Your commercial flooring questions answered - E&M Services

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Floors are an important part of any commercial space. While they may often get overlooked, your choice of flooring can have a significant impact on the aesthetics. Choosing a new floor that can benefit your business is not an easy decision. That’s why we’ve answered the most common questions on commercial flooring.

Commercial flooring

What is commercial flooring?

Commercial flooring is designed and tailored with commercial environments in mind. Unlike residential flooring, commercial flooring is usually much more durable and designed to accommodate the heavy footfall these floors are exposed to.

Some examples of popular commercial flooring include:

• Vinyl
• Sheet carpet
• Carpet tiles
• rubber
• barrier flooring

Commercial flooring: choose the best for your business

When choosing the best commercial flooring for your business, there are several questions you should consider:

1. Does the floor offer noise-reducing/soundproofing quality?
2. How much foot traffic and pressure will the floor be exposed to?
3. Does the floor match your business image?
4. How easy is it to clean and maintain the floor?
5. Any health and safety considerations, such as slip-resistance

Flooring contractors

What is the best flooring option for commercial places?

The best choice of flooring options for a commercial place will depend on the usage and requirements of that particular space. Different commercial environments will be suited to different flooring options.

For example, busy office spaces will require flooring that is durable but soft underfoot, such as carpet tiles or luxury vinyl, often referred to as LVT. This includes products such as Ambiance and Karndean flooring.

Healthcare environments require sterile floors that clean easily, are hardwearing and mitigate infection risks. Hospitality requires luxury design flooring such as carpets and LVT. Sports and gym premises require hardwearing flooring options to withstand increased usage, such as rubber or sports vinyl flooring.

What are commercial flooring installation services?

Commercial flooring installation services are provided by a professional and experienced contractor who undertakes a range of expert flooring services. Commercial flooring installation services, such as us at E&M Services, supply and install floors for a range of commercial premises to the needs and expectations of their clients.

Such contractors have the knowledge and expertise to rectify subfloor issues and imperfections. These include the removal of the existing flooring, the application of smoothing compounds or the installation of a new ply subfloor if required for example.

What are the benefits of hiring a flooring specialist?

There are several benefits to hiring a flooring specialist:

• More efficient and better-quality installations
• Experience and expertise
• Complete projects to a budget and schedule
• Access to the necessary tools and equipment
• Adhere to health and safety regulations/guidelines
• Guarantee for the work carried out
• Specialist knowledge for repairs to the subfloor

Flooring options

What are the cheapest flooring options?

If you are limited on budget, you may decide to opt for a cheaper flooring option. Cheap flooring options to consider include vinyl (including sheet and plank vinyl) and carpet tiles (sometimes known as carpet squares).

Both vinyl and carpet (carpet tiles) come in a broad range of qualities. Not all products are the same and there is normally a product available in most price ranges. Remember that when choosing your flooring, you get what you pay for.

Choosing a cheaper option may cost more in the long term due to the lower quality. If your budget allows, it is recommended to invest in a quality flooring choice. The quality of the subfloor will also have an impact. We can work with you to advise the best flooring to choose that is within your budget requirements.

What kind of flooring is used in a commercial kitchen?

Commercial kitchen floors are a speciality of ours. Commercial kitchens are heavy traffic, heavy wear, and dangerous environments. Hot oils, fats and liquids can make incorrectly chosen floors lethal. If you do not have specialist flooring in your kitchen, you risk serious slips, trips and falls.

Kitchen equipment is heavy and can cause major damage to an incorrectly chosen floor, often resulting in pits, holes and tears appearing on the floor which are hazardous and unhygienic. E&M Services has been installing commercial flooring in kitchens for over 30 years.

We have the knowledge to provide durable subfloors and to install the correct rated safety flooring in a kitchen. Our installations are quick and effective due to the amount of experience we have in this area.

What are some good flooring options for a restaurant?

Restaurants are destinations that provide great food and social environments. Their floors have to withstand a lot and it is vital that they keep looking amazing all the time. We have beautiful, luxurious carpets that are hardwearing, stylish, and provide fantastic noise-reducing characteristics.

