Epoxy floors are durable and highly resistant to most chemicals, but they are not indestructible. Heavy equipment, sharp objects, and persistent grit can scratch or damage epoxy floors.
Proper maintenance prevents these problems from occurring in the first place. Daily sweeps and regular cleaning will keep your floors looking new. Scrubbing will help eliminate stubborn stains such as rust or oil.
Daily Cleaning
While epoxy floors are highly durable, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance to extend their lifespan. A proper cleaning process involves regular sweeping and mopping with an approved cleaner.
Sweeping the floor removes dust, grit and dirt that can scratch or etch the epoxy coating. Sweeping can be done daily in high-traffic areas and weekly or monthly in less-used areas. A quality dust mop will help to keep the amount of dirt on the floor to a minimum and should be used in conjunction with a regular broom.
When spills occur, they must be cleaned up immediately to prevent damage. The same goes for stains on the floor. Some chemicals, such as antifreeze, oil and gasoline will not only stain the epoxy but can also erode it if allowed to sit on the floor too long. Other chemicals like paint, household cleaners and abrasive solvents may discolor the epoxy if allowed to soak in too long. It is best to use a neutralizing agent when possible so that the chemical does not react with the flooring and cause additional damage.
For hard stains, an all-purpose commercial or industrial cleaner can be used. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate dilution ratio and usage of the product. An ammonia solution can be effective for removing stubborn stains from epoxy floors. Mix 2-3 ounces of clear ammonia per gallon of water and dip your cleaning mop in the mixture. Swipe the mop across the epoxy surface vigorously. Be careful not to leave the floor wet as it poses a slip hazard and can lead to mildew or mold growth.
Janitor closets in industrial settings are often the most difficult areas to maintain. These spaces are packed with tools, equipment and supplies that create a messy environment. Epoxy flooring is ideal for these spaces because it helps to keep the area clean and sanitary.
Weekly Scrubbing
As durable as epoxy floors are, they can still be damaged by large stains, scratches and gouges. A thorough weekly scrubbing will help keep these problems at bay and will also give the epoxy coating a clean, fresh look.
When using a mop for scrubbing, choose one with microfiber or soft yarn, and avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners. These are likely to scratch or etch the flooring, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
In addition, always read the product instructions and ratios for the specific cleaning solution you’re using to ensure that it won’t damage the floor coating. Some solutions, especially those with citrus or vinegar, can strip the epoxy’s shiny coating, leaving a film coating or haze over the surface.
If the epoxy is installed in an area where chemicals are used frequently, such as a garage or shop, it’s important to take extra care to protect the surface from spills of engine oil, antifreeze and other car fluids, as well as paint, solvents and household cleaners. Wipe up these liquids as soon as they happen, and dispose of them properly.
Using a walk-off mat at the entrance to a garage or shop can help prevent these substances from being tracked on to the epoxy floor, where they may cause damage over time. Similarly, placing protective pads under motorcycle or bicycle kickstands can prevent them from dragging on the floor and leaving scratches. Finally, putting rubber pads under heavy equipment or tools will minimize the amount of friction between the equipment and the epoxy flooring and also prevent these items from being pulled along the floor and leaving behind marks or gouges.
Monthly Rinsing
An essential part of maintenance for an epoxy floor is to rinse it once a month to prevent the build-up of dirt, grime and other contaminants. These substances can damage the coating and erode its integrity. Typically, a combination of water and mild detergent is used for the rinsing process. The first step is to sweep the floors and remove any rugs or other objects that could block the flow of the cleaning solution. Then, a mop or scrubber is used to clean the floors. The frequency of this scrubbing depends on the amount of traffic that the floors see. In general, high-traffic areas require daily scrubbing and low-traffic areas require weekly scrubbing.
It is also important to address any spills as soon as they occur to avoid staining and other types of damage to the epoxy coating. If a chemical spill or another type of stain is not promptly cleaned up, it can penetrate the surface and cause long-term damage.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that if an area is exposed to abrasive chemicals or liquids on a regular basis, it may need to be rinsed more frequently than other areas. This is because the chemicals can discolor the flooring and create a permanent stain. This is why it is crucial to have a designated area for car-related chemicals like antifreeze, oil and gasoline. It is also a good idea to place soft pads under bicycle and motorcycle kickstands to protect the floors from damage.
While an epoxy floor is extremely resilient, it will need to be recoat from time to time. This is an opportunity to add color or design elements that will make the flooring more appealing, and it is also an ideal time to fix any large scratches, gouges or cuts in the floor coating. These types of problems can allow moisture to seep under the coating and damage the concrete beneath. By repairing these issues as they happen, you can extend the lifespan of your epoxy floors. This is why hiring an experienced contractor with a strong direct labor force at the beginning of the flooring process is so important.
Periodic Repairs
An epoxy floor coating is impermeable, protecting the concrete underneath from water and other contaminants. However, it is still vulnerable to damage and wear. If a large object is dropped on the floor or it is scraped or scratched up, this can leave deep gouges that allow moisture to seep under the coating and cause peeling. These problems can be difficult to notice until it is too late, but they should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs later.
Chemicals like motor oil, antifreeze, and paint should be wiped up as soon as they spill, since these chemicals may stain the epoxy and can erode or weaken it. A non-enzymatic soap and water mixture is typically recommended to remove these substances from an epoxy flooring surface, as enzymatic cleaners can break down the carbon in the epoxy, leading to pitting over time.
Other preventive measures can be taken to extend the lifespan of an epoxy floor coating. For example, walk-off mats placed at entryways can help collect dirt and sand before it is tracked onto the floor, as well as prevent scratches or indentations. Additionally, placing pads under the feet of heavy equipment or furniture can protect the floor from unnecessary scratches or gouges.
Lastly, it is important to inspect the floor for signs of damage on a monthly basis. This can be done by walking across the floor with a broom or sweeping it up with a vacuum before using a mop. These inspections should focus on looking for dents or gouges in the floor coating, as well as checking for cracking or pitting of the concrete beneath. If any of these issues are identified, they should be repaired right away to avoid costly repairs later. Blake from Ascent Epoxy notes that having an experienced contractor install and perform regular maintenance of an epoxy floor can significantly reduce the chances of expensive or inconvenient problems down the line.
