Comparing Resin to Other Flooring Options

Resin Flooring vs. Epoxy Coatings for Garages

Choosing the right flooring for your garage can feel like navigating a minefield of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: resin flooring and epoxy coatings. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding the subtle differences can help you make the best decision for your needs.


Essentially, epoxy is a type of resin. Think of “resin” as the broader category, like “fruit,” and “epoxy” as a specific type, like “apple.” Resin flooring encompasses a wider range of materials, including polyurethane, polyaspartic, and yes, epoxy. So, when comparing “resin flooring” vs. “epoxy coatings,” were really looking at epoxy as one specific player within the larger resin family.


Epoxy coatings are well-known for their durability and resistance to chemicals, impacts, and stains. They create a hard, glossy finish thats easy to clean and can brighten up a dull garage space. However, standard epoxy can be susceptible to chipping and cracking, especially in areas with fluctuating temperatures or heavy loads. Also, the installation process can be a bit fussy, requiring careful surface preparation and precise mixing ratios.


Other resin flooring options, like polyurethane and polyaspartic, offer some advantages over traditional epoxy. Polyurethane is more flexible and less prone to cracking, making it a good choice for areas with temperature swings. Polyaspartic coatings cure much faster than epoxy, allowing for quicker return-to-service times – sometimes even within a few hours. These alternative resin systems often come with a higher price tag, but the added benefits can be worth the investment depending on your specific needs.


Ultimately, the best choice for your garage depends on your budget, the level of durability you require, and your aesthetic preferences. If you're looking for a cost-effective, relatively durable solution and are willing to put in the prep work, epoxy is a solid option. If you prioritize flexibility, faster curing times, or enhanced resistance to wear and tear, exploring other resin-based systems like polyurethane or polyaspartic might be a better fit. Do your research, consider your priorities, and don't hesitate to consult with flooring professionals to get personalized advice.

Resin Flooring vs. Epoxy Coatings for Garages

Comparing Resin with Concrete Garage Floors

Choosing the right flooring for your garage can be a surprisingly complex decision. You need something durable, resistant to stains and chemicals, and ideally, easy to clean. Two popular contenders are resin and concrete, and while both offer a tough surface, they differ significantly in their properties and long-term performance. So, how do they stack up?


Concrete is the tried-and-true, classic choice. Its relatively inexpensive upfront and can withstand heavy loads. However, bare concrete is porous, meaning it easily absorbs oil, grease, and other automotive fluids, leading to unsightly stains that are difficult to remove. Its also prone to cracking and chipping over time, especially in colder climates. While sealing can mitigate some of these issues, it requires regular reapplication and doesnt completely eliminate the risk of staining.


Resin flooring, on the other hand, offers a more modern and versatile solution. While generally more expensive initially, resin provides a seamless, non-porous surface thats incredibly resistant to stains and chemicals. Spilled oil simply beads up and can be wiped away with ease. Resin floors are also much more aesthetically pleasing. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including decorative flakes and metallic pigments, allowing you to customize the look of your garage. Furthermore, resin floors are generally more resistant to cracking and chipping than concrete, offering better long-term durability.


However, resin isnt without its drawbacks. The installation process is more complex than simply pouring concrete, and it requires a dust-free, temperature-controlled environment for proper curing. This often necessitates professional installation, adding to the overall cost. Also, while resistant to many chemicals, certain solvents can damage some resin formulations, so its important to choose the right type for your intended use.


Ultimately, the best choice for your garage floor depends on your individual needs and budget. Concrete offers a basic, affordable option, but requires more maintenance and is susceptible to staining. Resin provides a more durable, stain-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing surface, but comes at a higher initial cost. Weighing these pros and cons carefully will help you make the right decision for your garage.

Resin vs. Tile Flooring in Garages: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right flooring for your garage can be a surprisingly complex decision. You need something durable, easy to clean, and hopefully, not an eyesore. Two popular contenders are resin and tile, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Lets break down the resin vs. tile debate to help you make the best choice for your needs.


Resin flooring, also known as epoxy flooring, offers a sleek, modern look. Its incredibly durable, resisting stains, chemicals, and impacts like dropped tools with ease. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick sweep or mop is usually all it takes. Plus, resin can be customized with colors and even decorative flakes, allowing you to personalize your garage space. However, resin can be pricey to install professionally, and DIY jobs can be tricky to get right. It can also be a bit slippery when wet, and colder than tile, which might be a concern in colder climates.


