Even though industries spend huge amounts of money on concrete floors, they’re not exactly problem-free once finished. Companies must anticipate the spill of substances such as oils and chemicals, among others. This requires the use of floor covering materials, which are vital in preventing damage and cracking in floors due to abuse and natural wear. Without proper coatings, gaps and cracks develop through which liquids can pass and cause unsightly, discolored patches.

Additionally, dirt and grime, which characterize most concrete floors, are difficult to clean and require the use of toxic cleaners. But this problem is often easily overcome with the use of industrial floor coverings, which allow the surface to be cleaned with soap and water.

When it comes to looks, a concrete floor on its own is dull and boring. With the use of floor coverings, the appearance can be turned into any color or variety of patterns, adding to the beauty and shine of the floors.

Coatings to consider
The most common, though not the strongest, commercial floor coating is epoxy. Epoxy covers hard surfaces, such as concrete floors, and is made from resins, which have a plastic base. Epoxy is created from a liquid mixture, which is then spread on the floor to dry. Decorative versions can be stamped and painted, although industrial versions need hard coatings to resist wear.

Ceramic linings, which are made of stabilizers combined with clay, are fired in the form of tiles or bricks. These materials are then bonded through the floor with cement. Ceramic is the best at providing heat resistance and is durable. They are often placed over resins that help improve impact resistance. Ceramic is now slowly being replaced by newer carbon materials.

What to avoid
As far as cheaper options, there is a trend in factories to make floors using simple cement and basic sealers. These sealers protect the concrete from long-term wear and tear and prevent moisture infiltration, but for the sealers to remain viable, they must be reapplied frequently.

It is strongly recommended to investigate the content of the coatings as well. This is because many floor coverings contain substances, such as isocyanates, which are naturally hazardous. There are also coatings that contain large amounts of solvents that make them highly volatile and toxic. Therefore, the inhabitants must take extreme precautions during the application and many hours after the application.

Other precautions must be taken to avoid the hazards associated with these materials. Traditional types of coatings are always dangerous and must be handled with care. During the application of such coatings, inhalation of toxic vapors can cause vomiting, headaches, drowsiness and vomiting. This is always a danger to customers; but it is usually a greater hazard for workers who handle the substance directly and are in close contact with the materials during application and installation. Safety procedures must be strictly adhered to. Exposure to isocyanates over long periods of time has been shown to cause lung problems, including inflammation and asthma, and sometimes even death.

The most contemporary industrial floor coverings to date are hybrid polymers, which are more sophisticated and provide more direct benefits for industrial use, including cost savings and increased durability. These coatings are easy to install and highly resistant to harsh conditions in warehouses and factories; for example, ultraviolet radiation and chemical spills.