of Epoxy Floor Coating

There is a good reason why epoxy flooring has become so popular among homeowners. After all, there's plenty of advantages to installing it!

Take a look at some of the pros of epoxy floor coating:

1. Strong and durable coating

Epoxy flooring is particularly recognized for being exceptionally tough and durable. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic and outlasts years—even decades—of wear and tear.

This means that it won't easily scratch, peel, or crack even with regular use. It also won't rot or erode when exposed to moisture, unlike wood flooring. Plus, it extends the life of the floor underneath it.

2. Protective against damage

Highly resistant to harsh chemicals, acids, oil, and other types of hazards, epoxy flooring can protect your concrete floor from harm. It provides a protective, water-resistant layer that keeps your floor safe from chips, cracks, and stains.

In addition, epoxy also protects against moisture and mold. This means that it doesn't just protect your floor, it also keeps you and your family safe from health risks.

3. Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures

Epoxy can withstand temperatures up to 200°F and is also resistant to fires. This feature may be especially important to anyone who lives in areas that experience extreme heat or cold. You won't have to worry that your flooring will give out when the weather fluctuates.

4. Sleek, stylish look

Seamless with a glossy finish, epoxy flooring can upgrade any area of your home into a modern space. Its lustrous shine means that even spaces like your basement and garage can look appealing and sophisticated.

Better yet, it's customizable to your tastes. Epoxy comes in a wide variety of colors and designs that you can personalize to go with your home's unique style, such as geometric patterns, marble chips, waves, and more.

5. Affordable price

Epoxy flooring is relatively cheaper than other flooring options, with an average cost of $3 to $5 per square foot. It can be applied to any type of floor you already have, so you won't have to change your current flooring to accommodate the floor coating.

In addition, it also doesn't require a lot of repairs and its replacement costs are fairly cheap. This means it has more value for your money in the long run.

6. Easy to clean

With its smooth and even surface, epoxy flooring is extremely easy to clean. All you need is to give it a regular sweeping and you can be certain that there's no dust or dirt left behind. It's also waterproof, so you can clean up any spills can be quickly cleaned up with a mop.

7. DIY-friendly installation

While having epoxy flooring installed by a professional is typically the best route to ensure efficiency and durability, you can install it yourself. Take note that you will need protective gear and a few tools to do this task, but it will take around 2 to 3 days to finish the task.

Want to learn how to install epoxy floor coating yourself? Check out this step-by-step article on how to do it: "Can You Epoxy A Basement Floor?"

Cons of Epoxy Floor Coating

Of course, epoxy flooring is not without its drawbacks. There are certain disadvantages to it that you need to keep in mind when you're considering installing it for your basement.

Here are the cons of epoxy floor coating:

1. Temporary flooring

Epoxy is only a floor coating, not a floor in and of itself. It needs to be applied to an existing floor. This means you will have to replace it eventually. Depending on how much use it gets, you will need to replace your epoxy flooring every five to ten years.

2. Tedious preparation

Preparing your floors for epoxy application can take some time and effort. First off, the weather must be right. Applying epoxy during extremely cold or humid weather can be difficult and result in poorly-installed or damaged flooring.

You will also need to clean your floor thoroughly and get rid of any moisture before application. Epoxy doesn't adhere well to moisture, so you may need to use a dehumidifier to dry out your floor.

3. Lengthy curing time

Epoxy takes around 72 hours to fully cure. During this time, you won't be able to use your basement or any area of your home where you've installed epoxy flooring. This can be quite a hassle, especially if you use your basement daily.

4. Strong odor during application

During the application process, epoxy emits toxic fumes with an unpleasant smell. This can be quite dangerous, which is why professionals and DIYers wear protective gear when installing epoxy.

If you or any of your family members have asthma, be sure to check with a health professional before the application process to ensure that installing epoxy is safe for you.

5. Cold and slippery surface

While epoxy's waterproof quality often works to your advantage, it can also be quite detrimental. Epoxy doesn't absorb water or moisture, so when it's wet, its surface can be very slippery. This poses a safety risk to elderly individuals, kids, and pets.

Epoxy can also be quite cold to the touch. This means your feet won't be as warm as they would be in carpet or wood flooring. However, this can be resolved with underfloor heating.

Find out how to install underfloor heating for epoxy floors by reading this article: "Are Epoxy Floors Cold? The Pros and Cons."

Are epoxy floors good for basements?

Yes, epoxy flooring is ideal for basements. It resists moisture and bacteria, which prevents mold, mildew, and water damage to the structure. It also offers protection for your basement floor against wear and tear, especially if your basement gets a lot of foot traffic.

Finally, it can also make your basement look more sophisticated with its eye-catching glossy finish.

How long do epoxy floors last in homes?

Epoxy floors can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. However, if your epoxy floor gets a lot of use and wear and tear, you may need to replace it more often.

How do you maintain an epoxy floor?

It's important to keep your epoxy floor well-maintained to ensure its longevity. To do this, you will need to:

• Clean the floors once every day or once a week with a broom, mop, and vacuum.
• Use a mixture of ammonia or a nonalkaline cleaner and hot water to deep clean the floor at least twice a month.
• Avoid cleaning with soap-based cleaners.
• Remove spills or stains as soon as you see them.
• Place heavy equipment on rubber mats or rugs to protect the floor from scratches.

In Closing

Epoxy floor coating is an excellent flooring choice for your basement. It's durable, protective, weather- and water-resistant, affordable, and easy to clean. You can also install it yourself with the right tools and by following the right steps.

However, there are disadvantages to this flooring option. Its installation can be tedious and lengthy, with toxic fumes released during the process. It can also be cold under your feet and slippery when wet. You'll also have to replace it after some time. Make sure to weigh the pros against the cons of epoxy flooring so you can make the best decision for your home.