FAQ
Have a few questions for Reveles Epoxy Flooring before you make the call? Well, down below, you will find a few common questions we get from customers – and our answers!
Why does the floor have to be prepared before applying the coating?
Prep work is extremely important for concrete floor coatings. If a concrete floor is not properly prepared before the application process, the epoxy resin may not adhere to the concrete surface correctly. This can lead to several problems with the finished floor that could even warrant starting over and replacing the floor altogether.
How long does the average floor coating take to install?
The time to complete a standard floor coating can vary depending on a few variables. The scope of your project, the type of coating to be installed, and the weather can all play a role in affecting this time. However, the average standard floor coating normally takes 1 to 2 days to complete.
Will a non-skid additive make my floor harder to clean?
In most cases, the non-skid additive doesn’t have much of an effect on the difficulty of cleaning when using a broom, squeegee, or power scrubber. However, if you normally clean your floors with a mop, a non-skid additive can make this process slightly more difficult.
Will the non-skid additive wear off?
Our non-skid additives are built to last so that our clients can get the most out of their floors for as long as possible. Unfortunately, these non-skid additives do not have the same lifespan as the epoxy floor. The non-skid surface will wear off after roughly 5 years of normal use.
How long will the epoxy floor last?
Our epoxy flooring systems are one of the toughest, long-lasting coatings on the market. As long as they are installed and maintained properly, these durable floors will last for 20 years or more!
Can I have epoxy installed over an existing coating?
It is not recommended that you have an epoxy coating applied over another type of coating. Doing so can cause the epoxy to not bond properly. Any concrete floor that has an existing coating should have the coating removed and the concrete profiled to ensure proper adhesion prior to the epoxy application.
How long do I have to wait before applying epoxy to new concrete?
When fresh concrete is poured, it needs ample time to fully cure. This is necessary as the new concrete cannot withstand much weight and can easily be damaged during this time. The minimum amount of time that you should wait to apply epoxy to new concrete is 30 days.
Does new or uncoated concrete have to be prepped?
Yes, new or uncoated concrete does still need to be prepped prior to the application of epoxy. This prep work doesn’t only apply to damaged or old concrete. Even if your concrete is fresh and undamaged, the surface still needs to have a profile ground into it for the epoxy to properly bond.
Does humidity affect the installation of epoxy flooring?
Yes, if epoxy is applied to concrete in a high humid environment, it can cause several issues. In some cases, the humidity can create a moisture barrier between the epoxy and the concrete that can cause the epoxy to not adhere correctly. High levels of humidity can also make the cure time for the concrete coating to take longer.
Does temperature affect the installation of epoxy flooring?
Yes, temperature directly affects the installation process of epoxy flooring. Higher temperatures, above 85°F, can cause the cure time of the floor to speed up. This can cause possible issues with the application process by making the epoxy more difficult to apply. Lower temperatures, below 55°F, can slow down the curing time for the floor. This can cause you to have to wait longer before using the floor.
Can multiple layers of epoxy be applied?
Yes, multiple coats of epoxy can be applied to your floor. Adding extra layers to the epoxy floor will also increase the durability and make the floor last even longer!
What surface materials can epoxy floor coatings be applied over?
An epoxy floor coating can be applied to concrete, metal, wood, ceramic tile and stone. So long as whatever flooring material you choose to have coated is properly cleaned and profiled, the epoxy will adhere properly to the surface.
If I have fiberglass added to my concrete, will the epoxy cover the small strands that show up after preparation?
No, the epoxy will not cover these small fiberglass strands. However, we will take steps to ensure that these small strands are removed prior to the application process. This will be done by burning the strands with a torch before pouring the epoxy.
With decorative flake epoxy, do the flakes wear out?
No, these flakes are highly durable, much like the epoxy coating itself. In most cases, the decorative flakes will actually outlast the epoxy resin that they are embedded in.
What is the purpose of decorative flakes?
Decorative flakes have a few main purposes for being implemented in an epoxy floor. The first being purely for decoration. Various colors can be used to create unique color patterns. The second purpose is to create a non-slip surface by adding texture to the floor. The last purpose that these flakes can hold is to hide imperfections in the floor with a decorative pattern.
Can epoxy floors be slippery?
Yes, if they become wet or have oil spilled on them, epoxy floors can become slippery. It is recommended that if your floor will be subjected to water or oil on a regular basis, you should have aluminum oxide non-skid put on the floor to help combat the slippery conditions.
Will I have to recoat my floor from time to time?
No, epoxy floors are designed to last for decades. After the initial installation, your epoxy floor should last for over 20 years when properly installed and maintained without ever having to recoat it.
Will cracks or holes in my concrete pose a problem during the installation?
Your concrete will be inspected during the preparation phase for any damage. Any damage beyond small, hairline cracks will be repaired including large cracks, holes, and chipping. Epoxy performs best when applied to a flawless floor, therefore we will fix as much damage as possible prior to application.
How is epoxy applied to wood flooring?
To coat your wood floor with epoxy, we will need to remove any sealers, waxes, contaminants, and nails first. We will then patch the seams and holes in the wood with flexible acrylic caulk. Once the wood is clean and has a texture, the epoxy will bond to it.
How much does an epoxy floor cost?
Multiple factors go into determining the cost of an epoxy floor project. These include the complexity of the design, the type of epoxy, and the size of the project. Typically, larger projects will cost less per square foot and smaller projects will cost more per square foot. On average, an epoxy floor will cost anywhere from $3 to $7 per square foot.