Continuous paving is the best construction solution for industrial surfaces.
Our commercial industrial flooring can be continuous, through a series of repairs and with our polished concrete treatment.
The industrial sector must always have floors with the best possible finish, which allows a surface that is safe, clean, and resistant.
An industrial continuous flooring is exactly that “component” that meets all the characteristics required for the industrial sector in general.
Continuous flooring is in progressive evolution, and now, in addition to being a type of floor used for the industrial sector, it also allows to be used in residential interiors or small surfaces with aesthetic or decorative purposes.
But it is in the industrial sector in which it is possible to exploit its full potential, where its use is completely essential.
What is a continuous flooring?
Continuous flooring is a seamless surface. It’s a finish that, when applied, manages to show completely homogeneous floor space. This is mainly due to the alliance of a series of chemical compounds mixed into the concrete.
The continuous flooring achieves a peculiar infinite edge effect that helps reinforce a sense of spaciousness in any area in which it is used.
It is a type of flooring used for example in car parks, shopping centers, and industrial areas, as it facilitates the transportation of machinery and loads without any conflict with the flooring.
It has great resistance to abrasion, which makes it especially interesting in areas where heavy loads are transported or there is a lot of traffic. Its structure is maintained for a long time.
The reason why it’s used in multiple places is due to the numerous advantages it has over other types of flooring.
- Desired texture, you can choose a smooth or rough surface that increases its adhesion. It is compatible with power floated concrete.
- Durability, perfect for industries with heavy loads and machinery.
- Easy to clean and maintain, it can be treated with any regular cleaning products.
- Aseptic material doesn’t absorb toxic or polluting agents. This is one of its main advantages, especially as a result of the increasing sanitary measures due to COVID-19.
- Resistant to cracks.
- Economical, compared to other floors.
Among the different continuous floors, we can find:
- Polished concrete floors
- Microcement
- Epoxy floor
- Continuous micro terrazo
- Self-leveling cement
- Polished cement floor
How to make a continuous floor?
The first step before creating and laying the industrial continuous floor is to know what it will be used for.
Based on its use, we can determine the characteristics with which it must comply, such as the necessary chemical or mechanical resistance, hygienic, aseptic qualities, etc.
Its purpose and required characteristics will provide the necessary knowledge to bet on a specific industrial continuous flooring. For example, if high mechanical strength is required, self-leveling flooring is a suitable option; if a high anti-slip index is required, trowelling may be the option.
The second step, after deciding on the continuous finish to be used, is to carry out an evaluation of the existing foundations on which the floor will be placed.
This evaluation of the lower surface is a necessary task in case of any existing foundation deterioration in need of repair.
It is vital to check that there are no cracks, chips, or dirt.
If the support base has any kind of grease or varnish, it must be cleaned and left pristine. Otherwise, any residue could prevent the correct application of continuous flooring.
Furthermore, the surface must have high tensile strength and must have been installed for at least 28 days.
It is common for the support base to have expansion or retraction joints, as well as some fissures. If so, these should be opened and completely filled with some type of epoxy mortar or alike. The key is to fill them so that everything presents a homogeneous and well-sealed surface, without any type of dirt or external agents.
In the third step, the chosen continuous flooring system must be applied, with a previous coat of primer to guarantee maximum adherence between support and finish.
Also, once the continuous floor has been applied, it is advisable to add the final finish to enhance the effect of the desired characteristics.
The preparation and installation process is not complex, but it does require clear compliance with all the steps, especially the first step and preparing the base support. Otherwise, it’s easy to start taking advantage of the benefits of having a continuous flooring.
Industrial continuous flooring
Industrial continuous floors must meet the following minimum characteristics:
- Resistance to abrasion.
- Resistance to elevated temperatures.
- Resistance to the use of chemicals.
- Resistance to fractures.
- Fire retardant properties. In forging and incandescent industries, it is an almost obligatory flooring.
Industrial continuous flooring usually combines all these characteristics. However, certain variants are often found that take advantage of their compatibility with other substances and systems. For example, the continuous bilayer resistant flooring, used in production areas and warehouses for its great adherence and high mechanical resistance.
Others alternatives can be used within the industry, such as the continuous epoxy self-leveling floor, used in electronic laboratories and warehouses for flammable materials; or a multi-layer resin, characterized by its enormous mechanical resistance, used in industrial facilities and factories where there is a high risk of impact or large loads.
Continuous industrial polished concrete flooring, which meets all the previously mentioned characteristics and is perfect as a replacement for epoxy flooring or any of the other already mentioned.
Ultimately, there are many types of continuous industrial floors, and the use of one or the other will depend on the needs and activities of each industrial sector.
