Whether it’s a commercial space, office building, or an educational facility, restrooms are a crucial part of any building. It is essential to prioritize durability, water resistance, hygiene, safety and aesthetics when considering flooring options. The two popular choices are polished concrete and epoxy broadcast flooring; however, one is better suited than the other for restroom applications.
Polished Concrete Flooring:
Polished concrete is a versatile and practical flooring option that offers numerous benefits. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, aesthetic appeal and sustainability make it a popular option for various applications.
Durability: Concrete is inherently strong and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high foot-traffic areas.
Low Maintenance: Once a stain guard is applied, polished concrete is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping are usually sufficient to keep the surface clean and free of debris.
Slip-Resistance: Polished concrete can offer adequate slip resistance, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Aesthetics: Polished concrete flooring can add a touch of modern elegance to restroom spaces. It’s sleek and seamless finish creates a sophisticated ambiance, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the area. It can be customized with various levels of gloss to suit the design preference.
Epoxy Broadcast Flooring:
Epoxy broadcast flooring is a seamless and highly durable option best suited for high traffic restrooms. Epoxy broadcast flooring offers excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and stains, making it ideal for commercial and industrial settings. Epoxy broadcast floors can be customized with various colors, textures and flake additives for enhanced aesthetics.
Durability: Epoxy broadcast flooring is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, chemicals, and moisture. The epoxy resin creates a strong bond with the substrate, resulting in a seamless and robust surface that can endure wear and tear over time. The broadcast flakes add an extra layer of strength and resilience to the flooring system.
Low Maintenance: Epoxy broadcast flooring is relatively low-maintenance and easy to clean. Routine maintenance typically involves regular sweeping and mopping to remove debris to maintain its appearance.
Chemical Resistance: Restrooms are often exposed to various chemicals, cleaning agents, and spills that can damage flooring materials. Epoxy broadcast flooring offers superior resistance to chemicals, oils and other wastes commonly found in restrooms, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy maintenance.
Customization Options: Epoxy broadcast flooring provides endless design possibilities for restroom spaces. With a wide range of colors, patterns and flake sizes available, building owners and designers can customize the flooring to match the aesthetic preferences of the facility.
Seamless Surface: Unlike tiled floors with grout lines that can harbor bacteria and mold, epoxy creates a hygienic surface that is easy to clean and maintain. This seamless finish also contributes to a visually appealing and cohesive restroom design.
Slip Resistance: The textured surface created by the embedded flakes helps improve traction and provides an element of slip resistance.
Quick Installation: Compared to other flooring options, epoxy broadcast flooring can be installed relatively quickly (typically 2-3 days), minimizing downtime for restroom usage.
Maintenance Requirements for Polished Concrete and Epoxy Broadcast Flooring In Restrooms
While polished concrete does receive a stain guard, it is still slightly porous, which can pose challenges in restroom environments. If not properly sealed, concrete can absorb liquids, leading to staining, odor issues, and bacterial growth. Regular sealing and maintenance are essential to mitigate these concerns. Routine cleaning and maintenance practices, such as sweeping, mopping, and spot cleaning, can help prolong the life of the flooring and preserve its aesthetic appeal in restrooms.
Preventing spills and stains on polished concrete and epoxy broadcast floors in restrooms requires proactive measures to maintain cleanliness and minimize odors.
Preventative measures can help maintain the quality and extend the lifespan of polished concrete and epoxy broadcast floors:
Immediate cleanup and Regular Cleaning: Implement a strict cleaning schedule to remove spills or residue promptly. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for polished concrete or epoxy floors.
Sealing: Apply a high-quality penetrating sealer to the polished concrete surface. Sealing helps to create a protective barrier that repels liquids, preventing them from penetrating the porous surface and causing stains or odors.
Anti-Odor Treatments: Use specialized odor-neutralizing products designed for use on polished concrete or epoxy broadcast floors. These products can help eliminate odors and keep the restroom smelling fresh.
Floor Mats: Place absorbent floor mats or rugs near urinals, toilets, and sinks to catch any spills and prevent them from reaching the polished concrete or epoxy broadcast surface.
Professional Cleaning: Schedule periodic professional cleaning and maintenance services, especially in high-traffic areas. Buffing or resealing polished concrete floors, to keep them in optimal condition. For epoxy broadcast floors, inspect for any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly to prevent moisture or spills from seeping into cracks or gaps.
Conclusion
While we do see specifications calling for polished concrete in restrooms, ultimately epoxy broadcast flooring is the preferred flooring option in restrooms. The urethane topcoats used on epoxy broadcast flooring hold up better to stains and cleaning that take place in restrooms. If not routinely re-sealed, polished concrete will start to show signs of wear around sinks, urinals, and hand drying stations. The urethane topcoat in epoxy broadcast flooring will hold-up better over time.