Whether it be a warehouse, production line, retail environment, or any other industrial space, the most important factor to consider when choosing industrial flooring types and materials is its performance. As we discuss below, there are a range of considerations when evaluating which industrial flooring types are best suited to your needs. Fortunately, there are now many different industrial flooring types available to suit a range of applications, from concrete flooring to steel flooring, epoxy flooring, and polyurethane flooring all the way up to commercial concrete and industrial tiles.
Evaluating Different Industrial Flooring Types
The main consideration when choosing your industrial flooring type is its performance and ability to withstand the pressures of heavy use. This means considering factors such as abrasion, chemical resistance, moisture ingress, thermal shock, and slip resistance. The type of industry might also impact the things to consider, like hygiene (in food production areas), fire resistance (in petrochemical industries), or safety (in workshops).
Impacts Abrasion
Abrasion is one of the most common types of impact industrial floors must endure. Due to this, the chosen flooring should be hard-wearing and able to withstand the physical stresses caused by heavy traffic, machinery, and equipment.
Thermal Shock
In certain industrial settings, thermal shock can be an issue as it causes rapid fluctuations in temperature, which can lead to cracking and crumbling. Therefore, choosing industrial flooring types that are designed to withstand sudden temperature changes is important for ensuring long-term performance.
Chemical Attack
Industrial floors are often exposed to a range of different chemicals that can cause damage if not protected properly. The industrial flooring solution should provide resistance to these chemical attacks and be easy to clean.
Slip Resistance
It is also important to consider slip resistance when selecting your industrial flooring types, especially in areas where liquids are present or workers might encounter wet surfaces. Anti-slip coatings are available, which provide increased grip and reduce the risk of falls or accidents. Industrial flooring options, such as steel flooring, are also available in slip-resistant varieties.
Moisture Ingress
Moisture ingress is another factor to consider when choosing industrial flooring types, particularly in areas where liquids are commonly spilt. Choosing flooring with a waterproof or water-resistant coating is essential to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the floor.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Finally, a key factor when selecting industrial flooring is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. Floors that are able to resist staining do not require frequent resealing or waxing and can be easily cleaned with a mop or steam cleaner are ideal for keeping up with hygiene standards in busy industrial environments.
Different Popular Industrial Flooring Options
The various different industrial flooring types available include concrete flooring, steel flooring, epoxy flooring, and polyurethane flooring. They all have different advantages and a number of industrial flooring types can be used in combination to create a highly durable surface suitable for industrial applications.
Concrete Flooring
Among the most popular industrial flooring types, concrete's hard-wearing nature makes it well-suited to areas with heavy traffic, machines and equipment, such as warehouses and production lines. It is also low maintenance, as it is easy to clean, highly resistant to wear and tear and can be painted or polished for a more attractive finish. However, polished concrete flooring tends to be prone to cracking - which is a big deal given how difficult it can be to repair. To prevent this, it’s important that the concrete flooring is correctly sealed and maintained regularly. Compared to steel flooring, concrete will lack the same level of slip resistance.
Polished Concrete Flooring
Polished concrete is among the industrial flooring types that are increasingly popular in industrial settings, and this is because of its attractive finish and long-term durability. It has a slick surface, which makes it easy to clean and maintain, as well as providing excellent slip resistance. The main drawback of polished concrete is that it can be expensive to install and may require regular maintenance to keep it looking new. Compared to steel flooring, polished concrete will lack the same level of resistance to chemicals and fire.
Commercial Concrete
Commercial concrete flooring solutions are designed to provide a more attractive finish than traditional concrete. It is usually made from a mixture of cement and aggregate, which can be customised to suit a variety of design options. This type of flooring is ideal for commercial settings as it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance while still being durable enough to withstand the demands of industrial use. However, commercial concrete flooring can be expensive to install and has a shorter lifespan than more traditional industrial flooring options. Compared to steel flooring, it is much less durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Steel Flooring
Another industrial flooring alternative is Steel flooring. With its high levels of strength and durability, it is a popular flooring option for industrial and commercial settings. It is easy to clean and maintain, and provides excellent resistance to wear and tear. Steel flooring can also be painted in a variety of colours for an attractive finish. Compared to its counterparts, steel flooring is the best industrial flooring choice for areas that experience heavy traffic (such as on commercial flooring) or where machinery may be present. This is because of its resistance and strength to damage.
Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is a type of industrial floor coating made from a combination of epoxy resin and polyurethane. It is highly durable and can be customised to suit any design needs, making it ideal for industrial environments. In addition, it is easy to maintain and provides excellent slip resistance. Some of the major drawbacks of epoxy flooring are its susceptibility to chipping and cracking, as well as being prone to staining. Compared to steel flooring, epoxy flooring may lack the same level of wear resistance.
Polyurethane Flooring
Polyurethane flooring is a popular choice among industrial flooring types and is often used in combination with other materials, such as epoxy or concrete. It has a hard-wearing nature, making it well-suited to areas that experience high foot traffic or are subject to heavy machinery. In addition, it can be customised to match your design needs and is easy to clean and maintain. The major drawbacks of polyurethane flooring are its susceptibility to staining and discolouration over time, as well as being prone to scratching and abrasion. Compared to steel flooring, it is not as hard-wearing or resistant to wear and tear.
Industrial Tiles
Industrial tiles are an ideal choice for industrial flooring, offering a variety of colours and designs that can be customised to suit any design needs. It is extremely durable and easy to clean and maintain, as well as providing excellent resistance to wear and tear. However, the major drawback of industrial tiles is that they can be expensive to install and require frequent maintenance in order to keep them looking new. Compared to steel flooring, it may lack the same level of durability when exposed to chemical spills or high temperatures.
Choosing the Most Suitable Industrial Flooring Types
When it comes to industrial and commercial flooring, the right choice depends on your needs and requirements. However, steel is the best option in areas that experience heavy foot traffic or are subject to extreme temperatures and wear. Steel flooring provides high levels of strength and durability, as well as excellent resistance to damage from chemicals and fire. Other materials such as polished concrete, commercial concrete, epoxy flooring, polyurethane flooring and industrial tiles may also be suitable depending on the design needs of a particular area. However, they may lack the same level of durability offered by steel flooring and require regular cleaning and maintenance. In conclusion, steel flooring is among the most cost-effective and durable industrial flooring types.
At Bromsgrove Steel, we understand the importance of investing in long-term quality solutions for your industrial space. With our industrial steel flooring, you can be sure that you will get a durable product that not only looks great but also performs well over time. We are proud of our commitment to providing you with products and services of the highest calibre, so why not contact us today to see how we can help you?
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