|
The risk of damage from flooding
can be substantially reduced with the application of flooring and wall
coverings using waterproof, mold-resistant, and mildew-resistant
materials like epoxy coatings.
These coatings have been used
successfully in many different types of shops, swimming pools, garages,
laundries, and warehouses for decades. Today they are being used in
residential living spaces.
A floor with an epoxy coating can be pressure washed and scrubbed back
into service in minutes after flooding. Mold, bacteria, and contaminants
can be rinsed off, and the floor can be ready for occupancy within
hours. This flooring surface is class III laboratory qualified, which
means that the surface is impervious to liquid-born contaminants. Even
gas, diesel, and oil spills won’t penetrate an epoxy-coated floor and
can be simply washed up.
Flood repair costs typically include labor expenses for removal,
hauling, and landfill, as well as contamination cleanup and replacement.
Old technology floorings such as vinyl, carpeting, tile, linoleum, and
wood are subject to severe contamination and damage during flooding and
are essentially unrecoverable. Carpeting and wood often harbor unhealthy
bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially after being flooded. Sewer water,
petroleum, and organic debris are brought into living spaces by
floodwaters and need to be neutralized and removed.
Floors at risk of flooding are not just those on flood plains or in
hurricane areas. Problems with plumbing, an overflowing bathtub, and
washers can create the same kind of damage as a natural disaster. Sewage
and other contaminants must be removed. Warped and shrunken surfaces
must be repaired or replaced.
New designs in homes include beautiful flood-proof flooring with an
epoxy coating from wall to wall. Vertical surfaces are often coated to
help further contain flood waters. Area rugs are used to create an
elegant look on top of these attractive surfaces.
You can enhance the beauty of epoxy flooring and personalize it by using
colors. Glitter, colored chips, decorative stains, artwork, and decals
can be laminated into these beautiful floors. Epoxy flooring is a good
choice when you’re rebuilding or repairing flood-prone properties or
living spaces.
|