Epoxy flooring has become popular mainly due to its durability. However, just like anything else, epoxy floors face some problems especially if the flooring is not properly applied. It is a good idea to leave the job of applying epoxy floor coverings to professionals as the application process is tricky.
Otherwise, you could have to deal with problems such as epoxy floor blistering and bubbles in the epoxy floor coating. In fact, most of the common epoxy floor problems are caused by the applicator.
Hiring a professional epoxy floor applicator will help you prevent most of the problems associated with epoxy floors as such a professional does an accurate assessment of site specifics like moisture, temperature, and airflow before applying epoxy floor coating.
In addition, such a professional knows how to blend the exact ration of hardener and resin making your epoxy floor durable. So, without further ado, here are the most common epoxy floor problems:
Bubble Formations
Bubble formations are the most common epoxy floor problem. These bubbles are often pinhead sized and appear in clusters known as honeycombs. Bubble formations are mostly caused by improper mixing of hardener and resin. Bubbles can also be caused by excessive mixing of the two-part epoxy products.
Temperature difference can also lead to bubble formation since the substrate needs to be at a temperature compatible with the epoxy mix. Excessive temperature variation leads to bubble formations due to trapped air that tries to equalize.
Blisters and Craters
Blisters are large bubbles containing trapped air while craters are formed when bubbles pop and leave an indentation in epoxy flooring. Blisters and craters are caused by concrete that is not properly prepared which leads to outgassing from the subsurface.
Film and Flow Appearance
Film and flow appearance is caused by application of an epoxy coat that is either too hot or too cold. It also happens when too much airflow blows over a curing surface. An epoxy floor with a film and flow appearance looks dull and uneven.
Lack of Uniformity
This problem is caused by an applicator’s technique and not from bad conditions or mixes. It is finicky to apply epoxy floor finishes because of time, temperature and resin viscosity. A careless or inexperienced applicator can leave dry edges, streaks and very noticeable roller marks on your epoxy floor.
Fish Eyes
This epoxy floor problem occurs when residual silicone or oil is not thoroughly removed during surface preparation. Fish eyes can happen when a top coat is placed over a primer that has not yet cured. This problem can be prevented by careful and proper preparation.