A Comparison of Epoxy Flooring Installation vs. Swisstrax Installation
Choosing the right flooring solution for your space is a critical decision that involves weighing various factors such as durability, aesthetics, and ease of installation. Epoxy flooring and garage floor tiles are two popular options, commonly used in garages, commercial spaces, and even residential interiors, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Let’s break down the installation processes of both epoxy flooring and Swisstrax modular flooring at a high level and help you make an informed decision you’ll be proud of for years to come.
The “How To”Behind Epoxy Installation
Installing epoxy flooring in any space involves a series of steps that need to be followed carefully to ensure a successful and long-lasting result.
Surface Preparation:
Epoxy flooring requires a clean and smooth surface for proper adhesion. The existing floor must be clean and free of any dust, dirt, or contaminants. This often involves thorough cleaning, patching of cracks or imperfections. Before applying, you also test the moisture content of the concrete substrate. Excessive moisture can lead to adhesion issues and affect the durability of the epoxy coating.
Acid Washing & Etching:
When prepping to install epoxy garage flooring, one crucial step is potentially acid washing and etching the garage floor. This process involves using a diluted acid solution to clean and roughen the concrete surface, ensuring optimal adhesion of the epoxy. Acid washing removes contaminants like grease, oil, and dirt, while etching creates a porous texture that allows the epoxy to bond effectively with the concrete. Skipping this step can lead to poor adhesion, reducing the durability and lifespan of the epoxy coating. Proper preparation is essential for a smooth, long-lasting, and professional-looking epoxy finish.
Priming:
Once the surface is prepared, a primer is applied. The primer also helps to seal the concrete, prevent air bubbles from forming in the epoxy layer, and promotes a strong bond between the epoxy and the substrate.
Epoxy Application:
The epoxy resin is then mixed and applied to the floor. This is typically a multi-step process involving a base coat and a topcoat. It's essential to work quickly, especially in large areas, to ensure a uniform application. For decorative purposes or additional slip resistance, decorative color chips can be spread onto the wet epoxy surface. This step adds a unique aesthetic appeal to the flooring.
Curing:
After application, the epoxy needs sufficient time to cure. This curing period is crucial for the development of its full strength and durability. The duration can vary depending on the specific epoxy product; however, a typical timeline is roughly seven days. During this time, the area should be kept free from foot traffic and other activities.
Finishing Touches:
Once the base coat has cured, a clear epoxy topcoat is applied to provide additional protection and enhance the glossy finish. Like the base coat, the topcoat must be applied evenly to ensure a smooth and garage durable surface.
| Scenario | Swisstrax | Winner | Epoxy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Maintains showroom quality look over time |  |
Subject to pealing, nicks, cracks, fading, moisture and hot tire pickup | |
| Oil and Gas Resistance | Excellent resistance to gas, oils, acid and solvents | |
Little protection against gas, oil or harsh chemicals. | |
| Salt & Magnesium Resistance | Excellent | |
Poor | |
| High Temp Resistant | Temperature resistant to 248°F | |
|
Resists high temperatures, but fades quickly when exposed to UV rays (sun) |
| Low Temp Resistant | Temperature resistant to -22°F | |
|
Resists low temps, but must be installed in warmer weather |
| Scenario | Swisstrax | Winner | Epoxy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Lifespan | 15 years + | |
3 - 10 years | |
| Repair | Easy and inexpensive to replace damaged tile | |
Difficult to fix issues with adhering, fading, staining, chipping or cracking | |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranties* | |
Typically 3-10 years | |
| Scenario | Swisstrax | Winner | Epoxy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Styles | Numerous styles, colors, and patterns as well as custom logos and graphics | |
Mostly one color with flakes, but marbling look and some customization possible | |
| Patterns | Virtually Unlimited | |
Flakes, marbling and not much else | |
| Colors | Multiple Colors, Wood Grain and Carbon Fiber | |
|
Unlimited color choices |
| Custom Logos & Graphics | LogoTrax & GrapicTrax | |
Very limited | |
| Scenario | Swisstrax | Winner | Epoxy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | Material cost offset by installation costs and lifetime | |
Materials are less expensive, but labor is high and lifetime shorter | |
| Nonslip | Flow through design keeps floor dry and slip-resistant | |
Even with traction additives, epoxy surfaces are slippery when wet | |
| Portability | Click together system is easily disassembled and moved | |
Epoxy coatings are permanently bonded to the concrete floor surface | |
| Installation | Quick, Safe and Easy DIY Installation | |
Complicated, multi-day process, toxic chemicals and special equipment | |
The “How To” Behind Swisstrax Installation
Swisstrax garage floor tiles are a versatile, DIY, and innovative solution for creating durable, customizable, and visually appealing surfaces for various settings. The Swisstrax installation process is comparatively straightforward and can be completed without professional assistance, thus the do-it-yourself option, while still ensuring a seamless and long-lasting result.
Flexible Installation:
Swisstrax provides a highly flexible installation process compared to traditional epoxy garage coatings. Unlike epoxy, which requires the complete removal of all items from the garage to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted application, Swisstrax tiles can be easily installed around large objects if desired. This allows for a more convenient and less disruptive setup, enabling homeowners to avoid the hassle of clearing out their entire garage space. This flexibility makes Swisstrax an ideal choice for those looking to upgrade their garage flooring without the extensive preparation and downtime associated with epoxy coatings.
Surface and Tile Preparation:
Before installing Swisstrax modular tiles, make sure that the subsurface is clean, dry, and free from any debris. If needed, repair any cracks or uneven areas to create a smooth and stable base for the tiles. Swisstrax tiles come pre-assembled, and the first step involves interlocking them according to the desired pattern. This can be easily achieved without the need for adhesives or specialized tools.
Laying the Tiles:
Once assembled, the tiles are laid out strategically to create a symmetrical and professional-looking design. The interlocking mechanism ensures stability and prevents tiles from separating over time. Take accurate measurements of the space to determine the number of tiles needed and to establish a balanced layout.
Cutting Tiles:
In cases where tiles need to fit specific dimensions or around obstacles, use a fine-toothed saw, chopsaw, table saw, circular saw, jigsaw, or a even a utility knife to cut the tiles accurately. Swisstrax tiles are made of high-quality materials that allow for clean cuts without compromising their structural integrity.
Edge Trims:
To create a polished and finished look, edge and corner pieces are added. These specialized tiles are designed to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the modular flooring, ensuring a cohesive look while offering a smooth transition.
No Cure Time and Low Maintenance:
Unlike epoxy, Swisstrax does not require curing time and is known for its durability and low maintenance. Once the tiles are in place, the floor is ready for immediate use.
Both epoxy flooring installation and Swisstrax installation processes offer unique advantages, but the choice between them depends on your home, your time, and your budget!
While epoxy provides a seamless finish, it involves a much more complex installation process with curing process and tends to crack and fade over time. It isn’t “if” epoxy will fail, it’s more like...“when?”
On the other hand, Swisstrax offers a modular, DIY-friendly solution that is installed from start to finish in hours, not days — and can last a lifetime. Swisstrax also offers more flexibility in design and durability that epoxy…just can’t beat.
Get started today with our 3D Floor Designer and Leave Epoxy in the Dust™.
Make The Switch
Greater durability, less maintenance, lifetime warranty and lower maintenance costs are driving garage enthusiasts to make the switch to a modular garage floor solution. It's time to leave epoxy in the dust.