Carpets are often one of the best choices for a restaurant. There is nothing worse than being in an echoey or loud restaurant where acoustics have not been factored into the design. We often design floors which combine luxurious carpets with LVT flooring, installed in seamless ways. This provides durability, and style ensures the appropriate ambience.

What is the best option for office flooring?

There are several flooring options to consider for office spaces. The floor you choose may differ from room to room depending on the usage of each room. Floors, such as LVT and carpet tiles, are ideal choices for office spaces. They look great, are durable and are easy to keep clean.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring

What are the benefits of LVT flooring?

LVT flooring is a great option for a whole range of environments. From commercial environments to homes, LVT is the future of flooring.

Benefits include:

• Stylish
• Great layout and design options
• Durable and easy to maintain
• Comfortable underfoot
• Water-resistant and anti-slip
• Great value for money

LVT is available in a broad range of colours and styles from wood effects to marble and stone styles. LVT is good value for money and provides a perfect floor for your needs.

What is the best kind of flooring, vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl and laminate have their own properties that make them suited for certain spaces. As a company, we have chosen to no longer sell or install laminate flooring as we prefer vinyl and LVT flooring.

We deem LVT and vinyl to be a much more durable flooring choice compared to laminate. We find vinyl and LVT to have all the stylish benefits and durability without the negative noise issues, gaps and edging issues relating to laminate floors.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is a much more rigid form of vinyl flooring. Made with several layers, LVT is more durable, softer underfoot, and has a better design compared to its vinyl counterpart. Unlike vinyl (which can be sold in sheets of squares), LVT is sold in planks or tiles.

In contrast to vinyl, LVT is made with several layers. These layers can include:

• A backing layer
• A stability layer
• Design layer
• Surface protection layer

The layers will depend on the make and manufacturer (such as Ambiance) of the tiles.

Why are vinyl flooring much thinner than laminate flooring?

Laminate floors come with a thick substrate layer made from composite materials, such as fibrewood. The thickness of laminate floors helps to make them more resistant to dropped objects. The thicker the fibrewood, the greater protection it provides.

Vinyl floors use very thin layers, including a transparent wear layer and a stability layer, that provides protection. Vinyl floors are made from a composite of different layers using different materials that are tightly ‘sandwiched’ together to provide protection.

With LVT and vinyl, you do not need to cut doors and make alterations as often to allow a successful installation. It is always important to consider fire doors in commercial flooring installations. You need to ensure that your gap is correct to the underside of the fire door to keep them safe.

Can vinyl plank flooring (LVT) be installed over concrete?

Yes, LVT and sheet vinyl can be installed over concrete subfloors, and indeed timber floors. The key to a successful installation is in the subfloor preparation. Our fitters are experts in the field! We can take up and remove your existing flooring and build up the subfloor, as required, for the new installation.

What can’t vinyl flooring go over?

Vinyl flooring can be installed over most existing flooring surfaces. However, there are some requirements:

• The flooring must be level and smooth
• Floors must be free from damp
• A proper subfloor must be present
• Ensure there are no cracks or grout joins present
• Never place vinyl tiles on a surface that is damp or experiences high moisture content

The good news is that whatever your subfloor issues, we can resolve them. We have specialist damp testing devices and experience in identifying and repairing subfloor faults.

Is LVT flooring good?

Luxury vinyl tiles can provide a high-quality flooring choice, both in terms of visual appearance and durability. LVT is becoming increasingly popular in commercial spaces, such as offices and restaurants.

What is linoleum flooring?

Linoleum is similar flooring to vinyl. The flooring was created after discovering how linseed oil (used for removing paint) developed a tough and solid film over paint. Blending this film with other materials led to the development of linoleum.

Linoleum is also made entirely using recyclable materials, unlike vinyl. Although vinyl can be recycled. We always recycle where we can. Linoleum is available in sheets, planks, and tiles.

What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?

Both flooring options are very similar and can be easily maintained. However, linoleum is more susceptible to moisture damage compared to vinyl. Linoleum can last longer than vinyl provided it is well-maintained and sealed periodically. Vinyl and linoleum are very similar-looking products, but the styles and finishes can be quite different. Therefore, styles and tastes need to be considered.

Carpets and carpet tiles

Why do so many office buildings have carpet floors?

Carpets (and in particular carpet tiles) are used in many office buildings due to the benefits this flooring provides for such environments, including:

• Durability
• Visually and aesthetically pleasing
• Reduces noise
• Cost-effective
• Great design versatility

Find out more about the 7 wonders of carpet tiles

Which is cheaper, carpet or vinyl flooring?

Both carpet and vinyl are relatively low-cost flooring options. Saying exactly which is cheaper will depend on the specific job. Carpet tiles provide great value, particularly if the subfloor is solid as it won’t need as much subfloor preparation. However, if subfloor repairs are required, the prices can be similar.

Subfloors

What is the purpose of subflooring?

A subfloor is a solid base on which floor coverings are installed. A subfloor provides stability for both your flooring and the walls, working alongside other support systems.

Is it difficult to replace the subfloor?

If a subfloor is water damaged or structurally unsound, it may need replacing. The extent of the damage to the subfloor will determine whether it needs replacing or repairing. We can provide both options and provide technical information as to how to carry out the repairs. With decades of experience in subfloor work, we are the company to help you here!

How to fix a warped subfloor?

If a subfloor has become warped, it will need levelling out to prevent any lasting damage to your floor coverings. A warped subfloor can usually be resolved using a levelling compound. This is especially the case when wide depressions and sags are present.

NFJ contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Does a wet subfloor need to be replaced?

If your subfloor is continually exposed to moisture, it will need to be replaced or dried out. Signs your subfloor may be exposed to moisture include large uneven or sunken areas of the floor, loud squeaking floorboards, a musty smell, or the floor feels as if it’s shifting.

Depending on if the subfloor is timber or concrete will depend on what needs to be done. We have specialist machinery for drying out subfloors and bringing them up to a standard where they can be repaired.

What is under the subfloor?

The subfloor helps provide some structural support in a room. Under the subfloor is the joist, which provides a foundation for your floors (except for concrete).

Do you have to cover subflooring?

Covering a subfloor is not always required. A subfloor may sometimes need to be covered depending on the type of flooring being installed or room conditions.

Does the subfloor have to be nailed to joists?

A subfloor should be secured to the joists (timber floors) to make it secure and stable. Failing to properly secure a subfloor can lead to damage to your flooring installation.

Cleaning and maintaining floors

What do you use to clean vinyl flooring?

• Remove loose debris, dust, and dirt using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you use a suitable hard floor vacuum cleaner or head.
• Wipe up any spillages as soon as possible to prevent damage
• Avoid using excessive quantities of water when mopping
• Use warm water and soap to regularly mop your vinyl floor (make sure to wring the mop out first)

Check out some do’s and don’ts for cleaning luxury vinyl floors

How do you get old yellow stains off vinyl flooring?

Leaving spillages for too long on vinyl floors can lead to an unsightly stain. To remove a stain on vinyl flooring, consider:

• Using a dilute solution of bleach and water
• Oxalic acid on a cloth for rust stains
• Isopropyl alcohol for shoe scruffs
• Laundry detergent mixed into a paste with water

Always refer to the cleaning and maintenance guidelines provided for your floor.

How to make a floor less slippery?

There are several reasons why a floor may become slippery, including moisture, wax, and grease. Regularly cleaning your floor with a suitable cleaner will help to reduce the slippiness and make it much safer.

Coming to a decision for your commercial flooring is not easy. With so much to consider, including how your floor reflects on your business and employee performance, you’ll want to make sure you’re investing in the right choice. We hope that we answered any questions you have on commercial flooring and that it helps you to pick the right floor for your business.

Don’t get hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more at 024 7665 9616

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It’s important that your business sets the right tone and creates the right impression. From the moment a client or customer walks through the door, they should instantly get a sense of who you are and what type of atmosphere you want to present. If you’re looking to project a casual and fun atmosphere, there should be no question of this. If you want to seem professional and sophisticated, your workplace needs to communicate this as well.

