self-storage units

Resin flooring can sometimes be more expensive in the short term than using other materials, this can be as a result of a potential increased cost of materials as well as the outlay for specialist trained resin contractors to install the product, but its durability alone makes it an extremely cost-effective option, as you won’t need to replace it for many years.

And, when you take into account other savings that you can generate as a result of selecting resin flooring, such as reduced maintenance, cleaning and energy costs, it makes sense that an investment now will continue to pay dividends in the long term too!

In a nutshell, yes. Although typically installed in institutional and commercial venues, comfort resin flooring offers the same safety benefits enjoyed by high-build and self-smoothing polyurethane flooring systems such as excellent durability, chemical, UV and slip-resistance.

Comfort floors should be installed by experienced applicators in the field of resin flooring systems. Any cracks in the substrate should be bandaged or a levelling screed should be used to ensure a smooth, level surface prior to the installation of polyurethane comfort flooring. Comfort resin floors act like a skim and will highlight any imperfections in the substrate when cured if preparation isn’t taken seriously.

The area needs to be sealed prior to installation, with all windows and doors firmly closed, as well as free from any moisture or dust particles. If underfloor heating is incorporated into the substrate, this should be switched on and set to roughly 22°C before installation can begin. Most resin comfort floors are two to three-layer systems and typically a day is recommended between each coat.

Resins are seamless in nature and don’t include joints or grout lines, which are susceptible to harbouring dirt, grease, bacteria and stains in general. Dust and dirt can simply be swept, mopped or hoovered away and the floor cleaned according to manufacturer’s guidelines based on the surface profile of the floor.

Resin flooring is also extremely strong and durable, meaning that it has an extended service life compared to other floor coverings. Installed properly, and with the correct maintenance, it can last for years without cracking or peeling, meaning that you won’t have to replace the floor or carry out repairs as frequently than you would if using other materials.

Major benefits of resin comfort floors include the reduced risk of cracking due to the increased flexibility of the polyurethane resin and a reduction in noise transmission caused by footfall in multi-level spaces.

Resin comfort floors are also extremely hygienic and very easy to clean given their seamless and smooth finish – plus they come in a vast (virtually limitless) range of colours, decorative effects and unique motion patterns.

The durability of resin flooring makes it more cost-effective when compared with other flooring systems such as tiles, sheet vinyl and linoleum, it’s more resilient, prone to wear and tear and therefore generally lasts a lot longer.

Resin comfort flooring is made up of layers of flexible polyurethane resin that is liquid-applied onto a primed concrete substrate or alternatively a rubber mat, rubber crumb or cork underlay.

Resin comfort flooring is also frequently referred to as liquid-vinyl or cushioned resin flooring. All of these terms; ‘comfort’, ‘cushioned’, ‘vinyl’ – make reference to the floors’ somewhat unique properties of providing a cushioning effect underfoot…this quite literally makes these floors more comfortable, warmer and surprisingly soft underfoot for those using them to walk and work on.

With correct care and maintenance, resin comfort floors can last well in excess of 10, 15, 20 years, even longer still with the routine refurbishment of the topcoat. At the end of their lifespan, resin comfort floors can simply be overlaid whereas with sheet vinyl or linoleum this typically needs to be removed and disposed of.

Resin comfort floors have a very cost-effective life-cycle profile in comparison to alternative floor coverings, albeit a higher square metre rate install cost, reduced maintenance and energy costs over time combined with a longer lifespan makes resin comfort floors the economical choice over the footprint of its service life.

Resin comfort floors have become increasingly popular in institutional facilities over the last few years including schools, colleges, healthcare, medical-care and public leisure facilities.

Whilst being tough and durable, resin comfort floors are also easy to clean which makes them a great choice in these sectors. Resin comfort floors provides the ideal solution for all areas including; entrance foyers, service corridors, classrooms, hospital wards, recreation areas and laboratories.

Including a rubber mat within the build-up of comfort resin floors simply enhances all of the major benefits offered by this type of flooring.

The inclusion of a soft rubber mat makes the floor even more comfortable to walk and work on and also significantly improves acoustics – particularly between floors – deadening unpleasant noise transfer (think of that horrendous screeching noise when the bell rings and you’ve got 35 kids pushing their chairs under their desks right above you!)

Resin flooring can sometimes be more expensive in the short term than using other materials, this can be as a result of a potential increased cost of materials as well as the outlay for specialist trained resin contractors to install the product, but its durability alone makes it an extremely cost-effective option, as you won’t need to replace it for many years.

And, when you take into account other savings that you can generate as a result of selecting resin flooring, such as reduced maintenance, cleaning and energy costs, it makes sense that an investment now will continue to pay dividends in the long term too!

An extremely flat finish can be critical in the finished goods or raw materials warehousing area of an industrial facility, where racking aisles may be narrow and stacked high. A slight deviation in the floor level could spell disaster for forklift truck operators attempted to retrieve goods.

Epoxy, polyurethane and MMA resin floor systems have a self-smoothing property and, provided their installed by an experienced applicator, are capable of achieving SR1 flatness, making them ideally suited to warehouse spaces.

