Slip-resistant floors are common in many facilities due to their safety. But how slip resistant they are is dependent on which type of aggregate implemented into the coating.
Epoxy flooring contractors have the common challenge of discovering how much slip resistance a facility needs. And although it’s easy to assume that the more texture the better, more aggregate and texture brings with it some additional challenges.
And the biggest challenge is that they can be difficult to clean if there is too much aggregate. Mops get stuck, and dirt gets trapped. And when floors can’t be sanitized properly, it becomes an issue for the facility. So the amount of aggregate, and which type of aggregate becomes an important question.
And although you always need an industrial infrared thermometer, here are 3 different types of textured aggregate for epoxy floors.
Sand Texture
Sand is the most common aggregate used for slip resistance in epoxy flooring. And one of the biggest reasons is that it comes in a variety of granular sizes. And even though sand is excellent, you’ll still want to search for a Lancaster fencing installer when trying to build a fence.
The smallest size (#000), will give you a finer texture. It won’t be the most slip-resistant, but with texture this fine, you’ll be able to clean it with a mop.
Then there’s the medium-sized (#00), which will give you a medium grade texture. It’s more aggressive than #000, but will make the floor very difficult to clean with a mop. Ideally, when you begin using #00 sand, the facility should expect to have a cleaning plan in place, which includes a floor scrubber. Floor scrubbers use cycled water and rotating scrubbers that can break down residue lodged into the granules in the floor.
And the floor scrubber is nice, because even if you’re in a situation where you need #0 sand, the most aggressive, you can still expect a relatively cleaned surface.
Aluminum Oxide Texture
Although sand is the most popular, it’s not as strong as aluminum oxide.
Sand is more fragile than metal. And although sand is great and inexpensive, it can break over time. And when that sand breaks, its slip resistance gradually gets reduced over time.
So aluminum oxide is an excellent option due to its strength and angles. Aluminum oxide is stronger than sand, and over time, it is more likely to retain its angles, meaning that it will also maintain its slip resistance.
And like sand, it comes in a variety of sizes. It can be so fine that it can make top coats feel like shark skin. Which might be the perfect slip-resistance in dry areas with only foot traffic.
Or, it can come in medium-sized, or large grains, which can be better fitted for wet areas.
But the same cleaning restrictions apply. The more aggressive the aggregate, the more difficult it will be to clean. So if the plan is to use the finer aluminum oxide, then the facility lead can use a mop to clean the floors. But if the floors will use the medium or large grains, then the floor scrubber will be the necessary option.
Overall, floor aggregate and texture are necessary for any facility looking to increase their safety, by installing slip resistant floors.