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4 Factors in Choosing a Finishing Flooring Coating for a Cold Room

Cold Chain Problem Solving & Diagnosis July 18, 2022

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Cold Chain Logistic Cold Chain Management Cold Room

One of the essential parts of a cold room is the flooring, from the design, base to the coating. Whether for commercial or industrial use, laboratories, walk-in freezers, restaurants and more, choosing the correct flooring coating can make or break your business. 

A good flooring coating should withstand cold or freezing temperatures, uphold heavy equipment, be easy to clean, non-staining, non-absorbing, and slip-resistant. For many sensitive-goods warehouses, the flooring matters to ensure no water gets into it and does not break easily due to the constant temperature change. Otherwise, the cost and time to repair the flooring can be overbearing for businesses to cover and consider.

Thus, it is highly encouraged to seek professional advice from experts before deciding on the flooring plan.

Here are four factors to consider to finish off the flooring coating for a cold room. They are room temperature, floor loads, frequency of cleaning and anti-slip resistance and organic material used.

Factor 1: Room Temperature

Thermal shock is a common occurrence in cold storage. The chemistry, layer structure and overall thickness determine the thermal shock resistance. If the cold room has a substantial temperature difference, a thicker flooring is necessary to avoid thermal shocks. Thus, excellent adhesion to the concrete substrate combined with the proper flooring solution can protect against thermal shock caused by rapid heating and cooling.

Thick polyurethane floor finishes are highly effective at resisting thermal shock; for example, Flowfresh HF in a 9 mm thick layer provides an effective barrier against the majority of extreme temperature situations.

Factor 2: Floor Loads

Different industries will have several types of equipment and various concerns. Robotic machinery, automatic storage retrieval systems, forklifts, pallet riders, and other heavy equipment necessitate a long-lasting floor, such as in the F&B industry. Similarly, racks and other built-in logistics will add weight to your warehouse floors, necessitating another consideration. These should be taken into account when finishing the flooring for maximum load and equipment mobilization.

Factor 3: Frequency of Cleaning & Anti Slip Resistant

Another factor is the slip resistance of cold storage rooms. It is specifically vital in walk-in freezers, chillers, cold stores and refrigerators to prevent the slipping of people and machinery. It is advisable to design the concrete floor coatings to the various frictions. Do take into consideration the frequency of cleaning as well. Urethane concrete is the most suitable base with the necessary thermal shock resistance to withstand hot water or steam cleaning and rapid temperature fluctuations.

Factor 4: Organic Material

Food and beverages can leak corrosive materials like fats and natural acids onto the floor. These substances have the potential to degrade epoxy flooring. If your cold room contains organic materials, you'll require a more substantial and antimicrobial flooring coating. This factor can help you reduce costs and prevent chemical attacks too for your business.

In summary

Most cold storage facilities require flooring that can withstand cold or freezing temperatures, is easy to clean for hygiene, withstand heavy equipment, and is non-staining, non-absorbing, and slip-resistant. Specific concrete floor coatings can withstand the daily conditions that cold storage rooms face, whereas standard commercial flooring cannot. Unique flooring alternatives such as urethane concrete, methylmethacrylate (MMA), and polyaspartic resin technology are among the best solutions for cold storage rooms.


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