07 Mar Are Epoxy Floors Slippery?
Are Epoxy Floors Slippery?
Everything you need to know about the safety of epoxy floors
Epoxy flooring can be slippery, especially when wet. Its slippery because epoxy is “self-leveling” by nature, and creates a smooth, glossy surface which doesn’t create enough traction on its own. It is also such a durable and seamless surface that water has nowhere to go. Fortunately, we can add anti-slip additives to the epoxy to create a non-skid texture.
Flooring Alternatives
Any solid surface flooring material will be slippery when wet. Even new, power troweled concrete will be slippery. Epoxy can be made incredibly safe with grip additives that makes the surface more texturized.
How to make an Epoxy Floor Less Slippery
We have several non-skid additives and application techniques that help provide the traction necessary for a particular facility. Silica sand, aluminum oxides and angular flint rock are all material used to create a non-skid floor. These all have different characteristics and applied in different ways. When we meet with customers, we will identify any areas of concern and make the appropriate system recommendation.
Industries that use Non-Slip Epoxy
Clean rooms and laboratories are the only facilities that would truly require no non-skid additives.
Is it possible to “upgrade” an existing epoxy floor to make it less slippery?
Unlike car washes, we don’t sell our floors with various packages offering better performance. For example, a pool needs to have a certain level of texture to keep is patrons safe from slips. To ensure everyone’s safety and our customers happy, we recommend the appropriate system and non-skid texture or application.
What other Factors Make Epoxy a Safe Flooring Option?
It’s a safe option for workers and customers because of its extreme durability. It’s resistant to impact, abrasion and chemicals, which will keep the floor a safe work environment for years. It will not break down and fall apart creating trip points or hazards for people or equipment.
The seamless technology of epoxy creates a continuous surface without any cracks or grout lines. This prevents water or other liquids from seeping in and allowing mold or mildew to grow. For this reason, it is also very easy to clean, helping to maintain healthy working conditions.