Epoxy Flooring
Types and prices for epoxy floors. El-Eman Office provides epoxy flooring installation.
Concrete preparation is the foundation of good epoxy
Most problems with epoxy flooring, such as bubbles and peeling, come from surface preparation rather than the material. Epoxy bonds to sound, clean, dry concrete, and it cannot make up for a weak or damp floor.
- Check surface strength: remove weak, crumbling layers and loose cement residue.
- Mechanical grinding or sanding: opens the concrete pores, removes the surface laitance and gives a roughness that helps adhesion.
- Remove oil and grease: greasy stains prevent bonding and need special treatment.
- Repair cracks and holes: fill them with compatible repair materials before applying the coats.
- Vacuum the dust: sweeping alone is not enough, because fine dust later shows up as defects.
- Measure concrete moisture: moisture rising from the ground can cause blisters, and some sites need a moisture barrier or a dedicated primer.
The system layers and application conditions
A complete system usually consists of a primer, one or more epoxy coats, and a protective top coat chosen for the use. Conditions during application affect the result:
- Air and surface temperature and the dew point, since high humidity causes a cloudy film on the surface.
- Mixing resin and hardener in the ratio the manufacturer specifies, as any error prevents full curing.
- Respecting the pot life after mixing and the waiting times between coats.
- Good ventilation during the work, because the fumes can be unpleasant.
- Leaving the floor long enough before walking on it or placing machinery on it.
Maintenance and common defects
The floor needs regular cleaning with suitable cleaners, and sharp loads should not be dragged across it. Known defects include bubbles from trapped air or moisture, orange peel from poor spreading or the wrong temperature, yellowing under long sun exposure in some types, and slipperiness where anti-slip additives were not used in wet areas. When choosing a system, define the use in terms of loads, chemicals and heat so you can pick the most suitable one.
Frequently asked questions
Can epoxy be applied over old tiles?
In some cases, after preparing the surface, making sure the tiles are firmly fixed, removing the gloss and applying a suitable primer. It is better to inspect the condition first, because loose tiles cause the coating to fail.
Why do bubbles appear in epoxy?
The main causes are moisture or air trapped in the concrete, applying the material while the surface is hot, or poor mixing. The remedy is better preparation and suitable timing.
What is the difference between epoxy and polyurethane as a top coat?
Epoxy is hard and chemical resistant, while polyurethane is flexible and tolerates UV light. It is therefore often used as a finishing coat over epoxy in places exposed to the sun.
