The structural strength of stainless steel lends itself to many different applications. Consequently, the benefits of choosing stainless steel flooring are something every business should consider.
Stainless steel is a low-carbon alloy composed of chromium, making up 10% of its weight, and a range of other metals including nickel, iron, manganese and copper. Stainless steel has over 300 grades, all for different uses. Flooring grades are 304 and 316, with grade 304 being the most common type of stainless steel with an 18-20% chromium content.
If you're considering new flooring in your building, read on to discover the benefits of stainless steel flooring sheets.
The Benefits of Stainless Steel for an Industrial Project...
There are undoubtedly many different materials you can consider for the flooring in your business. However, the many benefits of choosing stainless steel flooring in industrial applications are many and include the following.
Ensuring Waterproof Protection without Corrosion Worries
Because stainless steel has a high chromium content, which makes it resistant to corrosion. This addition of chromium makes stainless steel products, especially flooring, more than suitable for a range of different environments, elevations and atmospheric conditions.
The low alloy material grades of stainless steel are ideal for resisting corrosion in different atmospheric conditions, while high alloyed grades fare offers reliable corrosion resistance in environments with acidic, alkaline, chloride or oxide environments. This allows for lower maintenance and repairs due to changing conditions, especially in external areas.
Lightweight Solutions with Robust Performance
When it comes to working with stainless steel, manufacturers are able to take into account its cold-working properties. What it means is that they can create a thinner product without losing its tensile strength. The end result is a thinner and cheaper product, without any loss of strength or usability, giving users a more robust performance.
Reliable Performance in High and Low Temperatures
Stainless steel is particularly well suited to environments where the weather or temperature internally can fluctuate, as it can provide increased performance in various different situations and maintain strength at high temperatures. Stainless steel offers high fire and heat resistance, meaning that you can be confident your flooring retains its integrity and strength at high temperatures.
Effortless Cleaning for a Dust-free and Hygienic Environment
Stainless steel is straightforward to clean and keep clean; this is why it is used in commercial kitchens for food preparation. When used in industrial flooring applications, you can easily clean any spillages or dirt from the flooring. Using microfiber cloths or mops can help you to keep the floor clean, along with gentle detergents or soap mixed with water, thus reducing the chance of dirt accumulation or bacteria growth.
Beauty Meets Functionality by Aesthetic Appeal and Versatile Finishes
One of the best benefits of choosing stainless steel flooring is that it is available in a range of finishes to enhance its modern and attractive appearance. You can choose a finish that meets your standards and fits in well with your current decor to enhance the space it is in, be it a polished finish, mill-finished or brushed finish, to name a few. On top of this, stainless steel is scratch resistant due to its multi-directional polishing marks meaning scratches are hidden, helping to maintain its appearance for longer. And if you do notice scratches, you can use stainless steel polish to revive its lustre and remove surface scratches.
Save Time and Money through Effortless Fabrication and Low-Maintenance
Modern technology allows for stainless steel to be fabricated in various ways allowing for easier installation and lower maintenance costs. Stainless steel can be welded, fabricated, machined, cut and formed much like regular steel. This allows for easier fabrication and a quicker installation time. On top of this, one of the benefits of choosing stainless steel flooring is relatively easy maintenance, meaning it needs very little care upon installation.
It is easy to clean, though does require regular cleaning to ensure it is kept in good condition, with inspections to ensure no damage has been sustained. Its durability means you can be confident of getting longevity from your flooring with fewer repairs and longer times between replacements, making it a low-cost flooring option for any industry.
Investing in Long-lasting Solutions
Stainless steel doesn't damage easily, meaning you can invest in this product as a long-lasting solution for both temporary and permanent flooring options. When cared for properly, stainless steel flooring should not rust and can last the lifespan of a project or longer. It might seem like a costly choice to start with, but stainless steel is the least expensive material option when evaluated over several years.
The life cycle of stainless steel can be infinite upon recycling opportunities, and there are instances in history where this material has been used for centuries. However, a life span of 20 years prior to being recycled can provide you with a longer-lasting solution.
Return On Investment Over Time (ROI)
As it doesn’t damage easily, when you invest in steel for flooring you can retain its resale value, giving you a portion of the flooring cost back should you resell it. This return on investment isn't as high as other materials, which can become damaged and unusable over time. If you're looking for a durable option that is a good investment, stainless steel flooring can provide you with a good ROI over time.
Stainless Steel Is An Eco-Friendly Choice
As mentioned in the above points, stainless steel is incredibly durable, with an average life span of 20 years spent on care and its application. This means when it comes to environmentally friendly options, it is one of the best sustainable flooring options around. On top of this, stainless steel is 100% recyclable as the same product, so even when you no longer have use for it within your company, you can have it recycled and repurposed, which further reinforces sustainable factors and eco-friendly benefits.
The Environmental Advantages of Stainless Steel
When considering the benefits of choosing stainless steel flooring, it's important to remember its environmental advantages.
The life cycle of stainless steel is calculated on three scenarios; use of virgin materials, global operations and recyclability. On average, stainless steel, when recycled into other products, has a recycled content rate of up to 85%. But you also need to consider the energy efficiency of stainless steel. While it can be energy intensive to produce, its usability and longevity reduce its energy consumption when being used and the fact you can recycle all or some of the product once its initial use is no longer needed; makes stainless steel an environmentally friendly and an incredibly sustainable flooring choice for industries to implement in their building design and construction.
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