Uncovering The Culprits: 5 Reasons Why Your Epoxy Floor Is Failing

Why your epoxy floor is failing and how to prevent it

Opting for a DIY epoxy flooring project can be an excellent choice, particularly for those with experience. However, mistakes during the installation process can lead to epoxy floor failures. This article highlights why your epoxy floor is failing and provides valuable insights to help you achieve a long-lasting finish.

Inadequate Floor Preparation

• One of the main culprits behind epoxy floor failures is poor floor preparation. People underestimate the significance of preparing concrete surfaces before applying epoxy floor coating. A simple cleaning may be insufficient, as epoxy cannot adhere to a smooth surface.

The concrete surface must not contain any contaminants such as oils or waxes. In addition, the concrete pores should be properly opened to allow optimal adhesion. While acid etching can help do this, the preferable approach is grinding the concrete.

Improper Selection Of The Epoxy Resin

• One of the essential factors to consider while applying epoxy flooring is the choice of epoxy resin. Different epoxy resins suit different spaces, needs, and designs. Therefore, it is better to research and find out which type of epoxy resin will suit your flooring needs. An incorrect type of epoxy resin may not give you the desirable results. So, avoid this mistake and choose only the appropriate product for your floor.

Improper Mixing Of Epoxy

• This mistake is commonly made by beginners who lack the necessary experience. If you have never mixed epoxy before, start with a small batch. Once you get comfortable mixing and curing, make the required epoxy batch. Finally, pour the measured proportions of epoxy resin and hardener into a plastic or wax-free paper container.

Using glass or foam containers can result in hazardous exothermic reactions, so avoid them. Avoid stirring the mixture too quickly for too long as it will incorporate air bubbles into the mixture, and you will not get the required finish. In addition, air bubbles will result in an uneven final epoxy coat. Stir the mixture for 1 to 3 minutes until you achieve a single-product consistency. Pour the mixture into a roller pan and apply immediately to extend the working time.

Not Allowing The Concrete To Dry

• When the concrete is not sufficiently dried after acid etching, it can contribute to epoxy floor failures. A minimum of 24 hours may be required for the concrete to dry thoroughly, depending on the humidity and temperature. In some cases, even longer periods may be necessary.

Failure to do so can cause the moisture trapped in the concrete’s pores to rise to the surface, leading to bubbles in the epoxy finish. However, some water-based epoxies and primers are designed to be applied to slightly damp concrete. Therefore, if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer for specific guidelines.

Not Adhering To Manufacturer’s Guidelines

• While applying the epoxy coating, following the humidity and temperature specifications provided by the manufacturer is essential. Applying epoxy at a lower temperature than recommended can result in improper hardening and curing of the coating. On the other hand, when epoxy is applied at high temperatures, the pot life of the product can be reduced to half.

This makes it challenging to apply the epoxy before it becomes unworkable. Additionally, it may result in the formation of bubbles due to outgassing caused by the increased temperatures. Conversely, high humidity can create a subtle layer of moisture on the concrete’s surface, causing adhesion problems and eventually resulting in peeling or delamination of the epoxy.

If you want a durable and economical garage floor coating solution, contact us at (877) 727-2259. Crack-X is a civil structures repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire. Our specialists will advise you according to your budget and requirements. Let us help you make the best choice for your floor.