Why Healthcare Facilities Need Antimicrobial Floor Coatings
A healthcare facility is a high-traffic setting where sanitation is crucial. The choice of flooring material affects much more than just the building's aesthetics. Different types of flooring can significantly impact a facility’s ability to maintain a sterile environment. Antimicrobial floor coatings are ideal for a clean, safe facility for patients.
Benefits of Antimicrobial Floor Coatings
Especially in the healthcare industry, antimicrobial flooring solutions offer several advantages over other types of flooring:
- Bacterial resistance: Antimicrobial floors are non-porous, which prevents bacteria growth, helping to reduce the spread of infections.
- Easy to clean and sanitize: In a healthcare facility, the floors must withstand harsh cleaning chemicals necessary for sterilization. Antimicrobial floors are both durable and easy to clean.
- Mold and mildew prevention: In addition to bacteria, the surface of antimicrobial flooring is resistant to mold and mildew, which can create odors and carry diseases.
- Slip-proofing: With foot traffic in a healthcare facility, antimicrobial floors offer a slip-resistant surface to prevent trip hazards and injuries.
Types of Antimicrobial Floor Coatings
In a large healthcare facility, it’s common for the floors to be concrete. Epoxy concrete coatings create a non-porous, slip-resistant surface that keeps out moisture. When it comes to antimicrobial concrete coatings, there are a few options:
- Epoxy Flooring: A good all-around choice for cost-effectiveness, durability, and bonding
- Polyurethane Flooring: UV stable and flexible coating to withstand temperature fluctuations
- Novolac Flooring: Extremely chemical resistant, ideal for pharmaceutical facilities
- Urethane Mortar Flooring: Impact and scratch-resistant with fast curing time
Other Industries That Need Antimicrobial Floor Coatings
Beyond healthcare, antimicrobial flooring is a good choice for industries like:
- Food processing: Food processing facilities have strict rules to prevent food from becoming contaminated. Antimicrobial floors improve sanitation and resist staining in the event of a spill.
- Chemical plants: Workers in chemical processing facilities tend to handle corrosive and acidic compounds. Most antimicrobial flooring options can withstand exposure to these chemicals.
- Pharmaceuticals: Just as with food processing plants and industrial kitchens, preventing contamination in a pharmaceutical facility is essential. Antimicrobial concrete coatings make it easier to keep a facility sterile.
Considerations for Concrete Coatings in Healthcare Facilities
While antimicrobial concrete coatings are an excellent option for healthcare facilities, some factors must be considered. First, epoxy and urethane are hazardous materials before curing, so it’s important to have a qualified professional install them.
Additionally, concrete coatings take a few days to cure fully. While your antimicrobial flooring sets, you won’t be able to use the part of the facility getting new flooring.
Learn More About Concrete Floor Coating Installation Today
Whether you manage a small clinic or a large hospital, antimicrobial flooring is a worthwhile investment for any healthcare facility. At Concrete Coatings of the Carolinas, we specialize in high-quality epoxy and urethane concrete flooring systems.
Get a free antimicrobial floor coating installation quote!
