Those looking for a beautiful and elegant flooring choice should consider Metallic epoxy floors. These floors are manufactured with marble chips in the resin, giving them a beautiful appearance.
However, some people have concerns about the safety of these floors because they are made with an oily substance called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
This rubber is added to the flooring resin to create a solid, yet smooth surface that is not porous. It also helps the marble chips stay in place while the resin sets.
The main concern about Metallic epoxy floors is that they are too slippery because of the high-gloss finish. However, this isn’t necessarily true – and this article will explain why.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
Many Metallic epoxy flooring critics believe these floors are too slippery because of the styrene-butadiene rubber that creates the floor’s surface.
The rubber is an oily substance, which means it can feel slick to some people. It also has a strong odor, though this typically fades after the floors have fully cured.
There are some safety concerns associated with this type of rubber, but it is only present in Metallic epoxy floors at low levels.
The weighted average for styrene-butadiene rubber is 0.35 percent, which is lower than other types of flooring. It also makes up less than 1 percent of the materials used to make the floors.
This percentage is important because there are legal limits for this rubber in flooring. Styrene-butadiene rubber is listed as a hazardous air pollutant, which means it needs to be used in limited amounts.
Proper Installation Means the Floor is Safe
One of the main concerns about Metallic epoxy floors relates to whether or not they are safe for use in homes and businesses. Many people believe these floors are too slippery when properly installed because there is no nosing on the edges.
This lack of edge nosing makes the Metallic epoxy floor appear to be too slippery, but it is actually safe.
The problem is that many companies don’t install these floors properly because they are not educated about the type of rubber used in them. If gaps form between tiles, for example, this can create a hazardous situation if someone steps on the edge of a tile.
When these floors are installed correctly, they are actually more slip-resistant than most other types of flooring. Those who have Metallic epoxy floors in their homes or businesses can consider themselves to be safe – as long as the tiles are installed properly.
Benefits of Metallic Epoxy Flooring
There are a number of benefits associated with Metallic epoxy flooring, including the following:
- Beautiful and elegant appearance: Metallic epoxy floors are beautiful, making them a popular choice in many homes and businesses.
- Easy to clean: These floors are easy to keep clean; all it takes is sweeping or vacuuming them when needed.
- Environmentally friendly: This type of flooring is made from materials that can be recycled and reused.
- Durable: Metallic epoxy floors are made from hardy materials that can last for years without showing signs of wear and tear.
- Slip resistance: These floors offer increased slip resistance, which makes them a safe option for many homes and businesses. This means they shouldn’t be slippery or create hazardous conditions, as long as they are installed properly.
Are Metallic Epoxy Floors Slippery? The Answer May Surprise You
Many people believe Metallic epoxy floors are too slippery because of the high-gloss finish. However, this is not true – and it can be explained further by discussing the rubber used in these types of floors.
If you are choosing new flooring for your home or business, make sure to research different options before making your final decision. When you are ready to install your new flooring, contact a company that has experience installing Metallic epoxy floors.
They can help ensure the floors are installed properly – and safely – for you to enjoy for many years
