Epoxy is a popular choice for residential and commercial applications because of its low maintenance requirements and ease of installation. An epoxy coating cures into a beautiful and sturdy surface that can withstand years of heavy wear and tear.
However, even the most well-cared-for epoxy coating experiences damage over time. Because epoxy requires professional installation, poorly installed epoxy may easily succumb to damage.
Let’s discuss some of the most common types of damage that occur with epoxy coatings and how to fix them.
Bubbles
Bubbles may form in fresh epoxy due to trapped gasses or air escaping from the concrete slab underneath. Several factors increase the likelihood of bubbles forming on epoxy floors, including an improperly mixed epoxy solution, temperature changes, or poor floor prepping.
The best fix for bubbles in epoxy is to re-install the epoxy. Once the floor dries, use a diamond grinder or rotary scrubber to buff down the epoxy. Next, use a shop vac to remove the dust before thoroughly wiping the area with a solvent solution. Now you can re-install the epoxy.
Chips and Cracks
If you’re dealing with minor chips and cracks, filling the gaps with a compound should fix the floor. Fill the chips and cracks with fresh mortar, then use a trowel to remove any excess mortar and smooth the surface.
This simple fix will patch the floor and prevent the damage from worsening. Once you’ve completed the repair, give the material about 60 days to cure before applying a new epoxy layer. If the coating has incurred extensive damage, you may have to resurface the entire area before applying new epoxy.
Peeling
Your epoxy coating may peel because of an installation failure, hot tire pickup, or old age. Nonetheless, peeling robs your floor of its aesthetic appeal and may be dangerous if not repaired properly.
The best remedy for a peeling epoxy coating is to remove the existing coating and re-install the flooring. Start by using a three-inch scraper or rotary scrubber to remove the coating.
Once you’ve removed the coating, cleanse the floor with an acidic cleaner and follow up with two scrub rinses. Now you can re-install the coating.
Discoloration
Over time, your epoxy floor may turn an odd color. Anything from UV light exposure to exceeding the epoxy’s lifespan may result in a discolored epoxy coating. UV rays make polymers in the resin give in to degradation, which not only causes the epoxy to turn yellow but also leads to chalking, cracking, and gloss loss.
You can address discoloration in several ways. Use a tinted sealer to conceal minor imperfections easily. You may spot-treat the affected areas or apply the sealer to the entire floor.
If you notice light patches, use a water-based dye or stain to darken them. Remember to give the sealer or stain at least four hours to do its job.
When to Replace Your Epoxy Flooring
The best way to deal with significant floor damage is to replace your epoxy flooring. As mentioned above, chips, peeling, and bubbles could all require a brand-new epoxy coating. Generally, significant cosmetic issues with your floor will require you to replace the entire flooring system.
Epoxy coatings have an expected useful life of about five to ten years, but they typically last longer in residential settings. However, how long your epoxy flooring lasts depends on how much traffic it supports. The following installation mistakes can also result in a short epoxy lifespan:
- Improper surface preparation
- Subpar top coat application
- Incorrect thickness application
Once you notice issues with your epoxy coating, you should start planning for a new installation.
Epoxy Coatings in Orange County
Hiring experts is the best way to guarantee high-quality repairs for your epoxy floor. You also want to ensure a professional installation to avoid costly mistakes that may lead to a premature flooring replacement.
At Epoxy Time, we have plenty of experience with epoxy coatings on concrete floors. However, we specialize in a better-than-epoxy floor coating system called polyaspartic flooring. Polyaspartic coatings offer better flexibility and enhanced durability compared to epoxy coatings.
As a family-owned and operated company, we value our customers and go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. We have over 20 years of industry experience, spanning three generations of epoxy coaters.
We offer a ten-year warranty for an epoxy base color coat with a polyaspartic top coat and a 20-year warranty for a polyurea base coat with a polyaspartic top coat.
Call us today at (949) 468-7778 for more information on how to repair epoxy coating failure and request a free quote.