How Long Do Epoxy Floors Last?

ow long can epoxy flooring be expected to last?

An epoxy floor system's thickness, usage, and care influence its longevity. Epoxy flooring generally lasts 10 to 20 years. Why is there such a wide range? That relies on a few things;

1: How the concrete was prepared.

2: What type of epoxy resin was used.

3: The number of epoxy coats applied to the concrete.

4: Is the epoxy floor in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting.

5: How frequently does the epoxy flooring need to be cleaned?

First and foremost, how was the concrete prepared? The concrete must be diamond ground using concrete grinders before applying any concrete coating. Some do-it-yourselfers and even contractors prepare the concrete by acid washing without grinding, which is insufficient for a floor coating that will be subjected to heavy traffic.

Second, the type of epoxy used influences how long it will endure. It's similar to painting a wall: if you use cheap paint, the paint finish will not last as long and must be recoated sooner than if you use high-quality paint, where the finish would endure for many years. The same applies to epoxy flooring, which should be installed with a well-known high-grade resin manufacturer that backs their product with an extended guarantee, such as Sika or Allnex.

Third, epoxy can be applied using a roller, typically two coats at 0.3mm thick each coat, or with a trowel, where the epoxy is put at 3mm thick and is known as self-level epoxy. In this case, the epoxy may last 10 years with a roller and 20 years with a trowel.

The fourth aspect is the epoxy floor in your garage, where there is no significant traffic or wear and tear. Is the epoxy flooring in a commercial kitchen where it needs to deal with fat and hot ovens all day, or is it in a warehouse where big forklifts and machines whizz about all day? Imagine the variation in how long an epoxy floor might endure based only on where it is placed.

Fifth, like any other floor, epoxy flooring must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Garage flooring is simple to clean; a dry microfiber mop and a fast wet mop now and then will extend the life of the epoxy floor. A commercial or industrial floor should be cleaned daily with a sweeper and a ride-on scrubber. These cleaning recommendations will extend the life of any epoxy floor, ensuring that you receive your money's worth for many years.

Our recommendation is to invest in excellent contractors that use high-end industrial epoxy resin and then set up a maintenance program that includes cleaning as needed. Following these five suggestions will ultimately save you money on your floor.