A resin floor is a durable surface that can be custom-designed with pigments and aggregate for different textures. This flooring is great for areas that see high levels of activity because it can be a non-slip alternative to concrete and provides excellent grip for vehicles and equipment. It can be topped with skid resistant material to ensure health and safety compliance, particularly in workplaces. It can be made to look a lot like other flooring types for aesthetics purposes too. It can also be laid on top of existing flooring which is a cost-effective way to upgrade an area.
A poured resin floor cost per m2 is often made from epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic materials to give a customisable floor which is very strong and can be resistant to chemicals. The choice of the resin type is crucial because it can impact how long it takes to cure and the level of chemical resistance it has.
This resin is mixed with a hardener at the point of application to create a solid flooring system. The resins have different benefits and perks, depending on the needs of the space, so it is important to discuss these with the contractor during the planning stage to make sure the right solution is being installed.
Once the resin has been applied it is left to cure which, depending on the product, can take a few hours or a few weeks. It is possible to speed up the curing process but this can affect the final performance of the floor and it is best to leave a resin floor to cure in its own time to be sure it is as strong as it could be.
During the curing process, it is vital that all cracks and faults are patched up as they occur. Resin will not bond with the substrate underneath if this is not done and it can start to crack and flake after curing, which can compromise the overall durability of your floor system. The cracks will also let moisture and chemicals into the substrate beneath, causing damage and reducing the lifespan of the floor.
If your floor is exposed to sunlight then a protective UV sealant must be used on the floor to prevent it from yellowing and reacting to ultraviolet light. Without a coating the floor can become unsightly and discoloured over time.
The maintenance costs of a resin floor are fairly low and can be achieved by a daily dust mop and weekly wet mop of the flooring to deal with dirt, spillages and stains. Heavier cleaning can be achieved monthly using a machine to deep clean the floor but this will incur higher costs. It is a good idea to wait for the down season to find steep discounts on resin flooring and maintenance machinery. This can save money and reduce the total cost of your project.