Chemical manufacturing is a volatile industry with many safety risks. Chemical manufacturers need to take extra precautions to protect their employees and the environment from potential spills or leaks of harmful chemicals. One way to do this is by installing flooring that resists chemical spills and releases from seeping through into other facility areas. The wrong flooring can lead to a variety of problems, such as safety issues and corrosion. For this reason, it is crucial that you choose wisely when deciding on what type of flooring will be best for your facility.
What is acid-proof flooring?
Acid-proof flooring is a type of specialized flooring that you can use for chemical manufacturers. These floors are specifically designed to resist the corrosive properties of acid spills and leaks from certain chemicals, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acids. To create an acid-resistant surface, many times, these manufacturers will use epoxy coatings over concrete slabs, which creates a smooth and nonporous surface allowing liquids and other materials to slide right off with ease preventing them from seeping into other areas below the coating. Furthermore, this process eliminates costly repairs down the road by providing protection against corrosion caused by acidic substances found in typical manufacturing facilities.
Will chemical resistant make my floors unattractive?
No, chemical-resistant flooring is actually quite attractive. In fact, most manufacturers who use acid resistant floor coatings will often install them over clean concrete surfaces because the coating process seals and fills any cracks or pores that may exist in your current floor. This often results in a smooth surface with little to no seams showing after the installation of their product has been completed. This allows for an even distribution of weight across the area, making it safe for foot traffic while also remaining aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Benefits of chemical resistant flooring systems
There are many benefits to using acid-resistant flooring for chemical manufacturers. They include:
1. Stain Resistance
Acid-resistant floors are resistant to staining from most common chemicals used in the manufacturing process. This means that spills and leaks will not penetrate your flooring system, thus preventing corrosion of metal beams below it which could lead to a collapse of the surface.
2. Low odor
Many chemical-resistant floors have a very low odor while being applied. This allows you to use the same flooring system in rooms where chemical fumes cannot be tolerated without fear of irritation or adverse health effects from inhalation of these harmful chemicals for your employees.
3. Durability
Once a chemical-resistant floor is installed, it will last for several years since they have been designed specifically for this purpose. This allows you to avoid costly repairs and replacements down the road due to corrosion caused by acidic substances found in typical manufacturing facilities that can eat away at your floors from below after being leaked through cracks or pores within their structure over time.
4. High wear properties
Typically, chemical-resistant floors are made from high-quality materials that have been tested to maintain a high degree of durability and resistance against acids. As a result, their surface will not be damaged easily by chemical spills or leaks from certain substances, allowing them to retain their appearance for several years without fading in color or becoming dull due to exposure over time.
5. The seamless finish aids against bacteria growth
Due to their seamless nature, chemical-resistant floors can prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful pathogens. The reason is that there are no gaps or seams found in traditional flooring materials like tile or linoleum, where dirt and grime could accumulate over time, allowing microorganisms such as staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) to flourish.
6. Slip resistance
Many chemical-resistant floors are designed with slip resistance in mind. Therefore, they will not be as slippery when exposed to certain substances that may happen on accident, thus reducing the likelihood of injury due to falls occurring.
7. Abrasion or skid resistance
The study materials used to create chemical-resistant floors tend to have excellent abrasion resistance. As a result, their surface will not be worn down easily by objects being dragged across the floor, preventing the need for costly repairs overtime to replace your existing surfaces due to excessive wear and tear.
8. Fast-curing properties
One of the benefits of using chemical resistant floor coating is that they can be installed very quickly. This is because they are able to cure more quickly than traditional flooring materials, meaning that the time needed for installation of these surfaces is reduced significantly. Consequently, it allows the production process to continue as usual even while the flooring is being worked on, eliminating wasted time associated with traditional installation methods.
Why does epoxy coating work so well as a protective agent?
Epoxy is an incredibly versatile material that can be used to protect different surfaces from the elements. Chemical resistant epoxy flooring contains two elements known as epoxy resins. These are essentially long polymer chains that have been mixed with curing agents to solidify, creating a firm protective surface. A combination of resin and a curing agent work together to protect a surface from scratches, corrosion, and stains. It is this versatility that makes it such an effective protective agent for use in different situations.
Who can benefit from chemical resistant flooring?
Chemical flooring is ideal for factories that use powerful chemicals in a variety of ways like sanitizing walls, floors, and equipment. This type of flooring is also helpful in various facilities: Commercial kitchens, manufacturing plants, the auto sector, learning institutions, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, food production, cleanrooms, research labs, and many more. For those in Toronto and its surroundings and require a professional contractor for epoxy coatings, acid staining, and concrete polishing, conduct our company, Concrete Your Way, at (416) 626-3332 or email us through [email protected].