When you’re installing a new product in your home, it’s important to understand if they are a safe and long-lasting option. In this article, we’re looking at questions around the safety of epoxy floors in your home, like “Are epoxy floors toxic?” and “Are they safe once installed?” We’ll also cover the risks of handling it yourself or doing a DIY epoxy floor installation.
Are Epoxy Floors Toxic?
Once they are installed and cured, epoxy flooring is safe and non-toxic. The ingredients in high quality epoxy solutions are considered non-toxic except in very high doses. However – as with most resins, paints, and other home improvement products – safety should always be a number one priority.
Safety precautions are always important
During the floor preparation stage and installation of the epoxy flooring, it’s important to be equipped with appropriate safety gear, as epoxy flooring solutions should never come into contact with your mouth, eyes, or skin. We highly recommend to:
- Wear a mask at all times to prevent inhalation of vapors and dust particles
- Cover your hands, wrists, arms, and legs
- Wear closed work boots over your feet
If the epoxy comes into contact with your skin, use soap and warm water to wash it off as soon as you can. This will also help prevent any possible allergic reactions from developing by coming into contact with the resin.
If you breathe in large amounts of dust and fumes, this can trigger respiratory problems. Which can also cause inflammation of the nose, throat, and lungs, and can be a risk for people with poor respiratory health or asthma. This is why wearing a mask is so important during epoxy floor installation.
Are epoxy floors safe once installed?
It generally takes 24-72 hours for an epoxy floor to cure if the temperature is kept between 72° Fahrenheit and 85° Fahrenheit. If it is cooler, the curing process takes a little bit longer. After it is cured, the epoxy is 100% safe and usable, and can withstand temperatures ranging from below 0° Fahrenheit to over 140° Fahrenheit.
Once it is cured, clean it well with water and a mop to remove any lingering dust, and your epoxy floor is 100% safe to use!
The safest option is a professional epoxy floor installation
Epoxy flooring is a safe, durable, and non-toxic floor for your home – but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy DIY job. It’s sticky, tricky to work with, and if the floor isn’t prepared properly, you will have unevenness, bubbles, and cracks to repair in the future. To put your safety first and get the best epoxy flooring results, it’s always better to use an experienced contractor.
To find out more about how to use epoxy flooring in your home or to get a quote, talk with our team today. We specialize in epoxy floor installation in NJ and offer over 20 years of combined industry experience with a superior-quality product. We also install our flooring through all seasons, including winter! Find out more about us by visiting our website at: https://diamondgaragesolutions.com/epoxy-garage-floors-NJ/