Understanding the Different Types of Epoxy Floor Coating in Chicago
When contemplating on the use of epoxy floor coating, it is only natural for Chicago homeowners to consider the cheaper alternatives. However, those who do must have awareness that for this advanced flooring system to cost less, the most likely trade-off for reducing the cost is by using the type of epoxy floor coating that is of a lesser grade. Actually, there are three types of epoxy paint used as floor coating: the 100% solids, the water-based and the solvent-based.
The 100% Solids Epoxy Floor Coating – This is the most durable type of epoxy material in a flooring system, which professional installers use and recommend. This type of floor coating can last up to 20 years, even when subjected to heavy human traffic or in surfaces that require protection against hot tire marks, possible abrasions and from chemical reactions of chemically potent substances. Professional installers make use of hardeners that will allow the epoxy floor coating to dry up into solid form, as it bonds with the concrete substrate.
A 100% solid epoxy floor coating can achieve a layer as thick as two millimeters but is sensitive to temperature. Thus, expert installers make it a point to ascertain if there is vapor-migration in the inner concrete, before this type of epoxy floor coating is applied. In Chicago, its complete application requires preparation of the inner concrete slab and the application of a topcoat finishing to seal-in the bond between the substrate and the first layer of epoxy material. Professional Chicago installers call the entire process as epoxy flooring system.
The Water-Based Epoxy Floor Coating – is more of a primer and a sealer, since it spreads out thinly and does not possess the same degree of durability and resistance as the 100% solids used in a complete flooring system. This is the type of epoxy floor coating included in a do-it-yourself kit touted as more user-friendly than that of the 100% solids. Due to its ability to penetrate into porous surfaces, its use as a primer or sealer over degreased concrete surface, works well enough. As such, it gives a concrete surface a smooth and glossy finish with protective capabilities against stains, abrasion and chemical reactions.
However, there is no guarantee that all these qualities will last long enough to furnish such benefits within the same duration as that of the 100% solids epoxy flooring system. The only advantage of a water-based epoxy floor coating over the latter is its lower cost, which allows homeowners to apply another layer of epoxy floor paint as frequently as needed.
The Solvent-Based Epoxy Floor Coating – As its name implies, this type of epoxy floor coating makes use of solvents when used as floor sealer and primer, similar to the water-based type. Solvent-based epoxy contains solids ranging from 30 to 70 percent; thus achieving only a thin layer. Moreover, its very nature as a solvent-based epoxy floor coating makes it a less favorable choice, as the amount and/or type of solvent used are often non-compliant with the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations. Of the three types of epoxy floor coating, Chicago installers and DIY users, rarely include the solvent-based type even as a primer or sealer in an epoxy flooring system.
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.