Tile flooring, on the other hand, offers a more traditional aesthetic. Its also durable and relatively easy to clean, especially if you choose glazed tiles. Tile is generally less expensive than resin upfront and easier to install yourself, potentially saving on labor costs. Its also less slippery than resin and doesnt get as cold. But, tile can be prone to chipping or cracking under heavy impact, and the grout lines can be a magnet for dirt and grime. Repairing individual tiles can also be a hassle.


So, which one is right for you? If you prioritize a seamless, modern look, easy cleaning, and ultimate durability, and budget isnt a huge concern, resin is a great choice. If you prefer a more classic look, want a more DIY-friendly option, and need something more budget-friendly, tile might be a better fit. Consider your budget, your DIY skills, the climate you live in, and how you plan to use your garage space to make the best decision for your needs.

Resin vs. Tile Flooring in Garages: Pros and Cons

Alternatives to Resin: Polyaspartic, Polyurethane, and Hybrid Garage Floor Coatings

Tired of that drab, dusty concrete garage floor? Epoxy resin has long been the go-to solution for a durable and attractive upgrade, but its not the only player in the game anymore. Polyaspartic, polyurethane, and hybrid coatings are emerging as strong contenders, each with their own set of pros and cons worth considering. So, before you jump on the resin bandwagon, lets explore these alternatives.


Polyaspartic coatings are known for their lightning-fast curing times. While epoxy can take days to cure, polyaspartic can be back in service in just a few hours. This is a huge advantage for busy households or businesses where downtime is a major concern. They also boast excellent UV resistance, meaning they wont yellow or fade as quickly as some epoxies, especially in sunny garages. However, this speed comes at a price, often making polyaspartic the most expensive option. The quick cure time can also make it tricky to work with, requiring experienced installers for a flawless finish.


Polyurethane offers a happy medium between epoxy and polyaspartic. It provides good durability and chemical resistance, making it suitable for garages that see a lot of spills or heavy traffic. It also offers more flexibility than epoxy, making it less prone to cracking from impacts or temperature changes. While it doesnt cure as quickly as polyaspartic, its generally faster than epoxy and often comes with a slightly lower price tag. However, polyurethane can be more sensitive to moisture during application, requiring careful surface preparation.


Finally, hybrid coatings combine the best of both worlds. These blends typically incorporate polyaspartic and polyurethane components, aiming for the rapid cure time of polyaspartic with the enhanced flexibility and affordability of polyurethane. They represent a good compromise for homeowners looking for a balance of performance, price, and ease of installation. However, the exact properties of hybrid coatings can vary depending on the specific blend, so its crucial to research specific products carefully.


Ultimately, the best garage floor coating depends on your individual needs and priorities. Epoxy remains a viable option for its affordability and DIY-friendliness, but if youre looking for faster cure times, enhanced UV resistance, or increased flexibility, exploring polyaspartic, polyurethane, or hybrid options is definitely worth your time.

 

Examples of floors

A floor is the bottom surface of a room or vehicle. Floors vary from simple dirt in a cave to many layered surfaces made with modern technology. Floors may be stone, wood, bamboo, metal or any other material that can support the expected load.

The levels of a building are often referred to as floors, although sometimes referred to as storeys.

Floors typically consist of a subfloor for support and a floor covering used to give a good walking surface. In modern buildings the subfloor often has electrical wiring, plumbing, and other services built in. As floors must meet many needs, some essential to safety, floors are built to strict building codes in some regions.

Special floor structures

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Floors may incorporate glass, mosaic or other artistic expression, like this little mosaic from the Rietberg Museum (Zürich, Switzerland)
Art Nouveau mosaic at an entrance in the United Kingdom

Where a special floor structure like a floating floor is laid upon another floor, both may be called subfloors.

Special floor structures are used for a number of purposes:

Floor covering

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Floor covering is a term to generically describe any material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Flooring is the general term for a permanent or temporary covering of a floor, or for the work of installing such a floor covering. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials.

Materials almost always classified as floor covering include carpet, area rugs, and resilient flooring such as linoleum or vinyl flooring. Materials commonly called flooring include wood flooring, laminated wood, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, and various seamless chemical floor coatings.

The choice of material for floor covering is affected by factors such as cost, endurance, noise insulation, comfort and cleaning effort, and sometimes concern about allergens.[1] Some types of flooring must not be installed below grade (lower than ground level), and laminate or hardwood should be avoided where there may be moisture or condensation.