There are many ways to achieve this. The furniture you place inside your space, the color of the walls, the look of the ceiling and more all work together to create your desired atmosphere. One critical piece of this puzzle is the floor itself. Flooring comes in all different styles, colors, textures and materials. Because there are so many options, there is something for every type of business.

Not only does the right flooring help you achieve the mood and feeling that you’re hoping for, but it also plays a significant role in the functionality of your space. Considering both aesthetic and practicality, then, it’s crucial that you choose the right flooring for your space.

This guide will help you select the perfect flooring for your space.

What Are Your Industrial Flooring Needs and Goals?

When choosing the flooring for your company, you’ll want to start by asking yourself the crucial question — what do you want to achieve with this flooring? To help you answer these questions, consider them in light of these categories:

1. Aesthetic

Some flooring offers a more severe and professional tone. Another flooring option lends itself to an open and airy atmosphere. Still other types of flooring are industrial-looking and lend themselves well to highly function-based settings.

To decide which type of flooring is best, you’ll want to ask yourself what you’d like your space to look like. Additionally, you’ll want to think about how important looks are to you. For example, if yours is a client-facing space, you’ll likely want to put a great deal of thought into aesthetic. If, on the other hand, your space is a back warehouse, aesthetic might not be extremely high on your list of priorities.

At this stage, there is no right answer and no wrong answer. Simply think about what you’d like to achieve and move forward from there.

2. Functionality

How will you be using your floors? Will they be expected to hold up under heavy carts or vehicles? Or will they merely be walked on, like in a typical office building?

While this question might not seem initially important, it’s a good idea to think about it. Certain types of flooring are more durable than others, and it’s critical to consider this right from the start of your search.

3. Traffic Levels

Is your floor going to experience substantial use? If it needs to hold up against years of wear-and-tear, you’ll want to invest in a heavy-duty flooring. If your floor is only going to experience light use, you won’t necessarily need such a durable material.

If you aren’t entirely sure what your traffic levels are likely to be, it’s always better to overestimate. Opt for a slightly more heavy-duty flooring. If you don’t end up needing it, then no harm has been done. This is a better alternative to installing a light flooring and discovering too late that it’s being destroyed by heavy usage.

4. Hygiene

This is purely a question of how dirty your floors will be getting. While all floors will inevitably accumulate some dirt and grime, some are far likelier to grow dirtier than others. For example, an office building will not become dirty as quickly as a factory floor.

This question is important because some floors are easier to clean than others, and some floorings naturally resist contaminants better than others. When you know what to expect from your building, you’ll be better able to choose a more appropriate flooring.

What Is Most Important to You?

In a perfect world, everyone would be able to find precisely the right flooring that meets every single one of their needs perfectly. It’s entirely possible that you will find this. All too often, however, compromises need to be made.

Because of this, it’s important to begin thinking about which elements of your flooring are the most important, and where you might be willing to compromise. When it comes time to make a decision, you’ll be better able to determine which elements are necessary and which are less crucial.

A few of the different elements to consider include:

• Longevity: How long do you need your floor to last? Are you only expecting to get a few years out of it, or are you looking for something that will last as long as the building itself?
• Safety: Are there any particular safety concerns on your mind? If so, this might be a top priority. Otherwise, this might fall reasonably low on the list.
• Material needs: Depending on your building, you might require flooring constructed of specific materials. Alternatively, you might immediately know that certain materials are off limits for your purposes.

What Kind of Flooring Is Available?

Now that we know a bit more about some of the different concerns and factors that will likely affect your choice of flooring, it’s time to look at which types of flooring specifically are available. Here, we’ll look at different types, as well as their various pros and cons and attributes.

As you browse this list, weigh these different attributes in your mind against your own list of requirements and concerns.

1. Epoxy Flooring

One of the primary and popular floor options you’re likely to encounter is the epoxy floor coating. We refer to this as a floor coating because the epoxy is not the floor itself. Your floor will likely still be made of concrete. Epoxy gets put over this concrete to finish it. Whether you’re looking for industrial flooring options or commercial floors for business, epoxy is an excellent choice that will serve you reliably for years to come.

