Choosing epoxy resins for industrial flooring is widely regarded as one of the most efficient options for protecting floorspace in industrial facilities, although tiles are also sometimes used. Each resin is defined by different qualities, but all should provide a basic minimum of characteristics designed to cope with specific criteria.
A floor’s resistance to chemicals is a prime consideration, as is its ability to tolerate abrasive contact. A floor should also be non-slip and have a good quality decorative finish. In areas of light production work, the resin is usually applied in the form of a paint or liquid. Places where heavier industrial processes are taking place often have floors laid by trowel, with these often known as ’screeds’.
Screeds can provide a floor with greater durability, especially if heavy loads are being moved across it, while it also boosts a surface’s slip resistance, vital for health and safety. If a floor is likely to be wet for long periods, due to either production processes or cleaning then slip resistance should be a primary consideration.
The resistance of a floor to chemicals and corrosion is especially important in industrial environments in order to protect buildings from extreme processes. The flooring used in such cases usually consists of chemically resistant screeds or coatings, as well as anti-corrosion barrier coatings, often applied as paints. Some of these methods can also be applied retrospectively to floors to repair damage already sustained.
Hygiene is another consideration for the type of surface installed. Many facilities, particularly those involved in food production, need to keep facilities as clean as possible. Stain resistance and slip resistance are also important considerations; if hygiene is important that the floor will need to be cleaned frequently and may therefore be often wet.
Industrial floor tiles are potentially another option, and they do have the advantage of being more easily transported and installed than a resin, as well as possibly being re-used. There are question marks over the durability of tiles though.
Liquid screeds are another method of flooring which has grown in popularity in recent years, especially in Europe. This type of screed can be installed in a much less labour intensive way by small teams of workers, unlike more traditional, trowel-laid screeds. They also lead to a flatter floor, and quality control is much easier as the screed comes premixed, with viscosity being checked just ahead of final installation.
A liquid screed cab also boost the thermal conductivity of a floor, leading to greater efficiency and fewer costs should an underfloor heating system be in place in the facility. Floor finishes can also generally be more quickly applied, as the floor can be laid to a slightly greater depth.
Solvent-free epoxy resins are another worthwhile option. As they give off no significant odor, they can usually be applied when buildings are occupied or in use. They also dry quickly and floors can be back in full use within 24 hours of installation.
Specific environments and processes require specific types of industrial flooring. For that reason, no project should ever be undertaken without first seeking help from a fully qualified and reputable professional, especially where the health and safety of workers is concerned.
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