The beauty and function of seamless flooring is unmatched. Epoxy floor coating does away with uneven pores and pockets that can create cracks in the floor, adding evenness, shine and balance to the floor’s appearance.  It also does away with something: labour intensive cleaning. Because an epoxy-coated floor is seamless, there is nowhere for dirt, mites and debris to hide. A quick sweep and an occasional mopping is all it needs!

Beautiful Flooring

Epoxy floor coating has become an art form. The available blends allow for a variety of looks. Now, rather than your flooring just being functional, it can take centre stage and turn your office entryway into s visual representation of accomplishment and sophistication. With blends such as marbletone, stone grip and new generation, you can find just the right look for you environment. Traditional colours are available too, of course, and, those colours can be applied in block patterns if you want a truly unique look.

Durable Flooring

No matter what appearance you are going for in terms of aesthetics, when you add an epoxy floor coating to your existing concrete, or other surface, flooring, you are adding longevity and strength to your floors. The seamless flooring created by epoxy coatings resists damage caused by chemical spills. It also prevents cracks and chips in the flooring due to equipment driving on it and heavy objects falling.

Obvious? Yes. Regularly done? Not always. Accumulated dirt has a tendency to create track marks, and collect oil and other debris along the way. When you sweep your garage floors regularly, you help minimize stain and residue build-up, which makes heavy cleaning something that you have to do less often.

Spills

It should go without saying that spills must be cleaned up immediately. This helps prevent stains, and it keeps the spilled material from being tracked across the floor.

Don’t use just anything to clean up the spill though. The cleaner you use will depend on what type of flooring you have, and whether or not the floor is sealed. Before you apply any cleaning solution to your garage floors, check the cleaning solution bottle for information. If in doubt, don’t use it.

Sealant

Probably the most important thing you can do to maintain the longevity and appearance of your garage floors is to have them sealed. What type of sealant you use will depend on the type of flooring, but epoxy sealants are versatile, fairly low cost, and can effectively seal off a variety of flooring types. Epoxy is a good place to start looking when considering sealant for your garage floors.

Tip: Before applying any type of sealant, make sure to check the amount of moisture in your garage floors. You need to be sure that you don’t trap in moisture with the sealant, as it will cause more harm than good. How can you check for moisture? Tape down plastic or rubber mats to several areas and allow them to sit for 24 hours. If, after removing the mats, you notice condensation, you must make sure that you dry the garage floors completely before applying the sealant.

Function

Not all garage flooring is made alike, and not all garage flooring is made for all types of traffic. Will it be installed in your home, your multi-unit apartment complex tenant garage, or in your warehouse that has heavy trucks and equipment lumbering across it all day? Since there are many materials and application processes available, the first thing to do is assess your needs. This alone will greatly reduce your search time because it will narrow down the list of garage flooring types to those types that are most suitable to your needs.

Appearance

 Now that you know what you’re looking for in terms of function, it’s time to think about aesthetics. Obviously, if the garage flooring is going to be installed in your home, your personality can come through more, but don’t give up function simply because you feel the need to express yourself! If you are going to be installing the flooring yourself, take a look at garage floor tiling. It comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, is more durable than standard tile, and it’s relatively simple to lay.

Price

This is where you’ll really need to keep your head about you. Sure, you want your garage to look like a showroom, but can you afford it? Before you begin your search for garage flooring, know your budget and stick to it.

Professional installers are a good resource to help you determine the right type of flooring to fit your needs, aesthetic goals, and budget because they are knowledgeable about all options available. So, even if you plan on doing the work yourself, it doesn’t hurt to get some guidance from a professional.

Epoxy

 The best type of industrial flooring Sydney has to offer is epoxy. One of the reasons it is the most popular type of flooring is because it is versatile. Epoxy comes in different colours so you can be sure to find something that fits your business aesthetic. Another reason epoxy is so popular is because it is enduring. It can withstand a lot of heavy traffic while still maintaining its good looks.

Vinyl

 Unlike epoxy, vinyl is not well suited for high traffic areas. Vinyl is cost-effective and comes in a number of patterns and colours, but it tends to be fairly high maintenance and wears out under the stress of a lot of heavy traffic.

Concrete

 Concrete can withstand heavy traffic and is resistant to things like spills, mites and dust. It is also environmentally friendly and often lasts longer than epoxy flooring. However, if you have employees who will be walking and standing on it all day, you may want to consider rubber flooring instead because concrete has a tendency to lead to aches and pains when stood on or walked on for any length of time.

