From Classic to Cutting Edge: Concrete Ideas and Inspiration

Why You Shouldn't Overlook Repairing Your Industrial Concrete Floor

Many warehouse and industrial facilities have concrete floors, as the material is tough and durable and very fire resistant. Concrete can hold up under the weight of forklifts and other such heavy equipment, and also suffer less damage due to moisture or industrial spills. As durable as it may be, concrete will eventually need some repairs and you don't want to put off this work once you notice even minor damage. Note why you shouldn't overlook repairing your industrial concrete floor when it's chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged in the least.

1. Chips hold moisture and get bigger

The surface of your concrete floor will be sealed to keep out moisture, but those chips and cracks allow moisture to sink into the lower levels of the material. In turn, the concrete could get soft and suffer even more damage. Note too that chips and cracks often simply get bigger over time; this may be because of traffic running over those areas and causing more damage, or because of the moisture underneath that sinks in below the surface and compromises the strength of the material. To avoid paying even larger repair bills, it's good to have your concrete floors repaired as soon as you notice chips and cracks.

2. Safety

The surface of your concrete floor is very important for the overall safety of your workers. Anyone could easily trip on a chipped or cracked surface, and this could also get caught on the wheels of a forklift, causing it to tumble and drop its load. You may also have lines marked on the floor for the safety of your workers, noting areas they should avoid or for directing traffic. Chips, cracks, and other damage can interrupt these lines. Having your floors repaired can include repainting these safety lines so they're easily seen and your workers are kept safe.

3. Inspection

When repairing a concrete floor, you can have the floor inspected for the cause of the damage, other than standard wear and tear. For example, if your building has a water leak, this can cause chips and cracks to form in the floor. If your building is shifting and settling, this too can cause cracks in the floor and you may want to consider underpinning the building's foundation in order to avoid more damage. Whatever the cause of the damage, this can be found out during repair work and you may be able to avoid even more damage by addressing that cause.

To have your building's floor repaired, contact a company that specializes in industrial maintenance and concrete repair.