Types of Industrial Flooring

Concrete - Concrete is one of the most widely used and cost-effective flooring options for industrial facilities. It can withstand heavy loads and impacts well. However, concrete is porous and not chemical resistant. It requires protective sealers or specialized concrete formulations for resistance.

Epoxy - An epoxy floor offers superior chemical and abrasion resistance compared to concrete. Facility managers often opt for epoxy floors in areas with chemical handling, food processing or heavy vehicle traffic. Epoxy can be colored, nonporous and installed as a seamless floor that is easy to clean and maintain hygienically.

Polymer Flooring - Rubber and vinyl polymer flooring options have cushioned properties that make them more comfortable for employees to stand or walk on all day. Some polymer floors also offer shock absorption and slip resistance. They are seamless, hygienic and resist corrosion from chemical spillages better than concrete. Areas like maintenance rooms benefit from polymer flooring.

Grinding/Polishing Concrete - Existing concrete floors can be processed through grinding, honing and polishing techniques to close pores and increase durability, slip resistance and aesthetics. This upgrades concrete performance at a lower cost than full floor replacements. Polished concrete maintains an attractive modern look.

Attributes to Consider

Slip Resistance - Slips and falls pose a major safety hazard in busy Industrial Flooring settings. Selecting flooring rated for the appropriate coefficient of friction is critical based on chemicals, conditions and footwear used. Textured or profiled surfaces improve traction.

Chemical Resistance - Floors must withstand corrosive substances without degrading. Carefully review the chemicals and liquids to be encountered and choose flooring rated for those specifications. Seamless designs likewise prevent chemical seepage.

Durability - With heavy loads, impacts and traffic, floors take a beating. Consider the wear layer thickness, flexibility and puncture/impact resistance of options to minimize repairs over the floor’s lifecycle.

Thermal Shock Resistance - Floors exposed to temperature fluctuations require resistance to cracking from expansion/contraction. Stone, epoxy and specialty concrete formulations perform well thermally.

Ease of Maintenance - Seamless, nonporous, textured floors clean quickly without harboring debris or liquid absorption. Consider dirt and chemical removal methods available along with ease of spot repair.

Aesthetics - Floor appearance influences the workspace environment and first impressions. Options range from plain concrete to colored, patterned and design-integrated surfaces. Choose based on function needs and preferences.

Budget - Upfront material and installation costs vary widely. Compare true long-term costs including maintenance requirements, expected lifespan and potential rehabilitation costs for each flooring alternative.

Get more insights on Industrial Flooring