The subfloor may be finished in a way that makes it usable without any extra work. See:

A number of special features may be used to ornament a floor or perform a useful service. Examples include floor medallions, which provide a decorative centerpiece of a floor design, or gratings used to drain water or to rub dirt off shoes.

Subfloor construction

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Floors may be built on beams or joists[2] or use structures like prefabricated hollow core slabs. The subfloor builds on those and attaches by various means particular to the support structure, but the support and subfloor together always provides the strength of a floor one can sense underfoot. Nowadays, subfloors are generally made from at least two layers of moisture-resistant ("AC" grade, one side finished and sanded flat) plywood or composite sheeting, jointly also termed Underlayments on floor joists of 2x8, 2x10, or 2x12's (dimensional lumber) spaced generally on 16-inch (40.6 cm) centers, in the United States and Canada. Some flooring components used solely on concrete slabs consist of a dimpled rubberized or plastic layer much like bubble wrap that provide little tiny pillars for the one-half-inch (12.7 mm) sheet material above. These are manufactured in 2 ft × 2 ft (61 cm × 61 cm) squares and the edges fit together like a mortise and tenon joint. Like a floor on joists not on concrete, a second sheeting underlayment layer is added with staggered joints to disperse forces that would open a joint under the stress of live loads like a person walking.

Three layers are common only in highest-quality construction. The two layers in high-quality construction will both be thick 34 inch (19.1 mm) sheets (as will the third when present), but they may have a combined thickness of only half that in cheaper construction –

12 in (12.7 mm) panel overlaid by

14 in (6.4 mm) plywood subflooring. At the highest end, or in select rooms of the building there might be three sheeting layers, and such stiff subflooring is necessary to prevent the cracking of large floor tiles of 9–10 inches (22.9–25.4 cm) or more on a side. The structure under such a floor will frequently also have extra "bracing" and "blocking" joist-to-joist intended to spread the weight to have as little sagging on any joist as possible when there is a live load on the floor above.

In Europe and North America only a few rare floors have no separate floor covering on top, and those are normally because of a temporary condition pending sales or occupancy; in semi-custom new construction and some rental markets, such floors are provided for the new home buyer or renter to select their preferred floor coverings, usually a wall-to-wall carpet or one-piece vinyl floor covering. Wood clad (hardwood) and tile covered finished floors generally require a stiffer, higher-quality subfloor, especially for the later class. Since the wall base and flooring interact forming a joint, such later added semi-custom floors will generally not be hardwood, for that joint construction would be in the wrong order unless the wall base trim was also delayed pending the choosing.

The subfloor may also provide underfloor heating and if floor radiant heating is not used, will certainly suffer puncture openings to be put through for forced air ducts for both heating and air conditioning, or pipe holes for forced hot water or steam heating transport piping conveying the heat from furnace to the local room's heat exchangers (radiators).

Some subfloors are inset below the top surface level of surrounding flooring's joists and such subfloors and a normal height joist are joined to make a plywood box both molding and containing at least two inches (5 cm) of concrete (A mud floor" in builders' parlance). Alternatively, only a slightly inset floor topped by a fibrous mesh and concrete building composite floor cladding is used for smaller high quality tile floors; these "concrete" subfloors have a good thermal match with ceramic tiles and so are popular with builders constructing kitchen, laundry and especially both common and high end bathrooms and any other room where large expanses of well supported ceramic tile will be used as a finished floor. Floors using small (4.5 in or 11.4 cm and smaller) ceramic tiles generally use only an additional

14-inch (6.4 mm) layer of plywood (if that) and substitute adhesive and substrate materials making do with both a flexible joints and semi-flexible mounting compounds and so are designed to withstand the greater flexing which large tiles cannot tolerate without breaking.

Ground floor construction

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A ground-level floor can be an earthen floor made of soil, or be solid ground floors made of concrete slab.

Ground level slab floors are uncommon in northern latitudes where freezing provides significant structural problems, except in heated interior spaces such as basements or for outdoor unheated structures such as a gazebo or shed where unitary temperatures are not creating pockets of troublesome meltwaters. Ground-level slab floors are prepared for pouring by grading the site, which usually also involves removing topsoil and other organic materials well away from the slab site. Once the site has reached a suitable firm inorganic base material that is graded further so that it is flat and level, and then topped by spreading a layer-cake of force dispersing sand and gravel. Deeper channels may be dug, especially the slab ends and across the slab width at regular intervals in which a continuous run of rebar is bent and wired to sit at two heights within forming a sub-slab "concrete girder". Above the targeted bottom height (coplanar with the compacted sand and gravel topping) a separate grid of rebar or welded wire mesh is usually added to reinforce the concrete, and will be tied to the under slab "girder" rebar at intervals. The under slab cast girders are used especially if it the slab be used structurally, i.e., to support part of the building.

