Bare Concrete
A constant debate between many home and business owners is whether epoxy flooring is really that much better than bare concrete. Does it really make that much of a difference? Is the cost of installation worth the benefits?
That’s the debate we’re here to settle! In this article, we’ll examine the key differences and likenesses between these two popular flooring systems. Continue reading to find out which one comes out on top!
Both epoxy flooring and concrete are quite durable flooring systems. These floors can handle hard impacts, abrasions, and high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic. However, the main difference between these two and their durability comes in the form of compressive and tensile strength. On average, epoxy floor coatings maintain a compressive strength of 10,000 PSI, which is about three times that of concrete, and tensile strength of around 3,500 PSI, which is approximately 10 times that of concrete!
The resistance properties of these floors are drastically different. Bare concrete without a sealer is a porous floor that will soak up virtually any liquid spilled on it, including water and various chemicals. However, with a sealer that’s reapplied every 1 to 3 years, concrete can resist a variety of liquid substances.
On the other hand, epoxy flooring is a non-porous floor that resists chemicals and water without the need for an additional topical coating. As a result, epoxy flooring can save home and business owners from the hassle of applying sealers regularly and the worry of forgetting the sealer and possibly damaging the floor.
Maintaining epoxy flooring and concrete flooring are two remarkably different processes as well. Bare concrete, as we mentioned earlier, requires resealing every few years. Not to mention, the rough surface of concrete can slow down regular cleaning and requires more effort to keep it clean. The joints in concrete floors that help reduce cracking also need special attention as dirt and grit can build up in these joints quickly.
Epoxy flooring is installed seamlessly and has no joints or cracks that need special attention. An epoxy floor can be quickly maintained with minimal effort. These floor coatings only need to be swept daily, mopped weekly with a pH-neutral floor cleaner, and spot mopped as needed.
Another significant difference in these flooring systems is their customization options. Concrete floors can be customized using concrete stains, integral coloring, or both. There are two main types of concrete stains, acid-based stains, and water-based stains. Acid concrete stains are frequently used to create mottled or marbled effects with earth tones. Water concrete stains are primarily used to create more vibrant, colorful patterns.
Epoxy flooring has a myriad of customization options. These flooring systems come in many different colors, patterns, textures, and styles. From standard epoxy flooring to metallic epoxy flooring to decorative flake epoxy flooring and more, a plethora of different looks and designs can be achieved.
Epoxy floors and concrete floors share a similar lifespan when adequately installed and maintained, though the maintenance for a bare concrete floor is typically more intensive. Both concrete flooring and epoxy flooring can last for around 25 years or more when they’re correctly installed and cared for!
Though bare concrete floors and epoxy floors share many similarities in their properties, epoxy flooring has a clear advantage on most fronts, including durability, resistance, maintenance, and customization. If you’re looking for a way to improve your concrete flooring, consider having an epoxy floor installed! Remember to rely on a trained epoxy flooring contractor for your next project to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation!