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1.Where can non-slip floors be used?

Accident investigations and slip-resistance measurements show that it is advisable to install non-slip flooring containing abrasive grit in areas where high slip-resistance is advisable. These are principally:
*areas that are sometimes wet
*sloping surfaces (such as ramps)
*areas where manual handling tasks are performed
*areas that are subject to heavy wear and tear

It is important to maintain the slip-resistance of floors by ensuring that in high-risk areas, they are not coated with detergent residues or too much wax or improper cleaning solutions.

2.Is there any legislation on the prevention of slips and falls?

An employer or controller of premises, is required to identify foreseeable hazards, including the potential for people slipping, tripping or falling and is required to alleviate possible hazards in the workplace for employees and patrons.

3.Will my concrete be susceptible to stains after the coating is applied?
Our coatings have sealants built in to block out contaminants. Left in its natural state, unsealed, concrete is porous and will stain but with a Slip Free Systems finish you can rest assured that your new floor will maintain its integrity with proper maintenance.

4.Whats the best way to clean my new Slip Free Floor?
We recommend a simple damp mop with a non-abrasive, gentle soap such as liquid laundry detergent or liquid dish soap. A prime cleaning agent would be a citrus based cleanser/degreaser. Never use harsh chemicals or bleach. Your new epoxy and/ or polyurea flooring is resistant to stains and for that reason will be much easier to clean than your tradition floor coverings so a simple damp mop should be perfect for most conditions. Swiffer is an excellent option for cleaning your new epoxy and acrylic finish floors. For high traffic and industrial areas it is perfectly acceptable to hose it down or pressure wash it. Although some of our coatings are chemical resistant, it is not necessary, nor is it recommended to routinely clean your floor with harsh chemical cleansers. Keep in mind there are different coatings for different surfaces and needs, the epoxy system we typically install on a residential patio is not the same as what we would use in a commercial restaurant kitchen so different cleaning procedures apply depending on which floor system you purchase. As a general rule a damp mop is all you will need in most circumstances. Be sure to ask us for a Cleaning sheet when you purchase one of our floors.

5.Why choose Slip Free Systems over another company?
At Slip Free Systems we've been in business since 1988 so you know that when you hire us we will be around to answer your questions and we have the experience to back up our work. Our products have been on the market for even longer than we have and they have a proven track record for excellence. The products we use are industrial grade materials available only to certified installers and are not available to the general public. Our installers are trained professionals and all of our work comes with a written guarantee. Our commercial insurance covers large scale industrial jobs all the way simple residential installations.

If you decide to shop around for other companies remember to ask these questions and then make an informed decision:

How long have you been in business?
Are you a certified installer of the products you use? (See article in Adobe Acrobat)
How long have your products been on the market and are they industrial grade?
Do you provide a written guarantee?
Can you provide me with a client list so I can check previous projects you've done?
(Slip FreeClient List)
What products do you use and how often to they need to be re-coated for optimum effect?
What kind of maintenance does your product require?
Are you insured?
How thick will the finished product be? (See the specs for Slip Free's Basic Install)
How many coats of epoxy will be applied when the project is complete?
What product is used as my final top coat and will it fully cover any flake or aggregate that was used in the installation of my floor?
Will there be an added charge for crack repair or is it included?
Will there be an added charge to treat the expantion joints?
How do you treat expantion joints?
What product are you using exactly?


Click Here to view the Specs for Slip Free Systems Installation Options

At Slip Free Systems we want your business, so if you find that we are not the very best floor coating company around we encourage you to call us and give us an opportunity to rise to the occasion.

6.Why choose epoxy rather than another product such as Acrylic or one of the snap lock systems?

Acrylic: Epoxy coatings are created for high traffic and durability under extreme conditions. We recommend a maintenance treatment every 5 years at 1/3 the cost while acrylic maintenance is suggested 1 to 2 years at 1/2 the cost for optimal functionality and durability. Dont let these numbers scare you they are based on industrial traffic, wear and tear. In a residential application we typically find that the durability ratio rises significantly, even doubles or more in most cases.

Maintenance treatment consists of re-applying the topcoat for maximum protection in high traffic areas and edge protection. Depending on your traffic you may need it less often. For example a warehouse with lots of forklift and pedestrian traffic would require maintenance more frequently than a residential application. These coating systems are specified at the factory for industrial, high traffic, extreme use situations that far exceed the brutality a residential floor endures.

