Whether you’re brand new to the industry or you’re looking to give your existing flooring a refresh careful consideration must be taken when looking to install brewery floors. The floor forms the foundation of your brewery and is one of the most critical parts of your facility; you want the perfect balance of style and functionality. This guide from Resincoat can offer some advice on how to achieve a high quality flooring finish perfect for manufacturing whilst also creating a welcoming environment that customers will want to visit.
A typical brewery floor starts with exposed concrete and although it may look sturdy, could quickly become damaged and worn with foot traffic and heavy loads. An epoxy resin coating can easily protect your surface whilst also providing a smooth, high gloss appearance.
The epoxy coating can provide chemical and sugar resistance along with a highly durable design features that are extremely important when it comes to your brewery floor.
Depending upon your substrate an epoxy primer may be required. Not only will the primer help with adhesion, it can also reduce air bubbles allowing for stronger bonding to the epoxy. If your concrete is brand new a damp tolerant primer may be required to protect against moisture within the concrete.
Is it safe?
Slippery conditions are inherent in any brewery, so careful consideration must be taken to ensure the flooring is safe for both staff and visitors. Concrete can become extremely slippery when wet so the best option is an anti-slip additive that can easily be added to resin flooring systems providing slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions. A full broadcast of anti-slip aggregate can help avoid slips, trips and dangerous accidents.
How easy is it to clean?
Spills are inevitable and the porous surface of untreated concrete can quickly absorb liquids causing unsightly stains and if not cleaned thoroughly can result in the growth of bacteria.
Resin flooring systems offer a smooth, non-porous finish minimising the risk of moisture and bacteria gathering. Easy to clean and maintain, resin systems can withstand powerful jet washing and other cleaning methods ensuring maintenance is quick and easy.
How long will it last?
Epoxy resin systems are quite useful when it comes to durability. Two coats are generally advised to create a nice, thick coating that is not vulnerable to cracks or scuffs.
These systems are tough enough to withstand heavy machine and forklift traffic as well as protecting the substrate from dropped apparatus. Resin flooring can be particularly important in high impact areas such as loading bays and areas with heavy machinery providing excellent protection for the concrete. Generally epoxy systems last for many years offering a long lasting, smooth design.
What about front of house?
If your brewery has a front of house, tasting room or visitor centre creating a nice welcoming space that’s aesthetically pleasing is important. The flooring can play an important role in representing your brand; resin systems generally boast a huge choice of colours with a stylish high gloss finish offering a fresh, clean appearance. Additionally they’re easy to clean unwanted spills as well as being scratch and stain resistant ensuring your flooring remain looking sharp.
If you’re a brewery wanting to create something a little more unique, metallic epoxy systems can be used to create the appearance of polished concrete.
Use warm earthy tones to create a modern ambience with an attractive high gloss finish that’s certainly going to turn the heads of visitors. A metallic epoxy system can be customised with your own colours creating a completely unique appearance that’s highly durable and easy to clean.