Epoxy flooring solutions are quickly becoming a popular option for homeowners and business owners alike because they offer incredible longevity in terms of the flooring’s lifespan. But one of the best aspects of epoxy flooring is that it will actually increase the functional lifetime of the concrete surface below.
This concrete coating system is made up of a few different layers of powerful adhesives that are incredibly durable, and these protect the surface of the concrete while also taking the brunt of the floor’s wear and tear.
How Do Concrete Coatings Extend Concrete’s Lifespan?
Let’s take a look at a few ways that epoxy concrete coatings can make your concrete floor last longer.
Surface Protection
Epoxy concrete coatings create a strong and impermeable barrier on the surface of the concrete floor. This protective layer acts as a shield against many external factors, such as moisture, chemicals, abrasions, and impacts. By preventing these elements and conditions from reaching the concrete, epoxy concrete coatings significantly reduce the risk of cracks, spalling, and deterioration.
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Epoxy flooring is highly resistant to wear and tear caused by heavy foot traffic, equipment, and vehicles. The seamless and durable nature of epoxy prevents the formation of cracks and chips, which could weaken the concrete over time. By minimizing the damage of physical impacts and abrasions, epoxy helps to extend the life of the underlying concrete surface.
Chemical Resistance
Although concrete is considered to be an extremely tough material, it is susceptible to many different types of chemicals, including oils, solvents, acids, and highly alkaline substances. When concrete is exposed to these kinds of chemicals for an extended period of time, it can cause the concrete to weaken and corrode.
However, epoxy coatings are made from highly stable materials, making them impervious to many different kinds of chemical reactions. This property of epoxy concrete coatings safeguards the concrete below while also maintaining the structural integrity of the epoxy flooring itself.
UV Protection
Epoxy coatings often come with UV-resistant properties for outdoor use. This is because direct exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause concrete to degrade and fade over time. But with UV-resistant epoxy coatings, the sun’s rays will be unable to cause discoloration, degradation, and structural damage, which ensures that the concrete maintains its original appearance and strength.
Moisture Barrier
In addition to protecting concrete against sunlight, epoxy is also able to effectively shield concrete against moisture. When epoxy coatings are properly applied, they create a seamless and non-porous surface that prevents moisture from seeping into the concrete.
Moisture is a leading cause of concrete deterioration, and it can lead to cracking, spalling, and delamination. When moisture reaches the interior of a concrete slab, it can cause the rebar to rust and expand, which can then cause the concrete to weaken.
Moisture damage can also result from the freeze-thaw cycle in colder climates. When water permeates the concrete’s surface and freezes within the slab, the expansion of the ice places a tremendous amount of pressure on the concrete, which can cause it to degrade and crack.
Excel Concrete Coatings
If you want to protect your concrete driveway, garage floor, sidewalk, or basement, then Excel Concrete Coatings has a solution for you. Our advanced concrete coating systems will not only make your concrete last longer, but they also come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and finishes.
Give us a call today to get a free quote from one of our concrete coating experts!
