If you are considering an epoxy coating, you’re probably already aware of the numerous benefits they provide. Epoxy flooring is durable, resistant to water and damage, extremely low maintenance, and highly cost-effective. Correctly installed by an epoxy flooring contractor, an epoxy floor can last upwards of 20 years. Few other flooring options can even come close to standing up to the kind of abuse epoxy flooring can withstand, while still looking as good.
However, the single largest complaint people have regarding epoxy flooring is their tendency to peel, often within the first few years. Undoubtedly frustrating, no home or business owner wants to invest in repairs soon after installing their epoxy floor. But why is it that epoxy flooring peels, and what can be done to prevent it?
The Product (Usually) Isn’t the Problem
In most cases, peeling epoxy flooring has little to do with the product and more to do with the installation. Or, more accurately, insufficient floor preparation before the installation.
It’s probably not surprising to hear that most folks who experience issues with their epoxy peeling did not use an epoxy flooring contractor; instead, they took the project on themselves. There is nothing wrong with that; however, many DIY epoxy kits sold in-store sell people on the ease of application – just roll it on like paint – without spending enough time covering the importance of preparing concrete for the epoxy application.
And here are fours reasons why that can lead to problems:
#1: Poor Surface Profile
Epoxy needs a rough, porous surface to bond correctly. There are several ways to get this done right, however, many of them are outside the scope of the average DIY project, and missing this step is the number one reason epoxy flooring peels. Without a suitable surface to adhere to, peeling is almost inevitable.
An epoxy flooring contractor will typically shot blast or diamond grind the concrete to get the right profile.
#2: Moisture
As we mentioned before, epoxy is virtually impervious to moisture. But that works both ways. If your concrete slab has any below-grade moisture issues, that water vapour will become trapped underneath the epoxy and could eventually lead to peeling and cracking.
There are ways to get around moisture issues, but they require professional help.
#3: Oil and Contaminants
When is squeaky clean not clean enough? When it comes to an epoxy flooring installation. Even if you have thoroughly washed and sweep your surface, any residue chemical, oil, or other contaminate left behind could spell doom for your project. This is particularly evident in garage epoxy floor installations where motor oil and other fluids may have seeped into the concrete.
While acid etching is often recommended to remove surface stains, it rarely goes far enough. Grinding is the only way to remove any trace of surface containments and to ensure a lasting epoxy application.
#4: Previously Sealed Concrete
Unless you have just poured your concrete slab, there is a very good chance it’s been sealed. And unfortunately, epoxy will not adhere to previously sealed concrete, and acid etching will not be enough to remove the sealer. If you are unsure whether or not you have a concrete sealer, any easy test is to sprinkle a few small drops of water on the surface. If the water forms droplets on the surface, you have a sealer; if it gets absorbed into the concrete, you don’t.
The only way to fully remove a concrete sealer, and get good epoxy adherence, is by grinding the concrete surface.
At the end of the day, if you have a high traffic area and want a high-end finish, using an epoxy flooring contractor is the smartest way to have your epoxy flooring installed. It may cost a little more, but you’ll end up with a superior finish that will last.
