5 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing an Epoxy Flooring Company

At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we understand that selecting the right company for your epoxy flooring installation is crucial for achieving a beautiful and durable result. With our extensive experience and commitment to excellence, we aim to help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls. Here are five red flags to watch out for when choosing an epoxy flooring company:

1. Lack of Experience

Experience is a cornerstone of quality in epoxy flooring installation. Unfortunately, some installers may complete a brief certification course and claim to be experts despite having minimal or no hands-on experience.

Why Experience Matters

For example, we once worked with a client who had hired a company offering a low-cost metallic epoxy floor, where the installers had only a few hours of training. The result was a floor with debris trapped in the epoxy, bubbling due to unaddressed moisture issues, and the installers failed to cover the bathroom drains. The metallic epoxy, which is self-leveling, ended up pooling in the lowest area—the drain—because the installers didn’t account for it. The company was puzzled by the material loss. The photo below shows the result of that installation, and we were later called in to fix the problem. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we bring years of hands-on experience to every project, ensuring meticulous preparation and application that meets the highest standards.

What to Look For

When evaluating potential contractors, inquire about their specific experience with epoxy flooring. Look for a company with a proven track record and substantial hands-on experience. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, our team is not only certified but also has extensive experience handling a wide range of projects, from residential garages to high-traffic commercial spaces. When I was a distributor for an epoxy company years ago, we conducted classes in our warehouse, providing students with hands-on experience and ongoing support.

2. Lack of the Correct Equipment

Proper equipment is essential for a successful epoxy flooring installation. Companies that don’t use the right tools may compromise the quality of the installation, leading to issues like excessive dust or inadequate surface preparation.

Why Equipment is Important

When I purchased a new house in a development, I noticed that my neighbors were getting an epoxy floor installed by another company. Given my background in the field, I was curious about their process. On the fifth day of what was supposed to be a one-day installation, I decided to drop by and see how things were going. I found two well-meaning individuals who seemed inexperienced, using the wrong equipment and relying on online searches for guidance. This scenario highlights a common issue where new or inexperienced companies might "fake it till they make it," which can end up costing both time and money for the homeowner. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we use state-of-the-art equipment, including industrial grinders and shot blasters, to ensure a clean, properly prepared surface and a flawless finish.

What to Look For

Ask the company about the equipment they use for surface preparation and installation. Ensure they use professional-grade tools and adhere to industry best practices. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we are transparent about our equipment and techniques and take pride in utilizing the latest technology to achieve superior results.

3. Substandard Materials

The quality of materials used in epoxy flooring can make or break the durability and appearance of your floor. Some companies might use diluted or inferior products to cut costs, which can lead to problems down the line.

Why Material Quality is Crucial

We once had a client who hired a company offering an attractive price but using diluted epoxy from a local hardware store. The homeowner called us, saying that the floor coating began peeling off when the hose from washing his car hit it. It turned out that the installation company either used the wrong product or diluted it and failed to apply a moisture barrier. The entire floor started peeling within weeks. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we use only high-quality, professional-grade materials from reputable manufacturers, ensuring that your floor remains durable and visually appealing for years to come.

What to Look For

Inquire about the specific epoxy products the company uses and their sources. A reputable company should use top-tier materials and be willing to provide product data sheets or certifications. It might also be useful to speak to the distributor if the product is sourced locally to get their recommendation or any feedback. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we proudly use premium materials that guarantee long-lasting performance and a high-quality finish.

4. Unrealistically Low Prices

While competitive pricing is important, an unusually low estimate can be a red flag. Such pricing might indicate compromises in quality or hidden costs.

Why Low Prices Can Be a Red Flag

We once encountered a situation where a client received a quote significantly lower than ours. The company offering the low price cut corners on surface preparation and used inferior epoxy, resulting in a poorly performing floor. Additionally, they failed to check for moisture before providing the quote. Once they began the installation, they discovered a moisture issue and informed the homeowner that an additional $1,500 and an extra day were needed to fix it. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we provide fair and transparent pricing that reflects the quality of our materials and workmanship. We believe in delivering value rather than just low-cost solutions. Watch out for these to good to be true prices on social media, if its too good to be true it probably isn't.

What to Look For

Compare quotes from multiple companies and be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than average. Ensure that each estimate includes a detailed breakdown of costs. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we offer honest and comprehensive quotes that clearly outline all aspects of the project.

5. No Portfolio or References

A reputable epoxy flooring company should have a portfolio of completed projects and be able to provide references or customer testimonials. If a company cannot provide this information, it could be a sign of inexperience or questionable practices.

Why a Portfolio and References are Important

Back when I was distributing epoxy material, I once delivered pallets of material to an installer working on a floor for a professional baseball player. The installer confided that he had sold the job based on images he had taken from the internet and had no idea how to install the floor. He asked me for help, which was a significant red flag. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we proudly showcase our genuine portfolio and provide references from satisfied customers, so you can see our work firsthand and hear about our clients’ experiences.

What to Look For

Request to see a portfolio of completed projects and ask for references or contact details of past clients. Review their work and, if possible, visit completed installations to assess the quality. At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we are happy to provide you with real examples of our work and connect you with past clients who can attest to our reliability and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Choosing the right epoxy flooring company is essential for achieving a high-quality and durable installation. By being aware of these five red flags—lack of experience, lack of correct equipment, substandard materials, unrealistically low prices, and no portfolio or references—you can make a more informed decision and select a company that meets your standards for quality and professionalism.

At Paragon Epoxy Floors, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional epoxy flooring solutions with transparency, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a detailed, honest estimate for your epoxy flooring needs. Let us help you achieve the perfect floor that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your space for years to come.

Contact Us:Website: ParagonEpoxyFloor.comPhone: 941-432-2992