Heavy loads, vibrating machinery, forklift and other vehicular traffic can put great strain on the flooring in commercial and industrial facilities. Not only does the finish wear over time, but the concrete itself can be damaged. This process of deterioration should be stopped in its tracks as quickly as possible, because replacing a cracked slab can lead to extensive downtime, lost production, and higher costs.

Effects on the Finish

Excessive divots, pits and cracks, as well as faulty expansion joints, must be filled in to ensure a tight adhesive bond between the coating and the substrate. If they remain unhandled, they can:

• Prevent an even application of the coating to the correct thickness across the entire slab, with the potential puddling of the floor coating product in low areas

• Make cleaning and maintenance more difficult

• Create edges in the coating that can flake and chip, which can in turn reducethe longevity of the coating.

Safety Hazards

These problems with the concrete can also increase the wear-and-tear on vehicles and other heavy machinery, as well as create safety hazards, including:

• Trip-and-fall accidents for pedestrians

• Dangerous load shifting on forklifts as they traverse over raised cracks

• Merchandise and/or machinery tip-overs on uneven surfaces, created as the concrete expands and contracts in the problem areas

• The collection of excess water and debris, potentially increasing microbial growth and posing both slip-and-fall and health risks

Whatever the concrete condition, Tennant has the reliable, high-quality products you need to bring your flooring back to life. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our professionals. Don’t let your concrete crumble, contact us today!