Their seamless application also means that there are no grout lines or breaks in the floor surface in the driveways of warehouse aisles.

Demarcation and colour blocking across the floor space can be used in industrial workspaces to notify employees and visitors of workflows, warn of any potential risks, hazards or dangers as well as highlight safe walkways and / or areas that should remain clear and accessible.

Resins are also available in virtually an unlimited palette of RAL colours to complement any floor demarcation processes that you may have in place.

Slips and trips are one of the most common accidents that occur in the workplace, and one of the reasons for this can be unsuitable floor coverings. With a staff body to protect, it is important to consider this when choosing a floor finish, as well as the service criteria that a floor will be subject to.

For example, areas subject to either wet processes, frequent spillages or those that employ rigorous cleaning regimes such as steam cleaning or hot water wash downs should take particular care to ensure an anti-slip finish when replacing floor coverings or coatings.

Liquid-applied resin floor systems are great to custom build any safety features that you require from your floor within your workspace, surface profiles can be tailored to include quartz, aluminium oxide, glass spheres or silicon carbide in order to enhance the slip resistance profile of the floor finish.

Resins are seamless in nature and don’t include joints or grout lines, which are susceptible to harbouring dirt, grease, bacteria and stains in general. Dust and dirt can simply be swept, mopped or hoovered away and the floor cleaned according to manufacturer’s guidelines based on the surface profile of the floor.

Resin flooring is also extremely strong and durable, meaning that it has an extended service life compared to other floor coverings. Installed properly, and with the correct maintenance, it can last for years without cracking or peeling, meaning that you won’t have to replace the floor or carry out repairs as frequently than you would if using other materials.

Epoxy, polyurethane, MMA and polyurethane concrete all exhibit good resistance to a range of chemicals associated with cleaning agents or foodstuffs.

For more aggressive chemicals or food & beverages ingredients such as hydrochloric acid, sugars, oils, blood and detergents, heavy-duty polyurethane concrete provides a resistant surface underfoot.

That said, not all chemicals are created equal, so it’s important to check that your choice of flooring material will be suitable for the specific chemicals found in your processes or facility.

Industrial and manufacturing spaces are often subject to heavy loads, equipment and machinery as well as the constant coming and going of rubber-wheeled forklift truck traffic and other punishing processes.

As a result, durability in a flooring material is often critical to avoid the risk of floor failure or the surface wearing far too soon and having the headache of having to replace it all over again!

Epoxy, polyurethane and MMA resin surfaces have a longer lifespan compared to most other flooring solutions. Resin creates a hard, fast bond that is much stronger than just concrete and is highly resistant and able to withstand impact and heavy-duty industrial wear and tear.

Resin also has the advantage of offering a degree of flexibility under stress; this property gives it durability under impact and thermal shock.

The chemical resistance of flooring materials largely depends on a number of specific factors, including the type of chemical, its concentration, and the temperature and degree of surface contact time.

Polyurethane Concrete

Generally speaking, polyurethane concrete systems such as vebrocrete offer a good degree of chemical resistance to a wide range or acids, alkalis, and solvents. For low to medium concentrations of organic acids such as hydrochloric, acetic, lactic and formic, polyurethane systems demonstrate excellent chemical resistance.

However, some stronger concentrations of these types of acid can cause some surface staining, usually without loss of physical strength properties even at elevated temperatures over prolonged surface contact.

Additionally, polyurethane concrete systems offer excellent chemical resistance to solvents and alkalis at low, medium and high strength concentrations at prolonged periods of contact and temperatures with minimal surface staining and loss of physical strength properties.

Methyl-methacrylate

For chemical resistance to high strength organic acids, even with prolonged exposure, methyl-methacrylate (MMA) chemistries such a vebrospeed offer superior resistance against surface staining without loss of physical strength properties. Additionally, MMA systems offer good chemical resistance to a variety of alkalis at various strength and concentrations. However MMA systems are generally not suited to solvents and should be avoided in facilities where solvents will be present.

Epoxy

Epoxy systems, such as various systems in the vebrores range, are generally suited to weak to medium strength acids including organic and inorganic acids like boric and phosphoric, but are not suited to high concentration organic and inorganic acids. Epoxy systems generally offer good chemical resistance to a variety of alkalis at various concentrations, but are more susceptible to attack from medium strength acids at elevated temperatures. Epoxy systems have limited chemical resistance to solvents dependant upon solvent type, temperature and duration of exposure.

Resin flooring can sometimes be more expensive in the short term than using other materials, this can be as a result of a potential increased cost of materials as well as the outlay for specialist trained resin contractors to install the product, but its durability alone makes it an extremely cost-effective option, as you won’t need to replace it for many years.

And, when you take into account other savings that you can generate as a result of selecting resin flooring, such as reduced maintenance, cleaning and energy costs, it makes sense that an investment now will continue to pay dividends in the long term too!

MMA is considered a specialist product; and due to the material’s reduced working time, applicators need to be trained on the correct installation techniques by the manufacturer to ensure effective installation. Vebro Polymers can recommend a number of trained applicator partners who are able to quote your MMA resin flooring project. 

