Healthcare and the production of medical drugs and medical supplies require superior safety and cleanliness. You need durable, high-performance flooring, wall, and lining systems that meet or exceed FDA safety standards for industrial buildings and manufactured materials.
But what resin floor is ideal for pharma and healthcare?
This guides provides guidance on:
- Flooring requirements for healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities
- Resin floor coating options
- Flooring installation best practices
- Evaluating your options
To learn more, download Surface Technology’s Tips on Selecting the Right Flooring System for Pharmaceutical Facilities now.
Healthcare and the production of medical drugs and medical supplies require superior safety and cleanliness. You need durable, high-performance flooring, wall, and lining systems that meet or exceed FDA safety standards for industrial buildings and manufactured materials.
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Epoxy Flooring
Healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities regularly turn to industrial resin flooring options such as epoxy, urethane cement, and other industrial resin flooring systems due to their versatility and durability. Resin flooring systems are the solution to high performance flooring that can be kept clean and sanitary. Epoxy flooring provides a seamless surface that is non-porous, resists bacteria growth, and is highly resistant to heavy machinery and corrosive chemicals. These flooring options offer extended lifespan in well-trafficked areas, and the materials are easy to maintain.
Performance Characteristics of Industrial Floor Coatings
Epoxy flooring systems are a go-to for labs, clean rooms, hospitals, and medical rooms because they have these key characteristics:
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Abrasion-resistant
- Impact-resistant
- Chip/flake resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
- Anti-slip (safety)
- Antistatic
- Hygienic
- Long-lasting
Sanitary Floor Coating Options
The best floor coatings for your space depend on your specific needs and requirements. The most commonly used materials include:
Epoxy – Industrial epoxy (not to be confused with epoxy paint) is a type of floor coating that is non-porous and is used in high impact facilities where optimum durability is the top priority. Highly resistant to chemical spills and abrasion, these systems are often used with decorative chips or colored sands.
Epoxy & Urethane – Epoxy and urethane floors have an added top layer of urethane that acts as a seal and provides a seamless surface that is moisture and heat resistant. Epoxy and urethane floor systems are often used in the healthcare industry.
Urethane Cement – Urethane cement is a combination of a polymer binder (urethane) and fillers (cement and aggregate). Urethane cement is also referred to as polymer concrete. It is wear-resistant, durable, and can tolerate high moisture. Urethane cement flooring systems tend to perform well when installed in pharmaceutical labs and care facilities, as they can create seamless finishes that are easy to clean.
Acrylic (MMA) – MMA is a dual system polymer that is not as hard or durable as epoxy but is a formidable option for commercial flooring. MMA has a low glare satin finish and is resistant to weak acids, alkalis, solvents, and scratches. It is also highly flammable and odorous, so special ventilation and installation procedures must be implemented.
Polyurea – Polyurea is an organic polymer that is the result of a reaction from mixing an isocyanate and resin blend component. Polyurea has a rubber-like feel, making it not as hard as epoxy but still extremely durable. Polyurea flooring has a high-gloss finish, is highly stain and chemical resistant, and has a high heat tolerance.
Polyaspartic – Polyaspartic flooring is a two-part coating that is sprayed or rolled onto concrete to form a durable surface. It is a good option for healthcare facilities due to its durability, slip resistance, easy cleaning, and low downtime for installation. In contrast to epoxies and polyurethanes, polyaspartic coatings also have a faster drying time. They also resist stains and slightly higher temperatures than other types of coatings.
Busting the Myth: Is Epoxy Paint and Epoxy Flooring the Same Thing?
Epoxy paint is diluted with either water or solvents and goes on at only a fraction of the thickness of 100% solids epoxy coating systems. Home DIYers and commercial painters have begun applying what is colloquially known as epoxy paint, but there is a vast difference between epoxy paint and a true industrial-strength epoxy floor coatings.
The main difference is in the quality and durability of the materials as well as the skill required to successfully install the product. Common household epoxy paint is good only for light-duty applications and was never intended for industrial use and was certainly not intended for use in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings. It is manufactured with a long pot life for easier application. Products like this may perform beautifully for light-traffic, residential use but are not strong or durable enough for commercial use.
Industrial epoxy floor coating is a much more technical process that requires the expertise of a flooring professional to properly install. The exact materials used vary depending on the type of flooring system required, but every floor system installation requires careful planning to ensure the essential performance characteristics are achieved with the finished floor. Floor coating systems require the proper preparation of the underlying concrete and subsequent layers to ensure the products bond correctly and the coating is successful.
Finished Floor Performance Is More Important Than the Brand
There are many different types of flooring solutions out there, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. A good flooring contractor will be able to evaluate your situation and provide a recommendation for the best product that will create a customized flooring solution.
While some industry leaders create excellent products, it is important to know that there are many premium floor coating manufacturers with top quality products. Independent flooring contractors may provide an advantage since they are not locked into selling just one manufacturer’s solution. Talk to an industry expert about what custom solutions are right for your application.
Finding the Right Flooring System Provider
By talking with different flooring specialists, you will be better able to understand the differences between their industry experience, installation approach, reputation for client satisfaction, and their ability to design and install custom industrial flooring and coating solutions.
The flooring installer should carefully evaluate your existing facility and take the time to discuss your requirements in detail. Their team must assess the full range of products available and provide the best recommendations for your flooring needs. After their experts have a complete understanding of your facility and requirements, they should design a custom solution for your company that takes advantage of the best that the flooring system industry has to offer.
High-Quality Pharmaceutical Flooring Installation
The quality of the installation process can directly impact the flooring’s longevity and overall performance. For the best results, entrust the installation of your industrial epoxy or resin flooring to an experienced flooring contractor. They will ensure that the floor is appropriately prepared, the mixes are correct, and the coatings are properly applied and allowed to cure between coats. A professional team will have the necessary tools, training, and experience to install your floor efficiently and effectively.
About The Author
Founder and President, Michael E. Greenblatt is an independent, nationally recognized industrial flooring and coatings expert with more than 35 years of industry experience.
As a former executive for leading polymer flooring manufacturers, Michael has been a pioneer of highly effective new applications and installation techniques in building custom industrial flooring, coating, and lining solutions. The Surface Technology, Inc. project engineering team, under Michael’s leadership, collaborates closely with clients to design the ideal solution for each custom set of application requirements.
Surface Technology, Inc. Has Over 35 Years of Flooring Experience
Surface Technology is a licensed, deadline-focused, national epoxy resin flooring contractor, providing industrial flooring, coating, and lining systems. High-profile companies rely on Surface Technology to protect, restore, and enhance their facilities’ most critical workspaces, including:
3 Reasons to Hire Surface Technology For Your Industrial Flooring Needs
Innovative and Complex Resinous Installations
Our experts know the right products and the proper installation techniques for any flooring challenge.
We bring over 35 years of hard work and problem solving into finding a solution for your flooring needs. You can rely on us for superior epoxy flooring, coating, and lining.
We’re Ready When You Are, Where You Are
Whether you want a new epoxy floor installed next year or next week, we’re ready to take on your project anywhere within the United States.
We are dedicated to delivering high-quality flooring, coating, and lining installations to large facilities 24/7/365.
Consistent High-Quality and Efficiency
We have successfully installed over 50 million sq. ft of high-performance flooring since 1988. We get the job done right and on-time, the first time.
All our work is backed by an industry-leading warranty, covering materials and labor, complete with yearly inspections.
