Do Not Epoxy Coat These Floors!
Most of the time, industrial, commercial, and residential floors are epoxy coated with no problem. But sometimes, there are some floor types you shouldn’t apply epoxy to.
Thinking about getting epoxy flooring but not sure about your current floors? Check out our list of, floors NOT to epoxy.
DO NOT Epoxy these types of floors:
Structurally Damaged Concrete Floors
Laying epoxy flooring over a structurally damaged area hides a potential nightmare. Concrete that is structurally damage needs to be inspected by a structural engineer. And if it’s hidden by a epoxy flooring you could be endangering yourself, and the rest of the structure.
Uncoated Floors
Concrete floors that have had heavy traffic, and are now damaged are not suitable for epoxy flooring. The concrete floor must be repaired, and leveled.
Only after the repairs can you use epoxy flooring.
Wood Floors
Wood floors move and flex, which is really bad for epoxy flooring. It really needs to be applied to a solid floor, like concrete.
And trying to epoxy over some of those composite wood type flooring isn’t much better. This type of flooring has glues, adhesives, and other chemicals that the epoxy may not bond with, ruining the floor.
Tile Floors
Putting an epoxy flooring over tile is a, maybe. It depends, on the type, age and condition of the tile. So, a few repairs may do the trick.
But if the tiles have a ceramic coating baked on them, that has to come off. It needs to be roughed up by diamond-grinding. Which means tiles can break, chip-up and make more of a mess. Think about it. Now, those cracked tiles have to be fixed, along with any chipped up tiles. So, in the long run it’s best to have all tile ripped out. Then you’d have a concrete surface to start with.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Vinyl Plank
Basically, it’s the same story as wood planks. These vinyl planks also, flex and move, which is bad for epoxy flooring. So, epoxy flooring over this stuff is a no-no.
Asbestos Tile
Due to the nature of the job, it may be necessary to grind the existing tile level. This would be an EPA nightmare. Asbestos is cancerous. It must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company.
After that, the floor can be leveled, Then epoxy flooring magic can begin.
Other Considerations
Besides the list above, you should also consider consulting a professional if your project includes:
Newly poured concrete floors
Floors with moisture issues
Floors in places with extreme temperatures
Concrete floors with hardeners or sealers
Previously Coated floors
A lot of these are harder to deal with but not impossible. Working with our team of installers can help get your project started.
Conclusion
In the above situations, all of the existing floors can be removed. Our installers can repair any concrete damage, and level the floor. After all of the prep work, your new epoxy floor is ready for application. Epoxy needs a stable, solid floor to adhere to. Bare concrete is best.
Get Started Now. Give us a call, 808 280-0410