Resin floors are becoming increasingly popular in commercial and industrial environments due to their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal. The floors can be laid over a number of surfaces and are highly customisable. They are also resistant to impact damage and easy to clean, which helps address a number of common health and safety concerns. While resin floors are generally more hygienic than other types of flooring, they do require some level of maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well.
The type of resin flooring contractors you choose will depend on the level of slip, chemical and electrical resistance you need for your business premises. PMMA, polyurethane and epoxy are the three main types of resin floor you can have installed at your facility, each of which has different characteristics and uses.
PMMA flooring, which is also known as acrylic resin, is commonly used in UK factories and production facilities because of its high levels of slip and chemical resistance. The flooring is designed to be tough and durable, and is often customised with anti-slip additives and decorative flakes. It can be a good choice for food and beverage production facilities because it is easy to clean and doesn’t harbour bacteria as well as other materials.
Another advantage of PMMA resin is that it has a very fast application and curing process. This means that the floor can be rolled out and cured within a weekend, which reduces downtime for the facility. However, it is not as strong as some other resins and needs a skid-resistant layer to prevent slipping.
Polyurethane resin (often referred to as PU) is similar to PMMA in terms of its impact, abrasion and chemical resistance. However, it is able to cope with much higher temperatures and direct heat, which makes it the flooring of choice in many UK bakeries where hot trolleys are left to cool down. It is also a good option for workshops and scientific labs that handle chemicals with varying properties, as the resin can resist a wide range of chemical combinations and temperatures.
Epoxy resin, which is a thermo-set material, has a very hard and tough surface that protects the underlying concrete base and bonding layers. It is also highly durable, and can withstand impact, abrasion, water ingress and a variety of chemicals. However, if you are working with extremely toxic chemicals, it is advisable to opt for a different flooring solution.
All resin floors are more hygienic than other types, but you will still need to perform regular maintenance on your resin floor to ensure it remains in good condition. Regular cleaning and the addition of an appropriate floor sealer should help to prolong its lifespan.
Whether you are investing in a new factory floor, an industrial warehouse or a retail store, you can be sure that the right resin floor will enhance your business’s productivity and profitability. Contact a specialist resin floor contractor today to find out more about the benefits of these cost-effective and hard-wearing floor surfaces.