Epoxy flooring has become the flooring solution of choice for a wide variety of applications in industrial, commercial, and residential settings alike. It is exceptionally durable, long-lasting, resistant to chemicals and heat, and easy to maintain. But is epoxy flooring waterproof? The short answer is: yes.
One of the big draws of epoxy flooring is its remarkable waterproofing properties. If you need a waterproof flooring solution that will stand the test of time, don't hesitate to get in touch. At the Epoxy Gang, we specialise in quality epoxy flooring installed to the very highest standards to ensure it performs at its best.
Epoxy flooring is created by mixing epoxy with a hardener. This triggers a chemical reaction that turns the semi-liquid epoxy resin into a hard and tough material. This is due to the polymer molecules becoming cross-linked and adhering strongly together and to the substrate underneath.
This strong adhesion is what makes epoxy waterproof because it forms a complete seal. There are no cracks, gaps, or openings through which moisture could permeate. The epoxy surface is one complete piece that will not absorb any water at all.
Because of its liquid state, epoxy resin can fill in any gaps that are already present and create a seal. This can include plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, all the drains, any cracks, the gap between the floor and the wall, and more.
Our post "What Is Epoxy Flooring" maybe interest you. You can check it out.
This waterproofing makes epoxy floors a great choice for a wide variety of situations where they will perform better than concrete floors alone.
These applications include:
Epoxy flooring also has other attributes that will make it perfect for many of these environments. For example, its hygienic, stain-resistant, and thermal shock properties help it to work perfectly in a commercial kitchen. And its impact, abrasion, and chemical-resistant properties mean it is ideal for many industrial environments.
But this flooring system isn't just used in these workplaces. It is also becoming more and more popular for residential properties. It is a durable, low-maintenance, attractive flooring that will also protect and seal the substrate underneath.
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One thing to be conscious of is that while epoxy flooring is waterproof, a standard epoxy resin finish will be very slippery when it is wet. This issue can be fixed by adding an anti-slip aggregate mixture into the resin to add some friction.
If your epoxy floors will be laid somewhere where there are going to be frequent water spills it can be worth investing in the anti-slip finish, particularly for high-traffic areas.
For more information, check out our post “Is Epoxy Resin Flooring Slippery".
While epoxy flooring is waterproof, there are a couple of potential issues that can arise and these are mainly related to improper installation. When installed with the proper care, epoxy is a waterproof flooring but improper installation can remove these properties.
Epoxy flooring is only waterproof once it has cured. During the curing process, the resin and surrounding area must be kept dry. If moisture is introduced to the resin while it is curing it can cause several issues.
These include:
It is always worth using experienced professionals for an epoxy flooring project. Inferior flooring solutions where the resin has been improperly installed can mean that the floor doesn't have the waterproof finish that it needs.
For example, if the concrete substrate hasn't been prepared properly then this can lead to movement in the base which will ultimately cause cracks in the resin-rich poured floor. These cracks will allow moisture to seep through and, therefore, the flooring is no longer waterproof.
It can be challenging to repair epoxy floors and, often, the entire resin surface will need to be replaced. This can be costly both in terms of the upfront cost and in terms of the lost business time involved (if the flooring is on business premises). So it is always worth using a reputable company from the get-go to ensure that the epoxy products are properly handled and installed.
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If you are considering installing epoxy flooring in your home or business, don't hesitate to get in touch. We are a trusted and experienced epoxy resin flooring company that will always ensure that your floor is installed to the very highest professional standards. We will also work closely with you to help you make an informed decision about the flooring choices you make so that they meet all of your needs.
Epoxy floors claim to be waterproof and the vast majority of the time, they are. As long as they are installed and properly maintained. They can work wonders for areas where there is likely to be lots of water, protecting the concrete beneath and ensuring that the water doesn't cause degradation to the room.
