Healthy
Durable
Attractive
Compare
Resources
Color Selection
Everlast® Floor Styles
Silicone-Epoxy Hybrid Floor vs Everlast® Floor
A silicone-epoxy hybrid doesn’t have near the bond strength of a pure epoxy system. Silicone is a popular elastomer used in creating organic rubbers. Acrylic epoxy is a rigid substance prone to cracking. In order for the epoxy resin to be more malleable and less prone to cracking, silicone elastomers were added in to the mixture.
Silicone-Epoxy Hybrid Floors are soft and lack adhesion
The hybrid is much softer than epoxy. Experts say that the silicone can add to the strength, which it can, but at the expense of the adhesion. Silicone-Epoxy Hybrid resins are commonly used in forming stronger-than-glass substrates. This is what is used in applications such as in aquariums. But adhesion isn’t necessary in these applications like it is in flooring.
Silicone-Epoxy Hybrid Floors are thermoplastic
Silicone products are also thermoplastic. Under low temperatures, the silicone maintains its elasticity without hardening. They can endure very high temperatures, but in those conditions, they become more pliable to warping. As a floor coating option, this can be a detriment, especially in areas subjected to extreme heat.
Silicone-Epoxy Hybrid Floors are a bad idea
Sure, VCT is easy to install, but first, the subfloor must be prepared with extreme precision. It must be completely level. If you can’t get it level, you may have to install a new plywood subfloor. And even then, you have to fill all the holes made by nails or screw heads.
Uneven subfloors will cause the tile to become brittle over time, causing cracks.
The area must be completely clean. Any dirt or debris, even a tiny grain will cause a small bump in the soft tile. Over time, the impurity will work its way through the tile causing a puncture.
Practical uses for silicone
Traffic patterns are very common in VCT floors. They must be re-waxed frequently to keep them looking somewhat decent.
Ask yourself, do you really want a cheap, unhealthy, and temporary solution? Or are you ready for long-lasting, beautiful flooring that will last for years?