Not all epoxy flooring is the same, however. This isn’t a blanket solution that will look identical every time. Instead, there are a variety of different finishes and styles available, allowing you to select the one that’s truly best for you and your business.

If you choose an epoxy floor solution, here are just a few of the benefits you’ll experience:

• Seamless Finish: An epoxy coating over top of a concrete floor results in a smooth finish with no large bumps or seams. This makes it ideal for heavy traffic from dollies, forklifts and other pieces of heavy equipment, and a perfect choice for manufacturing floors.
• Elegant Finish: The aesthetic appeal of this smooth finish is undeniable, as it provides a sleek and streamlined appearance free from lumps or defects. Epoxy coatings are also available in a wide range of colors and finishes, meaning you can tailor it to match the rest of your aesthetic.
• Minimal Maintenance: Few things are more tedious or time-consuming than scrubbing a floor. With epoxy flooring, this isn’t necessary. This finish requires little to no maintenance. They’re extremely easy to clean and maintain their durability even in highly-trafficked areas.
• Anti-Slip Traction: Worried that your floors might be too slick and cause slipping problems? With epoxy, this isn’t a problem. Epoxy flooring helps increase friction and traction, minimizing slipping incidents. If this is a particular concern for you, you might even choose an epoxy designed for maximum anti-slip protection.
• Chemical Resistance: If there will be chemicals present in your working environment, you’ll want a floor coating that can withstand this exposure without suffering damage. This is where an epoxy coating comes in, as it won’t just resist corrosion, but it also acts as a barrier that prevents the chemicals from harming the concrete underneath.

2. Urethane Concrete

Similarly to epoxy coatings, urethane concrete acts as a sealing layer over top of a concrete floor. This seal applies urethane resin, from which the name is derived, to the cement powder and creates a durable, finished concrete surface.

As with epoxy coatings, urethane concrete comes in a variety of different forms, finishes and styles, and there is no singular “best” option. Instead, it’s more about finding what’s best for your needs and your setting.

A few of the significant benefits you can expect to reap when you choose this type of commercial flooring for your business include:

• Chemical Resistance: Worried about chemical spills, abrasions or corrosion? Urethane concrete offers superb protection from these types of incidents, allowing you to operate without stressing over this additional worry.
• Impact Defense: If you’re going to be driving heavy vehicles over your flooring, or even if you frequently transport heavy items that might get dropped, you’ll want flooring that won’t crumble beneath these potential impacts. Urethane concrete can provide this stability.
• Thermal-Shock Resistance: Unfortunately, bare concrete tends to split in the cold and the ice, creating a significant problem for those using it as flooring in places that will potentially get extremely cold or hot. Urethane concrete does an excellent job of correcting this problem by creating a thermal-shock resistant barrier that protects the concrete underneath. This makes it an excellent choice for places like plane hangars and fire stations that may be partially outdoors.
• Abrasion Protection: Urethane concrete effectively guards your concrete against the cosmetic bumps, bruises and scars that would otherwise mar the surface, creating damage that both looks unpleasant and creates hazards in the forms of divots and potholes.

3. Methyl Methacrylate

Methyl Methacrylate, often known as MMA, is a dual system polymer and is one of the popular choices for coating industrial and commercial floors. In this way, it acts much the same as other floorings we have looked at — as a protective sealing layer over the concrete floor itself.

Like both the epoxy and the urethane, MMA flooring comes with its own set of advantages and reasons why people choose this type of flooring. A few of these major benefits include:

• Low Curing Temperature: Because these MMA floors have a low curing temperature, they’re less complicated and picky when it comes to installing them. This means less hassle on your part and potentially, less time spent during the installation.
• Scratch Resistance: One of the major advantages that MMA flooring supplies in abundance is a high level of scratch resistance. For environments where objects will frequently be colliding with the floor, or heavy amounts of traffic will take place, this makes MMA one of the better choices.
• Matte Finish: Looking for a floor that has a low-gloss shine and a neutral matte setting? MMA flooring might be the way to go. Unlike other floors that develop a high level of shine when they cure, MMA flooring is a little more neutral, with a traditional flat appearance. This relatively neutral appearance might make it appropriate for settings like healthcare facilities or nursing homes.

