Regardless of the kinds of epoxy you use – flake epoxy flooring or the normal one, there are certain ways on how to properly install and maintain the glossy coating you put. The most essential factor you need to consider is the temperature since epoxy is sensitive to temperature fluctuations.   

 The recommended temperature is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But how do different heat temperatures affect your epoxy flooring?  

The most obvious effect of temperature on your epoxy is the curing time. It thickens or thins the compound. The following are the effects of heat:  

  • Too much heat significantly reduces the working life of the epoxy material. Thus, there is a need for contractors or homeowners to work faster and more efficiently.   
  • If exposed to too much heat, workers may sweat and this can affect the quality of the epoxy.   
  • Epoxy reacts to the heat and may release some chemicals that can cause nausea and dizziness to the workers or homeowners who are doing DIY.  

Some tips can you do to avoid such. Here are the following:  

  1. Keep the place cool and your materials in a cool place – not doing so will make the items and tools you would use to preheat, which can affect the epoxy when applied. Store the materials in the coolest place you have in your area or you may as well turn on your air conditioner. More importantly than the materials and tools, ensure that the aggregates are stored in a cool place as they also significantly affect the application and curing of the epoxy.   
  1. Know the weather before you install epoxy flooring – it is very imperative that you know the weather and avoids sunny or cold seasons when you decide to apply an epoxy coating. Ensure that the weather is not too hot and not too cold. You can test the weather by testing the gel time. Just mix 1 ounce of epoxy and half an ounce of hardener. Take note of how long it takes for the mixture to cure.   
  1. When there is no way to avoid the hot weather and the project needs to be done immediately, just ensure that the workers are protected well as a coating in hot weather may cause some hazards to the workers. Besides letting them wear safety gear, ensure that they have some breaks to keep their body cool, and allow them to drink a lot of water to avoid being dehydrated.   

We have discussed the effects of heat on the epoxy material. But how does cold temperature affect your epoxy flooring? Cold weather can have the following effects:  

  • It changes the viscosity of the epoxy  
  • It would be difficult to settle and level the epoxy on the floor  
  • There is a higher chance of humidity that can cause cracking, loss of gloss, and blushing of the epoxy  
  • Reduces the time to cure the epoxy product  

When opting for an epoxy coating, we assure you that the above tips and information discussed will help you in dealing with any dilemma you will be facing.