Non-slip epoxy flooring safeguards business premises against slip and fall hazards, but it can also be an attractive and practical solution for homeowners who want to protect their garages, workshops or finished basements. Proper maintenance and the use of appropriate additives and coatings are key to maintaining the safety and aesthetic appeal of these floors.
Aggregates
Aggregates are chips or flakes of various materials that are mixed into epoxy to create a textured surface that mitigates slip risks, crucial in environments where spills are frequent. The type of aggregate used varies depending on the intended environment and desired level of slip resistance, with options including colored quartz, silica sand, glass spheres, polypropylene pellets, aluminum oxide, walnut shells, and more. Colored quartz, for instance, offers a high degree of slip resistance with a minimal impact on the overall aesthetic of the flooring. Silica sand, on the other hand, provides a more aggressive grip, and can be effective in spaces where lubricants, chemicals, and hot equipment are regularly used.
These particles are not only a key component of non-slip epoxy floors, but they’re also an essential factor in their durability. Unlike many other flooring materials, epoxy infused with aggregates has the strength to withstand the impacts of heavy foot traffic and the pressures of a lifetime of use.
Additionally, aggregates can help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that could ultimately compromise a floor’s slip resistance. By promoting airflow and preventing the accumulation of moisture and dirt, these small pieces of aggregate act like a silent guardian for your epoxy flooring.
In addition to aggregates, epoxy can be enhanced with a variety of topical coatings that provide anti-slip properties. These coatings can be added to the cured epoxy or applied afterward as a lock coat. Topical coatings can be a quick, cost-effective way to improve an epoxy flooring’s slip resistance and can be easily removed or reapplied for future projects.
Ultimately, the most effective way to maintain an epoxy flooring’s slip resistance is through regular inspections. This process allows for quick interventions to address wear patterns and other early signs of damage that, if left unaddressed, could compromise the floor’s safety and longevity. Incorporated in a routine maintenance schedule, these evaluations are an essential step in the life of your epoxy flooring, keeping it looking beautiful and providing safe footing for years to come.
Film Thickness
For those environments where the need to balance aggressive slip resistance against floor cleaning requirements is paramount, such as food processing and medical spaces, the best option is often quartz-filled epoxy floors. These floors are able to resist the heavy impact and frequent loading and unloading of trolleys, carts and forklifts that is so typical of these settings while also contributing to an overall clean and hygienic environment.
This level of durability is a key factor in why epoxy is such an effective safety flooring solution, and it stretches beyond just the ability to withstand impacts. Epoxy is known for its resistance to chemical exposure as well, a fact that comes in handy in many workplaces where chemicals are regularly used and stored. In addition to this, the non-porous surface of these floors makes cleaning a breeze, minimizing the risk of slips and falls while helping to create a healthy working space.
The non-slip properties of epoxy floors aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution however, with various particles and coatings capable of boosting its slip-resistance in different environments. Some of the more common options include aluminum oxide additives, which provide an aggressive texture that can effectively ward off slippery conditions.
While these are a great choice in many cases, they can be too harsh for environments that require the comfort of soft feet or skin. This is where other choices like ground polymer grit can come into play, which provides a much more refined texture that’s softer on the feet and skin while still providing an effective anti-slip surface. These types of additives can be incorporated into the epoxy coating during application, which can be done without affecting its signature shine.
As with any flooring, proper maintenance is key in maximizing the life of non-slip epoxy floors. Regular sweeping and mopping with a neutral pH cleaner should keep the fine texture of these floor coatings from getting clogged with dirt and debris, preventing them from losing their grip.
Epoxy slip-resistant floors are a popular and effective safety option for commercial, industrial and residential environments. They can be found in changerooms, shopping centres, industrial kitchens and mechanical workshops, where they help to reduce accidents and the risks of liability, while meeting strict building standards for health and safety.
Recoat Window
A non-slip epoxy floor combines a tough grip for safety with an elegant finish. The result is a durable flooring surface that promises years of protection and beauty. In industrial sites and commercial buildings, a non-slip coating ensures compliance with building and legislative standards. Likewise, in domestic settings like garages, workshops and even kitchens, the protective qualities of this kind of coating help to keep families safe.
An epoxy floor that is not adequately cured will leave the surface vulnerable to moisture penetration. This unseen enemy can wreak havoc on the integrity of the coating, weakening the resin and potentially degrading it over time. The good news is that this enemy can be kept at bay with proper cleaning and upkeep of the coating, ensuring that it remains strong enough to support an active work environment.
Moisture can be tested using the thumb print method, whereby one presses their thumb against the surface of the floor and waits to see if it leaves a mark or feels tacky. If it does, the floor must be recoat as soon as possible. The general window for recoat is 10 to 24 hours, depending on the temperature.
The thickness of an epoxy coating is another important factor in slip resistance. A thicker coating will create a harder, harder wearing surface that is resistant to cracks and damage over time. This is especially true for a non-slip epoxy floor, where the film thickness acts as a silent guardian to uphold the durability of the material and keep feet safe in the face of everyday wear and tear.
The choice of aggregate also impacts the slip resistance of an epoxy coating, with some choices more aggressive than others. For example, aluminium oxide offers a more aggressive slip resistance but is not suitable for food processing environments as it can be ingested by workers. The overall objective is to achieve an appropriate level of slip resistance for the work environment in question, balancing the needs of safety, cleanliness and cost. An expert will guide the client through these considerations, offering an informed solution that is a good fit for their business or home.
Maintenance
Epoxy floors are well-known for their durability, resisting impacts and chemical exposure while adding a smooth, glossy sheen to any space. They’re also an aesthetically appealing flooring option, with color choices and blending options that allow homeowners, business owners, and contractors to create the perfect finish for any room. While their resilience and sleek appearance make epoxy floor non-slip coatings a safe choice for industrial and commercial spaces, they can also be used in residential environments, including garages, basements, and pool areas.
The key to keeping an epoxy floor looking its best and preserving its slip-resistant properties is routine cleaning and maintenance. Sweeping and mopping on a regular basis removes dirt, dust, and other debris that can easily trap moisture, creating a slippery surface. Specialized cleaning products and equipment designed for epoxy floors can further prevent damage or erosion of the fine texture. When it comes to spills and other liquids, it’s important to respond quickly to them.
This includes promptly absorbing any oil or chemical spills, as these can cause permanent damage if left unaddressed. Then, an eco-friendly degreaser should be applied as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the degreaser has had time to penetrate, it can be wiped away and the floor should then be rinsed thoroughly.
Proper maintenance is also important for preventing accidental scratches and abrasions to the fine texture of an epoxy floor. For example, a simple switch to rubber casters or cushioned pads on movable furniture can prevent the hard edges of metal wheels and tyres from cutting into the floor. Likewise, regularly checking that vehicle tyres are free of stones and other rough materials can further reduce the risk of scratching or abrasions to the floor.
The combination of the recoat window, the proper aggregate choice, and the specialized non-slip additives can help ensure that an epoxy floor stays durable, strong, and visually appealing for years to come. However, a lack of diligence in maintenance and upkeep can undermine these efforts. By being diligent and addressing potential problems as soon as they arise, homeowners, business owners, and contractors can preserve the integrity of their epoxy flooring and continue to enjoy its slip resistance benefits.