4. Acid Brick/Dairy Tile

Acid brick is unlike the other floorings we’ve mentioned, which are coatings installed on top of a pre-existing floor and are not the floor itself, per se. Also known as dairy tile, this type of flooring is a specifically designed brick that forms the floor itself.

The major advantages offered by this flooring solution include:

• Thermal Stability: Worried that your location is going to be getting extremely hot? Extremely cold? With acid brick, this won’t be a problem.
• Impact Resistance: Acid brick is designed to be able to take a beating. It’s capable of handling heavy impacts and lots of traffic all without denting, cracking or breaking.
• Chemical Resistance: Some floors might become damaged in the face of chemical contact, becoming discolored, corroded or stained. Acid brick is designed to handle these types of contact, however, and stand up to them without sustaining any damage.
• Durability: In addition to its natural resistance to many potentially damaging impacts, acid brick is also built to last. Its natural durability and longevity will be major assets no matter where you install this flooring. Because of this, it’s a perfect candidate for places like food and dairy product manufacturing floors.

How Long Will It Last?

This is nearly an impossible question to answer, as the lifespan of your floor will vary wildly based on how well you maintain it and how much traffic it experiences. In some cases, if it is not heavily trafficked, it can last for decades. In other cases, however, when extreme traffic conditions are at play, your floor may last less than ten years.

You can do your part to improve the longevity of your flooring by cleaning it regularly and promptly attending to any damage, instead of letting the damage sit without care.

How Long Does It Take to Install?

This depends slightly — on the type of floor you’re having installed, on what state your floor is in before this installation, as well as on other extenuating circumstances such as additional complications. In general, however, you can expect a floor installation to take anywhere from a few hours to potentially a few days. This time window can vary widely, but these numbers provide a rough estimate. Keep in mind that not all of this time is actual installation work. You will spend most of this time just waiting for the new flooring to cure.

What Is the Best Commercial Flooring Option for Your Industry?

As you look at your business and your setting, it can be helpful to know what others in your same industry choose for their flooring, and what their typical concerns are. While it would be impossible to mention every industry, here are a few examples, and what they might install on their floors.

Because you are the only one who can truly know the needs your location has, we will not attempt to dictate which type of flooring you need. Instead, we’ll look at a few of the concerns you should be aware of moving forward, that will help guide your choice.

• Healthcare: In healthcare settings, be they hospitals, nursing homes or clinics, you likely won’t worry about heavy forklifts or major temperature fluctuations. You probably won’t need something heavy-duty, but you will need to worry about how easy it is to clean and how it holds up under heavy traffic.
• Manufacturing: If you run a manufacturing plant, you’ll likely have heavy machinery. You may want to invest in something a little more durable and resistant to things like chemicals, thermal variations and blunt impacts.
• Retirement communities: Similarly to healthcare facilities, retirement communities will need to be easy to clean and able to stand up to heavy traffic. Also, make sure the floor’s finish is smooth and without the kind of blemishes that could cause tripping hazards.
• Plane hangars: For this type of setting, you will want to think about blunt impacts and heavy amounts of traffic. Select flooring that can withstand the weight of airplanes and their equipment.
• Fire stations: At a fire station, your floor will need to hold up to many different hazards. Think of heavy fire truck traffic, potential chemical damage, potential thermal damage and more. Choose a flooring option that will be able to resist these hazards.

Shop Commercial and Industrial Flooring at Houck

Whether you’re building an entirely new space, re-inventing an old one or simply replacing an old floor, you can find the flooring to fit your needs at Houck. We work with flooring materials such as:

• Epoxy
• Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
• Polyurethane concrete
• Acid brick/dairy tile

Not only do we install these materials, but we also specialize in repairs, meaning that if your floor still has some life left in it and just needs a repair job, we’re ready and willing to help with that, as well.

Learn more about our various flooring services and options today, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Heavy Duty Industrial Flooring.