Do you plan to install epoxy flooring? Before you do that, it would be better, if you learn more about this floor type. One of the most important things you should know is the disadvantages of epoxy flooring. Here are some of them.
1. Complicated Installation
The installation process requires too many steps compared to other types of flooring. You need to prepare the floor before you put on the epoxy coating. Remove all kinds of dirt and stain; also pay attention to the humidity level in the room. Excessive moisture can be a problem during the installation.
The fumes from the epoxy material during installation also can cause health problems. It irritates your eyes and causes respiratory problems. However, epoxy is safe for flooring after installation. But, during installation, you need to wear specific gear to protect you from the fumes.
2. Slippery
Epoxy flooring uses a resin-like material to cover the entire floor. Therefore, it creates a seamless and non-porous surface on your floor. It looks beautiful and uniform when you do it correctly. However, because of this non-porous characteristic, the epoxy flooring could be slippery.
The areas where you install the epoxy flooring also affect how slippery it could be. For an area that has many events when water drops on the floor, like the kitchen or bathroom, it will be even more dangerous. So, you might need to plan it before installation and consult with a professional.
3. Long Cure Time
Compared to other flooring, epoxy flooring needs a much longer cure time. For example, regular tiles or wood flooring might only need a day to cure before it is ready to use. However, epoxy flooring could take more than two days to cure, which contributes to many disadvantages of epoxy flooring.
It said that the longer the curing time, the better durability of the epoxy flooring gets. Therefore, the minimum waiting period for better durability is around a week. If you use it on the whole house, you can’t enter for that long.
4. It Doesn’t Breathe
As mentioned earlier, epoxy flooring is a non-porous flooring type. This means it can’t let air flow through its surface. Because of this characteristic, the moisture vapor from the base floor below is not flowing into the air. It increases the humidity on the floor level.
What will happen when the humidity increases significantly on the bottom of the epoxy surface? The mild problem is it can erode the epoxy glue that keeps the epoxy surface to its base floor. So, the surface will peel off or delaminate.
In the worst case, the moisture also can cause mold. It will damage the epoxy surface and the base floor material under it. You will also have to spend more to fix and even replace the entire floor to solve this problem.
Should I avoid epoxy flooring? Even though we mentioned many disadvantages of epoxy flooring, it doesn’t mean this flooring is bad for you. It is easy to maintain and durable. But, you should consult with a professional before installing it to avoid the problems.