Industrial floor coatings have protective properties. They often control concrete or steel corrosion or protect flooring in different structures. There are also many types of coatings for different kinds of applications.
With many types of industrial floor coatings on the market, choosing the one you need can be confusing and overwhelming. Is this type of industrial floor coating durable enough for my project? What if it can’t withstand this temperature? These are questions you might have.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of industrial floor coatings and their applications.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrial Floor Coatings
- Advantages of Industrial Floor Coatings
Corrosion Resistance
One of the main advantages and best usage of industrial floor coatings is their corrosion resistance. Industrial floor coatings produce a barrier between the substrate and corrosion-resistant environments. With this barrier, you protect against damage and extend the lifespan of the substrate.
When used alongside concrete adhesives, industrial floor coatings’ corrosion resistance helps ensure the longevity and integrity of different structures. It enhances the overall performance and reliability of various construction and maintenance projects.
Heat Resistance
Industrial floor coatings also have heat resistance properties so that they can be used in high-temperature settings.
Chemical Resistance
This means that industrial floor coatings are generally also resistant to different kinds of chemicals. This resistance protects the substrate, especially from leaks and spills.
Improved Durability and Customizable
Its resistance to different materials makes it a great material to work with, especially with waterproofing materials like polyurea waterproofing and polyurethane waterproofing, which improve its performance. By applying industrial floor coatings to various surfaces, you can also help improve the durability of your floor surface – and even have room to customize them by choosing different finishes and colors, especially for branding purposes!
Many industries, such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing, use industrial floor castings due to their durability and customizability.
Easy Maintenance
Maintenance can be a concern and is of paramount importance because of high industrial cleanliness standards. But it’s a breeze with industrial floor coatings, especially the epoxy kind!
You can mop, sweep, or vacuum to clean and remove dirt, dust, and other messes from these coatings. If spills occur, you can easily wipe them off with a rag.
Cost-effective
There are many industrial floor coatings, but one major benefit is their cost-effectiveness. Our epoxy industrial floor coating helps save time, as old flooring won’t need removal. Even if it might need time to dry, it is still possible to refurbish it.
Repairs with industrial floor coatings are also of great value because they are easy to treat and repair surface flaws.
Protection
Industrial floor coatings provide top-notch protection to your floors (despite their different surfaces) by providing a protective overlay and making them more durable.
The layering on surfaces may require more than one coat of application; this is needed to ensure that the surface will remain bonded to the floor.
Eco-Friendly
Industrial floor coatings use fewer materials and resources. In addition, there’s no need to replace them frequently!
- Disadvantages of Industrial Floor Coatings
Lengthy Preparation Before Installment
Preparing the surface before installing a floor coating requires time and effort. The surface must be free from oil, grease, other impurities, and cracks. Thus, the process requires thorough preparation.
Slippery
As much as possible, refrain from getting the material wet. It needs an additional layer of protection. When it is moist, it can be a challenge where health and safety are concerned,
Slippery when wet. Without installing an additional skid-resistant layer, a resin floor is slippery when wet, challenging health and safety.
Requires Precise Application
Industrial floor coatings need precise application. The ones who should apply it by a specialist team because they would know what to do. The application must be done correctly to be effective.
Coats need to be completely dry before adding another one. If the application is not done correctly, it can lead to more costs.
Types of Industrial Floor Coatings
Epoxy Floor Coating
Epoxy floor coatings have these properties:
- Self-leveling properties
- Strength
- Chemical resistance
- Extreme durability
- Easy cleaning
This type of coating is used in the following industries and settings:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Warehouses
- Industrial floors
Polyurethane Floor Coatings
Polyurethane floor coatings have these properties:
- UV and temperature resistance
- Easy application
- Fast installation
- Chemical and stain resistance
- Slip resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Temperature resistance
- Flexibility
These industries use Polyurethane Floor Coatings:
- Marine
- Automotive
- Construction
Polyaspartic Floor Coatings
What characterizes Polyaspartic floor coatings are these:
- UV radiation resistance
- Heat-resistant
- Chemical-resistant
Polyaspartic floor coatings are used in these industries:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Pharmaceutical
- Food processing
They are also used in stadiums, bridges, and garages and have long lifespans that can last up to 25 years, although they usually last between 10 to 15 years.
