The science behind epoxy
Epoxy technically refers to a kind resin, but the name has come to be associated with a function – those substances that harden in the presence of another substance. The reaction of two chemicals forms a new chemical, known as a polymer, that has a higher temperature and hardness than either the chemicals that formed it. Polymers are a modern age wonder, used in a wide variety of building, construction and manufacturing purposes. A certain kind of epoxy is even used in dental fillings.
While some plant derived epoxies are available, most used in modern floor coating are derived from petroleum. There are many kinds of epoxies on the market today, covering a wide variety of hardness, setting times and costs.
When the two parts of a resin are combined, the resultant reaction produces heat, which is known as an exothermic reaction. Resins have to be specifically formulated to ensure that the heat released during the hardening process doesn’t weaken the plastics.
Epoxy is a relatively recent invention. Dr. Pierre Castan of Switzerland and Dr. S.O. Greenlee of the United States synthesized the first epoxy in 1936. The technology behind epoxy is a complex with the bulk of modern Research and development being done by large corporations, such as the Shell chemical division and the Huntsman corporation, the same company that marketed the clam shell hamburger container.
A great feature of epoxy is their exceedingly long shelf life. There are many stories of tubes of epoxy resin being used decades after their manufacture and still bonding successfully.
Epoxy has long been used in all kinds of flooring, due to its strength and high resistance to wear. What a lot of people don’t know is that epoxy is an environmentally friendly substance compared to many alternatives, even wood. This is because wood can take a lot if water and chemical fertilizers to grow and do it can wear our quickly (especially compared to epoxy).
The most common and well known use of epoxy is as an adhesive. Epoxy is used to glue almost everything from aircraft, automobiles and bicycles to skis, surfboards and snowboards. The reason behind epoxy popularity is its versatility. By making slight changes to its chemical structure, or diluting it with other chemicals, epoxy can be matched to fit the use of the thing it is gluing.
How is epoxy different to plastic? While both are derived from petroleum, plastic by its very nature is a bendable, malleable substance. Epoxy on the other hand is solid and rigid, a property which bestows it remarkable longevity and strength.
In summary, epoxy is a petroleum derivative that once combined and hardened forms resin. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look behind the science of epoxy, and can understand now epoxy can help your garage floor looking like new for years to come.
Testimonials
My garage was so cluttered and a total mess, I was always embarrassed to have the door open! Not anymore!! Floorguard® helped me design a perfect system for my family, it’s amazing!! Now I keep my garage door open for all to see, it’s organized, and absolutely beautiful!!!
- Pam Orland Park, IL
Really Pleased! Our garage needed some major help – not only was it a mess but the floor was just ugly with all the stains and such. I will agree with the reviewer below – do not go with the cheap imitators! Floorguard not only has a great product, but their installers and service is well worth any extra cost, which is minimal anyway. Our neighbors have commented on how good our garage looks and we’ve recommended them to Floorguard without hesitation.
- Nathan
The garage looks so good! A+ company on every level. Wish I had another garage to resurface!
- Chelsea
My neighbor had a floor done by another company that was new to the industry, boy were they sorry. I went with the experts, Floorguard did an incredible job!!
- Tom T., Orland Park
When it comes to adding value to your business, you can’t go wrong with the superior technology and materials from Floorguard
- Jenny P.
Covering our old, gray garage floor was a great aesthetic and functional improvement. This project requires 2 days: first day preparing the surface (major job requiring right equipment), putting down first coating and sprinkling the flakes. This requires about 4 hours. After this dries, they come back next day and apply the topcoat. They notified us when they would start the work and arrived as promised. They worked diligently, completed the work efficiently, left the work areas and our driveway clean. The owner Steve is a great guy to deal with.
- Bob H.
It was a pleasure dealing with the company’s owner Steve Chaloult. When we called him to give us an estimate, he arranged to come within a few days. We have a very large two car garage. His estimate was a bit more than the first company we called but he seemed very well prepared in showing us samples and very knowledgeable about his product and we just liked him. For personal reasons , we had to delay installation for about a month and he could not be more accommodating. we finally we able to have it done this past week and it was worth the wait. The garage floor is just beautiful and I never would have thought I would say that about a garage floor! We also had the lower walls around the floor done and very glad we did. At one time we were thinking we could do this ourselves using a kit. WHAT were we thinking? This is a job for a professional and we are so glad we used Steve.
- Moira J.
The owner Steve Chaloult was easy to work with and he’s very good at what he does. I highly recommend Floorguard as your contractor if you’re wanting to have a garage floor finished with a durable epoxy like colored finish. Floorguard came when they said they would and cleaned up after they were finished. Floorguard also installs garage storage cabinets.
- Andrew A.
Very responsive, good communicator. Was on time and did a top quality job. Very happy with the outcome.
- Anonymous Homeowner
Great eexperience. Quick and dependable service. High quality. Fair cost.
- John H.