Epoxy coatings are a step up from engineered wood, tile, laminate or vinyl. This is especially true in commercial and retail spaces like coffee shops, restaurants and hospitals. Epoxy is just cleaner and more durable. However, some folks worry that epoxy coatings can be slippery, especially when wet. Thankfully the solution is simple. Anti skid epoxy coatings.
Slip-Resistant Aggregates
Professional installers incorporate a slip-resistant aggregate into the final coat of the epoxy flooring (…properly installed floor coatings consist of multiple color and/or clear coats). Because the aggregate provides a roughness to the floor and reduces potential slipping, we call it “anti-skid” or “anti-slip” .
More importantly, professional installers can adjust the type of anti-skid used in your floor coating to reflect your level of concern for slipping. There are multiple anti-skid epoxy flooring options. The least aggressive (and least visible) include polypropylene and glass spheres. The more “aggressive” (and more visible) include quartz and aluminum oxide.
Polypropylene and Glass Spheres
Polypropylene and glass spheres provide good slip resistance. As a result, they are most often used in areas with low to medium foot-traffic, indoor installations, or areas where an easily cleanable surface is needed. (The more aggressive anti-skid types are rougher and therefore harder to clean). Hence, spaces that would benefit from these anti-skid types include kitchens, coffee shops, basements, garages, patios, parking spaces and driveways.
Quartz and Aluminum Oxide
Quartz and aluminum oxide, on the other hand, are far more “aggressive”. They are typically used on substrates traveled by the elderly, handicapped or children, and may be used in areas where there is a high potential for spills of grease, oil, food and the like. Quartz and aluminum oxide may be quite visible and are certainly more difficult to clean. However, these anti-skid types are offered in a variety of colors and therefore can be “masked” by experienced installers.
The Wrap
If you decide to have an epoxy floor installed in your home, think safety first. Ensure your contractor offers multiple options for anti-skid and choose the type that best reflects your needs. Talk to an authorized Garage Floor Coating flooring specialist. You can find an authorized dealer or franchise near you by going to www.garagefloorcoating.com. Simply choose your price range and style…the options are virtually limitless. We’ll take care of rest and ensure your newly installed flooring is not only beautiful, but safe.
About the Author
GarageFloorCoating.com
Robert Hanson is the President and founder of GarageFloorCoating.com (GFC), an ISO 9001-certified company that has specialized in the installation of epoxy, polyurethane and polyurea-polyaspartic flooring for over 25 years. Robert’s evolving knowledge and experience pertaining to concrete coatings and installation techniques culminated in GFC’s impressive line of commercial-grade Eco-Corflex floor coating products, flake epoxy flooring blends and unique coating systems. His proprietary floor coating products and flake blends are sold to over 35 franchisees & authorized dealers across the United States.
