Pros and Cons of Using Epoxy for Outdoor Concrete

Epoxy coating has always been an excellent choice among other flooring options on the market. Not only is it durable and cost-effective, but it’s also available in a wide variety of options that will make your outdoor space unique and more special to you and your family.

This type of flooring has different applications for outdoor spaces, including:

• Patios
• Porches
• Outdoor Concrete Sidewalks
• Pool Decks
• Front and Backdoor Steps

Before you start searching for the perfect epoxy finish for your concrete floor outdoors, let’s evaluate all the pros and cons you’ll get from this coating material. The more informed you are about epoxy floor coatings, the smarter your purchase will be!

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Epoxy Floors for Outdoor Concrete?

Here’s everything you need to know about epoxy flooring and its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros of Epoxy for Outdoors:

Affordable Flooring Choice

You can expect the cost per square foot of this material to be low most of the time. Since you’ll likely be coating your entire outdoor concrete floor, you probably don’t want to spend too much money on your project. Since the flooring material you are using (epoxy) is very durable… even though it is exposed to outside elements, it’ll won’t degraded as fast as bare concrete.

When it comes to your outdoor space, epoxy surfaces will do the trick. They’re inexpensive, and you don’t have to spend too much money on maintenance either. The more money you save, the more you’ll have available to keep upgrading the rest of your space!

Make sure to talk to our team if you want an accurate estimate of how much it would cost to get layers of epoxy on your outdoor concrete.

Damage Resistance

This type of coating is very resistant to damage. Unlike other flooring solutions like laminate or wood, you can expect epoxy to withstand heavy foot traffic and not peel or crack. It is a very low maintenance flooring option, even if it is outdoors.

Moreover, cured epoxy is also moisture-resistant, which is perfect for those who want to save money on maintenance. If you install your epoxy floor coating with the right professionals, you can expect your floor to last up to 20 years with proper care.

Weather Resistance

Epoxy flooring can withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures, making it perfect for those living in areas with considerable amounts of heat or cold.

Another great benefit is that epoxy can withstand fire damage, so you can rest assured your concrete flooring will be safe in case of an accident.

Visual Appeal

It’s great to get a flooring material that can withstand heavy traffic and any outside elements, but we can’t forget about the looks!

If you’re looking for an aesthetically-pleasing surface for your outdoor spaces, epoxy concrete is the answer. Regardless of which option you get, you can rest assured that your new floor will surprise your guests and make your space look refreshed.

You can also get epoxy paint for your concrete floor if it looks outdated or damaged. It does an excellent cover-up job.

Reduced Wear & Tear

The durability of epoxy is what makes it popular among home and business owners. Thanks to its ability to handle heavy loads and traffic, it works in many residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Some homeowners, for example, install epoxy in garage floors to reduce damage to their equipment or even to repel concrete stains from oil, or other chemicals.

If you have any area in your outdoor space that’s getting hit by vehicles or any piece of equipment, you can get an epoxy mixture there to get a smooth surface that won’t get damaged anytime soon.

Variety

Not only does epoxy come in a variety of colors, but it also comes in different finishes like marble, granite, and metallic. This bonus feature allows people to get creative and come up with design ideas that fit their needs.

You can contact our team and tell us what you are envisioning for your outdoor space; we’ll give you a list of epoxy flooring design options that will look amazing.

Cons of Epoxy for Outdoors:

Long Curing Time

One of the main cons of epoxy is that it can take some time before it’s fully cured. Depending on where you’re applying your epoxy coating, you can expect it to take from 24 to 72 hours to dry and cure. If you live somewhere with a humid climate, you can expect the drying time to be longer.

If you and your family tend to spend a lot of time outdoors, this may become a problem. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of being patient.

Slippery

Epoxy is non-porous, which means that it can become slippery as soon as it gets wet.

If you’re applying epoxy to your pool area, you must ensure you’re also getting anti-slip additives to prevent you or your family from getting injured. Our team can help you with that, as well just ask us before the installation date.

Preparation and Application

As we’ve mentioned, epoxy is affordable, durable, and lasts a long time. However, you’ll only get these three benefits if you install it correctly.

Not preparing and applying epoxy correctly can lead to mould and water seeping underneath the floor. Moreover, improper installations could make your floor crack or chip sooner, which can make you lose an entire section of your flooring in the future.

Finally, installing epoxy floor coatings incorrectly can lead to moisture getting trapped below the surface of epoxy layer, and the concrete. Once that moisture evaporates, your floor may start bubbling or buckling.

In other words, you would have to spend more money on repairs than you would have spent on a professional epoxy flooring contractor.

Smell

Epoxy is known for giving off a bad smell when it’s getting applied to your floor. Moreover, the fumes that come off when installing this material can be toxic to humans, so you must ensure you’re being careful with the installation. This is usually not a problem when working outdoors.

You can be rest assured that our team takes all the necessary health and safety measures to ventilate epoxy fumes and protect everyone around the work area, so this won’t be a problem for you.

Outdoor Epoxy Concrete Installation:

Epoxy is an excellent outdoor flooring option for those who want to make their residential concrete more durable and visually appealing. Besides being an affordable option and a practical choice for homeowners, it will also last for several years with proper care.

Remember that you’ll only get the benefits of epoxy if you install the material correctly, and that’s why we’re here. Our team at Canadian Concrete Surfaces has transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction as top priorities, with many positive Google Reviews so if you want to transform your outdoor space with epoxy coating, book your Free Epoxy Estimate!