Oppionions please (epoxy related)

[Cheap5.0]

I have been reading on and off on the different floor treatments for the past few months, at this point i feel i know enough to make a decision. I realize epoxy is not really that expensive when you consider the cheap stuff that only makes the floor look nice and rubs off quickly with use.

My hang up is this: Its going into a pole barn, that will be used for light automotive work and for storing seasonal items. I will be working on dirty/greasy jeeps, the walls will be bare, there wont be a ceiling and it wont be heated/cooled.

In my situation i just dont see the benefit. I dont really care if my floor is dusty. Its not an attached garage where aesthetics are key. As long as its smooth enough to move jacks around on and provides a stable platform for racks and dollys im happy.

Am i missing something? Does epoxy make my floor last longer?

[Mercy]

I don't mind epoxy, but I wouldn't put in the barn personally. Our concrete stays cold long after it gets hot, and then we get condensation. Ours is in the Ludington area so you probably are about the same temp wise. Condensation on epoxy, even with some texture, is slippery as hell.

[LegacyIndustrial]

Epoxy is a sacrificial layer. It places a barrier between your traffic/stains and the concrete. By no means is it mandatory to have a useful concrete surface. However, it will make a nicer appearance and protect the slab from impacts, staining, water, etc....

A dusty slab is the slow degradation of your cream surface. Apply enough traffic and the this can eventually become chronic to the surface. This dust has silica particulates in it. Breath enough of this and you could potentially create silicosis in your lungs.

Silicosis is on par with black lung disease.

Densify your slab at a minimum and protect your health.

[Cheap5.0]

Originally Posted by Mercy

I don't mind epoxy, but I wouldn't put in the barn personally. Our concrete stays cold long after it gets hot, and then we get condensation. Ours is in the Ludington area so you probably are about the same temp wise. Condensation on epoxy, even with some texture, is slippery as hell.

Originally Posted by LegacyIndustrial

Epoxy is a sacrificial layer. It places a barrier between your traffic/stains and the concrete. By no means is it mandatory to have a useful concrete surface. However, it will make a nicer appearance and protect the slab from impacts, staining, water, etc....

A dusty slab is the slow degradation of your cream surface. Apply enough traffic and the this can eventually become chronic to the surface. This dust has silica particulates in it. Breath enough of this and you could potentially create silicosis in your lungs.

Silicosis is on par with black lung disease.

Densify your slab at a minimum and protect your health.

Thanks to the both of ya, it has helped.