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How to Remove a Damaged Epoxy Flooring Fort Worth
Epoxy floor coatings are a very durable option for flooring material, but they can still get damaged. Even if the damage to epoxy isn't bad enough that you need to replace all of the floorings in your house, there are times when you might want to remove and replace just one small area of this type of protective coating.
Damaged epoxy flooring can cause problems for any homeowner. Whether it is a water leak or just general wear and tear, you need to know how to remove the epoxy flooring before your family becomes sick from the mold that will develop underneath. The following blog post contains all of the steps necessary to correctly remove damaged epoxy flooring in your home.
Methods in removing epoxy flooring
There are different methods to removing damaged floor epoxies. The way you choose depends on the amount of work needed, the type of flooring to be removed, and who is doing it.
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Chemical solvents
Chemical solvents are designed to dissolve the epoxy, so they're effective at removing it. However, chemical solvents can also damage other concrete floor materials if you don't follow proper safety precautions and wear protective equipment while using them. First, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove all dry debris that could get stuck in the chemicals.
Then, mix the chemical solvent with water, so it has a thinner consistency and more easily penetrates the cracks of the epoxy floor coating. Don't use too much liquid since you don't want to create puddles on the concrete floors that could damage other surfaces or materials underneath.
You can then apply this mixture to the epoxy coating with a brush or roller, working in small sections at a time. Allow it to work for several hours before removing any dissolved material, which should be much easier now that the chemical solvent has softened up and loosened everything.
Finally, carefully sweep up all residue from your floor, so you don't damage other flooring surfaces. With proper care, chemical solvents can be a very effective way to remove an epoxy coating from your floor.
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Acid wash
Using acid wash is another method of removing epoxy flooring. However, this is a more involved and challenging process that professional flooring services should only use with experience and appropriate safety equipment. Make sure to test out any acid wash solution on a small section of your floor before proceeding to ensure it doesn't damage other types of surfaces underneath or leave behind undesirable results.
Then, apply the acid wash solution to your floor with a brush or roller. Please wait at least an hour before checking on it and then see how much of the epoxy has been dissolved by scraping away any residue that's come loose from your flooring surface. If you're satisfied with the results after several hours have passed, sweep up everything on your floor and rinse it with water.
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Chemical cleaner
A third method of removing epoxy flooring is to use a chemical cleaner specifically designed for this purpose, found at most Fort Worth TX hardware stores. These are the safest chemicals you'll find on the market today since they're not nearly as strong or toxic as other types of cleaners that can damage your flooring materials. However, these chemical cleaners are also the least effective at removing epoxy coatings since they don't penetrate very deeply into cracks and crevices like other types of solvents.
You'll need to wear protective equipment while using any solvent or cleaner that could potentially damage you if misused and without the correct type of gear. Also, always test any chemicals on a small section of your floor first to ensure that it doesn't damage other materials or leave behind undesirable results before proceeding to use them all over your epoxy-coated surface.
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Using heat
Using heat to remove epoxy flooring is another option you have for doing so safely and without damaging your floors. However, this method is only effective for epoxy in good condition and hasn't been damaged or compromised by moisture and other environmental factors. It's also essential to make sure the temperature you use on your floor won't damage any material underneath it since some floors can be very vulnerable to heat.
You'll need to make sure you use a high-heat gun that can reach at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which will be able to break down the molecular bonds of an epoxy coating. Use this tool in small sections and allow it to heat any areas where there's still some residue left on your flooring surface before brushing or scraping it away.
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Using a sander or grinder
The final option for removing epoxy flooring is to use a sander or grinder, which can be faster than other methods but will also cause more damage to your flooring material if you're not careful while using this tool. Remember to test out any removal method on small sections first so that you know how your flooring material will hold up to the process before proceeding with it all over your epoxy-coated surface.
Finally, carefully sweep up all residue from your floors so you don't damage other flooring surfaces. With proper care, chemical solvents can be a very effective way to remove epoxy flooring from your floor.
DIY or call epoxy flooring services?
Epoxies are not perfect - they can chip or crack if enough force hits them. If this happens to your epoxy floor, you have two choices: DIY repair or call a Fort Worth TX, epoxy floor removal professional.
In terms of the total cost, removing epoxy flooring is often much more expensive than repairing it. There are several reasons for this:
- More labor is involved in removing the epoxy coatings from around door frames and other fixtures that cannot be removed without damage to surrounding surfaces. Additionally, repair adhesive must have a longer wet-out time than the epoxy itself.
- The disposal cost for all materials used in removing old flooring, including adhesive and porous fillers. This is not necessary with a repair job, as only the damaged area will be removed.
- Fort Worth removal contractors typically charge by the square foot or linear foot - both are more expensive options than repair.
- Insurance claims are sometimes required if the flooring epoxy was installed by a professional installer, though it is unnecessary. If your cost for removing epoxy flooring includes insurance costs, you can expect this expense to be passed onto you as well.
DIY removal might seem like a great option, but getting the adhesive out of flooring epoxy can be challenging. The following are some reasons why you might want to think twice before attempting DIY removal of your old floor coating:
- It is often necessary to use hazardous chemicals or machines, which will increase both time and costs.
- Epoxy coating bonds very well with the surface they are installed on, and it can be challenging to remove them without scratching the substrate.
- The adhesive might not come out even if you manage to get the epoxy off of your floor - this means that there will still be a sticky mess in your home. If you choose DIY removal, we strongly recommend having an expert do an adhesive test before you begin the process.
- If your epoxy coating is known to be challenging to remove, or if it contains dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride (which can cause cancer), hiring a professional might be the safest option for everyone in your household.
In the end
Removing damaged epoxy flooring is not easy work, but it can be done. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove the old material and install new flooring in its place without causing too much disruption for you or your family members who live with you.
If you are looking for a company in the Fort Worth area that has experience removing epoxy floors without damaging the underlying surface, look no further than Epoxy Forth Worth. Our team of experts has the experience and will remove your old epoxy flooring with care to avoid costly repairs down the road. Give us a call today at (817) 242-2587, or visit our website http://epoxyfortworth.com/ to request a free estimate now.