Epoxy floor installation is an expensive project and you want to make sure you’re choosing the right contractor. It’s important to ask questions about their experience, insurance coverage, and warranty.
It doesn’t matter how good your epoxy flooring is if the concrete substrate was not prepared properly. A faulty substrate can lead to visual defects or premature failure.
1. What type of epoxy do you use?
Epoxy floor coatings are ideal for a variety of industrial needs, from office cafeteria floors to manufacturing and even garage floors. They are highly durable, providing a protective layer from the elements and heavy foot traffic. However, it’s important to choose the right epoxy coating for the job at hand.
The best choice is a 100% solids epoxy system that does not contain water or solvents and uses a reactive diluent instead to cure the flooring. This type of epoxy is often used with decorative chips that are sprinkled on top of the flooring while it’s hardening, adding a little texture and visual appeal.
When choosing an epoxy for your floor, be sure to ask about its abrasion rating. Abrasion is the single greatest threat to your floor finish and is caused by people walking on it, forklifts driving over it, tools rolling across it and more. Abrasion ratings are given in a number and the lower the number, the better.
It is also important to note that epoxies take on the temperature of the concrete they are applied to, so a proper assessment of your floors’ surface is needed to ensure they will cure properly. Additionally, the work site must be free of any chemicals or oils that could interfere with the cured flooring.
2. What is your warranty?
Investing in epoxy floors in your home or business is a big decision. These high-quality concrete coating systems offer long-term benefits and a beautiful decorative finish. They are also very durable and require a considerable amount of labor to properly install. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and tools, you can easily apply these coatings yourself. However, if you want your floor to be flawless and professionally installed, it is best to leave the work to a professional epoxy flooring contractor.
When choosing an epoxy flooring contractor, be sure to ask about their warranty. This is a guarantee that protects you from workmanship errors and faulty products. Warranties typically cover a specific timeframe and detail what issues are covered.
Some warranties may specify certain exclusions, such as damage caused by heavy impact or sharp objects. Additionally, normal wear and tear and problems resulting from improper cleaning or maintenance are typically not covered by the warranty. You should also make sure that the warranty includes a clear process for making claims. Generally, this involves notifying the contractor of the issue, allowing them to inspect the floor and completing any necessary repairs or corrections.
3. What type of preparations and procedures do you follow?
The first step in working with epoxy flooring contractors, such as this reputable epoxy flooring installer in jacksonville, is to prepare the floor for the application of the coating. This includes removing any freestanding items like vehicles, tools, storage cabinets, and workbenches that touch the floor. You should also spot treat any oil stains with an industrial degreaser and then clean the entire floor thoroughly. The floor will need to be vacuumed to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris particles that could affect the adhesion of the primer coat.
Once the surface has been cleaned, it should be sanded down to create a smooth and even texture. This will help to ensure that the epoxy coating adheres properly and provides a long-lasting, durable finish.
If the floor has been damaged or is experiencing significant wear and tear, it may need additional prep such as grinding, shot blasting, and/or acid etching. This can be done by hand or with a power grinder with diamond studded blades and is typically used for larger flooring surfaces in industrial properties.
Another important factor to consider is the temperature of the floor when preparing it for the epoxy coating. If the floor is too warm, it can cause the epoxy mixture to bubble and peel after it has been applied. This can be avoided by working in cooler temperatures and ensuring that the floor is dry before starting the process.
4. How long will the project take?
When looking for a contractor to install epoxy flooring in your commercial space, you will want to ask several questions to make sure that they are capable of meeting your needs. This includes requesting references and getting quotes from multiple companies. By taking the time to do this research, you can ensure that you find the best contractor for your project.
One of the most important things to consider when deciding on an epoxy floor contractor is their expected timeline for completion. It is essential to know how long you will have to wait before you can move your equipment back into the space. This question will help you gauge how committed the contractor is to their work.
You will also want to ask the contractor about their surface preparation process. This is an important step in ensuring that your new floor is properly installed and will last for years to come. If the contractor does not include this in their quote, you should look elsewhere.
5. What type of materials do you use?
Epoxy floors can be coated with a variety of materials depending on the needs of each project. For example, if the floor will be exposed to harsh chemicals a chemical resistant urethane topcoat may be required. Other considerations include aesthetics, durability, and cost. For example, a glossy finish is often used for showrooms while a matte finish works well in garages and workshops.
It is important to choose a flooring contractor who understands the needs of each customer and can recommend the best materials for the job. They should also be familiar with the different types of epoxy available and can help you decide which material is best suited for your particular environment.
Proper surface preparation is the most important step in any epoxy floor coating installation. This includes removing any dirt, oil, or grease and cleaning the concrete. It is also important to ensure that any cracks are filled so that the finished product is smooth and seamless.
Once the substrate is prepared it is time to start applying the epoxy coating. There are several methods that can be used to apply the epoxy, including brushing, rollers, and spray equipment. It is important to use a contractor who has the necessary equipment to get the job done right.
6. How many coats will it take?
Epoxy flooring is a great way to add protection and visual appeal to your concrete floors. It is also very durable, so you can feel confident about it lasting for years to come. If you’re interested in creating a unique design for your floor, you can choose from a wide variety of colors and textures to make it stand out. In addition, you can also opt for non-slip or reflective additives.
The number of coats needed depends on your specific needs and the condition of your floor. An experienced epoxy contractor will know how many coats are necessary to achieve the desired look and protection. They will also be able to evaluate the substrate concrete for cracks and other damage, which is important in order to ensure that your floor coating will last as long as possible.
A good flooring contractor will also have the proper equipment to get the job done right. They will be able to open the concrete pores with a grinder and prepare it for the primer. They will also know how much material to use and the best application techniques. They can also save you time by doing the work in a single day, which is much faster than trying to do it yourself with a DIY kit.