Rubber

 Hands down, rubber is the best type of flooring for high foot traffic. It is a great insulator of noise, is easy on the joints, and is resistant to water spills. However, it’s high maintenance as far as needing to be cleaned often. It also scratches pretty easily.

When choosing the right kind of industrial floor covering for your business, you’ll want to consider your business needs first. Select based on function and quality, and what is best for your business, because you will have it under foot for a long time!

Pick Rates

You do not want to allow the demand for high pick rates to interfere with safety. It is important that staff is not encouraged to rush to increase productivity. Always insure the best and safest practices are being followed. Make sure staff are not working long hours without breaks, as this can lead to accidents.

The Best Working Zone

Teach staff the best working zone rules:

• Items for manual picking should be located only on shelves that are located between shoulder and knee height.
• Manual picking items should never be located in an area where reaching or bending is required.
• Manual picking items should also be a safe and reasonable weight between 8-17kg.
• Items over 25kg should never be lifted manually to avoid injury.
• Lift close to the body and always bend with the knees not the back.

Reaching Higher Items

The higher the shelf, the higher the risk for injury. Consider keeping shelves as low as possible to keep the warehouse safe. When reaching higher items it is advised safe equipment is available for staff to access. Make sure they are kept in a safe place out of the way, yet easily accessible so staff doesn’t find it difficult to pull out for use. A platform ladder with a load lifter is the ideal equipment for out of reach items. They offer easy steps up and down from a safe platform that allows for carrying items safely and than a platform for both standing as well as another one for resting the heavy item.

Warehouse Flooring

Warehouse flooring should be as even and slip free as possible. Making sure aisles are kept free of not just objects but debris will also be helpful in avoiding trips, slips and falls. A slip free coating will also help keep floors safe from slip and falls.

Electricity and Plumbing

Think about what you currently have available as far as electricity and plumbing are concerned. You may already have electrical for lights and garage door openers. Plumbing may also be available from outdoor hoses or maybe even a kitchen or laundry room backing onto the garage. Assess what you will need with a contractor who can help you with some of the work.

Insulation

Chances are your garage is not insulated and you will probably want to use your man cave in the chilly months since you have your back yard and barbecue in the summer. Insulation can be pretty easy to tackle and you can then apply the walls easily. Remember if your budget allows a contractor will be able to handle this for you easily.

Garage Epoxy Paint Flooring

A great look for garage floors is epoxy paint. It is very affordable and comes in many different textures and colours. This is perfect if you are doing to a summer retreat and the floor will not require any additional insulation.

Entertaining

A great addition to any man cave is the man bar. You can create a great spot to hang, shoot the breeze and enjoy a cold one. Consider a wet bar as well as an area to sit with stools. You can even go all out and include a microwave to heat snacks as well as a beverage refrigerator. Add a pool table, darts or a gaming unit and you can stay entertained for hours.

Seating

Look for comfortable seating such as adjustable chairs for relaxing and watching TV. A comfy sofa is a must for entertaining and of course for that well-deserved nap!

Whether catching a game on TV, relaxing with a beer and listening to music or just hanging out, the garage offers a perfect space to convert into your man cave.

Causes of Concrete Cancer

Concrete cancer is a terrible term but it is used to describe the breakdown of concrete caused by iron oxide leaking from rebars. Because most concrete pads and structures contain steel rebars it is not uncommon for poorly laid, old or rebar applied too close to the surface to cause leaking. Delamination occurs because oxides will expand the steel and begin to crumble, crack and break the cement apart. This is concrete cancer.

 Signs of Concrete Cancer

Here are the early warning signs of concrete cancer:

• Discolouration can appear on concrete usually in a brownish colour like rust.
• Crumbling is a sign of delamination, which causes “spalling”.
• Drumming is a hollow sound you may hear if you tap on or walk over concrete.

Costly Repairs

Concrete repairs can be quite complicated and therefore quite costly. In the best-case scenario cracks can be sealed and repaired so catching cracks early is advisable. In the worst cases, spalling and cracked areas of the concrete has to be removed to allow the rusty steel to be filed and cleaned to remove the rust. If the rebar is too far-gone the rebar and concrete has to be replaced.

