Where epoxy floors are used
Epoxy and other resinous systems are used in warehouses, shops, garages, commercial kitchens, labs, clinics, washrooms and showrooms. They resist chemicals, abrasion and staining, seal the concrete against dust and can be coloured, flaked or finished with a gloss, satin or textured top coat.
Systems range from thin sealers to thicker broadcast or self-levelling coatings. Slip resistance can be adjusted with aggregate, which matters in kitchens, loading areas and wet zones.
Preparation and moisture
Concrete preparation is the most important step. The slab is usually ground or shot-blasted to open the surface, cracks and joints are repaired, and the floor is cleaned and dried. Oil, curing compounds and old coatings can stop a new coating from bonding.
Moisture is the usual hidden cause of failure. Moisture vapour moving up through a slab can blister or peel a coating, so testing the slab is a normal step. In Alberta, new slabs and winter conditions add to the concern, and we plan cure times and moisture mitigation as the product requires.
Mechanical details matter too. Floor drains, sloped floors and base cove must be planned with our mechanical and interior teams so the coating and the drainage work together.
- Grinding or shot-blasting of concrete
- Crack and joint repair
- Moisture testing and mitigation where needed
- Primer, body coat and top coat
- Slip-resistant and chemical-resistant finishes
- Integral cove base
What to plan for
Cure time is the main scheduling issue. Floors need to stay free from traffic, and other trades usually have to wait, so the floor is placed in the schedule carefully. Fumes and ventilation also need planning in occupied buildings.
Temperature affects application. Cold slabs and cold air slow curing or stop the product from performing, so heated space is needed on winter jobs.
Choose the system for the use. A showroom does not need the chemical resistance of a lab floor, and a warehouse with forklift traffic needs a thicker coating than an office. Tell us how the floor will be used and cleaned.