Recent figures show that the number of breweries in the UK has risen 64% in just five years to over 2,000. It’s a statistic based on HMRC data on companies that have registered for beer duty – the highest number since the 1930s.

It’s also a figure that is reflected in our projects at Kemtile. In the last few years we’ve worked with an ever-increasing number of start-up brewers as well as those taking their next steps and expanding their facilities and therefore brewing capabilities.

Whatever their size or age, the same first flooring principal applies to every brewery. Flooring really does provide the foundation on which brewing success is built. It’s often so much easier – and more cost effective – to install a flooring system when brewing premises are empty and equipment.

But we recognise that for many brewers – especially those starting out – additional investment in a quality hygienic floor just isn’t possible. Many of them come to when production and sales are increasing and they can afford flooring to support their growth. We often help them take their next step, whether that’s into new, extended or refurbished premises.

But even then, appointing the wrong installer can be costly. We’re frequently called in to put right jobs that have been specified and undertaken incorrectly or ‘cheaply’ and the end cost tends to be significantly more.

Before you buy hygienic flooring and drainage for your brewery, read our top four tips to getting it right first time.

Do the job right, first time

If you’re laying a hygienic floor, make sure all aspects of the job are considered and tackled at the outset and at the same time. This includes civils work, drainage, covering and accessories such as kerbs, bollards and protective panels. The job is often bigger than the floor itself.

For most of our brewery customers, flooring and drainage specification is often dictated by their lease agreement, which usually stipulates that premises must be left exactly as they were upon arrival.

Premises typically have a concrete floor, which alone can’t withstand the demands of the rigorous brewing process and its associated legislation. Its porosity means it absorbs spilt beer, which in turn can lead to microbial growth and poor hygiene. Add water and cleaning chemicals to the mix and the rate at which its surface deteriorates speeds up. Every day brewery traffic – such as kegs, barrels, trolleys and trucks and equipment – would also easily damage a concrete floor.

We install both fully vitrified ceramic tiles using the unique Kagetec vibration system and heavy duty Ucrete polyurethane resin from BASF – all complemented by stainless steel Weidemann-Technik drainage systems. As one of the few companies that installs all three solutions, we’re enviably placed to advise customers on the solution that will best suit their needs. This is sometimes a combination of all three to meet specific performance and cost requirements, with both offering breweries an excellent service life.

Minimise the risk

According to HSE statistics, slips, trips and falls continue to be a major cause of injuries in the workplace – resulting in a huge rise in personal injury claims over recent years.

The correct drainage and floor covering will avoid liquids ponding on the floor and provide appropriate slip-resistance to help to reduce such accidents.  We always ensure that for surfaces that are prone to spillages, flooring slip-resistance is higher than on dry areas.

Meet the highest hygiene standards

As with all food and drink processing facilities, brewers must adhere to the highest hygiene standards. This means that brewery floors must be food grade or food safe and able to withstand the high temperatures and harsh chemicals used during the everyday cleaning process.

Brewery floors must also have excellent drainage. We very often recommend long floor gulley drains – installed along the centre with the floor finish laid to ‘falls’. This helps prevent the puddling of waste liquids and its subsequent hygiene, health and safety issues including micro bacterial growth. We recommend that hot liquids and chemicals are discharged directly into the drainage system rather than run over the floor finish.

Work with flooring company that understands your industry

Each environment has its own specification requirements, so make sure that your flooring system partner has the right experience and expertise for your job.