Whether you need a hygienic, durable industrial floor for your commercial or manufacturing space or simply want a beautiful statement showpiece in your storefront or office lobby, seamless resin floors offer unmatched durability. Their non-porous surface makes it easy to wipe away stains and spills. Plus, they prevent bacteria and other harmful microbes from hiding and growing in the crevices of traditional concrete floors. Resin flooring is also sustainable as you can easily use cleaning and disinfectant products without the need for harsh chemicals and equipment that would be harmful to the environment or your employees.
But before you can enjoy these perks, your floor must be installed correctly. The best way to ensure your new flooring lasts for decades is to plan each step of the process carefully. This includes ensuring you have the right floor system for your needs and budget, preparing the substrate and the surrounding areas, and taking into account factors that can impact the success of your install.
All resin floors london require some form of pre-install prep to ensure the material bonds successfully and protects the underlying substrate from moisture, corrosion and other environmental hazards. This can involve priming, abrading, grinding and testing the substrate for moisture content. A poor-quality, substandard substrate can result in expensive problems after your floor is finished, so you should never cut corners when it comes to prep.
Once the prep work is complete, you can begin applying your resin layers. The order and number of layers will depend on the type of floor you want and your specific project requirements. Before starting, you should have a clear idea of who will be working on the project, what tools and equipment will be required, and how long each phase will take. This will help you make the most of your install time and minimize costly mistakes.
The most durable, cost-effective resin floors are made of epoxy, PMMA or polyurethane, all of which have their own unique benefits depending on your environment. However, PMMA stands out because it has a super-fast application and cure time at temperatures as low as 0°C. This makes it suitable for the harshest industrial and manufacturing spaces, as well as for applications where downtime is at a premium.
Epoxy and polyurethane are extremely hard, providing an impenetrable barrier to impact, abrasion, water ingress, oil and a wide range of chemicals. They also have a great level of slip resistance, making them an ideal choice for high traffic commercial and industrial environments.
For decorative resin floors, you’ll apply your base coats with a broadcast or trowel method, then add a layer of aggregate to create texture and visual appeal. The sand used for decorative floor systems can be broadcast or troweled, and it can be either coarse or fine. For a more textural finish, you can also opt for slurry application where the sand is mixed directly into the resin. Adding textural components to your floor can make the surface more visually appealing and give it a unique, personalized look.