Prevention

 Here are the best ways to prevent concrete cancer from occurring:

• Look for standing water issues and take care of them.
• Cracks should also be repaired as soon as possible.
• Have a concrete sealer applied professionally on a regular basis to protect from water damage and wear and tear.

Recognizing the signs of concrete cancer and knowing how to help prevent concrete cancer from setting in will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Concrete Sealing Sydney

 Sealing your concrete surfaces will help avoid wear and tear as well as some conditions such as concrete cancer. Arranging for your concrete driveways, walkways and pool areas to be sealed will keep them in excellent condition and protect them from moss, mildew and staining. You can apply the treatment to pavers and patio stones as well.

Concrete Surfacing for Driveways and Paths

 Concrete surfacing gives your concrete a whole new look. You can apply different textures, colours and patterns to bring out the best in your driveway and walkways. Imagine matching the concrete to your homes paint colour or picking up the accents on your home such as shutters and trim or to match your garage door. You can really add to your home’s curb appeal, not to mention its value.

Concrete Surfacing and Polishing for Patios

You can also bring a much more cohesive, welcoming look to your backyard. Concrete surfacing or even polishing can help create a serene, high-end look to your garden and the colour choices are endless. You can also add texture and colour for a stone look. Perfect for outdoor eating areas, lounging and play areas for children.

Pool Surround

Your pool surround can not only look better but also become safer with a non-slip coating. You can add colours to match your pool or work together with your newly resurfaced patio. You can create a safe and stunning oasis for entertaining. You will never have to go on holiday again when you create the perfect place to relax and enjoy your down time with family and friends.

You can use a polished marble look to complement the stunning sparkle of a crystal chandelier. Place a round table at the foot of the stairs atop a stunning Persian rug if space allows, or set a high gloss dark wood table with a prominent high gloss black framed mirror on an entry wall. Large artwork in classic black or gold frames enhances the sense of opulence.

Rustic Welcome

Use a rustic wash on polished concrete in warm browns to complement the raw wood of your staircase. Add stonewalls for drama and texture. Look to cast iron chandeliers and wall sconces or bronze and even wood for interesting lighting. Raw hewn wool area rugs add a cosy feeling and lighter wood occasional tables with carved shaded lamps offer a welcoming light when you come home late. Add soft cushions in warm reds, oranges and browns to an old cedar or oak chest for storage and a place to sit while getting on boots and shoes.

Contemporary Chic

Opt for high gloss solid colours from a variety of colours to create a contemporary feel to your entryway. You can also create a tile pattern in black and white for a whimsical yet elegant look. High gloss black tables with simple framed mirrors and apothecary lights add sparkle. Simple geometric area rugs help ground larger foyers. Offer simplistic seating such as Louis chairs or a black or white leather bench with metal legs.

Calming Greys

Opt for a highly polished natural concrete that can be softened with an edgy shag area rug. Use soft overhead recessed light if the area allows, or modern, low hanging chandeliers. Wall sconces work well on either side of black and white illustrations, or create a small gallery of black and white photos with crisp white matting and wide black frames. Mute grey walls with crisp white crown moulding and baseboards complete the look.

Safe and Hygienic

Non-slip epoxy floors offer you a safe and hygienic option for your kitchen area. You can create clear paths where traffic is busier or do the entire kitchen to be extra safe. They are mould resistant adding to their hygienic appeal. Epoxy floors are hygienic and resistant not only to water but dirt and oils as well. You want to have floors that are resistant to the sticky, greasy residue that can build up in a commercial kitchen.

Low Cost, High Performance

Epoxy floors are extremely resistant to wear and tear. In an area where drops can include sharp knives and hot pans this is very important. You will find these floors are not only attractive and practical but affordable as well.

Dining Room Applications

Because non slip epoxy floors are so attractive, you may want to consider adding them to your dining room as well. Guests will love their clean, fresh look and you can choose from an assortment of endless colours and designs to create the ambience and atmosphere you wish your guests to experience.

Bathroom Applications

You can carry non slip epoxy floors through to your guest bathroom as well. You will create a fluid look to your restaurant while offering non slip floors in an area prone to dangerous water spills and splashes.

You can create a safe environment for kitchen staff as well as a welcoming, hygienic look for your guests to admire. Easy care and high resistance to wear and tear will keep your entire restaurant looking its best and as safe as possible.