Upper floor construction

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Multi-floor construction, Katowice (2012)

Floors in wood-frame homes are usually constructed with joists centered no more than 16 inches (41 centimeters) apart, according to most building codes.[citation needed] Heavy floors, such as those made of stone, require more closely spaced joists. If the span between load-bearing walls is too long for joists to safely support, then a heavy crossbeam (thick or laminated wood, or a metal I-beam or H-beam) may be used. A "subfloor" of plywood or waferboard is then laid over the joists.

Utilities

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In modern buildings, there are numerous services provided via ducts or wires underneath the floor or above the ceiling. The floor of one level typically also holds the ceiling of the level below (if any).

Services provided by subfloors include:

In floors supported by joists, utilities are run through the floor by drilling small holes through the joists to serve as conduits. Where the floor is over the basement or crawlspace, utilities may instead be run under the joists, making the installation less expensive. Also, ducts for air conditioning (central heating and cooling) are large and cannot cross through joists or beams; thus, ducts are typically at or near the plenum, or come directly from underneath (or from an attic).

Pipes for plumbing, sewerage, underfloor heating, and other utilities may be laid directly in slab floors, typically via cellular floor raceways. However, later maintenance of these systems can be expensive, requiring the opening of concrete or other fixed structures. Electrically heated floors are available, and both kinds of systems can also be used in wood floors as well.

Floor tiles

Problems with floors

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Wood floors, particularly older ones, will tend to 'squeak' in certain places. This is caused by the wood rubbing against other wood, usually at a joint of the subfloor. Firmly securing the pieces to each other with screws or nails may reduce this problem.

Floor vibration is a problem with floors. Wood floors tend to pass sound, particularly heavy footsteps and low bass frequencies. Floating floors can reduce this problem. Concrete floors are usually so massive they do not have this problem, but they are also much more expensive to construct and must meet more stringent building requirements due to their weight.

Floors with a chemical sealer, like stained concrete or epoxy finishes, usually have a slick finish presenting a potential slip and fall hazard, however there are anti skid additives and coatings which can help mitigate this and provide increased traction. Reliable, science-backed floor slip resistance testing can help floor owners and designers determine if their floor is too slippery, or allow them to choose an appropriate flooring for the intended purpose before installation.

The flooring may need protection sometimes. A gym floor cover can be used to reduce the need to satisfy incompatible requirements.

Floor cleaning

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Monk sweeping the floor (1472)
Sailors scrubbing the deck floor of the battleship HMS Rodney

Floor cleaning is a major occupation throughout the world and has been since ancient times. Cleaning is essential for hygiene, to prevent injuries due to slips, and to remove dirt. Floors are also treated to protect or beautify the surface. The correct method to clean one type of floor can often damage another, so it is important to use the correct treatment.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Vojta, Patrick J; Friedman, Warren; Marker, David A; Clickner, Robert; Rogers, John W; Viet, Susan M; Muilenberg, Michael L; Thorne, Peter S; Arbes, Samuel J; Zeldin, Darryl C (2002). "First National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing: survey design and methods for the allergen and endotoxin components". Environmental Health Perspectives. 110 (5): 527–532. Bibcode:2002EnvHP.110..527V. doi:10.1289/ehp.02110527. ISSN 0091-6765. PMC 1240843. PMID 12003758.
  2. ^ Anderson, L. O. (April 2002). Wood Frame House Construction. The Minerva Group, Inc. ISBN 9780894991677.
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Media related to Floors at Wikimedia Commons

 

Flooring is the general term for a permanent covering of a floor, or for the work of installing such a floor covering. Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials.

Materials almost always classified as flooring include carpet, laminate, tile, and vinyl.

Subfloor

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The floor under the flooring is called the subfloor, which provides the support for the flooring. Special purpose subfloors like floating floors, raised floors or sprung floors may be laid upon another underlying subfloor which provides the structural strength. Subfloors that are below grade (underground) or ground level floors in buildings without basements typically have a concrete subfloor. Subfloors above grade (above ground) typically have a plywood subfloor. [1]

Flooring materials

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The choice of materials for floor covering is affected by factors such as cost, endurance, noise insulation, comfort, and cleaning effort. Some types of flooring must not be installed below grade, including laminate and hardwood due to potential damage from moisture.

