When a building is new, a concrete floor may appear to be perfect. 

Then daily operations begin.

Forklifts traverse the same areas. Equipment gets shifted around. A floor may become stained with oil and chemicals in no time, and with so many people coming and going, the floor can become worn over time. Cleaning may also become more difficult over time as dust, grease and dirt accumulate in cracks or uneven concrete surfaces. That is where epoxy flooring may come in handy.

When applied to a properly prepared concrete surface, epoxy forms a hard, seamless finish that helps the floor handle everyday wear and tear. It also creates a hard, seamless finish that can protect your floor from everyday wear while making it easier to clean and maintain.

So, where does epoxy flooring really work best? 

It can be used in environments such as warehouses, factories, workshops, commercial spaces, and more, where floors need to endure frequent use. The correct selection will however be dependent on the conditions likely to be encountered in the space and the amount of traffic, chemicals, equipment and/or impact the floor will receive.  

WAREHOUSES

Floors in the warehouse are subjected to constant movement. The same floor can be used by fork lifts, pallet trucks, storage equipment and people during the day. Constant use and exposure can cause concrete floors to take a beating over time.  

Epoxy warehouse flooring can resist heavy duty foot traffic and vehicles as well as provide a smooth and durable surface for easier cleaning and maintenance each and everyday. It can also be used to create different storage zones and walkways, and it can be used to mark the path for the movement of vehicles, making it easier to navigate and more organized with the right floor marking. This helps to make a clean and tidy work space in these busy storage and logistics facilities. 

FACTORY AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES

Heavy traffic is not the only challenge a manufacturing floor will encounter. The surface can change due to the effects of machinery, production processes, oils and chemicals, and because of frequent cleaning. For particular applications, special epoxy systems can be used to offer chemical resistance, impact resistance or anti static performance. 

This makes flooring well suited for a number of manufacturing and industrial applications where a concrete floor might need extra protection. The important consideration is the operating environment. Flooring should be specified based on the machinery, substances and level of activity it will encounter. 

WORKSHOPS 

The floors may be especially susceptible to the rigors of workshops. Some oil and automotive fluids are likely to be spilled during repairs. Tools and components are transported frequently and there can be a significant amount of vehicle traffic in some areas. 

A continuous epoxy surface can help to simplify the maintenance process and protect against typical workshop conditions. Its smooth surface also makes it easier to clean up any spills or dirt, eliminating the need to navigate the uneven surfaces of worn concrete. This blend of protection and convenience for maintenance makes it ideal for vehicle workshops, maintenance facilities and service areas. 

COMMERCIAL SPACES 

Epoxy is not restricted to an industrial environment. It can also be useful for commercial buildings, retail spaces, offices and showrooms with its clean and continuous appearance. 

A seamless resin surface is a continuous surface without multiple joints and grout lines, making it relatively easy to clean. Various colour and finishes may also be employed to enhance the interior design. Commercial properties allow for this, whereby the floor can help shape the entire look and feel of the area. 

PARKING AND SERVICE AREAS

Parking and service areas present problems. Dirt and water are tracked onto the concrete by vehicles, and automotive fluids can stain the concrete if it is exposed. Surface wear can also be caused by continuous vehicle movement. 

These areas are suitable for a protective finish with a suitable epoxy system. Floor markings may be integrated to mark parking bays, walkways, traffic paths and restricted areas. Therefore, epoxy floor can provide protection to the surface and at the same time, better organization of the space. 

SENSITIVE AREAS

Other facilities require floors that can be cleaned often and in a deep manner.  Seamless flooring provides an advantage in certain healthcare settings, food processing areas and commercial kitchens, where there are fewer seams to trap dirt and contaminants. The flooring system should be chosen, however, based on the types of cleaning chemicals, the temperature of the facility, and the operating conditions. 

In such environments, it is important to take the needs for hygiene into account from the outset of the flooring design rather than as an add-on. 

SHOWROOMS 

The floor of a showroom should be able to withstand foot traffic and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the area. Epoxy can give a beautiful and polished look and finish which is suitable for contemporary business interiors. Meanwhile, it can withstand daily wear-and-tear, making it useful in places where people walk a lot. 

This makes it a possibility for companies that need flooring solutions that are both useful and aesthetically pleasing. 

CONCLUSION 

Epoxy floor coatings can be applied in any situation in which a concrete floor needs to be coated with something that is durable, seamless and maintenance-free to an extent. There are varying reasons behind why warehouse, factories, workshops and commercial spaces, parking areas and hygiene sensitive facilities can all opt for epoxy. It is the correlation of the flooring system to the environment that is important.  Worthwhile and well-prepared surfaces, the right materials, and professional installation can make flooring a functional surface that can accommodate your property’s daily functions