Please note that some applications are actually better served with an Acrylic coating depending on factors such as moisture content in your slab or chemical composition of overlay systems. In that case we are happy to provide you with this alternative.

Interlocking Systems: While these interlocking systems do provide a traction assisted surface they do not provide a seamless protection for your concrete floor and they can be very difficult to clean due to their material composition, texture and installation technique. The cracks and crevices in these interlocking systems are a target zone for deposits of grease and dirt. One popular lock tile type company sells their product for $3.19 per square foot, uninstalled and before taxes. At this price you could have a beautiful Slip Free Systems floor installed and that includes tax.(Price based on minimum of 600 square ft on one color epoxy finish or concrete stain only-other options will affect price) Now consider the price and weigh the cleaning qualities of this do it yourself tile versus the ease of maintenance and cost of our quality seamless coatings that actually become a monolythic surface with your existing concrete slab. Another great bonus is that you can expect your epoxy floor to outlast those interlocking systems by at least 10X! .

When shopping for flooring that you want to last and last be sure to weigh all the factors such as cost, company reliability and maintenance. At Slip Free Systems we recommend that you seek out a monolithic, seamless coating that will provide a long wearing beautiful finish to your floor that is easy to clean. Always avoid any applications where acrylic is used as a part of the coating process and avoid systems that allow contaminants to penetrate parts of the final flooring surface.

Rubber Restaurant Mats: Did you know that those thick rubber mats they use in restaurants not only cost more than epoxy floors but they are not conducive to a clean, germ free restaurant environmen?. Rubber mats do reduce the likelyhood of slips and falls in the kitchen but they have to be removed and cleaned on a regular basis and they are a buffet for bacteria and other harmful contaminants plus, they often come with the added cost of professional cleaning. These mats are also a prime host for mold and mildew and a perfect trap for fallen food and debris. These rubber mats are $10.00 per square foot and up compared to our non-slip, heat resistant restaurant coating at more than half the cost and we have anti-microbial systems available too! .

7.What's the cost comparison for Slip Free Flooring versus something like vinyl tile, ceramic tile or the newly popular interlocking industrial garage floor tiles?

Epoxy coatings for residential use are cost effective compared to tile in many ways. Consider the cost of one 12 inch square slate of tile from one of the major home improvement stores...lets say one tile costs $3.50 and you want to do a 15 ft X 30 ft space, now add the cost of grout, adhesive and installation. By the time your new floor is installed you've spent a minimum of $7.00 per square foot, if not more, and that's a conservative estimate. For interlocking tile we've researched and found prices to be between $2.79 to 9.35 per square foot, un-installed and before taxes, so by the time we add installation and taxes your looking at a minimum of $5.00 per square foot. Depending on existing surface conditions your new Slip Free Floor will price in well under typical flooring options and will outlast them with proper maintenance. Many of our floor treatments can be had for an approximate cost of $3.00 per square foot, including installation and tax. That price can decrease or increase depending on square footage and other factors. Our more decorative applications, such as the color quartz, faux granite, faux terrazo and our overlay systems are naturally a little more, but with so many options to choose from we are confident we can fit your budget and your design.

In a commercial setting our coatings are equally unbeatable for more reasons than just cost because when you choose Slip Free Systems for your flooring needs you have already won half the battle by preventing slip and fall accidents in your establishment and their subsequent lawsuits. Did you know the average lawsuit from a Slip and Fall accident that goes to litigation costs on the average $100,000?

Slip Free Systems flooring options are formulated for long lasting durability which far exceeds that of traditional tile flooring. If Ford, Honda and other dealerships use it for their mechanics and auto body shops how much more wear will you get out of it in your home or business? If popular restaurants all over Houston and surrounding areas use it in their commercial kitchens how much better will it serve your needs?

With many colors, textures and products to choose from it makes sense to choose Slip Free Systems for your new flooring needs....besides, concrete stain, faux terrazzo and seamless epoxy coatings have recently become the en-vogue thing to do so why not increase the value of your property by adding this remarkable flooring to your home or establishment?

8.My floor "sweats" is that a problem that can be solved with an epoxy finish?

