Traditional Epoxy Floor
When one thinks of an epoxy floor, an impermeable, sealed system is what typically comes to mind. The epoxy flooring system bonds to the concrete slab sealing any moisture and soluble ions (salts) into the concrete. Breathable epoxy flooring systems are different, as they are permeable and permit moisture to move through the slab and the coating. Why is this important? This quick read is about to explain.
Epoxy floors are known to be long lasting and durable. As durable as epoxy floors are, the combination of moisture and salts found in concrete substrates can be problematic.
Epoxy flooring systems trap moisture and salt below the surface and can only tolerate certain levels. If the levels in the slab exceed those thresholds, they can cause blistering and adhesion failures.
The flooring industry typically combats issues with moisture and salts by using moisture mitigating primers before installing an epoxy floor. If the moisture and salt levels exceed that option, using a cementitious urethane-based flooring system would be the next choice.
In some cases, these solutions are excessive for the needs, timeline and/or budget of the project. These situations are where a breathable epoxy system could be the perfect solution.
Breathable Epoxy Floors
Breathable epoxy works as a protective coating that enhances the look of concrete and offers wear resistance, dust prevention, and easy maintenance. These systems are a cost-effective solution for concrete with high moisture and salts.
Breathable epoxy flooring systems were specifically designed to provide additional protection to concrete floors that surpass the moisture and salt content thresholds of most epoxy coatings. A breathable coating allows excess moisture from the slab to pass through it as opposed to trapping it beneath the surface. This reduces the risk of osmotic blistering or adhesion failures from excess salts and moisture.
While breathable epoxy floors offer many of the same features as other protective epoxy flooring systems, there is a tradeoff in the amount of wear resistance including impact and abrasion resistance. Let’s look at our breathable epoxy system, Vent-E, in more detail.
Vent-E
Vent-E
Vent-E is a pigmented, breathable epoxy flooring system featuring high permeability throughout the entire coating. This quick curing, water-based system is applied in two coats with a nominal cured thickness of 10-12 mils. VENT E is available in nine solid colors and has a semi-gloss finish.
Features and Benefits of Vent-E:
Sustainable – Water-based product; Ultralow VOCs Eligible for LEED® credits
Breathable – Moisture can pass through the concrete slab and coating, alleviating the risk of unsightly blisters and adhesion failures
Protective Coating – Protects against dirt, spills, and dust — increases stain, wear, and chemical resistance
Quick Cure – Faster return to service: 4 –6 hours for foot traffic
Slip Resistance – Dry environments: no additives required; Wet environments: additives required
Easy Maintenance – Easy to maintain and keep clean
