SW CHICAGO Blog

4 Ways Coating Commercial Floor in Southwest Chicago Improves the Area

Regardless of whether you have a small warehouse or an industrial commercial building, safety is a priority for owners. As such, you should explore every option to improve the space for yourself and the employees that use the area. Even for storage units that are used to house inventory and stock overflow, coating your flooring can significantly improve the area.

You have several options when it comes to coating the flooring, but you first have to assess the needs of your business and environment. Epoxy and polyurea are popular options for their durability and aesthetic options. At Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago, we understand the necessity for a space that’s not only safe and comfortable but cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Our team of industry experts has put together a breakdown of how coating your commercial floor can improve your space.

4 Reasons to Coat Your Commercial Floors

When looking for an effective way to improve the safety and efficiency of your commercial space, it’s crucial to find the right industry experts that will focus on your building’s needs. When your building was constructed, the base requirements to be met were code requirements, regional regulations, and national suggestions. However, when you take the opportunity to go past these minimums, you’ll find new ways that can decrease maintenance, energy costs, and hazards.

Durable Surface

Arguably one of the most relevant reasons to coat your commercial floors is to improve the durability of the surface. The material provides a barrier between the concrete and high impact, corrosive chemicals, abrasion, and high temperatures. When applied, contractors first sandblast the area to even the surface, clearing any holes, cracks, and gaps. Once the solution has been set and dried, it's inspected for blemishes to be sanded down.

Many coating materials, like epoxy and polyurea, are long-lasting to maximize your return on investment. Not only does the durable surface help to prevent the development of hazardous divots, fractures, and splits, but it also extends the lifespan of your flooring. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance as long as the surface is still regularly cleaned and kept clear.

Safety

According to OSHA, "slip, trip, and fall hazards, which are a leading cause of worker deaths and lost-workday injuries," can impact over 5,800 individuals every year. While the bare minimum to improve safety is ensuring the area is clean, clear, and regularly maintained, a coating can help protect both the flooring surface and your team. Material like polyurea is resistant to heavy impacts, chips, corrosion, and regular wear and use.

Ensuring your building is safe for you, employees, and visitors is about more than just meeting basic requirements. For example, modern regulations for insulation material throughout your building require a minimum R-value to be installed in a commercial building - however, taking the initiative to consult an industry professional can show you that for your building’s location, climate, and typical weather patterns, additional material can improve the safety and comfort of the structure.

Insulation

Coating your floor can also provide a significant improvement in your building’s insulation. Similar to the material in the walls, ceiling, and between joists, the coating helps to reduce the rate of heat transfer. In residential buildings, underfloor insulation reduces drafts and heat loss while also creating a vapor and moisture barrier. For many commercial floors, though, the ground may be concrete or another solid foundation; while there may still be insulation installed underneath the concrete, it’s often an inadequate amount.

By applying a coating, you help to reduce heat loss, increase comfort, and save on regular energy costs. In addition to reducing the rate of heat transfer, epoxy or polyurea also aid in moisture prevention. Concrete is a porous material, meaning moisture from the ground can easily permeate it. The application of a coating creates a vapor and moisture barrier, similar to insulation in your walls and attic.

Appearance

Aesthetics may not be high on the list of needs for places like inventory warehouses and storage units, but it can be a bonus for showrooms, garages, and other regularly trafficked spaces. Many coating materials are able to have a customized appearance without jeopardizing the chemical make-up and durability.

Whether you're looking for chip, metallic, quartz, or other solid color options, many companies have the ability to fit your aesthetic needs. It's important to remember that having a skilled team inspect, appraise, and clean the area can achieve a quality job faster than attempting a DIY job. Focusing on appearance goes out the window if the material isn't correctly applied and set, as you may find bubbles, uneven surfaces, and other blemishes.

Learn More About Commercial Improvements with Local Experts

While our team at Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago focuses on helping your business improve comfort and safety with upgraded insulation and air sealing, we work with many other experts in the industry. As a readily available partner to builders and contractors in need, we understand there are many facets to maintaining a well-functioning commercial building. It’s crucial to take the necessary steps that will create the efficient and secure space you’re looking for.

At Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago, we understand the need to keep your business running efficiently while also creating a safe and comfortable work environment. We provide free evaluations so you can have an opportunity to review the current condition of your insulation and prioritize a plan that centers around your schedule and budget. To learn more about how insulation can improve the environment of your commercial building, call Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago to schedule a free evaluation.