UK based warehouse flooring contractors
Key Considerations for Warehouse Flooring
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The floor must support forklifts, pallet trucks, and heavy racking.
- Flatness & Levelness: Ensures smooth operations, particularly for automated systems.
- Durability: Resistance to wear, impact, and chemical spills.
- Slip Resistance: Essential for safety in high-traffic areas.
- Moisture Resistance: Helps prevent damage and ensures longevity.
Warehouse Flooring in the UK
Floor screeding for warehouses
Warehouse floors require high-quality screeds to create a stable and even surface before the final floor finish is applied. The choice of screed depends on load requirements, installation speed and budget.
Types of Screed Used in Warehouses
1. Traditional Sand & Cement Screed
- Composed of sand, cement, and water.
- Ideal for creating a strong, level surface.
- Can be reinforced with fibres for added strength.
- Slower drying time (up to 28 days).
2. Liquid Screed
- Flowing screed that self-levels upon application.
- Faster installation compared to traditional screed.
- Superior flatness and reduced shrinkage.
- Quick drying – walkable within 24-48 hours.
3. Fast Drying Screed
- Modified with additives to accelerate drying.
- Suitable when fast turnaround times are required.
- Often used in refurbishment projects.
4. Epoxy resin flooring
- Extremely durable and impact-resistant.
- Suitable for heavy-duty warehouses.
- Resistant to chemicals and moisture.
Comparison Table: Screed Types for Warehouse Flooring
| Feature | Traditional screed | Liquid screed | Fast drying screed | Epoxy resin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Speed | Slow | Fast | Very Fast | Moderate |
| Drying Time | Up to 28 days | 24-48 hours | Walkable in hours | Varies by type |
| Strength | High | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Surface Flatness | Requires manual levelling | Excellent | Good | Varies |
| Best Use Cases | General warehouse floors | Large areas needing quick installation | Fast-track projects | Heavy-duty warehouses |
Concrete Floor Preparation for Warehouses
Before screeding, the existing concrete surface must be properly prepared to ensure good adhesion and long-term performance.
Key Steps in Floor Preparation
- Surface Cleaning: Removing dust, grease, and debris.
- Laitance Removal: Grinding or shot blasting to remove weak surface layers.
- Crack & Joint Repair: Filling in gaps and stabilising damaged areas.
- Moisture Testing: Ensuring the substrate is dry enough for screed application.
- Priming: Applying a primer to enhance screed adhesion.
“The choice of screed depends on load requirements, installation speed and budget”
Equipment Used in Warehouse Flooring
- Diamond Grinders: Used for laitance removal and smoothing surfaces.
- Shot Blasters: Creates a textured surface for better bonding.
- Power Float Machines: Helps achieve a polished and durable finish.
- Vacuum Systems: Keeps the worksite clean and dust-free.
Conclusion
Choosing the right warehouse flooring solution depends on load requirements, installation time, and durability. Proper floor preparation is essential to ensure the long-term performance of screeds and coatings. Using the right equipment and techniques will help achieve a durable, high-quality warehouse floor.
Residential & Commercial
floor screeding
Warehouse flooring services in the Midlands
Commercial floor screeding
Warehouse flooring
It will enhance the structural integrity, prevent cracks, and ensure a smooth base for final floor finishes like epoxy coatings or polished concrete.
Floor preperation
We use dust-free, vacuum-assisted diamond grinding equipment to grind concrete surfaces, effectively removing imperfections and providing a smooth base for new coatings