Vapor transmission is a common problem with concrete floors in this part of the country. Contrary to popular belief concrete is a sponge like surface and when the temperature on the bottom of your slab differs from that on the top; something's gotta give, and that usually means anything from droplets to pools of water on the surface of your concrete. In areas where carpet or tile has been installed it means the tile will not adhere properly and it means you may experience a mold and mildew problem, which can result in very costly repairs. When you notice you have a problem with vapor transmission, let Slip Free Systems come out and evaluate your surface and determine a flooring system that will eliminate vapor transmission in your slab. Your typical epoxy floor will not stop water from seeping through your concrete, vapor transmission is best stopped with a product that is specially formulated to penetrate the sponge like surface of your slab and seal it. Our sealant works below the surface rather than as a membrane that sits on top. Click below to read detailed articles about Vapor Transmission.

In some cases an acrylic top coat can be applied over your surface instead of epoxy in an effort to allow your surface to breathe rather than be sealed off. This method is useful when coating a surface with a very slight vapor transmission problem that may prohibit standard epoxy finishs from idealistic adhesion.

9.What kind of effect does the sun have on stained concrete and epoxy floor coatings?

Our products contain a UV resistant coating to prevent ambering from the sun, but even with UV resistance built in, extreme conditions may cause discolorization over time. If your new epoxy or concrete stained floor will be subject to extreme light conditions we suggest a polyurea topcoat for maximum protection. Our specially formulated polyurea coatings go the extra mile in UV protection, and while UV protection may be present in other products on the market, they will not hold up against extreme conditions. Our floors are only guaranteed against discolorization from the sun and or extreme light when you choose to install suggested applications for your flooring situation.

Almost all concrete coating contractors say their products have UV resistance, but keep in mind, this is easily compared to sun tan lotion and its UV protection. If you are out in the sun on a cloudless sunny day with an SPF 4 lotion you will still get burned, just not as fast, however, if you are out on that same day with an SPF 50 you will likely not suffer sun damage at all and epoxy is the same way. Other companies SAY their epoxy has UV resistance, but epoxy UV resistance is comparable to an SPF 4 suntan lotion. If you want real protection opt for the Polyurea top coat.

We also have a new product whose chemical composition is impervious to the harmful results of UV rays, ask us which system works best for you.

10.Will the shine last or will I have to wax it?

Concrete is fast becoming the ultimate no-wax flooring material. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you do not wax our concrete floor finishes or it will actually dull the shine. Thanks to recent advances in polishing equipment and techniques, we now grind or shot blast concrete floor surfaces—whether new or old before applying our high-gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings. Our multi-process application system assures perfect cohesion and flawless finish. Factor in the superior durability and performance of concrete, and it’s no wonder why more retail, warehouse, and office facilities are opting for polished concrete flooring as an alternative to marble, granite, tile, linoleum, or coated concrete. Even homeowners are catching on to the appeal of these smooth, high-luster floors, which can be stained to replicate the look of polished stone.

Below, with the exception of a few scattered fall leaves from the trees just outside you can see that this eight-year-old fire department floor still looks great:

11.Are all of your floor coatings slip free?

Our company began in 1988 and at that time we specialized primarily in slip resistant coatings and procedures but as time progressed we have expanded our product line to include a more decorative line which is not slip resistant in its natural state, however, regardless of whether you choose one of our floor coatings or you decide to work with an existing tile floor we have a treatment that will render any floor surface "slip free"...hence, the name: "Slip Free Systems".

12.Why should I bother to put anything on my concrete surface if I am happy with the natural appearance of it?

While concrete is a very durable product it does deteriorate over time. As you can see from this photo taken on the loading dock of this department store in Downtown Houston, over time your concrete will begin to fail. Now, your probably thinking this is an extreme case and that your concrete wouldn't experience as much traffic and therefore it wouldn't show signs of wear but take note of homes where concrete patios are exposed to the downspout off the roof.. This area almost always reveals a place where the underlying aggregate is exposed. Naturally it is more common on an older home because this is a process that tears down your concrete slowly and you might not notices it as easily on a newer home...but the same principal applies whether it is a residential patio, a department store loading dock or your concrete driveway, the best way to assure yourself of years of aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound surfaces is to protect those surfaces. With all that in mind, do not be fooled into thinking that because your home is new you will not have a problem, inspect your exterior surfaces for signs of deterioration and if you see rough spots or exposed aggregate then a coating might be right for you. Coat your concrete, it is not only a beautiful thing to do, it is a smart thing to do.


