FeRFA is the UK’s leading trade association for the industrial and commercial resin flooring, screeding and surface preparation industries.  

The leading authority for over 50 years on resin flooring systems, FeRFA has led the way in promoting the benefits of resin flooring as a high performance solution for industrial and commercial applications, as well as taking a leading role in developing national and international standards for resin flooring, screeding and surface preparation. 

FeRFA Floor Types

In line with BS 8204-6, Section 6.2, FeRFA divides polymer flooring into eight groups that define the specific criteria of a polymer floor — ranging from light duty floor sealers, through to extremely hardwearing trowel finished aggregate-filled floor systems. 

While the general rule of thumb is that the thickness, durability and resistance characteristics increase through the FeRFA types, each of the categories has its own unique characteristics, making it important for anyone considering the specification of polymer flooring to understand the differences between them.  

Type 1: Floor seal (Light Duty) | < 0.15 mm 

Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent or water borne. 

Polymer floor seals are a protective finish, designed to protect and enhance existing substrates. They are often used to shield the floor from water and chemical damage, as well as to provide a decorative finish. 

Type 2: Floor coating (Light / Medium Duty) | 0.15 – 0.3 mm 

Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent free.  

Typically two-component epoxy or polyurethane systems that are applied to a prepared substrate. The floor coating system can provide a hard wearing and decorative finish, as well as resistance to abrasion, chemical attack and impact. These systems are typically used in areas such as warehouses, factories and garages. 

Type 3: High build floor coating (Medium Duty) | 0.3 – 1.0 mm 

Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent free. 

Two-component epoxy based floor coatings that provide excellent wear and chemical resistance and are used to protect industrial and commercial floors in medium duty areas such as warehouses and factories. The high build coating systems can be applied to new concrete or existing epoxy substrates. Easy to apply and offering excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals, high-builds are typically ready for traffic within 24 hours, as well as being available in a range of colours. High build coatings are often considered the ideal choice for a wide range of applications. 

Type 4: Multi-layer flooring (Medium / Heavy Duty) | > 2.0 mm  

Aggregate dressed systems based on multiple layers of floor coatings or flow-applied floorings, often described as ‘sandwich’ systems.  

Typically systems that consist of multiple layers, including a base coat, a wear layer and a sealer. The base layer provides adhesion to the substrate, while the wear layer gives the floor resistance to wear and tear. The sealant layer protects the floor from dirt, moisture and other contaminants. Multi-layer flooring systems are often chosen for areas that require a heavy-duty flooring system. 

Type 5: Flow applied flooring (Medium / Heavy Duty) | 2.0 – 3.0 mm 

Often referred to as ‘self-smoothing’ or ‘self-levelling’ flooring and having a smooth surface.  

Seamless, durable and flexible flooring systems suitable for medium to heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications. Typically two-component and applied using a roller or trowel, and available in a variety of colours and textures. Self levelling flooring is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and solvents, and is easy to clean and maintain. It can also be slip resistant and used in wet and dry environments. Flow applied flooring is ideal for areas subject to heavy foot traffic, equipment and light vehicular traffic. 

Type 6: Resin screed flooring (Medium / Heavy Duty) | > 4.0 mm 

Trowel-finished, heavily filled systems, generally incorporating a surface seal coat to minimise porosity.  

Medium to heavy duty flooring systems, designed for industrial and commercial applications, consisting of an epoxy or polyurethane resin base coat, a quartz bead aggregate and a durable topcoat. The highly durable, resistant systems offer excellent protection against moisture and are easy to clean. Suitable for a variety of applications, including warehouses, factories and manufacturing areas, as well as retail and leisure facilities, the systems are also slip resistant and can be applied in various colours and textures to suit individual requirements. 

Type 7: Heavy duty flowable flooring (Heavy / Very Heavy Duty) | 4.0 – 6.0 mm 

Having a smooth surface.  

Designed to provide a seamless, hard-wearing and durable finish to floors in industrial and commercial applications. They are generally applied up to 6.0 mm and can be used in areas subject to heavy traffic and / or chemical and oil spills. The relatively-quick-to-install flooring solution delivers minimal downtime for businesses considering the durability payoff. 

Type 8: Heavy duty Resin flooring (Very Heavy Duty) | > 6.0 mm 

Trowel-finished, aggregate filled systems effectively impervious throughout their thickness. 

Highly durable, seamless, and low-maintenance flooring systems that are ideal for areas with high foot traffic and heavy machinery. Extremely resistant to impact, abrasion and chemicals, the systems are also very easy to clean, with no need for waxing or buffing required. 

Looking for polymer flooring specification advice? Contact your local team today.