Epoxy flooring has become more popular in recent years as people have begun using it throughout a house and not just for garage flooring. This flooring style not only looks good, but it is also very practical in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, patios, and of course garages. In fact, people are even using epoxy coatings for basement flooring. While epoxy floor systems may be popular and can increase the value of your home, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Does Epoxy Flooring Increase Home Value?
Advantages of Epoxy Flooring
Durability
Epoxy flooring is indeed enduring. However, how long the floors last will depend on where it has been laid and who did the epoxy flooring installation. On basement floors, epoxy will last a couple of decades. In higher traffic areas it will be far less. However, there is no doubt that epoxy flooring does stand up to most wear and tear. It is also highly resistant to water and is chemical resistant. As a result, epoxy flooring doesn’t corrode, crack or peel easily. This high-performing flooring option is not as vulnerable to heat as other flooring systems. Not only is epoxy flooring easier to clean than other flooring options, but it is also scratch and impact-resistant.
Affordability
Epoxy flooring is more affordable than other flooring options because you can install it directly on a concrete floor. Materials used to make epoxy flooring are also relatively inexpensive. Although the upfront costs may be higher than the costs of conventional concrete floor polishing, layers of epoxy are far more durable. As a result, you will not need to replace the flooring as often. When the flooring needs a make-over, it will be fairly cheap.
Designable
Another reason epoxy flooring is so popular is that it is open to suggestions. Epoxy floors can accommodate custom pattern designs as well as different colors and stains. Homeowners can then change the flooring style as trends come and go. For example, there’s the unobtrusive natural look, classical black and white, and trendy metallic finishes. In terms of introducing patterns, the timber look is trending at the moment. Furthermore, epoxy flooring lends itself to changes in texture, ranging from a mirror finish to rough stone.
Eco-friendly
Not only is epoxy flooring easy to maintain and clean, but it is also eco-friendly. After installing epoxy floors, they do not emit any fumes when they are warm. Also, epoxy floors do not require strong chemicals to clean them. In fact, a damp map will do the job! Furthermore, epoxy floors are moisture resistant which is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Therefore, there is little chance for respiratory problems to arise from spores and other pollutants in the flooring. What’s more, epoxy doesn’t form volatile compounds, and no volatile organic compounds are held in the coatings, which makes them non-toxic.
Disadvantages of Epoxy Flooring
Whether these are actually disadvantages depends on the experience and expertise of the people involved in the epoxy flooring installation. When installed by professionals, epoxy flooring can increase the value of your home.
Difficult to Install
There is a lot of work to be done before installing epoxy flooring. The concrete surface on which the epoxy coating is to be poured must be sufficiently cleaned and free of residual grease or oils from the previous flooring. Then, the epoxy mixture must be poured exactly according to strict rules. One such rule involves checking the level of humidity and moisture in the room. If moisture and humidity are not as specified, the flooring could be damaged, causing it to age faster.
Fumes
During the installation process, it is quite likely there will be an overwhelming smell coupled with what can be overpowering fumes. Fumes from epoxy floor installation can cause inflamed throats, eyes, lungs, and noses. In addition, when sanding the epoxy after it has cured, the dust particles can be harmful when inhaled. To avoid odor and fumes, be sure to use green, low VOC water-based materials rather than solvent-based materials. Once the epoxy is completely installed and cured, the odor and fumes will not be a health risk.
Real Advice
If you like the idea of epoxy floors but are concerned about how it will turn out in your home, install epoxy floors in a small bathroom or the garage first. Be under no illusion that this is an easy DIY job. In fact, too much can go wrong. Call the epoxy flooring installation professionals before you try to save a penny and end up spending much more!
Additional Information: How to Choose the Best Epoxy Floor Coating
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