Commercial/Industrial Flooring Project Guide

Starting Your Project

In order to be appropriate for the application at hand, commercial/industrial flooring must meet certain specifications related to durability, style, maintenance, budget, longevity, and more. Concrete floors are often used in these types of environments because they are relatively affordable and easy to install. However, untreated concrete is porous, so floor coatings are required for most applications.

Floor coatings help protect the concrete from degrading and can also add aesthetic value, especially for customer-facing applications.

Chapter 1

Commercial/Industrial Flooring Options

For small businesses that want to keep costs low, DIY commercial/industrial flooring installation is an option with certain types of coatings.

Epoxy

For environments in which durability is a high priority, self-leveling epoxy floor coatings are an excellent option. They are resistant to impact, abrasion, corrosion, and rust, which allows floors to stand up to more wear and tear over the years. When deciding what type of epoxy floor coating is best for your application, consider how the space will be used. For better flexibility and water resistance, choose a polyamide-cured epoxy, and for better chemical resistance, choose an amine-cured product. For extreme chemical resistance to both acid and alkali compounds, a thicker product such as Duraamen’s Novolac is a good choice. 

The color of the floor can be customized to match your preferences, and the seamless, smooth finish is easy to clean. Regardless of the type of epoxy floor you install, it is generally recommended to coat it with polyurethane for sun protection and to prevent chalking.

Methyl methacrylate

Methyl methacrylate, also known as MMA, is an acrylic resin that can be used for both interior and exterior applications. One of the greatest advantages of this type of commercial/industrial flooring system is that it cures within just a couple of hours, which makes it ideal for reducing downtime. However, indoor installations do require adequate ventilation because of the strong odor, so it’s a good idea to do it when the space is not occupied. 

MMA’s bonding properties allow it to be applied over most types of existing flooring. It can also be installed in fairly extreme temperatures, so if the environment is exposed to high heat or cold, this is a good option. MMA floors are also resistant to both organic acids and lye, and they’re impervious to water and other liquids. Because MMA does not degrade when exposed to UV light, no additional sealing or coating layers are required. 

MMA can also be mixed with antimicrobial agents for applications that require it. The surface can be customized with anti-slip products as well as quartz, sand, and pigments to create a unique color and texture.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a relatively thin film that is most often used as a topcoat with acrylic and epoxy flooring to provide UV protection as well as abrasion and chemical resistance. Some polyurethane sealers yellow over time with UV exposure, so be sure to select one that does not do this if coloring is an issue. It can also be blended with cement and sand to create an ultra-durable floor coating. 

If your existing floor is in good condition, a polyurethane sealer can be applied to make it more resistant to scuffing and general wear and tear. With a typical curing time of 24-48 hours, this is a cost-effective way to lengthen the life span of your existing floor. 

Polyaspartic resins

A subgroup of polyureas, polyaspartic resins offer several advantages for DIY commercial/industrial flooring. With a relatively fast curing time of 1-4 hours and no odor, polyaspartic resins can be safely applied in occupied spaces and require minimal downtime. You can also control the reaction rate during application to match your pace and desired cure time. There are no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the product, which is why there is no odor, and it can be applied without the use of any solvents. 

After the floor has cured, it is light-stable, so it will not yellow over time, even if it’s applied as a clear coat. Pigments and broadcast media can also be added to create a customized look and feel. Polyaspartic coatings are more resistant to chemicals and abrasion than other types of resins, making them a great option for a range of applications. 

Elastomeric coatings

Elastomeric coatings, which are often a type of MMA resin, are both thick and flexible, with low water permeability. This makes them a good choice for outdoor applications such as parking decks, pool areas, and roofs, and interior applications such as pools, showers, gyms, and spas. Because they are so thick, they can also fill in minor cracking, so the substrate beneath doesn’t have to undergo major repairs before the coating is applied. 

Chapter 2

What to Consider When Choosing Commercial/Industrial Flooring

Because there is no single commercial/industrial flooring system that is ideal for every application, it’s important to know what the floor will be exposed to and how it will be used. Start by prioritizing the features that are most important, and then choose the product that best matches your needs. 

Strength/durability

A floor with light foot traffic doesn’t need to be as durable as one that is constantly exposed to large machinery or heavy objects being dropped. When deciding what type of floor to install, determine:

• How the floor will be used
• Whether it has to withstand heavy objects and vehicles
• Whether objects will regularly be dropped or slide across the surface

Texture 

Safety is a major consideration for both employees and customers, which is why the texture of a floor can be so important, especially in applications where the floor is often wet. Some of the texture qualities to consider include:

• Nonslip
• Glossy, matte, satin
• Abrasion-resistant

Chemical exposure

In industrial settings, floors can be exposed to a range of chemicals that could potentially damage them or cause them to wear quickly. Think about the types of compounds that might come into contact with the floor and plan accordingly. These might include:

• Acids
• Bases
• Oil
• Solvents
• Rust
• Cleaning agents

Temperature exposure

Some types of flooring cannot withstand extreme temperatures, so if this is a likely condition for your application, it’s important to choose the right type of coating. Consider whether your environment is likely to have:

• High heat
• Extreme cold
• Temperatures that change dramatically

Style

Although functionality is a top priority for commercial/industrial flooring, aesthetics also matter, especially for areas that are visible to current and potential customers. When considering your options, ask: 

• What custom colors are available?
• Can you use multiple colors to create unique patterns?

Installation conditions

The existing floor and surrounding conditions are also important considerations. Know the answers to these questions before you start the selection process:

• How fast do you need a new floor?
• Will you need to maintain operations?

How much downtime can you afford?

Chapter 3

How to Choose Commercial/Industrial Flooring

Start by making a list of the many ways the floor will likely be used and the minimum requirements it will have to meet. Once you determine how the floor will be used and the conditions it has to withstand, you’re in a better position to decide which DIY commercial/industrial flooring solution is right for your application. Narrow down the list based on your highest priorities and then review the specification sheets to ensure that all of your performance requirements are met. 

There are several factors to weigh, and if you’re not familiar with all of the options and what the specifications mean, it can be difficult to decide which option is best. A company like Duraamen can help you decide which flooring solution makes the most sense for your needs. Our experts are familiar with all types of applications and might have ideas that you haven’t even considered. You can also view our training videos to get an idea of the installation steps required for the various types of flooring you are considering.

Have questions about your basement flooring project? Contact one of our flooring experts today.

Visit our training section to learn how to apply finishes or contact one of our experts for advice on your next flooring project.