Epoxy floors are a great flooring option for many homes and commercial spaces. Their durable, low-maintenance surface is both waterproof and oil-resistant – making them ideal for any space that could experience spills or flooding.
However, like any floor coating, epoxy floors can develop damage that requires repair. Considering epoxy service with the most reviews in Chicago can provide insights into the experiences of other customers and help you find reliable professionals for any repair needs. Some damage may require a complete flooring replacement while others can be easily fixed with a few simple tools and techniques.
Cracks and Chips
One of the most common issues found in epoxy flooring is cracks. If you don’t fix these cracks right away, they can get worse and lead to major problems in the future. Depending on what caused the cracks, there are different ways to repair them.
For smaller fissures, you can use mortar to fill them up. Mix the mortar well and make sure that it overflows from the crack. Once the mortar has dried, you can use a trowel to smooth out the surface and remove any excess. Then, you can paint the entire floor with a fresh coat of epoxy resin. This method is a bit more labor intensive, but it is the best way to repair minor cracks and chips.
Larger cracks can be repaired by using an epoxy bonding agent. This is a fast-setting product that can be used on floors with wide cracks or holes in them. It is a good idea to have this product on hand in case any of your other coatings start peeling. It will also help if you notice any other signs of damage, such as a bubbled finish.
Another common issue is cracks along pressure points or edges. This can happen due to thermal expansion and contraction or from heavy objects being dropped on the floor. You can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a high-quality coating system that does not contain plasticizers.
Some types of cracks can be very difficult to fix, especially if they are on the edge of a door or walkway. In these cases, you might need to consider removing and replacing the whole floor.
You can also prevent cracks by ensuring that your floor is level and free of any dips or bumps before you apply the epoxy coating. This will prevent the concrete from shifting under the epoxy, which could cause it to crack. It is also a good idea to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it clean.
If you do notice that your epoxy floor is starting to peel, it is a good idea to hire a professional contractor for the job. They will have the equipment and tools necessary to remove the existing coating and then prepare the floor for a new coat of epoxy. This process may involve grinding the surface with a floor grinder machine or handheld tools for corners. This can create dust, so it is important to wear the proper safety gear.
Discoloration
If your epoxy floor looks like it’s yellowing, it may be because of prolonged exposure to UV rays. UV rays can speed up the degradation of epoxy polymers, which results in yellowing and other problems such as chalking and cracking. Another cause of yellowing is oxidation. Oxidation is when the epoxy hardener breaks down and turns yellow, and it’s a concern because the yellowing can be a sign of low-quality or improperly mixed epoxy resin components. Finally, extreme heat can also cause your epoxy to yellow.
When you see discoloration in your epoxy floors, it’s important to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible. This is because a damaged floor can rob your business of its aesthetic appeal and can also be dangerous to employees and visitors.
It is possible to repair a discolored epoxy floor, although you’ll likely need to remove the old coating. You’ll want to choose a contractor that has experience with concrete flooring to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.
Once the floor is prepared, you can fill any cracks and chips with a compound. This will patch the floor and prevent any damage from getting worse over time. Then you’ll need to let the compound cure for 60 days before you apply a new coat of epoxy.
In some cases, the discoloration you’re seeing is a result of something called “amine blush.” This is when an amine-based hardener gets exposed to air during the curing process. It can happen because of humidity, temperature changes, or even from cleaning products that get used on the floor.
A quick way to test whether your discoloration is from amine blush or something else is to scrape a small amount of the surface with a utility knife. If the color under the scrape is the same as the rest of the floor, it’s probably a different issue. A good concrete contractor can help you fix the problem of a discolored epoxy floor and restore it to its original luster. They can also provide you with tips to prevent future problems.
Lifting
There are many reasons why epoxy may lift, from a lack of proper surface preparation to moisture problems. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines carefully and to use a solvent that won’t affect the epoxy. In most cases, a simple floor buffing will correct a lifting epoxy problem. If the coating has come off entirely, however, a full replacement may be necessary.
If the discoloration isn’t too severe, it might be possible to simply resurface your floors. This will help to restore their appearance and provide a more attractive, longer-lasting solution. If the discoloration is extensive, however, it’s likely that something went wrong during the original application.
In some cases, the entire slab of concrete under your epoxy may become contaminated with moisture and this can cause problems. Moisture in the concrete can create a hydrostatic pressure underneath your epoxy, which will cause it to peel off of the floor. This is why it’s vital to do a thorough moisture test on any new flooring before starting the installation process.
Water vapor can also travel through the concrete and cause your resin to bubble. This can result in an unsightly appearance for your floor, as well as allowing water or other spills to penetrate and damage the concrete below.
Fortunately, this is usually easy to fix. A professional will sand away a layer of the epoxy to remove the bubbles. Then they’ll prepare the floor for a fresh coat of epoxy. This involves buffing the floor with a machine or using a palm sander to get the job done. This may create some dust, but a professional will use a vacuum to keep the work area clean.
The final step in repairing an epoxy floor that’s bubbling or pinholed is to use a high-quality sealer. This will ensure that any future damage is repelled and prevent moisture from seeping through. Regardless of the type of damage you have on your floors, it’s important to contact a professional right away to prevent it from getting worse. By addressing any issues early on, you can avoid costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.
Removal
While epoxy flooring is incredibly durable, it can still experience issues over time. In some cases, if the floor is significantly damaged, it may be necessary to remove the epoxy coating and start fresh. This can be a big project, and it’s best to leave it to the professionals. This process involves grinding the floor to remove the old epoxy and cleaning and preparing the concrete for a new coating. It takes a lot of time, but it’s the only way to fix major damage.
One of the most common causes of peeling in epoxy floors is improper surface preparation. When an epoxy floor is applied, it’s important that the surface is cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly, and then thoroughly washed to make sure there are no oils or chemicals on the surface. If a professional skips any of these steps, or doesn’t take care to do it correctly, the epoxy will not bond well with the concrete, and it could begin to peel.
A professional will typically use a grinder to remove the epoxy, and they will also wear protective eye and hand coverings to prevent any accidents. They will also make sure the room is well-ventilated, and they’ll use a fan to help blow the dust away as they work. They’ll also be careful not to overgrind the floor, as this can damage or gouge the concrete underneath.
Chemical strippers are also an option for removing epoxy, but this can be a messy process. It’s important to follow the instructions on the stripper, and a respirator or mask is recommended to protect against the fumes. Once all the epoxy is removed, the floor should be thoroughly rinsed, sanded down and vacuumed to remove any leftover debris or dust.
Minor discoloration in epoxy floors can be corrected with a tinted sealer. This can be used to conceal a few small blotches, or it can be used to darken an entire area of the floor. It’s important to let the sealer or stain dry for at least four hours before using the floor again.