The sub-floor may be finished in a way that makes it usable without any extra work, see:

Carpeting

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Carpet is a soft floor covering made of bound carpet fibers or stapled fibers. Carpeting refers to wall-to-wall coverage, whereas a rug is simply used to cover a space. This type of flooring is typically used indoors and can be used in both high and low-traffic areas. It typically lasts for 15–18 years before it needs to be replaced. The quality of a carpet is usually measured in face weight, or how many fibers there are per square inch. The higher the face weight the more plush a carpet will feel.[4]

Carpets come in a variety of materials including wool, nylon, olefin, and polyester.

There are different types of carpet like twists, which is commonly referred to as berber. Twist carpeting is composed of multiple twisted fibers set into the carpet backing. It is typically used in low-traffic areas. Another type of carpeting is looped carpets, which are composed of looped fibers set into the carpet backing. This type of carpeting is typically used in high-traffic areas as it is easy to clean.[5]

There are four common widths for carpeting goods: 6' wide, 12' wide, 13'6" wide, and 15' wide.[6]

Installation Methods

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Today, there are two primary forms of carpet installation: tackless installation and direct glue down. Tackless installation occurs when a tack strip is installed around the perimeter of a room and the carpet is stretched over padding onto those tack strips to hold it in place. Before this installation method, the carpet was tacked down with staples throughout the installation which is why the new method is called tackless installation; as you no longer need nails in the middle of the floor. Direct glue down occurs when you spread special carpet adhesive over the substrate and then roll the carpet onto the glue to hold it in place.

Carpet underlay

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Padding can be placed underneath the carpet to add comfort and provide some noise insulation. The level of comfort is determined by the type of material used, which can include memory foam and rubber regrind.[7]

Carpet underlay is rated by density in pounds. For example, you could purchase a carpet pad with an 8-pound density rating, which would be softer than a carpet pad with a 10-pound density rating. Softer carpet pads feel better to walk on but sacrifice durability of the carpet that sits on top of it. The denser the carpet pad, the longer the carpet lasts.[8]

Wood flooring

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Many different species of wood are fabricated into wood flooring in two primary forms: plank and parquet. Hardwoods are typically much more durable than softwoods. Reclaimed lumber has a unique appearance and is used in green (environmentally responsible) building. The thermal conductivity of the hardwood flooring is less as compared to laminate wood flooring.[9]

Engineered hardwood has a thin solid wood layer on top with a composite core, which is generally plywood, but can be high density fiberboard, stone polymer composite, or strips of a solid wood such as spruce or birch. The composite core increases the dimensional stability of the planks, which expand and contract less than those of solid wood flooring. As a result, engineered wood planks can be significantly larger than solid wood planks while retaining structural integrity. The thickness of the wood layer atop the core determines its ability to be sanded and refinished; engineered wood floors can generally be sanded and refinished 1-2 times, though some cannot be refinished while others can be refinished as many times as a solid wood floor.

Bamboo flooring is a floor manufactured from the bamboo plant and is a type of hardwood flooring, though technically not a wood. Bamboo is known to be durable and environmentally friendly. It is available in many different patterns, colors, and textures. There are three types of bamboo flooring construction: horizontal cut, vertical cut, and strand woven. Strand woven is the hardest and most durable of the three types.

Cork flooring is a flooring material manufactured from the by-product of the cork oak tree. Cork floors are considered to be eco-friendly since the cork oak tree bark is stripped every nine to ten years and doesn't damage the tree. Cork flooring comes in both tiles and planks, and can have glue or glues-less installation.

Hardwood durability and hardness is determined by a ranking system called the Janka scale. The Janka scale is the force that it takes to embed a steel ball into the hardwood. The more force it takes to do so, the harder the wood.

Hardwood floors can either be purchased as pre-finished planks or as planks that need to be sanded and finished in the home following installation. Manufacturers of pre-finished hardwood floors use varying materials for the finish, which usually include layers of polyurethane and aluminum oxide. The hardness of aluminum oxide can made these floors particularly difficult and costly to refinish, to the extent that most engineered wood floors do not get refinished, even if they can be.

Hardwood floors can be repaired by spot-sanding and refinishing, plank replacement, or a refinish of the full floor.

Laminate

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Laminate is a floor covering that appears similar to hardwood but is made with a plywood or medium density fiberboard ("MDF") core with a plastic laminate top layer. HDF laminate consists of high density fiberboard topped by one or more layers of decorative paper and a transparent protective layer. Laminate may be more durable than hardwood, but cannot be refinished like hardwood. Laminate flooring is available in many different patterns which can resemble different woods or even ceramic tile. It usually locks or taps together. Underlayment is required for laminate flooring to provide moisture and noise control.

