What To Consider When Choosing Commercial Epoxy Flooring
The right flooring choice for your commercial premises is an important decision. For a long lasting result, you’ll need to ensure the flooring type caters for the purpose of the space. When choosing commercial epoxy flooring it is important that you do your research now so you can save the cost of replacing the floor before you absolutely must.
Why choose epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a great solution for commercial premises, giving a strong and durable finish that can withstand the demands of business impact.
Able to cope with heavy loads, stain resistant and easy to clean, epoxy flooring is popular for retail outlets, offices, commercial kitchens, cafes, supermarkets, warehouses and premises operating heavy machinery.
A range of designs are available, along with special finishes, depending on the space. Here we look at some areas to consider when choosing epoxy flooring for your business.
Important considerations for commercial epoxy floors
Heavy moving machinery
Commercial epoxy flooring is highly durable, giving excellent resistance against the pressures of moving machinery. The recommended finish will depend on the type of tracking being carried out over the floor. For example, areas with heavy forklift or vehicle traffic will require different products and finishes to those with light traffic.
Stains and spills
The stain resistance of epoxy resin is ideal for premises where chemicals, oils and food spills may occur. And being impervious to water, it is perfect for use in areas that are exposed to water frequently - such as kitchens, animal enclosures, commercial bathrooms, pools and external areas.
Temperature changes
In areas that experience extremes in temperature, epoxy flooring is the ideal choice, although it must be specified and installed by professionals to ensure it complies with commercial building codes for temperature resistance.
Food preparation
Easy to clean and with slip resistant options, commercial epoxy flooring is popular in the food sector. Because epoxy resin resists microbial growth, it also provides a hygienic surface that is perfect for commercial food settings.
Slip resistance
Most commercial buildings are expected to provide slip resistant surfaces for safe movement, especially in emergency access areas. Slip and skid resistant surfaces are also required for pedestrian ramps, stair treads and landings.
With the ability to increase the skip resistant element of epoxy flooring, this is an effective way to maintain practices in commercial premises.
Cleaning routines
Commercial epoxy flooring should be regularly swept and mopped with a gentle detergent and warm water.
If a highly slip-resistant surface is required, epoxy flooring will stand up to cleaning with more moderately harsher cleaning solutions, making it attractive for the long term. We give specific instructions on maintaining your floor.
Welding activity
Although resinous floors are often self-extinguishing, the heat created through welding can cause the epoxy layer to melt or break down. Welding mats will protect your floor from spark and heat damage.
Exposure to UV
With long term exposure to direct sunlight, epoxy flooring may yellow (known as ambering). If this is a concern from an aesthetic standpoint, installing a colour flake system with a high-performance clear coat gives UV stability. A common term used in the industry is UV resistant. What this means is that the top clear coat has properties that will act similar to a sunscreen on your skin, but is limited to time and surrounding conditions. The colour of the ‘skin’, or, in this instance, the base colour of your epoxy floor, also has a massive impact on how effectively the coating can be protected.
Being available for a few years now, we have the ability to UV proof your area. The colours we can do this in are limited but for high UV and unprotected areas, this can be a solid option.
How to get a high quality durable commercial epoxy floor
Getting the best results for your commercial epoxy flooring means working with a professional team that knows how to specify and install the epoxy correctly. At Tough Floors, we have considerable experience and tend to exceed the highest standards.
We evaluate the condition of the subfloor and determine the best approach for preparing it to accept the epoxy finish. We also take into account the specific needs of your setting and apply as many coats as needed to deliver a hard wearing and beautiful finish. Plus, we always ensure our finishes meet the standards set by HACCP, TGA, AQIS and Food Safe, so you can be confident that your commercial space is safe and hygienic.
If you're looking for expert advice, a comprehensive quote and outstanding service, contact Tough Floors today. Our team is ready to help you get the most out of your commercial epoxy flooring.
