Question 1

Why do epoxy floors bubble and blister in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Bubbling and blistering are almost always caused by moisture vapor transmission. The slab emits moisture vapor that gets trapped beneath the coating film. As vapor pressure builds, it forces the coating off the concrete surface from below. In Florida, where slabs absorb groundwater and sit in high-humidity conditions, this is the most common epoxy failure mode. It is entirely preventable with proper moisture testing and a moisture mitigation primer before coating.

Question 2

How quickly can an epoxy floor fail in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Floors can fail in as little as three to six months when moisture testing was skipped. Under normal commercial traffic without moisture problems, a correctly installed system should last ten to fifteen years or more. The difference is almost entirely in the preparation, not the product.

Question 3

Can a failed epoxy floor be fixed, or does it need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Most failed epoxy floors can be remediated, but the process is more expensive than doing it correctly the first time. Remediation involves mechanically removing the failed coating, re-profiling the slab, addressing the underlying cause (usually moisture), and installing a correct replacement system.

Question 4

Is acid washing enough for surface preparation in Florida?

Accepted Answer

No, not for commercial coating systems. Acid washing can clean a surface but it does not achieve the mechanical profile (CSP) required for proper coating adhesion. For commercial and industrial floors, mechanical diamond grinding is the correct method.

Question 5

Does the type of epoxy matter for Florida's climate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard aromatic epoxy systems are not UV stable and will yellow and break down under Florida sun exposure. Chemical-resistant environments require urethane or urethane cement topcoat systems. The system has to be matched to the actual environment, not just the aesthetic preference.

Question 6

Should a commercial facility attempt epoxy flooring as a DIY project?

Accepted Answer

No. DIY epoxy kits are built for small residential areas like a single garage bay, not commercial square footage. Commercial facilities have different slab conditions, traffic loads, and code requirements that a DIY kit does not account for. The biggest risk is skipping moisture testing and proper surface preparation, which is the leading cause of coating failure in Florida. A DIY install has no equipment for diamond grinding, no access to commercial-grade moisture mitigation primers, and no way to test the slab before applying a coating. Commercial facilities also need a floor that holds up to forklift traffic, chemical exposure, or heavy foot traffic depending on the space, which DIY products are not formulated for.

Why Epoxy Floors Fail in Florida. And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn't.