The common installation method for laminate flooring is a floating installation, which means the floor connects to each other to form interlocked flooring system and is not attached to the sub-floor which means it is free to "float" over a variety of sub-floors. This includes existing flooring like ceramic tile and hardwood floors. It is the most versatile installation method because it can be put over any substrate that is flat.

Hybrid flooring

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Hybrid combines the best attributes of both laminate and vinyl to create a rigid floating floor that can be installed throughout the entire home. Hybrid is made of multiple layers of materials pressed together for an extremely hard wearing floor.

Hard flooring

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Ceramic tiles flooring in Istanbul street

Hard flooring (not to be confused with "hardwood") is a family of flooring materials that includes concrete or cement, ceramic tile, glass tiles, and natural stone products.

Ceramic tiles are clay products that are formed into thin tiles and fired. Ceramic tiles are set in beds of mortar or mastic with the joints between tiles grouted. Varieties of ceramic tiles include quarry tile, porcelain, and terracotta.

Many different natural stones are cut into a variety of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses for use as flooring. Stone flooring uses a similar installation method to ceramic tile. Slate and marble are popular types of stone flooring that requires polishing and sealing. Stone aggregates, like Terrazzo, can also be used instead of raw cut stone and are available as either preformed tiles or to be constructed in-place using a cement binder.

Porcelain stoneware can be used instead of natural stone. It is a ceramic material like a tile; however, it is typically 20 mm (0.79 in) thick and often comes in squares of 60 cm (24 in).

Polished concrete

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Polished concrete in a grocery store.

Concrete or cement finished floor is also used for its ability to be treated for different feel and its durability, such as polished concrete. Epoxy resurfacing of concrete flooring is used to update or upgrade concrete floor surfaces in commercial and residential applications – see seamless polymer flooring section below.[10]

Floating tile flooring, also called modular tile flooring, includes a range of porcelain and ceramic tile products that can be installed without adhesive or mortar. Generally, the tile is rectified to precise dimensions, and fused to an interlocking base. Some products require use of a flexible grout and others have an integrated grout strip. The advantages include speed of installation, ease of use, reusability, and low cost relative to using traditional tile installation methods.[11]

Resilient flooring

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Greatmats Garage Floor Tile Diamond is one form of modular polypropylene flooring tiles intended for garages and other automotive areas.

Unlike ceramic and stone tiles, which are made of minerals, resilient flooring is made of materials that have some elasticity, giving the flooring a degree of flexibility called resilience. Performance surfaces used for dance or athletics are usually made of wood or resilient flooring.

Resilient flooring includes many different manufactured products including linoleum, sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile (VCT)[dubiousdiscuss][12], cork (sheet or tile), and rubber.

Vinyl flooring is available in large sheets or pre-cut tiles; the former is resilient. Some come with a pre-applied adhesive for peel-and-stick installation, others require adhesive to be spread onto the substrate.[13]

The two basic categories of vinyl floor tiles are solid vinyl (products with vinyl on binder content higher than 34%) and vinyl composition (products with a vinyl or binder content lower than 34%),[14] and the three basic categories of vinyl sheet flooring are homogeneous, inlaid, and layered composite. These types of vinyl flooring differ in manufacturing process and content, ranging in vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) content from 11% to 55%.

Resilient flooring products, such as PVC and polypropylene are becoming more popular in specialty applications such as trailer flooring and garage flooring. New applications have also emerged for marine flooring. There are important factors to consider in specialty applications, that may not be present in a typical application. For example, certain tires will leave marks on PVC flooring but those marks will be less prevalent on polypropylene products.[15] Adhesives also change based on application.

Seamless polymer flooring

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Seamless resin floor

Many different seamless flooring materials are available that vary from air-drying latex emulsion polymers to reactive thermoset resins such as waterborne, solvents or solvent-free urethanes, polyaspartics , and epoxies.[16] Applied in liquid form, when allowed to dry and/or cure to provide a completely seamless floor covering.

They find use in situations ranging from the simple protection of domestic garage floors to the restoration and protection of commercial and industrial flooring. They are also used to solve a vast array of problems in industry such as wet areas in laboratories or food processing plants where spillages of oils and fats tend to be easily absorbed and/or difficult to clean. Other reasons for covering concrete with synthetic resin flooring are to improve resistance to chemicals, enhancing resistance to impact and wear, and for aesthetic appearance purposes.

