Choosing the Right Type of Flooring for Cold Storage Facilities
Different industries, especially those manufacturing and storing products that are too sensitive for just the normal type of environment, require specific types of conditions. This includes the flooring, the temperature and ventilation management, the entire storage space, and more. In the industry that handles temperature-sensitive materials and products, for instance. They require the right flooring for cold storage, which will enable them to prolong, and preserve the products’ shelf life, preventing them from immediate spoiling. This type of flooring has a lot of benefits, which are also suitable for the conditions that cold storages require.
The importance of choosing the right flooring for cold storage has still often been overlooked because it might not be the perfect one for what industries need. However, once you learn about its properties, you might be able to find out how effective it is, being a modern solution that you can widely utilize. It actually has constantly been improved for those who need them over the years. And while choosing the flooring for this type of facility, it is essential to take environmental temperatures into consideration, from installation to the entire duration of your usage.
Specially Formulated Concrete Coating
One of the effective types of flooring for cold storage facilities would be a specially formulated concrete coating. This does not only meet the challenges that a typical flooring is required of, but can be installed at a lower range of temperatures too, particularly if compared to other standard concrete coating options. The standard ones would not be able to cure or perform properly in a cold environment. They would not be meeting the standards for the right flooring to install at cold storage facilities. This means that different flooring types appropriate for certain fields of businesses all have varying performance qualities such as heat transference and insulating properties. Some of these might be better suited to some types of cold room than others.
Industries that typically use this flooring are usually those that handle and store perishable items. It includes facilities such as dairies, laboratories, grocery stores, cafeterias, and even restaurants. The right flooring for this must be able to withstand cold or freezing temperatures. All while being easy to maintain and clean. It must also be able to tolerate heavy equipment, and be non-staining, non-absorbing, and slip-resistant as well.
Benefits of the Appropriate Flooring for Cold Storage
Flooring that meets all the said requirements above might help lead to the reduction of the operational costs. It can even improve the financial management of companies under the said industries. Of course, no manufacturer wants excess product waste that will be disposed of in the trash, once spoiled. That just means the finances used to manufacture them can go down the drain and waste the supply. However, if the flooring for cold storage cannot handle these demands, it is likely to crack. It might even show evident damage and wear too. It can also impact the efficiency of your cold storage facility, adding to running costs, and can even create potential maintenance issues. Thus, it would be compromising the integrity of the facility.
Temperature in the Facility
Obviously, in choosing the right type of flooring for cold storage facilities, it is essential to consider the level of temperature required in running the entire facility. And being a cold storage facility, it would certainly involve cases that include products that arrive with ice that can possibly melt at standard room temperature. With this, temperature, along with water, might impact the type of flooring to be used throughout the storage facility.
If the temperature in your storage facility will shift because of the type of product being stored, it should be a consideration on the floor. Standing water from melting ice or other liquids can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Given this, there are several alternatives to concrete floor systems that can be customized to accommodate the needs and requirements of the facility, relative to the said instance.
Equipment Used in the Facility
Along with the temperature, it is important to know the equipment you will be placing inside the cold storage facility. The type of machinery to be incorporated inside your refrigerated warehouse must be listed down. This will make your floor contractors be able to determine the right flooring to be installed throughout the area.
Identify the kinds of heavy equipment, such as robotic machinery, automatic storage retrieval systems, forklifts, and others. Some of these require a really durable floor. Some of this heavy equipment provides constant pressure on the floor. And if a crack happens to be found on the floor, it may cause maintenance issues with the equipment. It might even deteriorate the floor at a faster rate. This means it could also affect their entire performance at various temperatures. Thus, the heavier equipment you will be integrating into the facility, and the more frequent traffic you expect to have, the more floor durability is required.
Maintenance and Cleaning Process
Actually, all the types of flooring for cold storage establishments are resinous coatings. Thus, naturally creates a smooth, unbroken surface that is deemed to be exceptionally easy to clean. These resinous ones only require a standard mop or sprayer system as a means of maintaining them. However, there are instances where you will need to incorporate hot-water washdowns on previously cold areas. With this, your flooring must be polyurethane. Other types of flooring materials would not be able to handle the temperature shock without being compromised.
And since cold storage facilities often involve food items, the area should always be maintained and cleaned. Even though they are already stored inside a room with low temperature levels. The floor must be able to resist those spillages, if ever there are, to prevent bacteria growth as well. Moreover, the entire flooring system must always be able to adhere to stringent sanitation requirements as well.
Key Takeaway
The right type of flooring for cold storage facilities and establishments can certainly make an impact on how your entire facility behaves and operates. Thus, you need to choose the right one that meets all the requirements. The environment in these areas requires expert flooring installation. Therefore, it must be ensured that it will be completed with the right flooring materials, to prevent them from wearing. It is essential to analyze the demands that the flooring will be having to withstand as well. Then, carefully take all of them into consideration, and ensure that the flooring that will be installed will provide all the properties required to create a high performance and long-lasting finish.
