Epoxy flooring always stands out when it involves transforming your floors with a durable and chemical-resistant surface. However, successful installation requires not just selecting the right product. In fact, it also demands hiring a qualified epoxy floor installer.
Epoxy floors require precise installation, whether it’s for a garage or a commercial kitchen renovation. The result is long-running performance and appeal.
Are you worried about how to install epoxy flooring? This comprehensive guide walks you through everything for selecting the right epoxy floor contractor for your property.
What Is an Epoxy Floor Coating?
An epoxy floor is a protective surface coating. It’s made by mixing resin with a hardener. Resultantly, it forms a strong & adhesive compound. Moreover, it creates a glossy finish when installers apply it over concrete floors. This acts to resist stains, moisture & chemicals.
Epoxy coatings are commonly applied in industrial areas because of their durability. However, they are being used in homes nowadays.
These coatings are present in many styles and colors. It includes metallic, flake, and quartz finishes. In addition, epoxy floors can provide benefits depending on the formulation. They can act as an anti-slip texture, UV resistance, or even as an electrostatic discharge protection.
How to Find the Perfect Epoxy Floor Contractor in New Jersey
Picking the best epoxy floor contractor in New Jersey is not only about cost, it’s about finding a subcontractor that you can work with who can provide a reputable quality of work, real durability, and style. Let’s explore some of the main avenues you have to make the right choice:
Discover Expertise: Trust the Power of Experience
Not every flooring contractor can successfully install epoxy systems. Epoxy flooring gets very complicated from the surface preparation to the final application of the glossy coat. It is critical to find installers who specialize in epoxy, as opposed to installers who manage all flooring.
Experienced contractors have worked in garages, basements, and commercial spaces with variables to consider and adapt to. They can adjust for humidity, temperature controls, and their surface-seal (pour) can behave differently with odd surfaces.
Because of their years of trial and success, there aren’t too many costly mistakes they haven’t avoided. When you buy experience, you are not only paying for labor, you are purchasing their success as knowledge.
Unlock Skill Through Certifications and Training
Professional training and certification emphasize commitment. Many professional installers carry certification from epoxy manufacturers or association organizations. Certification indicates that they completed hands-on training and follow the latest industry best practices.
If the contractor offers certification, you can assume their knowledge of product chemistry, cure times, and complex applications is useful. When you ask for such certifications, you are checking if they feel the same way about their trade. Training equals trust.
Review Portfolios: Visual Demonstration of Quality
A portfolio is a contractor’s resume with greater power. Before-and-after photos show their ability to turn unattractive concrete into polished, long-lasting floors. Don’t simply scroll through the pictures, look at the details, including the smoothness of the finish, the consistency of coloring, and, if relevant, the clever use of creative designs.
When possible, request a site visit of a completed project. Even a recently completed project allows you to evaluate quality and attention to detail. Along with references from clients, this should provide you with a good idea about their process to achieve the results you want.
Building Confidence with Referrals: Your Path Forward
Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from an ad, it comes from those you trust. Ask family, friends, or colleagues if they’ve hired epoxy flooring contractors. Their experiences can help uncover shining stars or help steer you away from companies to avoid at all costs.
In addition to word-of-mouth, local home improvement stores and trade organizations are also great resources. They often can connect homeowners with vetted contractors who adhere to a certain professional standard. Referrals, while cultural suggestions, are considered shortcuts to reliable choices.
Evaluate Reputation: The Power of Online Reviews
In this digital world, reviews are incredibly powerful tools. When you consider hiring a contractor, check sources like Google, Yelp, or Houzz to see what clients are saying about timely arrivals, professionalism, and quality.
Be careful what you actually read, look for patterns vs. individual reviews. If dozens of customers are mentioning great-looking finishes and good prices, it’s usually safe to say you can trust their opinions. On the contrary, if you see many complaints about tardiness, delays, or fanatical communication, that’s a red flag.
Pro Tip: Look for contractors that respond to their reviews, even when they’re negative. A professional who demonstrates accountability, care, and even similar failings demonstrates character.
You’ve Got to Protect Yourself – Check Licenses and Insurance
Would you hand over the keys to your car to an unlicensed mechanic? Don’t do it to your floor with an unlicensed installer. A license indicates that the contractor has satisfied state or local requirements.
And insurance is just as important! It can happen, tools fall, material spills, or a worker can get hurt. As long as your contractor is properly insured, you are protected from liability. Always ask them for proof of insurance and independently verify with the local government agency or insurance provider that it’s valid.
Compare Wisely: Ask For and Closely Review Quotes
The price of several quotes isn’t a race for the lowest offer; it’s about making sure you are comparing apples to apples. Every estimate needs to have the same type of epoxy, surface prep, and square footage to truly compare.
When you have one significantly lower estimate, be suspicious. That could signal that corners are being cut by using watered-down epoxy, or prep is being skipped, and longevity will be impacted. The right number should reflect and be fair to the contractor while not sacrificing quality.
Look at this step like you’re buying a car; you’re not paying for a service, you’re paying for longevity.
Get Peace of Mind: Ask for Warranties and Guarantees
If a professional believes they are good at their job, then they will back it up. Always ask about warranties – on labor and the epoxy products used. This will protect you in case of a defect like peeling, bubbling, or cracking that occurs prematurely.
Consider the wording of the warranty. You want it to be specific and comprehensive – a well-written, clear warranty reflects a person who has confidence. If the contractor is hesitant to offer a warranty, that is a major warning sign that should not be overlooked.
Inspect Tools and Materials: Demand Premium Materials
Some epoxies are better than others. A quality contractor will have premium grades of epoxies and professional tools to install epoxy flooring. Ask to know the brand and formulation, and why the contractor thinks it will work best in your space.
