Floor Refinishing Basics
Floors are frequently the most abused part of any business or home. They are also the most often ignored. But when floors become damaged or worn out, they become dangerous. Industrial and business space managers frequently choose an Epoxy Flooring contractor to refinish the company or warehouse floor space, making the floor space safer and more attractive.
Epoxy flooring is also an effective refinishing process used in homes and businesses. Home craftsmen and homeowners that spend a great deal of time in the garage or basement often choose to refinish their concrete floors using any number of modern treatment and refinishing compounds.
Interestingly, color is a major consideration when choosing to refinish heavily used floor space. Of course in the basement or garage, color can impact the value of the property. However in a warehouse or industrial space, color takes on a more important role. Adding contrast to the worker’s view is an important consideration in improving overall plant safety.
How does a homeowner or warehouse operator select a floor refinishing product or process? Fortunately, there really are only two main considerations. The floor material should be OSHA approved and be a ‘Polyaspartic’ compound.
OSHA approval is necessarily difficult to acquire. Usually calculated as a coefficient of friction for wet and dry conditions, companies and materials that are OSHA approved have passed a rigorous testing process. Purchasers can be confident when purchasing from an OSHA approved product that the finished floor will provide years of useful service.
“Polyaspartics” is a term used to describe the latest in floor coating materials. This type of compound is 100% UV proof and cures very quickly - usually in less than four hours. Industrial clients find this particularly attractive as warehouse space need not be taken out of service for an extended period of time.
Installing or refinishing concrete floors can be a challenging process. Although some home-project craftsmen will take on the project themselves, many choose to contract the business. Industrial clients nearly always contract the business as the size of the space to be treated requires some degree of professional help.
Experience is exceptionally important in working with materials that few have experience handling. Reputable contractors providing floor refinishing services - especially to industrial and warehouse clients - ensure that proper ventilation is in place at time of application. As epoxy is not a frequently handled substance, experienced and professional help decreases the risk of improper application.
Research into flooring material can reveal good contractors and application techniques. Investing time in this process can make the difference between successful completion and a floor that requires additional maintenance in the near future.
Concrete Solutions International provides proven service installing and reconditioning industrial and warehouse floor space. For more information on industrial and warehouse flooring and epoxy floor coatings, please visit the organization website. Also published at Floor Refinishing Basics.