The curing process of traditional epoxy and polyurethane systems with longer cure times could be affected by precipitation or temperature cycling, but owing to its incredibly quick speed of cure, MMA flooring systems can be installed outside with little concern for changing weather conditions.  

MMA systems are also UV-stable, so once they have been installed in outdoor locations, their colour will remain unaffected by exposure to sunlight. 

Slips and trips are one of the most common accidents that occur in the workplace, and one of the reasons for this can be unsuitable floor coverings. With a staff body to protect, it is important to consider this when choosing a floor finish, as well as the service criteria that a floor will be subject to.

For example, areas subject to either wet processes, frequent spillages or those that employ rigorous cleaning regimes such as steam cleaning or hot water wash downs should take particular care to ensure an anti-slip finish when replacing floor coverings or coatings.

Liquid-applied resin floor systems are great to custom build any safety features that you require from your floor within your workspace, surface profiles can be tailored to include quartz, aluminium oxide, glass spheres or silicon carbide in order to enhance the slip resistance profile of the floor finish.

Resins are seamless in nature and don’t include joints or grout lines, which are susceptible to harbouring dirt, grease, bacteria and stains in general. Dust and dirt can simply be swept, mopped or hoovered away and the floor cleaned according to manufacturer’s guidelines based on the surface profile of the floor.

Resin flooring is also extremely strong and durable, meaning that it has an extended service life compared to other floor coverings. Installed properly, and with the correct maintenance, it can last for years without cracking or peeling, meaning that you won’t have to replace the floor or carry out repairs as frequently than you would if using other materials.

During the cure process of MMA floor coating materials, each layer effectively welds itself to the previous coat. This creates a monolithic coating that is incredibly durable and will not delaminate. 

The seamless application of MMA flooring results in a surface that is free of joints, grooves and other areas where bacteria naturally builds up. 

Its impressive durability also minimises the risk of damage from dropped tools, objects or equipment, so the integrity and inherent seamless hygienic nature of the floor finish is maintained. 

Not only does MMA flooring cure in as little as one hour, meaning operations in facilities where the floor is being refurbished can return to normal quickly, MMA floor coating systems can also be installed over a variety of substrates, including steel, concrete and tiles. 

Cured MMA flooring does not smell, and while the smell exhibited by the liquid components of MMA flooring can be unpleasant, it is not considered dangerous. 

Installation teams can minimise the smell during installation, as well as any odours that may linger, by ensuring adequate ventilation and using appropriate extraction equipment. 

Because MMA flooring materials can cure in temperatures as low as -30°C, this ventilation is very unlikely to interfere with the curing process. 

MMA resin flooring is best known for its rapid cure and versatility. MMA-based acrylics can be installed fast and fully cure in less than two hours in temperatures as low as -30°C.

In addition, MMA resin flooring exhibits very high scratch resistance, can withstand service temperatures up to 70°C, has a low-glare satin matt finish and is often available in a decorative range of colours and finishes including decorative PVA flake and quartz blends.

MMA resin flooring also has an excellent chemical resistance profile and can withstand a wide range of acids and caustics, especially the organic acids used in the food processing industry.

The low-temperature cure capability allows them to be used during cold weather and in freezers and coolers. They are highly resistant to UV light, staining and marring, and they do not chalk or yellow.

The chemical resistance of flooring materials largely depends on a number of specific factors, including the type of chemical, its concentration, and the temperature and degree of surface contact time.

Polyurethane Concrete

Generally speaking, polyurethane concrete systems such as vebrocrete offer a good degree of chemical resistance to a wide range or acids, alkalis, and solvents. For low to medium concentrations of organic acids such as hydrochloric, acetic, lactic and formic, polyurethane systems demonstrate excellent chemical resistance.

However, some stronger concentrations of these types of acid can cause some surface staining, usually without loss of physical strength properties even at elevated temperatures over prolonged surface contact.

Additionally, polyurethane concrete systems offer excellent chemical resistance to solvents and alkalis at low, medium and high strength concentrations at prolonged periods of contact and temperatures with minimal surface staining and loss of physical strength properties.

Methyl-methacrylate

For chemical resistance to high strength organic acids, even with prolonged exposure, methyl-methacrylate (MMA) chemistries such a vebrospeed offer superior resistance against surface staining without loss of physical strength properties. Additionally, MMA systems offer good chemical resistance to a variety of alkalis at various strength and concentrations. However MMA systems are generally not suited to solvents and should be avoided in facilities where solvents will be present.

Epoxy

Epoxy systems, such as various systems in the vebrores range, are generally suited to weak to medium strength acids including organic and inorganic acids like boric and phosphoric, but are not suited to high concentration organic and inorganic acids. Epoxy systems generally offer good chemical resistance to a variety of alkalis at various concentrations, but are more susceptible to attack from medium strength acids at elevated temperatures. Epoxy systems have limited chemical resistance to solvents dependant upon solvent type, temperature and duration of exposure.