
Industrial epoxy floors offer durability, water resistance, and customization, making them a standout option for industrial spaces. They withstand heavy machinery, foot traffic, and harsh chemicals, boosting safety in demanding environments.
They can also be made slip-resistant or USDA-approved for food processing facilities. With a variety of color and texture options, they can even add aesthetic allure to commercial spaces.
Preparation
Industrial epoxy flooring offers a range of advantages for commercial spaces, from durability and ease of maintenance to safety and customization. It is ideal for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and hospitals because it withstands heavy machinery, foot traffic, harsh chemicals, and spills. It is also designed to withstand heavy traffic and wear. Moreover, it is resistant to most types of stains and chemicals.
One of the most important factors that influence how long an epoxy coating lasts is proper preparation of the concrete substrate. This is the first step in the installation process and involves cleaning, repairing, and priming the concrete surface to prepare it for the epoxy layer. In addition, a moisture test should be conducted to determine whether the concrete is damp and can cause problems with the epoxy coating in the future.
A professional contractor can use a diamond grinder or shot blasting machine to remove old layers of flooring and ensure the concrete is free from debris and contaminants. After the surface is prepped, it must be thoroughly cleaned with various commercial cleaning solutions and a power scrubber, followed by a complete rinse and dry down. This eliminates any areas of contamination that might prevent the epoxy from bonding well to the concrete.
Once the floor is completely dry, a self-leveling primer is applied to create a smooth surface to which the epoxy can adhere. The primer is a necessary step because it improves the adhesion of the subsequent epoxy coats and prevents air bubbles from forming between the concrete and the resinous floor coating.
After the primer is set, the actual epoxy coating can be applied. The coating is poured in layers and spread across the floor with a roller or squeegee, depending on the size of the facility. In most cases, several coats are needed to create an even and solid surface.
A topcoat is then applied, which not only gives the finished flooring a glossy appearance but adds an extra level of protection against physical impacts and chemical damage. This coat seals all of the other layers and helps to increase the longevity of the epoxy floor coating.
Maintenance
Industrial epoxy flooring provides an array of advantages for commercial spaces. It’s durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns that enhance visual appeal in showrooms, offices, and retail spaces.
However, just like any other material used in a facility, it must be properly maintained for optimal functionality. A routine maintenance strategy prevents minor concerns from escalating into costly repairs and replacements.
Regular Cleaning: Establish a cleaning schedule that includes daily dust mopping to avoid scratches and other surface damage, along with immediate cleanup of spills. Using a soft-bristled broom, or even a non-bleach sponge, and mild cleaning mixtures will keep your epoxy floor looking great.
Spills: Even with the best precautions, spills are unavoidable. Wiping them up as soon as possible will preserve the slip resistance of your floors, promoting safe footing for all visitors and employees.
Scratches and Gouges: Avoid sliding heavy machinery, equipment, pallets or sharp objects across the epoxy floor coating. These damages may allow moisture to penetrate the concrete base and cause long-term damage. Pads and mats are recommended in high-traffic areas or under heavy equipment, to distribute the weight evenly and reduce stress on the epoxy layer.
Stains: If stains persist, a deeper cleaning and stain removal process is likely required. Use a mild solution (such as diluted ammonia) to remove any discoloration, rather than harsher chemicals that can shorten the lifespan of your floor coatings.
Inspection: Maintenance crews should inspect the epoxy flooring on a frequent basis for cracking, chipping and other signs of wear and tear. Noticing and addressing these issues immediately ensures that the protective coating continues to shield the underlying concrete from moisture, chemical intrusion and other damage.
Ultimately, an effective maintenance strategy will help your industrial epoxy floors last as long as possible. It will also promote a healthy, hygienic environment for all users of your facility.
Customization
When it comes to industrial flooring options, epoxy floor coatings are unmatched in durability and design flexibility. With a range of colors and textures, these floors can create a unique atmosphere in any space. Durability isn’t the only advantage, however; these floors are also easy to clean and maintain, saving facility managers time and money.
Durability tests allow facility managers to assess a flooring option under the conditions that are most relevant to their commercial or industrial space. These tests provide both quantitative and qualitative data, such as abrasion loss rates, impact resistance levels, and chemical resistance ratings. This information helps facility managers to make an informed decision about the best flooring for their space and to identify any areas of concern.
Keeping a record of the results of these tests and of specific flooring needs throughout the facility allows managers to create a flooring plan that meets the unique requirements of each area. This will help them to better communicate their needs to flooring vendors and installers and to ensure that the new floor is properly matched to the facility’s operation.
Epoxy floor application is typically fast, allowing businesses to get back to work in a matter of days. This speedy installation is a key benefit for business owners, as it can reduce production delays and maximize productivity.
Once the floor is installed, it can easily be maintained with regular sweeping and mopping using mild detergents. It is important to protect high-traffic areas with floor mats and to address spills immediately to prevent staining and damage to the epoxy. Regular inspections are also beneficial, as they can help to spot any potential areas of damage before they become problems.
Aside from their durability, industrial-grade epoxy floors are easy to clean and offer a wide variety of design options. Their versatility means that they can complement any style and aesthetic, making them a great choice for a range of commercial spaces. Their long lifespan means that they need fewer replacements than other floor materials, which makes them an eco-friendly alternative that minimizes waste and environmental impacts.
Warranty
As with any type of product, warranties help protect the investment and ensure a high level of quality. Warranties can range from simple timeframes to lifetimes. They can also include specific aspects of a product, such as the strength of its concrete base. When comparing warranties, it’s important to look beyond the duration, and focus on what’s covered and not covered. This can help you better understand if an epoxy floor coating is worth the investment.
Industrial-grade epoxy flooring is designed to withstand heavy machinery, foot traffic, and harsh chemicals without damage. This durability, combined with its easy maintenance and customization, make it a cost-effective option for most commercial and industrial settings.
The seamless nature of epoxy floors helps reduce wear and tear, while minimizing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in areas with heavy traffic. This feature helps keep productivity high and costs low, making it an excellent choice for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and hospitals. Additionally, the sheen of an epoxy floor significantly improves lighting in large facilities. This can improve visibility and help employees navigate the facility with ease, further reducing operational costs.
Epoxy floors require minimal maintenance compared to other types of flooring, which can save you a significant amount in both cleaning supplies and labor. The non-porous surface prevents dirt and grime from accumulating, and it’s easy to sweep or mop regularly. Epoxy also resists stains and chemicals, so spills can be easily wiped up without damaging the floor surface.
For safety-minded facilities, textured finishes can be added to epoxy flooring for a slip-resistant surface. This feature helps minimize trip hazards and improves employee safety, a major concern in facilities with a high volume of foot traffic.
Other aggregates can be added to epoxy to meet unique needs in a variety of industries. For example, electrostatic dissipative epoxies are available for electronic manufacturing facilities to protect the integrity of sensitive equipment. USDA-approved varieties are also available for food processing plants, meeting strict standards for safe production environments.