When clients, vendors, and employees walk into the office, they will first notice how the space looks. The appearance of an office is a direct reflection of that business’s level of professionalism and care. For example, an office that is neatly organized demonstrates strong attention to detail. Showing respect and company values beings with how the office space is treated. One of the best indicators in determining how attentive a company will be is the flooring. The flooring in the building is one of the last things on our minds when it comes to everything else that needs to get done within the workday. Poorly maintained flooring can immediately impact the office’s perception, causing critical first impressions to start on the wrong foot.Â
The best choice in flooring can vary from business to business based on factors such as the volume of foot traffic, the nature of the company, and the size of the space. Recently, businesses have been opting for high-performance coatings as they can significantly extend the flooring’s lifespan and maintain a clean look. Performance coatings are not exclusive to one kind of business, such as retail stores, but other commercial buildings, such as offices and even hotels, can benefit from them.Â
Let’s take a closer look at how the process works. Tile and concrete surfaces can become relatively porous over time. This allows debris such as water, chemicals, and dirt to accumulate, slowly chipping away at the floor’s integrity over time. To avoid this, a high-performance coating can seal the widening pours in the flooring reducing the likelihood the floor will need to be replaced sooner than anticipated. Typical performance coatings include acrylic sealers, epoxy coatings, and polyurethane. All three have their own pros and cons that we will review to determine which is the right fit for your business.Â
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers can come in two forms, synthetic and water-based. Both mixtures are comprised of acrylic pieces that are suspended within the substance. Once the sealant is applied, it rushes to fill in any imperfections the floor has, creating increased durability. Other benefits associated with acrylic sealers include fast drying times and the product’s affordability.
Acrylic Sealer Pros
Blocks debris like water, mold, and mildew
Protects against UV rays
Enhances the look of the flooring
Resists staining
Acrylic Sealer Cons
It does not last as long when exposed to harsh chemicalsÂ
It will need to be reapplied after 1 to 3 years.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings are created using synthetic resin and are regarded as one of the most popular choices in performance coatings in the United States. Out of the three, epoxy coatings are the most durable option. One of the most notable characteristics of epoxy is its ability to adhere to different flooring without compromising the integrity of the epoxy coating.
Epoxy Coating Pros
Ideal for garages and kitchens due to its strong chemical resistance
High gloss finish
It lasts 5 to 10 years
Epoxy Coating Cons
Long curing time of 24 to 72 hours
Strong odor when first applied
Polyurethane Coatings
The final coating we will be looking into is polyurethane. This method is another non-toxic solution that can be produced as a hard wax, oil, or water-based solution providing the most flexibility among the three. The coating is known for its high shine and strong abrasion resistance.Â
Polyurethane Coating Pros
It lasts 3 to 6 years
Strong shine
It can be used as a topcoat
Polyurethane Coating Cons
High sensitivity to moisture
Spills can create blemishes and even bubbles on the surface
While high-performance coatings are not a solution for total floor replacements, they can drastically increase the lifespan of the flooring. Contact us to learn more about how high-performance coatings can benefit your business!
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
