6 Benefits of
Installing Epoxy in a Healthcare Facility
Many people are surprised to learn that epoxy floors are a top choice for flooring material in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. To understand why epoxy is such a popular choice for these institutions, it's necessary to understand what epoxy is and consider the many benefits of installing epoxy in a healthcare facility.
What is an Epoxy Coating?
Epoxy floor coatings are a type of polymer resin that uses a two-part material for coating surfaces. A chemical reaction causes the resin to cure and set, creating a solid protective barrier on the surface. This means no harsh chemicals or solvents are needed to apply epoxy, as it is applied in a very thin layer and cures to create a solid layer.
Epoxy floor coatings come in various colors, textures, and levels of gloss. The main types are high-performance epoxies, flooring grade or standard epoxies, clearcoat epoxies, and many others. Each type is designed to meet specific needs regarding flexibility, durability, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, etc. Epoxy floor coatings are also available in various finishes to suit different tastes and requirements.
6 Benefits of Epoxy in Healthcare Facilities
Epoxy offers a number of benefits that make it an ideal choice for healthcare facilities. These include:
1. Resilience and Durability
The materials used in hospitals must be resilient to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic and frequent cleaning, and exposure to harsh chemicals and other substances. The epoxy flooring found in hospitals is tough enough to withstand these conditions and then clean easily, requiring only a mild detergent or other cleaning agents. In addition, epoxy can be applied in various textures and gloss levels for patients who have difficulty slipping on smooth surfaces.
2. Easily Maintained
Epoxy flooring is very durable, but it requires minimal maintenance. The coatings are very even, so they aren't affected by the scuffs and scrapes of everyday hospital operations. In fact, it's rare for a coating to peel or chip, even after several years of use. This is because epoxy flooring provides a tough barrier that protects the concrete base from damage and wear. Epoxy flooring is also easy to clean with the proper chemicals, ensuring the room remains safe for patients and staff at all times.
3. Chemical Resistant
Epoxy generally has very good chemical resistance, making it a good choice in healthcare facilities where chemical spills are common. This flooring type is highly non-porous, making it very difficult for chemicals to soak in and damage the concrete foundation. In fact, most chemicals will not penetrate more than a fraction of a millimeter into an epoxy coating, which prevents them from reaching the substrate below. This reduces or eliminates the risk of chemical spills causing permanent damage to the building's support structure.
4. Slip Resistant
Slip resistance is a critical consideration in health care facilities because it helps to prevent injury from falls. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires that floors have a high slip-resistance rating when used by patients with mobility issues or impaired vision. Epoxy flooring often has a high slip resistance, and the resistance level can even be adjusted depending on the type. Epoxy flooring typically comes in one-part or two-part options to suit different needs and spaces. The amount of slip resistance can be adjusted by adjusting the ratio of hardener to resin.
5. Versatile
Epoxy is a very versatile option that can be applied in a number of different settings. Epoxy can be used on new concrete floors to provide protection, or it can be used as part of a coating system to provide resilient flooring throughout the facility. It can also be easily painted or dyed to match any color scheme or design specifications.
6. Low Cost
Lastly, epoxy is often one of the most cost-effective flooring options. The coating systems tend to last for several years, reducing or eliminating the need for major restorative work after accidents or spills. Epoxy coatings are also generally easy to apply, so it's possible to save time and money by doing in-house work.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flooring offers a number of benefits that make it an ideal choice for use in healthcare facilities. This type is highly durable to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic and cleaning, and exposure to harsh chemicals and other substances. Epoxy also requires very little maintenance because the coating is tough enough to resist scratches and scuffs. If you consider an epoxy coating for your medical facility, contact us for more information and assistance today.