Many surfaces can be coated in epoxy to add a layer of protection for your home. Most homeowners utilize epoxy for basements or garages as it helps save the concrete from excessive damage. Using epoxy in your home by coating on your concrete, metal, or wood floors can help make the space more functional and easier to clean. Everything has its pros and cons, so while epoxy coatings can help improve the appearance of your home, there are also some drawbacks to using epoxy in your home.

Diamond Custom Coatings helps explain all the benefits of epoxy or polyaspartic coatings to our customers. Adding a floor coating of any type will be a way to save your flooring from dents, scratches, and stains. Understanding the pros and cons of a floor coating will help you choose the best option for your unique home.

Pros Of Residential Epoxy

Using epoxy in your home comes with different benefits against the elements. Foot traffic, weather, and common debris can wear down your floor quickly, which is where epoxy can help. An added layer of protection will save you from replacing or repairing the floor frequently. 

Durability

Epoxy is a sturdy material once it hardens. It is resistant to heavy impacts, abrasions, heat, and foot traffic, which is common in residential spaces. Most homeowners want this benefit for their basements or garages, where they enter the home or store heavy items. A floor coating can make your space more functional to be used as a home gym, auto body shop, home theatre, arcade, or equipment storage.

Seamless Finish

When epoxy is applied to a floor, it is poured and spread out with specialized tools. This is done to create a smooth surface and even finish on the floor. Using epoxy in your home won’t come with grout lines or cracks along the edge of the surface. Professional application of epoxy will ensure that there are no hills and valleys in the coating and give you a high-end, modern look. Epoxy coatings are sleek, making them aesthetically appealing when used in a home.

Chemical Resistance

Another benefit of using epoxy is its resistance to chemicals. While most homes don’t see frequent chemical use, there are some, like motor oil or abrasive cleaners, that could stain concrete. Having an epoxy floor coating will help protect the sub-floors from extensive damage, which could lead to the need for replacing the concrete sooner than necessary. Since the coating is resistant to multiple kinds of damage, it is a wise investment to place it in your highly used areas, even if chemicals are not your highest concern.

Easy To Clean

Epoxy is easier to clean than concrete, brick, or wood because it is nonporous. Epoxy coatings can be easily wiped off or swept to remove debris or spills. Traditional garage or basement floors will absorb liquids, leading to a dark, permanent stain. When oil or gas is spilled on your epoxy, it will sit on the surface and bead up, making it effortless for homeowners to handle.

Slip Resistant

One benefit of epoxy that is widely debated is its slip resistance. When epoxy is wet, it can be slippery, however, some texture additives can help improve traction. Epoxy is not recommended for pool areas, bathrooms, or commercial spaces with frequent liquids because slips are still common when high moisture content is present. For a garage or basement, if the floor is dry, it will be slip-resistant while walking or working out.

Cons Of Epoxy Floor Coatings

While coatings will have negatives, you will need to decide if they are a deal breaker for you. Some of these cons may not impact your specific home or be something you deal with in your lifetime. Understanding the cons of using epoxy in your home will help you make an educated decision or inform future homeowners.

Long Application Time

This negative doesn’t always apply to the homeowners, but it does impact when you can use your garage, basement, kitchen, or patio again. The installation process requires prep work and detailed application by a professional for the final result to last. This long application process can be slightly inconvenient for homeowners who are home during the process or who need to store their garage items somewhere while the coating is completed. When you work with a professional, the struggles or pains of installation won’t rest on your shoulders. 

Difficult To Repair

While epoxy is durable, it is not built to last forever. After frequent use, the epoxy could get chipped, scratched, or become patchy. These spot repairs are hard to do, which often means you need to recoat the entire floor for the same durable finish. Repairs also need to be done by professionals, making it less convenient for homeowners to just quickly repair a small dent or crack. 

Sensitive To Sunlight

The Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage and discolor different materials. Standard epoxy will start to fade when exposed to frequent sunlight, making it look old or dingy. Using epoxy in spaces like a sunroom, garage, or kitchen with large windows is not recommended because of the UV sensitivity. Epoxy will yellow without a UV-resistant top coat to protect it.

Fumes During The Application Process

Another worry around using epoxy in your home is the fumes created during the application process. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) will be released when epoxy is mixed and applied, which can be strong and linger in your space. These strong odors may cause respiratory problems that linger long after a coating is fully cured. Ventilation during an epoxy coating can help lower strong smells or fumes. Some companies will also utilize low VOC formulations to limit worry for clients.

Epoxy Coatings From Diamond Custom Coatings

Diamond Custom Coatings offers epoxy and polyaspartic coatings for homes in Louisville, KY. Our team is dedicated to providing your home with quality solutions that improve functionality and aesthetics. If you are looking to have a durable space, reach out to our team to schedule your floor coating.