Epoxy flooring is a superbly safe option for any area of your home or business. Epoxy coatings are normally applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, and durable surface that can last many years. Many industrial sites, warehouses, and commercial buildings rely on epoxy floors to maintain clean and safe conditions for workers, equipment, and inventory.
Epoxy floors can be installed with textures that make the surface less slippery. This is essential in the workplace where accidents must always be avoided. Since epoxy floors are seamless, they also provide a hygienic surface which is recommended by regulatory agencies like the USDA and FDA.
Epoxy flooring is water-resistant and chemical-resistant and thus will protect your floor from all sorts of spills. It can also withstand higher temperatures than other flooring options (up to 200 degrees), making it an ideal choice for fire resistance.
Is Epoxy Flooring Toxic?
Epoxy resins, even before curing, are considered non-toxic at low levels. Like any chemical, though, steps should be taken to limit exposure. Allergic reaction is possible if uncured epoxy resins come in contact with your skin, so it is best to wear personal protective equipment. Hands, wrists, arms, legs, and mouth should be covered at all times while working with uncured epoxy. If the skin does come in contact with uncured epoxy, wash with soap and water immediately.
While the epoxy is curing, cover your nose and mouth or wear a face mask to protect yourself from dust and vapors. Breathing the fumes from epoxy solutions can cause respiratory problems. Excessive exposure to epoxy vapors can cause sensitization or asthma. Dust is problematic because it can get trapped in the mucus inside your body and cause significant health problems.
It takes an average of 24-72 hours for the epoxy to fully cure. After curing is complete, epoxy flooring is no longer considered toxic in any way. Air out the area completely, and then your gorgeous new floor is safe as houses.
Peace Of Mind With Elite Epoxy Floors
As you can see, the only time epoxy flooring is unsafe at all is during the installation process. Beyond safety, it is incredibly tricky to install. Even the most experienced DIYers usually hire professionals to install epoxy simply because it is such a messy, time-consuming, and complicated project. Additionally, products sold in home improvement store DIY kits are significantly inferior to those used by professionals.
The key to safe, beautiful, durable epoxy floors is the knowledge, experience, and technique of the installers. Elite Epoxy Floors of KC are the premier epoxy flooring experts and have been installing epoxy floors for over three decades. When you work with Elite Epoxy, we ensure your investment is protected by offering a significant warranty against delamination, staining, or defects in materials.
Call Elite Epoxy at 816-729-7143 for a free estimate OR Contact Us with any questions or to request a free quote.