Choosing the right commercial floor coating can be a game-changer for your business. It’s not just about making floors look good; it’s about protecting them against wear and tear, chemical spills, and heavy foot traffic. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know before making a decision.
We’ll explore different types of coatings like epoxy and urethane, discuss their benefits, and outline how they stand up to daily challenges in commercial settings. Additionally, you’ll receive advice on how to set up and maintain your flooring to keep it in tip-top shape over time.
By the end of this read, you’ll have all the info needed to pick a coating system that saves money long-term while ensuring your spaces are safe and appealing.
Selecting the Right Commercial Floor Coating
Deciding on the type of commercial floor covering involves more than just eye appeal; it’s a pivotal choice that affects longevity, security, and upkeep expenses. With various options available, understanding their differences is key.
Epoxy, urethane, and solids-based coatings are among the most popular choices for commercial spaces. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Epoxy coatings. With their superior bonding to concrete surfaces, they are perfect for areas frequented by heavy foot traffic. Epoxy coatings are known for their resistance to heavy wear and chemicals.
- Urethane coatings. This adds another layer of protection with UV resistance and greater flexibility under temperature changes.
- Solid epoxy floor coatings. These are thicker options that boast an even higher level of durability (with minimal VOC emissions) than other epoxy coatings.
The right choice depends on your specific needs but considering a solid epoxy kit could be beneficial if you’re looking for longevity in particularly demanding environments.
If you are not sure which floor coating makes the most sense for your commercial space, go ahead and contact one of our experts at McLean Company (978-774-4330) with any questions.
Benefits of Each Coating Type
Epoxy flooring systems not only protect concrete from surface damage but can also enhance brightness due to their high gloss finish options. Elevating visibility in workplaces, this increase in safety is achieved through the heightened luminance offered by such coatings.
On the other hand, urethane coats extend the life of your flooring through abrasion resistance properties which make them perfect for locations subjected to frequent cleaning or chemical exposure.
Solids-based epoxies stand out when low maintenance is crucial because they create seamless surfaces that are easy to clean up without sacrificing toughness or appearance over time.
Key Considerations for Durability and Maintenance
Keeping those benefits in mind, your choice should align with expected foot traffic levels and how much effort you want to put into maintaining pristine conditions. Daily routines may demand more durable solutions like solid epoxies, while lighter traffic benefits from traditional epoxy kits.
Remember, proper preparation before applying any product is key to making sure the finish holds and serves its intended purpose. Always follow the manufacturer’s application instructions closely to achieve the best results.
Choosing wisely means weighing all factors, including initial investment against potential repair or replacement down the line. Future-proofing your space is of utmost importance in achieving a desirable outcome both visually and functionally.
Installing Commercial Floor Coatings
Before any commercial floor coating touches your concrete, surface preparation is key. Ensuring your base is primed for its fresh coat goes beyond mere tidying; it demands thorough measures to prep the groundwork for its upcoming coat.
Surface Preparation Techniques
Initially, we at McLean Company scrutinize your concrete floors for any imperfections such as fissures or fragments that demand mending. Then comes the crucial part: creating a profile on the concrete’s surface with methods like shot blasting or diamond grinding. Far from being mere filler, this phase guarantees the epoxy clings tightly to your floor by fostering a mechanical linkage.
The next stage involves dealing with moisture – our nemesis in this process. Using moisture meters, we measure levels because high humidity can sabotage even the best-prepared surfaces. If needed, we apply a moisture barrier before proceeding further.
Applying Floor Coating
Moving onto applying epoxy coatings—this isn’t akin to slapping paint on a wall but more an art form demanding precision and patience. After mixing components as per manufacturer guidelines, the application starts with an epoxy primer layer using rollers designed specifically for epoxies to ensure proper coverage without bubbles or pinholes.
We follow this up by laying down color options through base coats and finally sealing everything with topcoats that add durability along with UV resistance—an essential feature given how much abuse these floors endure from foot traffic to chemical spills.
Maintenance Tips for Commercial Floor Coatings
Cleaning and maintaining your commercial floor coatings doesn’t have to be a chore. Start with the basics: sweep or dust mop daily to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent mixed with water; this simple solution works wonders on epoxy and urethane coatings without leaving residue.
For high-traffic areas, consider using an auto-scrubber equipped with a soft brush attachment. Employing this technique not only preserves the coating’s shiny appearance but also guarantees its stickiness remains intact over time, setting a solid foundation for enduring beauty and functionality.
Handling Stains and Damages
Spills should be addressed immediately to prevent stains from setting in, especially on epoxy flooring where chemicals might cause damage if left unattended. Use absorbent materials like paper towels or cloth rags for quick clean-up.
If you notice chips or cracks, act fast. Neglecting minor imperfections might escalate into significant complications if left unattended. Repairing damaged commercial floor coatings promptly will help protect your investment. Fixing minor troubles like scuffs or tiny perforations will help maintain the floor’s prime condition and save money in the long run.
Looking for a Top Commercial Flooring Contractor?
Picking the right commercial floor coating is a big win for your business. It’s about more than looks; it’s protection against the daily grind.
If you are looking for an experienced commercial flooring contractor in the Boston, MA and northeast Massachusetts area, then McLean Company is your go-to choice.
With over five decades of experience providing flooring and painting solutions in some of the most demanding commercial environments, our team has the equipment, know-how, and reliability to transform your business. Go ahead and view some of our past projects here.
To learn more, contact our team today or call (978-774-4330) with any questions.
When it comes to commercial flooring: durability, aesthetics, and safety – are not just goals but achievable results with the assistance of our experienced commercial flooring professionals.