metallic epoxy pros and consWhen designing a space, you have more options in flooring today than ever before.  Many are purely functional, but if you want a flooring which is extremely functional and has a lot of “wow” factor, one of the best options you could look into is metallic epoxy coatings. While the positives of metallic epoxy flooring far outweigh the negatives, it is important to look at the metallic epoxy pros and cons during the decision process.

Metallic epoxy is a form of solid epoxy that has metallic, glitter-like particles embedded in it.  When properly mixed and applied, the result is an extremely distinctive and eye-catching effect with what appear to be three-dimensional shimmering swirls throughout the flooring.  Plus, it’s reflective, which makes it look even more interesting.

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food and beverage flooringFor those in food and beverage manufacturing, or looking to enter the sector, there are a lot of aspects of your facilities to consider. One critical area that should never be overlooked, however, is your choice of flooring.  Not all flooring will be FDA compliant and meet the regulations that cover food and beverage manufacturing. The wrong industrial food and beverage flooring choice could lead to costly fines and renovations, or worse – result in a complete shutdown of operations until replaced.

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Polished concretebenefits of polished concrete floors is a popular option for flooring in a wide variety of buildings, including schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial spaces.  Polished concrete floors offer a number of advantages as an all-purpose flooring material, and can be engineered for specific environments.

Five Reasons For The Enduring Popularity Of Polished Concrete Floors

1. A spill-resistant surface

Unlike other flooring materials, like vinyl or laminates, polished concrete floors are resistant to a huge range of chemicals, solvents, and other spillable materials.  Only the most caustic of substances can damage the surface. However, there are additives and coating options which can add additional protection to maintain the integrity of the floor.

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Colleges and universities, as well as technical and specialized high schools, require high performance commercial flooring to uphold compliance and safety regulations. Black Bear value-engineers solutions based on the specific environment. This unique approach allows for greater protection and a longer lasting product.

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commercial concrete coatings for campus flooring projectsA hallmark of colleges and universities are typically expansive buildings and grounds. Each area unique in its look and feel, as well as its purpose.

One of the biggest considerations, when architecting new spaces, or renovating and repairing areas on campus, is the floor system that is installed. Both indoors and out, commercial flooring solutions for college campuses have significant safety implications, impact budget and financial allocations for the school, and should support or enhance the look and feel of the environment in which it’s installed.

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grind and seal repair processCracked, stained, and under-performing commercial flooring doesn’t necessarily mean a full blown remodel. For those with concrete substrates, your solution may be as simple as a grind and seal repair.

At Black Bear, we help clients determine the best course of action for renovating or replacing industrial flooring systems. Often, clients assume their existing floors are inadequate. They may have even been advised that the flooring is damaged beyond repair. And that’s simply not the case. By removing the topcoats and initial layers to expose the concrete below and assess viability, clients may be able to salvage the foundation and essentially rebuild a floor solution that meets their needs.

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vapor mitigation for industrial flooringOne of the most common misconceptions we hear about industrial flooring is the idea that concrete is impermeable. This belief tends to lead people to install plain concrete floors in their industrial facility topped by epoxies or tiles – thinking it would save money – only to see their flooring wrecked within a matter of months or years.

The truth is, even the densest concrete formulation is not impermeable, and there is always the chance of liquids or gases making their way through the slab over time.  This is why it is so critical that you use vapor mitigation for industrial flooring.

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Polished concrete has emerged as a popular choice for many cost-conscious companies. Formulas are being engineered to provide added safety and an appealing look and feel to enhance almost any space it’s installed.

At Black Bear, we have witnessed the rise of polished concrete surfaces as a preferred design element and viable flooring solution. Our team is frequently called upon to experiment with emerging techniques and we remain on the cutting edge of concrete technology. Black Bear doesn’t shy away from applications that have never been tried. We pride ourselves on setting precedence by trying new methods of installation and engineering formulas to provide the best concrete solutions to our commercial and industrial clients.

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Commercial and industrial floors can take quite the beating. With ‘round-the-clock foot traffic, machinery and vehicle tread, environmental impact, and regular sanitization, flooring for these areas are subject to intense stressors. To reduce the risk of repair and replacement, engineering commercial flooring systems for high traffic areas requires addressing the different coating options, additional additives, and site preparation to ensure precision installation.

Commercial Coatings for High Traffic Floors
Epoxy floor coatings are synonymous with durability, while cementitious urethane is touted for properties that withstand extreme temperature changes. Both are popular choices for high traffic commercial flooring areas, though the needs of the individual space will help a contractor determine the right solution.

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When most people consider renovation and repair of hospital and medical facilities flooring, the first thought is usually ORs, clean rooms, and laboratories. Often overlooked, yet equally as important however, are the supplemental areas such as lavatories and locker rooms, commercial kitchens, storage, and utility closets.

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete, the Northeast’s leading commercial flooring partner, engineers customized solutions for every inch of hospital and healthcare facilities. Our epoxy, urethane, and polished concrete coatings are designed to withstand environmental factors in an individual space, leading to a more durable, reliable product that lasts longer.

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