There are a variety of industrial flooring options. While they all have generally acceptable levels of durability, you’ll want to choose the flooring option that’s right for your industry. Once installed, keep them lasting for years to come with proper maintenance.
Dairy Brick
Dairy brick has been a popular industrial flooring solution for more than 70 years. It’s easy to customize to a variety of dimensions and situations. Because the bricks are smaller and it’s easier to repair the damage before it gets out of control. There are four things to consider in order to keep your dairy brick well-maintained. First, you’ll want to have your dairy brick repair contractor replace damaged tiles like cracks and mortar joints in order to prevent entire slabs of brick from coming loose. You’ll also want to replace outdated tile drains. Finally, your contractor should be able to do a deep cleaning and surface sealing to make sure they last for many years.
Vitrified Tile
Vitrified tile is a mixture of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica that are molded and pressed into a tile-like product. Its low absorption of liquids makes this an ideal flooring type for indoor and outdoor use and it’s available in a variety of colors and styles. If you have vitrified tile already, you should ensure that it’s properly sealed by a professional and then maintain it by cleaning thoroughly with a pH-neutral cleanser.
Acid Brick
Acid brick is specifically designed to resist corrosive chemicals, standing water, and heat. It’s fired at higher temperatures for longer than traditional bricks. It’s also installed over an impervious membrane that bonds directly to the concrete. Maintenance for acid brick includes repairing damaged bricks and mortar, but also repair linings that come in contact with the masonry to protect it from wear.
Polymer Flooring
Polymer flooring is a seamless solution that can provide non-slip properties as well as be resistant to chemical spills, bacterial contamination, and heat. It’s produced with the use of epoxy and is very corrosion resistant. The easiest way to maintain a polymer floor is to keep it clean by removing all spills immediately. You’ll also want to repair damage like scratches or gouges with a matching material provided by your contractor.
Polished Concrete
Arguably the most durable industrial flooring is polished concrete. The downside is that once poured, it’s difficult to modify. If your industry may require changes or growth in terms of plumbing or equipment, this flooring option may not be ideal. However, if that’s what you’ve already got, the good news is that it’s fairly easy to maintain. If the concrete isn’t decorative, you’ll be able to use routine cleaning with a dry and then wet mop to keep the surface free of abrasives. Give cleaning solutions time to break down the contaminants and then completely vacuum or mop it up. Do not let cleaning solutions dry on the surface.
In conclusion, when considering flooring for your industrial business, the type of flooring you select is almost as important as the maintenance you provide after it’s installed. Most of the flooring types available include some regimen of cleaning using the correct products. However, it’s also important to stay ahead of minor repairs and have them conducted by a contractor who specializes in that flooring type.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
