One of the challenges facing the property
owner after successfully installing an epoxy floor is how to maintain it. In
fact that is why many people are hesitant to use the product. However
maintenance should no longer be a problem because there are professionals who
are able to handle all the maintenance and restoration work including
polishing. Typically they will restrict their operations to the industrial or
large scale sector, eschewing households and private owners. This type of floor
surface is found in many establishments across a diverse spectrum of industries
including food and beverage processing; aerospace, pharmaceuticals;
manufacturing; public safety; warehousing/storage; technology; retail; and
chemical containment. Obviously such operations require a good deal of
expertise and the latest technology.
Key Issues to Consider When Looking after Epoxy Floors
The surface must
be professionally mopped at least three times a year in order to ensure
longevity. However on a day to day basis it is advisable to vacuum away any
debris that may have accumulated particularly if there is a high usage within
the area. This is what is known as “spot cleaning” in industry parlance. It is
not such a large investment when one considers how aesthetically pleasing epoxy
really is, particularly when compared to the alternatives. You will effectively
be free of stains for the rest of the floor’s life. It does not wear like
concrete and requires less dusting than your average wooden floor. It is for
this reason that the use of a professional to do the maintenance work on the
epoxy floor is not only of the essence; but a sensible option that spreads your
costs evenly in the priority areas. This is a very versatile material that can
be put inside, outside and even on semi-covered areas because it is hardy and
durable.
Minor Bleeps and Spillages
No matter how
careful you are, there will be a few accidents. The best way of dealing with
these is to wipe them off using a soft cloth or alternatively a good paper
towel. In cases where routine maintenance is required then a soft bristle broom
could do the trick. For the larger establishments a commercial dust mop may be
required. However if you look at the industries that typically use epoxy, it
becomes abundantly clear that simple cleaning techniques will not do. You need
a professional to cover a floor that could run into thousands of square meters,
besides traffic volumes that are in the millions per month. That is why it is
always a good idea to have the support of a professional, if only for giving
you advice. The sheer volume of work involved means that it is not sensible to
attempt this type of operation independently without the experts. They will use
the right cleaning materials for the heavy duty work. This may include mopping
the floor using industrial-size equipment before applying a hard foam mop with
hot water and a solution of clear ammonia. The industry recommendation is five ounces
of ammonia to a gallon of water in cases where the soiling is excessive.
Preparation for Changing Weather Conditions
As part of the
precautionary measures for winter or summer; the epoxy flooring maintenance has to follow a very specific
trajectory. That means using recommended materials and doing the right things
at the right time. The professional contractor will know what materials are
less likely to leave a hazy film after the pre-treatment process. Typically
they will work with a deck brush and hot water. It is even possible that they
hose the floor before squeegeeing it dry. One word of caution is not to use
acidic materials on the surface because they almost always leave a stubborn
residue and will eventually degrade the natural shine of the epoxy.
Conclusion: Epoxy is Still the Best Surface
Despite the
technical difficulties of properly maintaining epoxy, it remains one of the
best surfaces particularly for industrial establishments that have large areas
of coverage. That might mean hiring a professional to do all the maintenance
work but it is worth it when you consider the benefits that the floor clearly
brings. That is why many businesses are choosing epoxy over any other materials
that are readily available on the market today.
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