Decorative Flake Systems
Full-broadcast and partial-flake vinyl chip flooring systems in dozens of color combinations — the most popular coating system for Alabama garages and basements.
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Overview
What Is Decorative Flake Systems?
Decorative vinyl flake flooring — sometimes called chip flooring or flake flooring — is the industry standard system for high-performance residential and light commercial floors. The system layers a colored epoxy base coat with decorative vinyl flake chips broadcast into the wet material, creating a speckled, terrazzo-like appearance that hides dirt, wear, and minor imperfections better than any solid-color system. Summit Surface Company installs two primary flake systems: Full-Broadcast (Full-Chip): Flakes are broadcast to full rejection — meaning the entire surface is covered with chips before the topcoat is applied. This creates the most durable, texture-rich surface and is the preferred choice for heavy-use garages. Partial Broadcast: Flakes are broadcast at a lower density, allowing the base color to remain visible. This creates a more refined, subtle appearance suitable for basements, showrooms, and interior commercial spaces. Both systems are finished with a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat that delivers decades of durability.
Benefits
Why This System?
- Available in dozens of chip color blends — from subtle neutrals to bold multi-color mixes
- Textured surface provides natural slip resistance when wet
- Full-broadcast system conceals minor surface imperfections
- Extremely durable under heavy vehicle and foot traffic
- Non-porous surface resists oil, chemicals, and road salts
- UV-stable topcoat resists yellowing in Alabama climate
- Seamless installation — no grout lines or joints to trap dirt
- Hot tire pickup resistant polyaspartic topcoat
Installation
How We Install It
Diamond Grinding
Full diamond grinding opens the concrete profile for maximum mechanical adhesion. This is the most critical step and should never be skipped.
Epoxy Base Coat
A high-solids epoxy base coat is applied in your selected color. This provides the binding layer and color foundation for the system.
Flake Broadcast
Decorative vinyl flake chips are broadcast into the wet epoxy — either to full rejection (full-broadcast) or at the desired coverage rate for partial systems.
Topcoat Application
After the flake layer cures, loose chips are scraped and the surface is coated with two applications of UV-stable polyaspartic for durability and sheen.
Why Summit Surface Company
The Difference Is in the Details
Wide selection of chip colors and blend options
Full-broadcast flake requires more material and labor — we don't cut corners
Polyaspartic topcoat (not basic epoxy) ensures UV stability
Diamond-grinding equipment that creates a proper concrete profile
Available in matte, satin, and high-gloss finish options
Suitable for garages, basements, patios, and commercial floors
Owner-operated — quality control is personal
Lifetime coating warranty, subject to written terms
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full-broadcast and partial-flake?
Full-broadcast means flake chips are thrown until the surface is 100% covered before the topcoat goes down — this hides all concrete texture and creates maximum durability. Partial broadcast leaves some of the base color visible, creating a speckled appearance with a smoother texture.
How many color options are available?
We offer dozens of standard vinyl chip color blends ranging from neutral grays and tans to bold color mixes. We can also source custom blends on request. Browse our full color library at summitsurfacecompany.com/colors.
Can flake flooring be installed in basements?
Yes. Decorative flake systems are excellent for Alabama basements. We conduct moisture testing on below-grade slabs to select the appropriate primer system before installation.
How does flake flooring hold up to hot Alabama summers?
Our polyaspartic topcoat is specifically designed to resist UV exposure and hot tire pickup — the two primary failure modes for garage floor coatings in the South. Standard epoxy topcoats are not suitable for garages exposed to direct sun.
Do you install flake flooring in Jasper and Birmingham?
Yes. Summit Surface Company serves Jasper, Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and all of North Central Alabama.
What does the lifetime coating warranty cover?
For qualifying installations, our written lifetime coating warranty covers delamination, peeling, and coating failure caused by covered material defects or our installation/workmanship. It does not cover damage from abuse, chemical spills beyond the coating system’s specified use, or structural concrete issues identified and disclosed during the estimate. The written warranty supplied with your estimate or contract controls, including maintenance requirements and the process for reporting a claim.
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We visit your space, assess the concrete, and give you a detailed written quote — no pressure.