DIY projects can be a lot of fun. When you’re done, you usually feel accomplished and satisfied with your work. Still, even for the most experienced DIYers, some projects are better suited for a team of professionals. Installing epoxy floors falls into this category, due to its specialized application process. Read up for more reasons on why you should leave it to an epoxy flooring specialist.
You Need The Right Equipment
Some of the tools required to install epoxy floors, like a variable speed drill, mixing blades, a timer, screwdrivers, and containers for mixing aren’t always on hand. Moreover, there’s quite a bit more equipment you’ll need to properly install epoxy flooring. For instance, the job may require grinders and cup wheels, a crack chaser and wheels, roller cages, trowels, a surface-reading infrared thermometer, and more.
Unless you’re willing to shell out money to purchase these expenses, you aren’t going to have the necessary equipment on hand to do the job right. As a result, your floors might not be installed correctly and you’re likely to have problems with it down the road. A professional already has all the tools and equipment needed to complete the task, so you’re rest assured it gets done accurately.
Substrate Inspection
Before you can install epoxy flooring, you have to make sure your substrate is in good condition. Otherwise, your epoxy floor can develop blisters, bubbles, or other issues. An epoxy flooring specialist knows how to inspect your substrate properly to prep for the installation. If it’s not up to par and has cracks or other damage, you won’t need to worry. They’ll already know how to repair the issues beforehand. As tempting as it may be to skip this step, getting a professional to complete the job is worth it in the long run.
Floor Preparation
As with ensuring the substrate is in good condition, the floor preparation is equally as important. There are several ways to prepare a floor to receive an epoxy coating, and you may not know which one is best for your needs. Are you going to acid etch it? Diamond grind it? Shot blast it? Do you even know the differences between those preparation methods, and why you should use one method over another?
Chances are, you don’t know enough about floor preparation to adequately determine which method is best for your needs. A professional epoxy installer will know the ins and outs, and can provide you with the pros and cons of each method. They will also recommend the best method for your flooring, and have the right equipment to make sure the prep work is done correctly.
Moisture and Weather
Moisture and weather are both major considerations that have to be taken into account before installing an epoxy floor coating. If humidity is an issue in your geographic region, you’ll need to choose a specific product that provides better protection against the moisture. To determine if you need this type of product, a professional will conduct a standard moisture test, which is likely beyond your realm of expertise.
By the same token, epoxy flooring should not be installed in very hot and humid conditions. Concrete floors tend to sweat in these conditions, affecting the bonding of the epoxy over your concrete floors. For this reason, the manufacturer’s specifications must be followed accordingly, which is something expert flooring specialists can do much more accurately than a DIYer.
Location Considerations
If your floor is located in an area that gets direct sunlight for several hours each day, you’ll need to apply a UV-stable coating. If this applies to you, it’s crucial to follow this recommendation to ensure your floor is installed correctly. Otherwise, your floor might become brittle or the colors could fade or eventually disintegrate. This is yet another reason to leave it to an epoxy flooring specialist. The expertise of a professional installer can’t be understated in instances like this.
There are many projects around the house that are perfect for a DIYer. For the reasons listed above, however, installing epoxy floors isn’t one of them. Let the professionals do what they do best: ensure your epoxy floor is installed properly, promptly, and flawlessly, so you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