13.How do I prevent trip accidents?

Floors surfaces should be unbroken. They should also be free of holes and obstructions likely to cause a person to trip or stumble. In some cases mats or grates are used in slippery areas, however, Slip Free Systems provides the better option for seamless trip free flooring and Slip Free flooring has the added bonus of being an attractive alternative to temporary solutions such as mats or grating.

14.How do I prevent slips and falls?

Floor materials should be slip-resistant. They should have a slip-resistance (Coefficient of Friction) that is not less than 0.5 when measured by the tests on the slip-resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Concrete floors should be wood-float finished or rendered slip-resistant by some other suitable means such as "Slip Free Systems". If a concrete floor contains an aggregate then it should be angular not rounded.

15.Is it possible to obtain Slip Free non-slip flooring that also meets hygiene standards?

Yes. Flooring materials for kitchens with high slip-resistance are available that also meet the recommendations of the state. The code recommends that floors are constructed of materials that are “impervious, non-slip” and that the floor finish be “ … smooth and even, free from cracks, crevices or surface protrusions that will prevent easy cleaning”. The terms impervious, non-slip and smooth are not defined with precision. However, several floor materials with grit-roughened surfaces (typically a PVC flooring containing aluminum oxide grit and a bacteriostat) are marketed with claims that they regulations and codes on hygiene and safety. These are now used in many hospital kitchens. In addition we now have an anti-microbial epoxy system that is an effective deterrant to molds and mildew and bacteria.

16.Will installation of Slip Free flooring interfere with my hours of operation?

Slip Free Systems will work with you to fit installation times into a schedule that works with your hours of operation. If your in a hurry we are able to offer you one of our fast curing epoxy finishes for a slightly increased cost. We work days, evenings, nights and weekends so rest assured we have a time slot that fits almost everybody.

17.If I have Slip Free flooring installed in my warehouse is there a provision for my existing stock or will I have to have my warehouse emptied in order for installation to take place?

Slip Free Systems wants this flooring process to go as smoothly as possible for you. In the event that flooring is installed in an area with volumes of stock or heavy equipment and/or machinery Slip Free Systems can schedule to install your new flooring in sections or we will provide you with options for your flooring installation.

18.I've seen products for self installation, why shouldn't I try to do it myself?
It is true that you can purchase epoxy-flooring materials from a retail vendor and with some practice and experience it is possible you could install your own epoxy flooring and/or other flooring materials. However, self installation is not recommended in commercial settings. If you are seeking a professional high end result that will remain effective for the longest duration possible and serve as an efficient and successful deterrant to slips and falls with optimal visual appeal then professional installation is recommended.

HERE'S WHY: Among some of the problems with self installation are inadequate instruction, decreased product support, costly equipment rental and less than expected results.

The products you as a consumer are able to purchase at a do it yourself improvement store are a weaker version of the industrial products we use at Slip Free Systems. Our distributors actually require factory certification just to be able to buy these materials. We use the same materials on the floor at your home as we use in industrial applications where forklifts are used and auto mechanic shops.

Epoxy flooring in particular is difficult to install due to its consistency and the nature of its installation and curing process. Did you know that some epoxy systems can begin to cure within 30 minutes and if you dont get your application perfect before the product begins to cure your whole job is subject to ruin?

Another common problem with self-installation is improper preparation of existing flooring which can drastically reduce the performance of products made specifically for the general handyman and sold at retail outlets. At Slip Free Systems we use only the highest quality comercial grade products and equipment. Our installation crews are knowledgeable and professional. Self-installation often ends with results that require professional correction which also means additional cost to the initial project. Do you really want to risk your time and money only to end up with a finished product that will not adhere properly to your existing floor and find out that your product warranty is void because of improper installation?

With Slip Free Systems you can expect a crew of trained professionals to install high quality products using heavy duty commercial equipment and expertise. With over 16 years of experience we are able to see problems before they arise and are able to implement procedures for optimal results based on your specific flooring conditions. Hazards such as chemically treated surfaces and/or oil and grease penetrated surfaces can drastically alter text book installation causing horrific results unless professionally applied. When you hire Slip Free Systems you are employing experienced trained professionals who have been there done that and you can rest easy knowing the results will be superior!

