Warehouse Floor Needs Repairs

Prior to Move in What to Do?

by Bill Shorey

Our company just purchased a 12, 000 S.F. warehouse space. We will be using forklifts in this facility and it will also have heavy foot traffic (workers loading trucks). The floor has a few random pattern cracks, but does not look like there is any heaving. It doesn't look like it has a heavy sealer- it just looks plain.

Could you tell us what we should do to this floor to make it look better and work well with forklift traffic and non slippery for people walking on it. And what type of contractor do we hire?

Thank You

Answer by Bill Shorey from Spec West,
ConcreteNetwork.Com Guest Columnist

The floor must be evaluated for removal and cleaning of anything currently on the floor that would interfere with the adhesion of whatever sealing or coating product you select to use.

Because of the use of forklift traffic with a heavy wheel point load on the concrete all cracks, holes, spalls and joints should be properly repaired or prepared for this use.

I would suggest a crack repair epoxy for repairing the cracks and a crack repair mortar for the holes and patches. The joints should be filled with an epoxy joint filler to prevent any future spalling from forklift use. A polyurethane joint sealant could be used in the joints outside the areas of forklift use.

There are many types of sealers and coatings available depending on the economy and visual appearance to be achieved as well as longevity needed. A clear water based acrylic floor sealer would be the most economical yet less durable than an epoxy or urethane coating.

I would suggest the use of an epoxy coating with a nonskip additive or broadcast for the heavy loading areas especially any sloped areas. The waterbase sealer could be used in less heavy loading and heavy traffic areas.

There are also floor waxes that can be used over the sealer as a more nonslip and easily maintained floor.

I would suggest you consult a commercial flooring contractor or a concrete accessory supply distributor for recommendations and bids.

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