How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Concrete Floor Epoxy Coating

Is your concrete damaged or stained? Has time finally taken its toll on it? Concrete is widely used in commercial and industrial facilities for its exceptional durability. However, despite its strength, it is not indestructible. Over time, concrete floors can deteriorate. We’ve all seen cracked and sunken concrete floors, depicting what can happen if not maintained or protected. 

If your concrete flooring has begun to look old or has sustained damage over time, you may be considering whether to repair or replace it. But this decision is influenced by questions like, can it be repaired without needing a full replacement? Is the damage too severe to fix? Let’s explore how to make this decision and what each option involves.

Common Factors Damaging Your Floor Epoxy Coating 

Here are some common reasons that can cause damage to epoxy floor coatings:

Moisture Issues

An age-old concrete would have absorbed excessive moisture over time. Such concrete slabs do not bond with epoxy owing to viscosity difference. It is like putting oil on water. In such cases, moisture can seep through the concrete, leading to peeling or delamination of the epoxy. This is particularly common in basements and other below-grade installations​ and such floors need to be replaced.

Chemical Spills and Exposure

Although epoxy is resistant to many chemicals, prolonged exposure to harsh substances like acids, solvents, or oils can damage the coating. This can lead to discoloration, softening, or even degradation of the epoxy layer​​.

Heavy Impact and Abrasion

Epoxy coatings, although durable, can be damaged by heavy impacts or continuous abrasion. Dropping heavy objects, dragging sharp items, or frequent heavy foot or vehicle traffic can cause chips, scratches, and gouges in the concrete floor coatings.​ 

Temperature Extremes

If you’re planning a concrete epoxy coating in areas with high temperatures, do not do that without epoxy concrete sealers and proper precautions. The most common issue with epoxy floor coatings is their inability to withstand high temperatures, both indoors and outdoors. They can sustain temperatures up to around 200℉ only.

For instance, in a garage setting, epoxy coatings can shift, melt, and lift when hot tires roll onto the floor. This is a frequent problem with epoxy concrete floor coatings where cars are regularly parked and removed. Epoxy coatings in outdoor areas that are constantly exposed to sunlight also tend to degrade more quickly, creating a weaker surface that does not last as long. 

Improper Surface Preparation

A crucial consideration when getting concrete epoxy coating is surface preparation. If the concrete substrate is not cleaned, repaired, and prepped correctly, the epoxy may not adhere properly, leading to peeling, bubbling, or flaking over time​​.

Improper Mixing and Application

If the epoxy is not mixed correctly or is excessively mixed using a high-power mixing blade, bubbles can form in the mixture and subsequently appear in the dried coating. Additionally, bubbles can develop if the concrete temperature is not suitable for the epoxy mixture. Incorrect mixing ratios or delayed application can result in an uneven cure, leading to a weak and brittle coating that is prone to damage​​ over time.

Moreover, the curing process is crucial for the durability of the epoxy coating. If the area is not allowed to cure for the recommended amount of time, the coating may not reach its full strength and durability, leading to premature failure​.

Symptoms Indicating Floor Concrete Epoxy Coating Repair 

Here are some common symptoms to watch for when considering repairs for floor concrete epoxy coatings: –

Minor Cracks and Surface Issues

Small cracks, scratches, or superficial discoloration can usually be remedied through targeted repairs. These issues typically result from normal wear and tear, minor impacts, or surface-level damage. Repair solutions include filling cracks, applying new epoxy paint for concrete, or spot treatments to restore the flooring’s appearance and functionality.

Delamination

When the epoxy layer begins to separate from the concrete substrate (delamination), localized repairs can help. This issue often arises from poor initial application, substrate issues, or environmental factors.

Difficulty in Cleaning and Maintenance

If cleaning efforts no longer produce satisfactory results due to stains, rough patches, or persistent dirt buildup, targeted maintenance and cleaning protocols can often restore the flooring’s condition. This helps extend the lifespan of the epoxy by addressing surface-level wear and tear without requiring full replacement.

Symptoms Indicating Floor Concrete Epoxy Coating Replacement

Signs that may indicate the necessity of replacing floor concrete epoxy coatings include:

Visible Cracks and Dents

When your epoxy flooring shows significant cracks or deep dents, it’s a clear indicator that structural integrity may be compromised. These issues typically arise from heavy traffic, impacts, or settling of the concrete substrate beneath the epoxy. Over time, these cracks can widen, posing safety hazards and necessitating replacement to restore a smooth, safe surface.

Uneven Surface and Coating Issues

An uneven epoxy surface, with bumps, dips, or waves, along with flaking, peeling, or bubbling of the epoxy coating, indicates underlying problems such as improper installation, substrate shifting, or adhesion failure. These issues not only detract from the aesthetic appeal but also pose safety risks such as trips and falls.

Changing Color

A noticeable change in the colour of epoxy flooring indicates deterioration, often due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation, chemical spills, or simply aging. Discoloration not only affects the aesthetics of the space but also suggests that the epoxy coating may no longer provide adequate protection against environmental elements.

Mold and Moisture Damage

The presence of mold, mildew, or visible water damage on epoxy flooring signals significant moisture issues. This can occur in areas prone to high humidity or water exposure, compromising the epoxy’s adhesion and structural integrity. Addressing such damage may require replacement to prevent further deterioration and reduce the potential health risks associated with mold growth.

Conclusion

Post understanding these symptoms, it becomes easier for you to figure out weather your concrete epoxy coating needs replacement or repair. Also, it encapsulates what might have gone wrong, resulting in premature damage to your concrete epoxy floor coating. If you are still in doubt, talk with the experts at Chromology! We offer you guidance and high-quality epoxy coating solutions to create concrete flooring that lasts ages. Simply give us a call at 437-423-5113.