Our technical guru Roger Moore gives an introduction to resin flooring systems.
Altro resins are a versatile flooring system. They have a lot of advantages when the right option is chosen for the right area. In this edition I am going to cover when to consider a resin floor, and some dos and don’ts when it comes to installation.
What makes a resin floor different is that it’s applied in a liquid form which then cures to produce the final synthetic resin finish. Resin floors can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, impact, heavy abrasion and high point-loading. This makes them an ideal choice for areas within industry and healthcare, and it’s a particular favourite for food preparation.
There are many types of resin floors so they can be tailored to suit the installation. A wise person at Altro said that choosing the right resin product is like making a cake. You choose the ‘ingredients’ you need to make the final product you want, for example, level of impact resistance, thickness and guarantee length.
We categorise resins using the same terminology as FeRFA (The Federation of Resin Formulators and Applicators) which keeps it simple. To make the selection process even easier we’ve introduced a brochure dedicated to all things resin which you can find on our website.
Check the conditions and take action if necessary
As with any installation, there may be issues onsite. These could cause problems that affect the floor and it’s a lot harder to put right than a traditional vinyl floor, so make sure the conditions are assessed, and contact us with any problems. Common problems faced are a porous or damp substrate, or poor curing conditions.
If conditions aren’t right, the chosen resin system may not fully bond to the substrate. This can result in the floor peeling up, which could cause problems generally but particularly in areas where water is present.
Surface preparation; it’s vital
Resins form a strong permanent bond to the concrete substrate; they are designed to last for years, which is one reason correct installation is so important. The bond means that taking up a badly prepared or poorly installed resin floor is not easy so it’s better all round to take the right steps at the off.
Get the mixing right
I can’t stress enough how important it is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to mixing the different components of a resin floor. To make sure the floor lays and cures correctly, a chemical reaction needs to take place; this will only happen with the right amount of mixing. It’s very straightforward so don’t be put off! A data sheet offering guidance on mixers can be found on our website, but please pick up the phone and contact us if you have any questions about this.
We also run a resins training school covering a full introduction to this type of flooring. I strongly recommend doing this to gain a full understanding of resins systems. Having specialist training and being able to offer resin systems to your customers can only enhance your business.