A Comprehensive Guide to Epoxy Flooring Lifespan

You want your floors to handle everything you can throw at them (and then some), so it’s natural to want to know how long epoxy flooring lasts.

And since you want to know, we’ll tell you!

Epoxy flooring is a durable, stain-resistant, eco-friendly attractive concrete flooring option that could be the perfect long-lasting flooring option for you. 

But how long will you get to enjoy it???

Created by applying epoxy resin (mixed with hardeners) directly to concrete floor, epoxy flooring is an ideal choice for many homes, offices, factories and warehouses. Offering a robust and reliable finish, you can expect to enjoy an epoxy floor for decades to come.

Curious to know *exactly* how long your epoxy flooring will last and what you need to do to maintain it? Read on to understand your epoxy floor timeline and start planning out the next few decades (because that’s how long your new floor will last)..

Is epoxy flooring durable?

Is the sky blue?

Epoxy flooring, as we mentioned, is a floor coating that is made by mixing epoxy resin and various hardeners. In the industry, epoxy is known as the highest strength resin — so yes, epoxy flooring is extremely durable. 

In fact, epoxy is often chosen as a finish because of the durability of its components, which provides the following advantages:

• Easy to clean 
• Resistant to damage from cars, heavy equipment, scuffs, etc. 
• Slip, shock, and water-resistant
• Less abrasive than other flooring options 
• Heat resistant (it can withstand heat up to 200 degrees) 
• Static resistant 

Thanks to these beneficial qualities, epoxy resin is often utilised in locker rooms, bathrooms, schools, warehouses, automotive showrooms, and both commercial and residential garages.

Remember – the key to a long-lasting, durable floor is buying the most appropriate flooring for your needs the first time around. For many, that’s epoxy. 

Does epoxy flooring require maintenance?

Epoxy flooring is one of the lowest-maintenance flooring options available. This is especially true if you compare it to hardwood, tile, or exposed concrete. 

Hardwood floor, in particular, tends to scuff, scratch, and show signs of wear and tear — and if you spill chemicals, forget it! In the same vein, even exposed concrete is easily stained and damaged if you have a big spill or run heavy machinery over it. With epoxy, this isn’t the case. Keeping it in tip-top shape requires simple maintenance that anyone could do (more on this below).

How long does epoxy flooring last?

Time for the great reveal *drum roll*…

When properly installed and maintained, an epoxy floor system can last for 10 to 20 years (or longer with proper care and the right conditions). That said, there are many factors that can influence its longevity, including: 

Traffic (foot and vehicle)

This is one of the main factors that determines how much stress is put on your epoxy floors. If you live or work in a place with heavy foot traffic or machinery traffic, it can cause your epoxy flooring to wear and show signs of scratching or scuffs. That said, an extra sealant or a coating like water-resistant coating can effectively stand up to these conditions and help your floor remain scuff-free. 

Sunlight exposure 

Epoxy resin does fade in the sun. If you pick a coloured epoxy resin, then — and you have a lot of natural sunlight — that UV exposure will eventually fade and degrade the floor. Over time, this can decrease the lifespan, which is why we recommend this flooring for spaces without any significant UV exposure. 

Industry usage

Some industries see significantly more wear and tear than others. If you work in the chemical industry, for example, you may see way more spills than you otherwise would. Epoxy is chemical-resistant, but ongoing exposure will eventually wear it down and eat away at the protective coating. 

Substrate flooring type 

Type of flooring is under your epoxy resin affects more than your floor preparation needs. If you pick a strong flooring like concrete, the resin will add to its longevity. If you pick a weaker option like hardwood, it could negatively impact the resin’s longevity. 

Maintenance 

Finally, the overall maintenance and touch-ups that you stick to will affect the life of your epoxy flooring. Although a durable finish, you will still need to perform periodic cleaning and maintenance to extend the lifespan of your epoxy floors as long as possible.

Interested in an epoxy floor but unsure of price? Check out our premium price guide (it’s 100% free to read) to compare epoxy prices in Melbourne.

What is the best way to maintain epoxy flooring?

We’ve mentioned the importance of cleaning and maintaining epoxy floors a few times — but how do you get that maintenance right? 

Well, here are some tips and tricks: 

• Choose the right cleaning tool: First, it’s important that you always avoid rough or abrasive brushes when cleaning your floors, as these will eventually wear on the coating and cause damage. Instead, stick to something user-friendly like a soft mop or a soft bristle broom. 
• Pick effective cleaning chemicals: Avoid using cleaning products that contain acids or soaps, as these will leave a residue on the floor that will make it extra slippery when wet. Instead, opt for a mixture like hot water and ammonia — it will clear stains without leaving signs of damage. 
• Stay on top of regular cleaning: Don’t let dust, debris, or grit just sit on your epoxy flooring. Over time, this will act like sandpaper and scratch up your floor. 
• Finish repairs quickly: In the same vein, you want to stay on top of repairs — like cracks — to make sure they don’t turn into big signs of damage.
• Spot clean chemicals: Spill chemicals, gasoline, brake fluid, or other liquids on your epoxy flooring? Neutralise these chemicals and clean them up immediately with a paper towel to avoid etching or damage to your floor. 
• Use mats in appropriate areas: Finally, you can add welcome mats, plywood, and welding mats to provide extra protection in areas with heavy machinery or lots of traffic. 
• Consider a degreaser: If your floor has lots of tire marks, it can make it look dirtier and dingier than it actually is. A regular degreaser can remove tire marks and oil stains without requiring harsh scrubbing. 

And remember, you can always get your epoxy recoated or retextured to keep it in good condition. 

How to find the best epoxy flooring provider

Ready to get started with an epoxy installation? Step one is to find the best provider to install your floor. To find the best professional, you should ask questions like: 

• How many years of experience do you have? 
• Do you have any references or examples of your work? 
• Is your crew properly licensed and insured? 
• How long do you estimate the project will take? 
• What types of epoxy do you work with? 
• What steps will you take to protect my property?
• Do you offer any ongoing services or maintenance? 

Final thoughts…

Overall, epoxy is one of the most durable flooring options available and is particularly suitable for garages, plants, and other areas of high traffic and high exposure to chemicals or heavy machinery. 

Lasting between 10 to 20 years (depending on the variables outlined in this article), you can enjoy your own stylish, strong epoxy flooring with Melbourne’s leading flooring team.

If you’d like to learn more about your epoxy options and the options that would work best in your space, feel free to contact us directly for more information.