PMMA/Synthetic Resin
PMMA is short for Polymethyl methacrylate, another name for synthetic resin. Its cure time is 2-4 hours, and it is an artificial compound. Its appearance is closer to glass than to plastic.
Great things about PMMA are:
- Fast curing time
- Shatter resistance
- Slip resistance
- UV resistance
- Outdoor user-friendly
It is worth noting that it is more expensive than epoxy or PU compared to other types of industrial floor coatings.
It is used in these settings for applications:
- Food commercial production
- Medicine production
- Laboratories
Considerations With Industrial Flooring Systems Installation
Preparing Your Surface
One of the most critical elements of industrial flooring systems is that they have to be prepared well and thoroughly. Before application, the floor requires grinding and sanding, along with cleaning. It is essential to ensure that your surface is wholly clean.
Selection of Floor Coating Material
Another common challenge is choosing the right floor coating, for your project. Many types of floor coatings have different properties that work better with certain environments and settings. You have to choose the one that meets your requirements and works with the necessary tools and surfaces.
We highly recommend the following:
- Seeking second opinions
- Doing your research first on the materials that you’re working with and the projects you are currently working on
Manner of Application
It is imperative that the floor coating is applied correctly to avoid problems such as streaking, bubbles, or uneven coverage. Proper application techniques and following the manufacturer’s instructions ensure a smooth and uniform finish.
Choosing Who Will Apply
The most crucial element in ensuring application is correct, is of course, to pick someone who is capable of doing it right.
To ensure that the application is executed correctly, you need to have a qualified flooring specialist do it. Expertise and precision are two elements required in the installation process.
If not applied correctly, resin floor systems can deteriorate by chipping and peeling off (delamination). It is usually the effect of poor surface preparation. This is also why preparation is important before the application of the product.
Maintenance
We also emphasize that maintenance and inspections are done regularly so that potential issues and damages are spotted. Regular monitoring and maintenance ensures that these tiny issues are resolved immediately, preventing them from becoming bigger.
It is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections to identify potential issues or damages and take appropriate measures to prevent them from becoming significant issues.
Monitoring Other External Factors Before Application
External factors affect the installation and usage of industrial floor coatings. Temperature and humidity are two of these. With temperature, exceptionally high temperatures can affect the performance of the floor coating. Your worst-case scenario is that very high temperatures can cause thermal degradation.
Monitoring not only helps anticipate and treat problems right away, but also ensures that you are doing your due diligence when it comes to maintenance of your projects and other structures.
FAQs
What is the longest-lasting floor coating?
Polyaspartic floor coatings have a reputation for being built to last. They can last up to 25 years, though they generally have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
What is the suitable flooring for an industrial building?
Epoxy flooring is the most suitable for an industrial structure project because it is durable, can withstand heavy and regular traffic, and is cost-effective.
What type of industrial floor coating is most commonly used in industries?
Epoxy flooring is the most commonly used type of industrial floor coating. It is the material most chosen and used because its application is versatile, it works with several other types of material, and it is durable.
Get Durable Industrial Floor Coatings With Sealbond!
Different types of industrial floor coatings are used in various settings and industries. Due to their variety of uses, benefits, and disadvantages, it may seem challenging to pick the type of industrial floor coating you’ll need. Fortunately, we hope that this guide we have prepared has made the act of choosing the kind of floor coating much easier.
Although to each their own, another consideration that you may want to take into account is that you may want to research the details of your project and the best materials to use together for the best outcome.
Sealbond aims to be among the leading construction chemical manufacturing companies in the Philippines, capable of competing in the global market and expanding its presence globally. We offer high-quality industrial floor coatings and custom-made products that meet your construction needs. Secure building success with our products today!