Seamless polymer flooring can take many forms:[17]

  • Floor seals applied at less than 6 mil (0.15 mm)
  • Floor coatings applied at 6 - 12 mil (0.15 – 0.3 mm)
  • High-build floor coatings applied at 6 - 40 mil (0.15 – 1 mm)
  • Broadcast flooring with embedded aggregate applied in excess of 80 mil (2 mm)
  • Flow applied (self-smoothing/self-leveling flooring) applied at 80 – 120 mil (2 – 3 mm)
  • Trowel finished bound resin screed flooring applied in excess of 160 mil (4 mm)
  • Heavy-duty flow applied to floor applied at 160 – 240 mil (4 – 6 mm)
  • Heavy-duty trowel finished resin screed flooring applied in excess of 240mil (6 mm)

They typically have granular or rubberized particles added to give better traction/slip resistance on walkways and steps especially in areas subject to frequent washing, and for better traction/skid resistance in traffic aisles.

Sustainable flooring

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Sustainable flooring is produced from more sustainable materials (and by more sustainable processes) that reduces demands on ecosystems during its life-cycle.[18]

Features

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There are a number of special features that may be used to ornament a floor or perform a useful service:

  • Floor medallions decorative centerpieces of a floor design.
  • Doormats to help keep a floor clean.
  • Gratings used to drain water or to rub dirt off shoes.
  • Tactile or rumble strips to warn of for instance a wheelchair ramp, these would normally also be distinctively colored or patterned.
  • Light strips to show an escape route out, especially on airplanes.
  • Moldings or baseboards to decorate the sides of a floor or to cover the edge of a floating floor.
  • Anti-slip mats: The addition of either granular or rubberized particles that will allow wheels, shoes, or feet better traction.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ APA – The Engineered Wood Association (2022-05-18). "Underlayment & Subfloor". APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Retrieved 2025-06-05. Sturd-I-Floor panels are especially well-suited for carpet and pad floor coverings in single-layer floor construction.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ G. Garber, Design and Construction of Concrete Floors, CRC Press, 2nd Edition, 2006, ISBN 978-0750666565
  3. ^ Y. Ohama, Handbook of Polymer-Modified Concrete and Mortars, William Andrew Publishing, 1995, ISBN 978-0-8155-1358-2
  4. ^ "THE "LIFE" OF A CARPET: AN APPLICATION OF THE ALEXANDER RULES".
  5. ^ Carpet and Rug Institute (2021-10-22). "Cleaning and Maintenance". Carpet and Rug Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-05. Vacuum frequently in high traffic areas and everywhere according to a vacuuming schedule, using a Seal of Approval-certified vacuum.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012-10-01). "M4 Assessment Script" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Education. Retrieved 2025-06-05. Carpet comes in widths of 12 ft., 13'6", and 15 ft.
  7. ^ Illinois Recycling Association (2010-03-22). "Best Operational Practices Manual for Materials Recovery Facilities" (PDF). Illinois Recycling Association. Retrieved 2025-06-05. Rubber or foam padding will minimize the strain.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Carpet and Rug Institute. "Selecting the Right Carpet". Carpet and Rug Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-05. A firm and resilient carpet cushion… acts as a shock absorber to increase comfort and extend the durability of your carpet.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ "Thermal performance analysis according to wood flooring structure for energy conservation in radiant floor heating systems".
  10. ^ American Coatings Association (2021-06-18). "Transforming Concrete Floors with Decorative Coatings". CoatingsTech Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-05. Basic epoxy coatings are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2017 to 2025 due to their durability and toughness.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Oklahoma Historical Society (2018-04-15). "Ceramic Tile" (PDF). Oklahoma Historical Society. Retrieved 2025-06-05. These new materials were not only cheaper, they were not as fragile; they were also lighter and thinner, and easier to install.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ ASTM International (2023-09-12). "Standard Specification for Vinyl Composition Floor Tile". ASTM International. Retrieved 2025-06-05. This specification covers vinyl composition floor tile, intended for use in commercial, light industrial, and residential buildings.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ Germer, Jerry (2014). Kitchen & Bath Residential Construction and Systems (2 ed.). Wiley. p. 124. ISBN 978-1118439104.
  14. ^ "ASTM F 1700 Solid Vinyl Floor Tile". Armstrong Flooring. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  15. ^ "PVC Vinyl Flooring". 2025-05-30. Retrieved 2025-06-05.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ Industrial Polymer Applications: Essential Chemistry and Technology, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, 1st edition, 2016, ISBN 978-1-78262-814-9
  17. ^ BS 8204 Screeds, Bases and In Situ Floorings, Synthetic Resin Floorings: Code of Practice, BSI, ISBN 978-0-580-73670-4
  18. ^ Top 5 Green Building Strategies Archived 2011-07-20 at the Wayback Machine - EPA Publication 909-F-07-001

