7 Common Mistakes Manchester Businesses Make With Commercial Epoxy Flooring — And How to Avoid Them
When it comes to flooring, business owners in Manchester, CT need surfaces that are safe, durable, and long-lasting. From retail shops and showrooms to warehouses and restaurants, commercial floors take a beating every day. That’s why more local businesses are turning to epoxy flooring—a solution known for its strength, style, and low maintenance.
But even the best flooring system can fail if it’s installed or maintained the wrong way. Over the years, our team at Nutmeg Epoxy has seen many Manchester businesses make the same avoidable mistakes that shorten the life of their floors and waste thousands in repairs.
If you’re planning a new commercial epoxy project or want to make sure your current floor lasts, here are seven common mistakes to avoid.
1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation
This is by far the biggest reason epoxy coatings fail. Business owners often rush the installation process or assume that a quick cleaning is enough before applying epoxy.
In reality, surface preparation determines the success of the entire project. The concrete must be ground or shot-blasted to open up pores, remove oils and coatings, and create the right texture for epoxy to bond. If the surface is dirty, smooth, or contaminated, the epoxy won’t adhere properly, leading to peeling or bubbling.
At Nutmeg Epoxy, we spend more time prepping than pouring because a properly prepared surface ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish.
2. Using Low-Quality or DIY Epoxy Products
Not all epoxy is created equal. Many store-bought kits are designed for residential garages, not high-traffic commercial spaces. They may look fine at first, but within a year or two, they begin to yellow, chip, or wear down under heavy use.
Commercial spaces in Manchester—such as auto shops, warehouses, and production facilities—require industrial-grade epoxy designed to handle forklifts, carts, and daily foot traffic. Professional-grade products contain higher solids, stronger adhesion properties, and UV stabilizers to ensure a long lifespan.
Cutting corners with cheaper materials might save a little up front, but it always costs more later.
3. Ignoring Moisture Levels in the Concrete
Moisture is the silent enemy of epoxy flooring. Even in well-maintained buildings, vapor pressure from beneath the slab can push up through the concrete. When that happens, it can cause bubbling, peeling, or delamination.
Before installing epoxy, it’s critical to test for moisture vapor emissions. In Manchester’s climate—especially during humid summers or wet springs—this step can’t be skipped. If the concrete has high moisture content, we apply a vapor barrier system to prevent long-term damage.
Ignoring moisture is one of the most costly mistakes businesses make, but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent with professional testing and preparation.
4. Overlooking the Right Epoxy System for the Space
Not every commercial space is the same, which means not every floor needs the same coating. Restaurants, medical facilities, and manufacturing plants all have different performance requirements.
Choosing the wrong system—such as using a basic flake floor in a high-impact warehouse—leads to early wear and unnecessary maintenance.
At Nutmeg Epoxy, we tailor each project based on use, environment, and aesthetic goals. For example:
Flake systems for traction and style in showrooms or customer areas
Quartz systems for slip resistance and durability in wet or industrial zones
Metallic systems for bold, high-end visuals in retail or hospitality spaces
The right product and installation method make all the difference in performance and appearance.
5. Failing to Plan Around Operational Downtime
Epoxy flooring installation takes time to cure properly. Some Manchester business owners try to rush the process or reopen too early, leading to dents, scratches, and uneven finishes.
Professional installers use curing schedules and phased installations to minimize downtime without compromising results. While modern systems cure faster than older formulations, respecting cure time is non-negotiable if you want a smooth, durable surface that lasts for years.
6. Neglecting Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Epoxy is low-maintenance, but it’s not no-maintenance. Businesses that fail to keep up with cleaning can shorten their floor’s lifespan.
Routine sweeping and mopping prevent dirt, sand, and debris from wearing down the topcoat. For high-traffic areas, a periodic reapplication of a clear protective top layer keeps the finish looking new.
The good news? With proper care, epoxy floors can stay pristine for 10 to 20 years—even in busy commercial environments.
7. Hiring Unqualified Installers
Epoxy flooring is a technical process that requires experience, precision, and knowledge of chemistry. Hiring a contractor without commercial epoxy experience can lead to uneven textures, improper mixing, and coating failures.
When evaluating installers, Manchester businesses should ask:
What types of epoxy systems do you specialize in?
How do you prepare the surface before installation?
What warranty do you provide on commercial projects?
Choosing a trusted local team ensures your project is done right the first time—saving time, money, and frustration.
Protect Your Investment with Nutmeg Epoxy
At Nutmeg Epoxy, we’ve helped businesses across Manchester, Glastonbury, and Vernon protect their facilities with floors that combine beauty and strength. Our commercial-grade epoxy systems are designed to handle heavy use while maintaining a polished, professional look.
Whether you manage a warehouse, office, or retail space, we’ll help you choose the right system, prep correctly, and keep your floors performing for years.
Visit our services page to explore your options orcontact us today for a free consultation.