Floor and surface preparation includes such tedious details as sanding, scraping, old surface removal, resurfacing, leveling, and chemical correction and, that's just part of what it takes to get the floor prepared for its new finish. After a series of preparation details Slip Free Systems crews work diligently to paint in the details and intricate aspects of the new finish so as to assure a quality finished effect. No crack or crevice is left untreated.

With Slip Free Systems you know that the products are properly mixed and that curing compound ratios are at optimal percentages for durability and long wear. Slip Free Systems takes the guesswork out of determining how much product is needed for the most advantageous flooring finishes as required to meet your specific needs.

With Slip Free Systems you will not find yourself standing in front of an equipment dealer trying to determine the proper tools for the job, not to mention the stress and hassle of pick up and return much less cost and operation of tools and equipment that can be difficult to locate much less maneuver and operate.

Before you attempt to entertain the idea of installing your own epoxy flooring we encourage you to consider your options. With Slip Free Systems you will have the peace of mind that your completed floor is of high quality workmanship and materials without the hassle and stress of self-installation that has a high probability of troublesome and costly corrective measures. It is always our goal to provide you with outstanding flooring solutions that beat industry standards.

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J.R. Bond of Sea Isle in Galveston makes this comment about his experience with Slip Free Systems: "Rest assured we will tell all about your commendable work ethic and dependability."
19. What about the fumes, will the odor cause me to vacate the premisis? Even while we are in the process of actually applying epoxy to your floor you have nothing to fear. There are no annoying fumes to contend with and truthfully, you likely will not even be able smell the product straight from the container. Before, during and after application, your safety and health is of great concren to us. Our products are 100% safe when used in compliance with manufacturer standards. Please note our polyurea top coat can sometimes cause some odor or fumes when applied in an unvented area as well as our fast curing MMA products. 20. I keep hearing about "Quartz" flooring, what is it? Color Quartz flooring is an epoxy based seamless coating system which incorporates the use of 3M Corporations color quartz aggregate to create a more durable long wearing, slip-free surface. Color quartz itself is actually individual granules of ceramic coated sand that comes in an array of colors and is used to create endless color combinations and textures on floor surfaces. Check out our "samples" page for close up scans of our quartz finishes. 21. Where can I see an actual application of these kinds of floor treatments? Naturally, because of the privacy of our clients we could never list the addresses of million dollar home owners who we have had the pleasure of working with but we can direct you to some of Houstons Hot Spots where our products were used. In Houston's Downtown Aquarium Restaurant you could sit on the terrace balcony where you would see a three tone epoxy chip finish (part of our faux finish line) that mimics the terrazzo that is installed inside the restaurant. (As seen below) Another great place in downtown is Houston's own "Minute Maid Park" at Union Station where our color quartz products were used to cover the pedestrian areas surrounding each level inside the ballpark. Another great place to view epoxy systems is at Texas Stadium. Just think, if it's durable enough for the pushing back and forth of chairs on the deck of The Aquarium and its durable enough for millions of people flocking to the ballpark for a game then there's no doubt it will serve your needs as well. Still not convinced? Visit our "Client List" page for a list of recent clients who have purchased our flooring systems. Downtown Houston "The Aquarium" Texas Stadium 22. It's so hard to picture what it will look like on my floor, how do I decide? At Slip Free Systems, Inc. we know it's hard to choose a color when there are so many options and thats why our design team is always ready to work with you to insure picture perfect floors every time. In many circumstances we can offer you a color "mock-up" of your floor to help you get an idea of what your new floor will look like. See the samples below of our digital imaging color selection option. 23. How long will it take to install my new epoxy flooring? Generally speaking we require a minimum of 2 days for a standard application. This time may increase depending on how many coats of epoxy you require or the specific type of application you choose. In the event that you choose one of our fast curing MMA systems it is possible we could treat your floor in just one day. For example: A 1500 sq ft. concrete stain application inside a building would generally take 2 full days to install and 24 hours to cure, but if the customer wanted multiple colors or if there was added preparation required or scoring treatment needed this might add a day to the project. The same 1500 sq ft project with a double application of quartz would require 3 days for completion and could be reduced to 1-2 days if the customer opted for our faster curing MMA system. The amount of time required to install a floor is highly dependent on the application required and the preparation needed to complete it.

With Slip Free Systems you get quality and experience and you get a job done right the first time!