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Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring has gained traction recently. This can be attributed to its durability, especially in high-traffic areas. The resistance of this material to stains, water, and oil also contributes to its popularity.
Its versatility, which gives a sleek, glossy finish, is also a factor. However, it would help if you had a reliable contractor for the best outcome and seamless installation. This simplified guide details the tips for choosing such a contractor. They are as follows:
Select Locally
Start by selecting your contractor locally. This entails narrowing down your search using search phrases like Polished Concrete Flooring in Toronto.
Such a search will get you contractors within your proximity. You will then vet the top-rated one that you will find.
Doing this is important as it will ensure seamless epoxy installation for the following reasons:
Familiarity with local conditions
A local contractor better understands the regional climate and its impact on the setting of epoxy materials.
This knowledge is essential because epoxy floors cure properly under specific temperatures and humidity.
Therefore, a local contractor will know the best installation time for a seamless project and optimal results.
Better understanding of the building codes
Building codes vary from one location to another and can significantly affect your epoxy installation project.
For instance, failure to follow safety regulations on the handling and applying of the chemicals used in the project could result in the project’s halting or fines.
A local contractor will know about the local safety regulations and any required permits, ensuring the project runs smoothly.
Easy access to the local suppliers
Like other construction projects, epoxy installation requires various supplies. Some of the essential ones include:
- Floor prep tools like grinders, vacuums, cup wheels
- Mixing tools like variable speed drill with a chuck, timers, mixing blades, and pails
- Safety equipment like gloves, dust masks, ear protection, and knee pads
- Installation tools like roller cages, squeegees, spiked shoes, and extension cords
- Cleaning supplies like xylene and rags
A local contractor will have a supplier within the neighborhood who can deliver the materials faster.
Sourcing the necessary supplies locally can also lower the project’s cost, which is a huge plus.
Quick response time
A local contractor can provide a quick response if any issue arises during installation. This ensures they will make the necessary adjustments before the problem derails the whole project.
When choosing locally, you will get the best epoxy installation within the stipulated timeframe.
Note that there are other things to do besides choosing locally, which will contribute to the seamless service.
Verify Credentials and Compliance
Contractors offering these services must be certified after rigorous training. They should also be members of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
A body that accredits such professionals. Licensing is also important. This is because a valid one proves that the professional meets the local government’s standards for operating in the industry.
Suppose the epoxy flooring you need is specific, like chemical or slip resistance; you should check if it meets specific requirements, such as training in the area.
For smooth epoxy installation, you should ensure that the contractor has liability insurance coverage and bonding to protect you from any loss during the project.
Therefore, you should request credentials and inquire about licensing during the hiring process.
Assess Experience and Expertise
Assessing experience and expertise is also crucial in ensuring seamless service. Such an assessment will help determine their understanding of epoxy flooring materials.
It also helps determine their skill in surface preparation. Experienced ones have deep knowledge that is critical in the installation of epoxy. Such contractors will be good at the following:
Proper surface preparation
An experienced contractor understands the essence of thorough surface preparation. Therefore, they will start by repairing any available cracks, grinding the surface, and clearing debris before applying the epoxy.
Accurate mixing and application
Since epoxy flooring requires precise mixing of the resin and hardener, a lot of experience is necessary to do it right.
An experienced contractor will ensure the correct ratio and thorough mixing, factoring in the temperature, to ensure a complete chemical reaction.
Accurate mixing and application
Thanks to their skills, such contractors can also offer an array of customization. This is essential as it enables them to tweak the project to meet your specifications without any hitches. And should any problem arise, they can handle it well.
Assessing their experience and expertise will also help you learn their attention to detail, which is crucial in epoxy installation.
You should research the contractor’s background while focusing on their track record and reputation. For better assessment.
Determine the Right Type of Epoxy Flooring
Depending on your needs, you should determine the type of epoxy flooring you want installed. This is crucial as it will enable the contractor to estimate when preparing a quotation, streamlining the entire process. You can choose any of the following:
- Solvent-based epoxy: contains solvent as a carrier of the epoxy resin. The solvent enhances penetration and adhering to the substrate. This results in a strong and durable floor. The solvent-based one is ideal for industrial facilities, commercial spaces, and garage floors. The property can be attributed to its ability to withstand heavy loads. It can also be used in laboratories and clean rooms where sterility is crucial.
- Water-based epoxy: uses water as a carrier solvent. It contains water-based epoxy resin and hardener, which react when mixed, resulting in a durable floor surface. It is ideal for residential spaces, educational institutions, commercial buildings, and healthcare facilities for its cleaning ease.
- Metallic epoxy: a unique epoxy flooring that creates a stunning 3D effect resembling a metallic surface, natural stone, or marble. It consists of metallic pigment mixed into a clear epoxy resin. It is ideal for homes or business premises due to its stunning look.
- Flake epoxy: also known as decorative epoxy, this type of epoxy contains decorative chips that are made of multicolored vinyl. It’s ideal for showrooms, restaurants, and retail spaces.
- Evaluate Portfolio
After determining the right epoxy flooring, depending on your needs, you should check the contractor’s portfolio.
A portfolio demonstrates experience and is arguably the best visual reference. It also inspires confidence when selecting a contractor to apply epoxy on your floor.
Through the portfolio, you can determine their specialization. For that reason, you should evaluate the contractor’s portfolio.
While at it, check whether they have done projects similar to yours. This will show you their service’s consistency, ensuring a seamless installation. Check for the portfolio on the official website.
Ask About Material and Techniques
It would help if you inquired about the material and techniques the potential contractor uses. Doing so is crucial because it will help you determine the quality of epoxy resin, additives, and sealants.
To do so, you will have to contact the contractor you will find by searching for Polished Concrete Flooring in Toronto and inquire about the material.
While at it, ensure that you also ask about their technique. Consider the use of self-leveling epoxy, flake system, or sand broadcast.
Inquire About Warranty and Guarantee
Warrantees and guarantees are crucial for a seamless epoxy installation because they protect against faulty products and artistry errors.
These two elements ensure that you get high-quality installation from the contractor. Therefore, you should inquire about them before hiring for the project.
Ensure the contractor has a warranty to cover issues such as peeling delamination or excessive wear.
Discussing the warranty details, such as the duration and exclusions, is the best way to go about it. And to be safe, ensure proper documentation by including it in the contract.
Final Words
The use of epoxy flooring has become common, especially in high-traffic areas. This trend can be attributed to its durability. However, ensuring seamless installation requires careful consideration.
You must choose a reliable contractor with a proven track record, who uses the best materials and techniques. That’s why you should use the information you have read here in your selection.