Why Epoxy Peels and What Facilities Managers Can Do About It

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Why Epoxy Peels and What Facilities Managers Can Do About It

Date: March 21, 2025

Why Epoxy Peels and What Facilities Managers Can Do

Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes

The Highlights

Epoxy floors are durable and cost-effective, but peeling often happens due to poor prep, moisture, bad mixing, or incorrect application.

Facilities managers can prevent this by hiring a trained general contractor who ensures proper surface prep and uses quality materials.

For long-term success, maintain regularly, use trusted professionals like IOC Construction, and invest in quality from the start.

Epoxy flooring is one of the most durable and cost-effective solutions for commercial and industrial spaces. Whether used for garage floor epoxy, commercial floor epoxy, or industrial epoxy flooring, it provides a sleek, strong, and chemical-resistant finish. However, property managers often face a common issue—epoxy floor peeling. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it is crucial for commercial building maintenance and ensuring long-lasting floors.

Why Does Epoxy Floor Coating Peel?

1.Poor Surface Preparation

A concrete floor epoxy application requires careful preparation. If the concrete surface isn’t properly cleaned, degreased, or roughened, the epoxy floor coating won’t bond well, leading to peeling.

Solution:

Use d iamond grinding or shot blasting to create a textured surface for better adhesion.

Remove all dust, oil, and contaminants before application.

2.Moisture Issues

Epoxy doesn’t adhere well to damp surfaces. High humidity or water trapped in the concrete epoxy can cause bubbling and peeling, leading to an uneven finish and reduced durability.

Over time, moisture-related issues can weaken the bond, cause peeling, and shorten the lifespan of the epoxy coating. Proper surface preparation, including moisture testing and drying, is essential to ensure a strong, long-lasting application.

Solution:

Perform a moisture test before installation.

Use a vapor barrier to prevent moisture-related failures.

3.Improper Mixing of Epoxy Components

Epoxy requires precise mixing of resin and hardener. If mixed incorrectly, it can result in a weak bond, leading to poor adhesion, reduced durability, and potential peeling or cracking over time. Proper measurement and thorough mixing are essential to ensure a strong, long-lasting finish.

Solution:

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.

Mix epoxy in the right proportions and use the correct tools.

4.Incorrect Application Techniques

Applying epoxy too thickly or not allowing proper curing time can lead to peeling.

Solution:

Apply in thin, even coats.

Follow recommended drying and curing times between layers.

How to Fix Peeling Epoxy Floors

If your epoxy floor coating starts to peel, it needs immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. We highly recommend contacting a professional. Here’s how property managers can expect experts to address it:

Identify and Remove the Problem Areas: Scrape off loose or peeling epoxy using a grinder or floor scraper.

Re-Grind the Surface: Use a diamond grinder to remove any residue and prepare for a new application.

Reapply Epoxy Properly: Work with experienced epoxy flooring contractors to ensure correct mixing, application, and curing.

Best Practices for Property Managers

To maintain the integrity of your commercial epoxy flooring, consider these long-term strategies:

1.Partner with Professional Epoxy Contractors

Hiring commercial epoxy floor contractors ensures proper application and long-lasting results. At IOC Construction, we regularly train employees to be up to date on best practices.

2.Invest in Quality Products

Low-quality materials may be cheaper initially but will lead to premature failure. Choose high-grade industrial epoxy floor coatings and epoxy floor paint for durability.

3.Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Schedule periodic checks as part of your building maintenance companies’ routine. Address small cracks before they turn into major issues.

4.Consider the Cost of Epoxy Flooring

While the epoxy floor cost varies, proper installation reduces future repair expenses, making it a wise investment for professional building maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Peeling epoxy flooring can be a frustrating issue for property managers, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures, it can be avoided. By ensuring proper preparation, using quality materials, and working with experienced epoxy floor contractors, you can extend the lifespan of your floors and maintain a professional appearance in your buildings.

If you’re considering a residential epoxy flooring project or need help with commercial epoxy flooring contractors, reach out to trusted professionals like IOC Construction to get the job done right!