If you are about to renovate your commercial or residential property and are looking for flooring options, you will come across thousands of them in the markets. Some of the popular flooring types are wooden flooring, resin flooring, concrete flooring, marble flooring, tiles flooring, and epoxy flooring.
However, finding the one that can withstand the harshness of external factors and simultaneously suit your property is a real challenge. If we talk about the best flooring options that deliver all these requirements, epoxy flooring is one of them.
In this blog, Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal will discuss some pros and cons and the application of epoxy flooring.
| What is Epoxy Flooring? |
| Types of Epoxy Flooring |
| Pros of Epoxy Flooring |
| Cons of Epoxy Flooring |
| Epoxy Flooring Price in Pakistan |
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy is a chemical compound which is used as a laminating substance. It is composed of epoxy glue and polymer resins. Epoxy glue is a hardening substance, and when it comes together with polymer resins, it creates a strong chemical bond. As a result, what we get is a plastic-like transparent material.
It is coated on the floor to create a smooth, shiny surface. That being said, epoxy flooring is a kind of synthetic resin floor system which is layered on the topmost surface of the concrete floor to protect it from scratches.
Moreover, it creates a lustrous surface which gives the floor a nice appearance. The coating may consist of multiple layers of epoxy resin. It is a very sturdy material and prevents the floor from damage such as scratches.
Also, it makes the surface waterproof, while making it long-lasting and stain-resistant.
Types of Epoxy Coatings
There are two types of epoxy coatings:
Epoxy Flooring
It consists of multiple epoxy layers and has a width of around two mm.
Epoxy Covering
It consists of thinner and consists of a few (2-3) layers of epoxy
Pros of Epoxy Flooring in Pakistan
Although it was used mostly in industrial and commercial buildings, these days many residential houses are also incorporating it.
There are multiple advantages of using epoxy flooring, some of which are as follows.
- Eye-catching Appeal
- Longevity
- Resistant
- Cost-Effective
Eye-catching Appeal
Unlike other sturdy substances that are used for flooring, it comes with an appealing look. Its lustrous shiny surface makes the surface of the floor look more attractive and enhances its looks.
It comes in a number of finishes including:
- Granite
- Metallic
- Marbled
- A multitude of colour combinations
Most homeowners opt for an epoxy fitting to conceal their present flooring. This provides full-length coverage and is visually appealing.
Longevity
Although the life of epoxy flooring is mostly dependent on factors like wear and tear, purpose, and location, epoxy flooring is considered to be more long-lasting as it can stand the test of time more than its counterparts.
This means you can increase the age of it through proper maintenance such as:
- Proper cleaning
- Avoid dragging heavy and sharp objects to prevent scratches
Sometimes epoxy flooring lasts up to 20 years with proper care and professional installation.
Resistant to Damage
Unlike other flooring options, epoxy flooring is resistant to regular wear and tear and can withstand damage such as scratches. It is erosion-proof and does not peel, crack or chip from edges like wooden or concrete flooring.
In addition, it is moisture resistant and can take on heavy objects as well. Moreover, you can coat it with additional coatings like urethane which in turn increases its strength and ability.
Resistant to Weathering
Temperatures below zero and 140 degrees Fahrenheit do not have adverse or any negative effects on epoxy flooring. Also, it does not get damaged by fire, which makes it ideal for outdoor as well as indoor flooring in areas like the kitchen.
Flooring that can bear harsh weather conditions is a good choice for houses that are located in areas where the weather is unpredictable.
Cost-Effective
The epoxy flooring price in Pakistan per square foot is much less than other types of floorings. In addition to that, its instalment also does not cost that much, making it an affordable flooring choice for homeowners.
The fact that you do not have to make pre-arrangements like preparing the floor for coating, makes it super easy to apply. You can directly apply the coating of epoxy resin onto the top surface of concrete, wood, or any other kind of flooring.
Besides, if you want to reapply coating onto your floor, the cost is even lower, this way you can maintain your floor in good condition by spending less money.
It is not a high-maintenance material and requires minute repairs in case of damage.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
Following are some of the cons of epoxy flooring.
Pungent Fumes
The smell of wet epoxy is really strong and pungent. During the process of application, the workers have to wear masks and goggles to prevent the fumes from entering their eyes and respiratory system.
The fumes of it are not just pungent but they can also prove to be toxic as well in case of long exposure. If someone is suffering from asthma, they should take extra measures while dealing with epoxy.
If they are working in the flooring industry and have to work regularly with it, it is better to get a doctor to check on their health.
In addition, the building or house getting an epoxy flooring should be properly ventilated, so that any entrapped fumes can escape.
Once the epoxy dries, there is no hazard of toxic fumes, as it does not release any.
However, in case you sand the coating again, tiny dust particles of resins might escape into the air space, which can in turn be hazardous for people inhaling that air.
Slippery Surface
Even though it is slide resistant, an epoxy floor that is covered in oil can prove to be extremely dangerous for someone walking over it. It might result in any accidents or mishaps.
If you feel like this particular space will experience a lot of water spills on the floor, it is wise to avoid getting an epoxy floor.
Another solution to avoid accidents is that you can get your floor textured to add extra friction. It will not only lessen the chance of mishaps but will also add extra appeal to your house.
Long Time to Cure
The installation process can take a lot of time and patience, depending on what type of coating is being used. In general, the optimum time for it to dry is 72 hours.
However, it again depends on another factor like area. If the area of the house is smaller, it will definitely take less time to dry and cure.
If the house or the building where you are applying epoxy flooring is located in a damp or humid area, the drying time will increase drastically.
Entrapped Moisture Can Create Bubbles
In case the surface was not cleaned and dried properly and there was some amount of moisture entrapped, it will damage the epoxy coating and create bubbles which will not look nice. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause the surface to chip or burst.
Epoxy Flooring Price in Pakistan
The epoxy flooring rate in Pakistan is almost the same in every city. There is not much difference between Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore’s installation processes.
One factor that affects the price of flooring is the size of the plot and the number of coats. The average cost of applying is Rs 400-850 per square foot.
It is one of the best options available out there for modern flooring in Pakistan. In this blog, we presented an overview of its advantages and disadvantages as well as its cost, including the application process.
For more information, visit Graana blog.