Don’t hire a contractor who uses diluted or generic-grade epoxies to save on overhead. They will look nice, but they will likely wear out quickly. Quality products will mean your epoxy floor will last for years, not months.
Test Communication: Look Beyond Installation Skills
Great contractors are more than competent; great contractors are great communicators. Take note of both the response times and the clarity of how they explain the process, and if they answer with patience.
Communication builds trust and mitigates misunderstandings. After all, this is a project taking place in your home, and you want a partner who respects your time and space.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Epoxy Installer
Some home or business owners may feel like epoxy flooring is nothing more than a DIY project. However, this mindset often results in uneven finishes & poor adhesion. Also, this can decrease their lifespan because of improper surface preparation.
Professional epoxy installers bring technical knowledge and industrial-strength materials. They can refine their techniques this way, too.
Moreover, hiring a professional not only enhances the quality of your floor area. In fact, it also saves you time and increases the overall value of your investment. Their expertise ensures:
- Proper concrete surface preparation through grinding or shot-blasting
- Accurate mixing and timely application of epoxy components
- Smooth & bubble-free finish with strong adhesion
- Customized recommendations for your environment and usage
What Services Can an Epoxy Installer Offer?
A qualified epoxy contractor provides services not just installation. These services are according to both of your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. Many of them offer a suite of related services to deal with different flooring needs:
- Concrete Surface Preparation: It involves grinding and sealing concrete. Also, installers repair cracks or patch damaged areas for proper bonding.
- Moisture Mitigation: Installers identify and treat moisture issues before they apply. This is to prevent bubbling or delamination.
- Custom Finishes: It includes metallic, flake & quartz. In addition, it contains solid colors and custom logos.
- Topcoats & Sealers: Professionals apply urethane or polyaspartic coatings over epoxy. This adds UV resistance or slip resistance.
- Industrial Floor Systems: Experts also offer heavy-load containing epoxy systems for warehouses and clean rooms.
- ESD or Anti-Microbial Systems: These specialized coatings are for sensitive environments like healthcare or electronics manufacturing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Epoxy Floor Contractor
Many property owners make missteps when choosing an epoxy installer, even after having good intentions. Avoid these common mistakes during hiring a garage epoxy floor contractor:
Going with the Lowest Quote:
Price should never be the only deciding factor when doing epoxy flooring. Low bids can also indicate the use of substandard materials or a lack of experience. Remember, poor installation can cost you more in the future.
Not Checking References:
You can remain unaware of red flags when you fail to speak with past clients. Or if you don’t check reviews properly. Keep in mind that reputable installers are happy to share references.
Overlooking Surface Prep:
Surface preparation is the most critical phase of epoxy installation. It should be done with great consideration. And, it’s not a good sign in case a contractor downplays this step or rushes through it.
Ignoring Warranty Details:
Some contractors may promise a warranty but not provide documentation. This is the point where you can have plenty of issues. Just make sure that you have a written agreement that outlines coverage terms.
Skipping a Site Visit:
A walkthrough allows the contractor to assess the condition of your floor. It also helps him check the moisture levels and recommend the right solution. You should avoid installers who quote without seeing the area in person.
Why Choose Epoxy Shine As Your Reliable Epoxy Floor Installer
Choosing the right epoxy floor installer makes all the difference, and that’s where Epoxy Shine stands out. Countless homeowners and businesses across New Jersey trust us for their flooring transformations.
We don’t treat epoxy as just another service. In fact, it’s our signature point. Our professional team aims to bring years of experience to every project. Moreover, we use only high-class equipment to deliver quality results.
We believe in a clear approach and commitment to quality. That’s why we provide detailed quotes & keep you informed throughout the process. Not to forget, we back our work with written warranties. At Epoxy Shine, our experts transform your floors into durable and functional solutions.
Is Epoxy Flooring Easy to Install?
Installations of epoxy are generally easier for professionals. They have all the proper tools, training, and experience. Professionals already know how to prepare the concrete floor, how to mix the epoxy, and how to apply it without a hitch.
When installing it yourself, it can be a struggle. You need to make sure the floor is properly cleaned, and you need to avoid making mistakes. Even spreading or getting bubbles is common. Epoxy dries quickly as well, so timing may prove tricky.
So, while there are DIY kits available, the job will go much quicker and be a more reliable professional installation.
Final Thoughts
Selection of the right epoxy floor installer is not a light decision. A properly installed epoxy floor offers years of durability and a classic look. However, it should be done by only qualified hands.
Take time to vet potential contractors thoroughly. Try to review their experience and credentials. Not to forget, always check customer feedback and warranty terms. And, make sure to communicate openly about your needs and expectations.
In short, you can easily make your epoxy flooring a successful project if you’ve got the right professional on your side.
FAQs
Q1. How much time does epoxy flooring work?
Epoxy flooring can work well for many years. It’s 20 to 25 years, particularly in low-impact home settings. On the other hand, crowded commercial or industrial areas need regular topcoat applications to extend their lifespan.
Q2. How much will professional epoxy floor installation cost?
Its costs vary depending on the size of the area and the type of epoxy system. Moreover, it depends on the floor condition and required customization.
Q3. Can experts install epoxy flooring over damaged concrete?
Yes. But installers have to repair the surface well. In fact, expert professionals can fill cracks and level uneven areas easily. They can also deal with moisture issues for proper epoxy adherence.
Q4. How much time does the installation process take?
It takes about 2 to 5 days for most home installations. However, it mostly depends on the scope of the work. Moreover, drying time between layers also plays an important role. Hence, commercial or industrial properties may take longer due to additional prep.
Q5. What is the best type of epoxy floor finish for homes?
Decorative flake or metallic epoxy finishes are a great option for home areas such as basements. These offer both good looks and slip resistance. However, your installer can help better determine the best type based on your user preferences.
