5 Reasons to Avoid DIY Epoxy Floor Installation: To all our fellow DIYers out there, we understand that those balling on a budget are more drawn to saving money by doing certain projects around the house themselves. Certain tasks require minimal knowledge and skill in order to be performed properly, but when it comes to projects that involve electricity, plumbing, and HVAC, many experts recommend calling in the pros to avoid doing more damage than good.
With that said, epoxy and polyaspartic flooring installations are similar in that they should also be left to the pros. Why? Well, not only is epoxy easy to install incorrectly but there are certain health risks to be aware of that could cause long-term issues to you and your family if done improperly.
Epoxy floor coatings are a type of flooring that can be applied to many different types of surfaces in both residential and commercial settings. Epoxy coatings consist of two components, a resin and a hardener, which when combined form a strong, durable, and resilient surface that is resistant to abrasion, water damage, and stains.
Epoxy coatings are available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, making them perfect for commercial applications, such as in showrooms, warehouses, or garages. They can also be used in residential applications such as garages, basements, or bathrooms.
Polyaspartic floor coatings are a type of floor coating system. They are designed to create a seamless, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance surface. Polyaspartic floor coatings offer superior protection against wear and tear, as well as extreme temperatures and chemical solvents.
They are often used in commercial and industrial settings, as well as in residential areas where a durable, low-maintenance finish is desired. Polyaspartic floor coatings can be applied in a single day and provide superior protection for the underlying concrete or wood substrate.
There are several reasons why we do NOT recommend installing an epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating yourself. Let's get into some more detail about why you should avoid DIY epoxy floor installations:
Let's take a moment to find some self-awareness: there's a strong possibility that you don't really know what you're doing regarding installing an epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating. That's not to say that you couldn't figure it out eventually, but the problem with installing these types of floors with little to no experience is that they are very easy to install incorrectly.
Most novices aren't aware of the rigorous floor prep required before installation, how quickly the flooring can dry, and how to safely avoid breathing in the toxic fumes. One wrong step can lead to a poor installation, ultimately costing you more money, in the long run, to repair and/or replace your mistakes. The biggest DIY mistakes we see are improper floor prep and uneven pours, both of which will cause the coating to crack and chip over time.
Many polyaspartic and epoxy products that you find on the shelves at Home Depot or Lowes are generally of lower quality than those used by professionals. This is because professionals buy their materials in bulk, making them cheaper overall, whereas the average DIYers buy small quantities, typically cheaper materials to keep the end cost reasonable.
Poor-quality materials can result in a cheap and less-reliable floor coating that surely will not stand the test of time. So, your $500 DIY epoxy floor installation could end up costing substantially more than hiring a pro who would have done it right the first time.
Most professional epoxy floor installers have teams of highly-skilled workers who have installed hundreds of floors and can therefore install yours in a matter of hours. The problem with DIY epoxy floor installation is that you've probably never installed one before, only have two hands, and don't know what to expect regarding drying and cure times.
All of these unknown variables make for an extremely stressful and time-consuming process that will prevent you from doing more important things in your life. Before you decide to take the DIY route, ask yourself if the time and stress that will come with the project are worth saving a few bucks. In most cases, they're not.
If the floor is not prepped correctly or if the coating is not applied correctly, it can lead to peeling, bubbling, staining, and delamination of the coating. This can require expensive repairs and the reapplication of the coating, again costing more money than hiring a professional.
Additionally, improper installation of an epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating could lead to health risks due to the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is important to take your time and research any project before attempting it on your own. As Mike Holmes always says, if you're gonna do it, do it right the first time (eh?)!
DIY installation of an epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating can cause serious health risks if proper precautions are not taken. Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings contain hazardous materials such as isocyanates, solvents, and other chemicals that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. In addition to potential inhalation health risks, these coatings can also cause skin burns or irritation if not properly handled.
If the coating is not applied in a well-ventilated area or protective gear is not worn, then there is a risk of inhalation of toxic fumes which can lead to long-term health issues. Therefore, it is important to follow all safety instructions when working with these products to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the area.
Unless you are a professional epoxy and polyaspartic floor coating installer, we highly recommend hiring a professional for your next floor coating project. Most DIYers justify their shortcuts by watching YouTube videos, but the problem is, people in the videos are often experts and make certain projects look easier than they are.
For the health concerns alone we highly recommend avoiding a DIY epoxy floor installation. But moreover, the odds that you will make a mistake and end up spending more on fixing that mistake are very high. Do yourself a favor and get in touch with us today if you are looking for a new epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating in your Colorado home.
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