Using concrete flooring in workplace environments has long been the preferred medium. However, technical and chemical advances now mean that engineered flooring choices not only outperform traditional materials, but also provide markedly improved longevity.
Flooring solution expert, Panther Protective, was approached by Welshpool-based Tasocs and tasked with upgrading a significantly degraded dual workshop area.
Initial Workshop Overview
The initial site visit revealed a double workshop area measuring approximately 500m2. The layout consisted of a washpad and two separate but adjoining workshops. There was significant concrete damage, including cracks, uneven surfaces, corrosion and obvious areas of chemical attack. Water was pooling in many areas. The whole area also had accumulatios of grease and oil, making it very difficult to keep clean.
The Challenges
The client was keen to revamp the whole floor area into an environment that was:
- A smooth, low-risk location for staff to work and safely move machinery and equipment.
- Tough enough to withstand heavy wheeled and foot traffic.
- Highly resistant to regular chemical contamination and high-impact shock.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Had no issues with water pooling.
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Long-lasting.
To achieve the customer’s requirements, Panther’s technical engineers had to overcome five significant challenges.
- Address the extensive concrete damage and corrosion: This was the result of exposure to various elements over a prolonged period.
- Restructure the surface into one that is even and smooth: A high priority as the current state of the floor increased the risk of accidents, both as a trip hazard and during the regular movements and operation of equipment.
- Create a surface that presented no opportunity for water to pool: The current floor had persistent water pooling problems. This was not only a hazard, but also further increased the rate of concrete degradation.
- Use a flooring material that is resistant to chemical attack and high-impact shock: Regular use of chemicals was one reason the current surface was in such poor shape. The nature of the work performed in the vicinity meant that tools and other sharp and/or heavy items regularly impacted the floor.
- Provide a floor that looked good and was easy to clean: Oil and grease accumulation on the concrete surface not only compromised aesthetic appeal, but also created an environment that was difficult to keep clean.
The Solution
After consultation with the Tasocs team, it was decided that a comprehensive epoxy flooring solution would address all the challenges and provide exceptional longevity.
Panther Protective tailor-designed the process that was carried out over a minimal period. This ensured that normal business operations were only interrupted for a very short time.
- Extensive concrete repairs: Our team used high-compressive-strength epoxy screed mortar to restore the integrity of the whole area.
- A specialised epoxy flooring was poured into place: This was tailored to the individual requirements of each area. It consisted of a combination of epoxy high build, 9mm chemical polyurethane and polyaspartic. This ensured the required impact and high-traffic resistance needed.
- Address the uneven surface: A smooth and even floor finish was created with strategic mastic installation.
- Non-slip features: The epoxy provided advanced non-slip solutions, thus further reducing workplace risk.
- Waterproofing: Epoxy is waterproof, guarding against damage from dampness, as well as direct water contact. This, along with evening out the surface, corrected the issue of pooling water.
- Easy to clean: Epoxy is easy to clean. Oil and grease can easily be removed and it’s resistant to virtually all cleaning solutions and chemicals.
- Aesthetically pleasing: The finished product transformed the whole workshop area. It not only looks great but presents a wholly professional and welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers.
In Conclusion
Installing a tailored epoxy-polyaspartic flooring system within the Tasocs workshops efficiently achieved all of the customer’s requirements. From practicalities to aesthetics, all the existing challenges were successfully overcome. The company now benefits from an upgraded workshop area that has enhanced functionality, is easy to maintain, allows for efficient operation and is resistant to all day-to-day impact and chemical attack.
The installation was optimised to Tasocs requirements and carried out quickly, meaning workflow was only minimally interrupted. Such an epoxy flooring system has excellent longevity and, with only minimal cleaning and maintenance, will remain aesthetically pleasing and in great condition for many years to come.
Discover how the Panther Protective team can help with your flooring and wall requirements. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion.