 

Epoxy moisture control systems are chemical barriers that are used to prevent moisture damage to flooring. Excessive moisture vapor emissions in concrete slabs can mean significant, expensive damage to a flooring installation. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually just in the United States to correct moisture-related problems in flooring.[1] These problems include failure of the flooring adhesive; damage to the floor covering itself, such as blistering; the formation of efflorescence salts; and the growth of mold and mildew.

In 2013 the ASTM F3010-13 "Standard Practice for Two-Component Resin Based Membrane-Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Floor Coverings" was adopted to establish performance criteria required for two component membranes employed as concrete moisture control systems.

Excess moisture in concrete is defined by that amount of moisture emitting from the concrete subfloor that exceeds the amount allowed by the flooring manufacturer. This condition occurs when the flooring is installed before the water in the concrete mix that is not needed for hydration (strengthening) has had adequate time to evaporate. Causes of this condition include a construction schedule that does not allow at least 28 days for the slab to dry; using too much water in the concrete mix; installing the slab without a puncture- and tear-resistant, low-permeability vapor barrier beneath it; rewetting of the slab due to precipitation; inadequate drying conditions, which can include air temperatures that are lower than 50 °F, high humidity in the surrounding air and poor airflow; and liquid water infiltration due to external sources, such as broken pipes, irrigation, improper sloping of the landscape, condensation, cleaning and maintenance, and moisture from flooring adhesives.

Epoxy flooring is a durable, attractive, and resistant solution for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, offering a wide range of colors and finishes to enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality.[2][3]

There are two industry standards for measuring moisture vapor emissions in concrete: calcium chloride testing (ASTM F1869) and relative humidity testing (ASTM F2170).[4] Epoxy moisture control systems can be used when these tests determine that the moisture vapor emissions need to be remediated in order to install the selected floor covering within the timeframe allotted by the construction schedule.

Epoxy moisture control systems are roller-applied and are available in one-coat and two-coat varieties. One-coat systems allow for a faster installation time, while two-coat systems address the potential for pinholes or voids in the system, which can cause future failures. Epoxy moisture control systems can be applied over concrete with relative humidity levels up to 100%, and there are systems available on the market today that can be applied over concrete that is physically damp. In some cases, with the use of an epoxy moisture control system, floor coverings can be installed just 7 days after the slab is poured.

When applied correctly, epoxy moisture control systems are designed to bring moisture emission rates to acceptable levels for the flooring being installed, which combats flooring failures, microbiological activity (mold and mildew) and other problems associated with excess moisture in the slab.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Howard Kanare (November 15, 2007). "Why Are We Still Having Problems with Moisture and Concrete Floor Slabs". Concrete Construction Magazine.
  2. ^ "How to advertise a flooring company". March 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  3. ^ Durable Epoxy Flooring
  4. ^ ASTM International

Notes

[edit]

 

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Ariel Brady

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From cracks to stains, every part of the garage floor was repaired and coated perfectly. They were on time and made sure everything looked great before leaving.

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Their work is excellent. I am really happy with finished product. The guys who worked on my garage were very precise on their work and made sure I got the best final finish. Would highly recommend them.

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Very happy with the service and results. The crew was respectful, worked efficiently, and delivered exactly what we wanted.

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Epoxy is a type of resin, but generally refers to solid color systems. Resin flooring for garages can encompass epoxy but also includes more decorative options like chip systems, metallics, and quartz. Resin is a broader term.
A: Yes, resin flooring is typically more expensive upfront than concrete paint or sealant. However, it offers greater durability, longevity, and resistance to stains, chemicals, and wear, potentially making it more cost-effective in the long run.
A: Resin offers superior durability and resistance to impacts, chemicals, and abrasion compared to most tiles or interlocking tiles suitable for garages. Tiles can chip, crack, or become dislodged under heavy loads or impacts, while resin provides a seamless, more resilient surface.
A: Resin requires less maintenance than polished concrete. While both are relatively easy to clean, polished concrete may require periodic resealing and can be more susceptible to staining. Resin typically only needs occasional cleaning with a mild detergent.