Industrial flooring serves a purpose beyond just aesthetic appeal. Before installation commences, business owners need to consider:
• Whether the installations will cause disruptions to business operations and if so, for how long
• How much the installation will cost, including downtime
• Whether the surface areas need preparation and who is responsible for the prep, contractors or staff
• How the installation affects business continuity
• Whether the installation is durable and of good quality
• If the flooring meets regulatory requirements for that industry
Each industry also has its unique factors to consider before settling on its top industrial flooring choice in 2024. The main choices are between epoxy, polyurethane, novolac, and urethane mortar. Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks.
Manufacturing Plants
The manufacturing industry requires flooring that will stand up to the rugged nature of its operations. These plants often contain large equipment and machinery that may dent soft flooring options such as vinyl or cork. Other considerations include:
• Spills that may damage or stain flooring
• High foot traffic
• Chemicals that need to be cleaned quickly
While hard flooring such as concrete may work well to withstand these elements, its durability depends on further treatments the flooring has undergone. This is because raw concrete is porous and can become brittle over time, especially in high-traffic situations.
Epoxy
Epoxy is a widely used concrete coating in manufacturing plants thanks to its durability and non-slip qualities. It offers a highly customizable look and can easily work in the front office and the plant. However, it’s quite inflexible and may crack under the pressure of heavy equipment or machinery. It may also require some downtime as the installation process requires a lengthy curing time and ventilation to remove the odor. This installation may also not work in an environment exposed to UV rays, as it will yellow over time.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is more chemical-resistant, flexible, and UV-resistant than epoxy. A possible drawback is that polyurethane doesn’t stand up well to moisture and excessive exposure to it may cause the coating to lift or crack.
Novolac
Novolac is a good option for manufacturing plants that require an odor-free installation. It also offers superior chemical resistance and durability.
Urethane Mortar
Manufacturing plants that can’t afford the downtime should consider a urethane mortar floor coating. It offers a quick curing time and no odor. Of the four, it offers the fewest aesthetic options.
Distribution Spaces
Distribution spaces are high-traffic environments and this requires flooring that can withstand multiple trips to and fro. It needs to absorb the weight of human traffic, vans, forklifts, and possibly trucks.
While it’s unlikely that chemical spills or usage will affect a distribution space, the floor does need to withstand the possibility of falling objects.
Epoxy
Epoxy works in this environment as it merely has to accommodate safe traffic.
Polyurethane
Slightly more heavy-duty than epoxy, polyurethane is ideal when there’s a high risk of heavy goods dropping thanks to the flexibility.
Novolac
While novolac will work in distribution spaces, it’s only recommended if there’s heavy-duty traffic.
Urethane Mortar
Distribution spaces work well with just epoxy or polyurethane. If a quick curing time is required, urethane mortar might be a better option.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities need to consider the hygiene factor of their flooring installation to reduce the opportunity for bacteria and microbial elements to spread. This means a seamless, non-porous design that’s easy to maintain and clean.
Epoxy
Epoxy might work well in reception areas and passages of healthcare facilities as it's non-slip, strong, and durable.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a hygienic option that works well in healthcare facilities. However, it’s important to limit its exposure to moisture to maintain its durability.
Novolac
Its seamless and hygienic application makes it ideal for the healthcare industry. It also offers superior chemical resistance which ensures that cleaning detergents and disinfectants won’t compromise the integrity of the flooring.
Urethane Mortar
Urethane mortar is a good option to use in a healthcare facility where there’s little time for curing. It adheres to regulatory standards for hygiene thanks to its non-porous nature.
Commercial Office Spaces
Commercial office spaces have slightly more flexibility in flooring that extends beyond epoxy, polyurethane, novolac, and urethane mortar. These include:
• Ceramic tiles
• Vinyl tiles and planks
• Rubber flooring
• Heavy-duty carpets and carpet tiles
• Hardwood floors
Some of the things to consider when choosing flooring for a commercial office, is the comfort, aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance. It’s also worth noting that if a cement coating, hardwood floor, or ceramic tiles are chosen, the right acoustics, warmth, and comfort can still be achieved through rugs or rubber mats.
Some of the reasons to consider cement coatings in commercial offices include:
• Seamless design
• High durability
• Easy maintenance
• Multiple style options
• Fire and heat resistance
• Thermal shock resistance
The Ideal Industrial Flooring Choice for You
Business owners in the market for industrial flooring options have plenty to consider before opting for a finish. Factors such as hygiene, seamless design, durability, UV resistance, and aesthetics play a role. Book a consultation with one of our flooring specialists today to determine which solution will best match your needs.