Seamless

Seamless Flooring

Seamless flooring is any monolithic, poured in place, resin based floor system. The intent and purpose of a seamless floor system is to encapsulate an area so that no contamination can get underneath, between, or past the floor’s surface. There are a multitude of finishes that can be incorporated into a seamless floor system with various benefits.

The most commonly used seamless floors will typically incorporate epoxy and urethane resins in conjunction with quartz or silica aggregates, decorative flakes, aluminum oxide, or other specialty aggregate materials which can increase wear and performance. The type of finish incorporated will be chosen based on the use expected for the facility. Factors such as slip resistance, chemical resistance, compressive strength, and aesthetic properties of the finished system will all contribute to the product selection process.

Project Considerations

Seamless floors have specific requirements that must be met for a successful installation. As with all adhered floors, the concrete substrate must be tested for moisture. Compliance with moisture limitations should always precede surface preparation of the concrete.

Since polymer based products have a set or tack time in which they remain open or “sticky”, it is important to have the building enclosed and prevent any traffic on the surface while curing. Open doors can allow dirt and debris to become trapped into the product thus affecting the surface finish. Some products may contain solvents or other VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which may require respiratory protection for anyone in close proximity to the application. Always obtain and post the Manufacturers Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) on-site in a conspicuous location.

Application Process

Each product has its own specific guidelines for installation. Always follow the manufacturers written instructions and consult the technical department if questions arise. Seamless floors require the installation to be completed in a single phase to achieve the desired finish. Therefore, it is necessary to have a complete understanding of what is required prior to commencing work. Patching can be troublesome, problematic, ineffective, as well as unsightly.

After moisture testing is performed and compliance requirements are met, most systems require mechanical surface preparation prior to flooring installation. Surface preparation insures that the substrate is sound, free of bond breaking contaminants, and in an open and porous condition that will allow the seamless floor system to achieve good surface adhesion. Most products are squeegee and back-rolled or brushed.

Benefits and Limitations

All floor systems have specific requirements for successful installation. It is important to verify that the product manufacturer’s written guidelines govern the installation process. Adherence to instructions is critical for maintaining the manufacturers’ warranty; neglecting them will almost certainly void the warranty. Proper product selection based on end use, appropriate scheduling with other trades, testing and compliance to product moisture requirements, and installation per industry Best Practice methods are the keys to a quality flooring installation.

Seamless floors offer an easily cleaned and sanitary surface that reduces the build up or deposit of soil generally associated with other flooring materials. However, to achieve a monolithic installation over large areas it is necessary to complete the installation in a single phase. This can pose challenges to Contractors who have to remove most, if not all, sub-contractors for the duration of the product installation and subsequent cure time. Proper coordination is critical to maintaining time schedules as well as insuring the best possible flooring installation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital to the long term welfare of all floors. There is no surface available that remains in optimum condition without regular cleaning and maintenance. The floor is subjected to the most abuse in any normal business. Keeping the floor in good condition takes a little forethought and consistent effort. The first key to maintaining floors is preventing as much soil, debris, and potential damaging agents from being introduced to the environment in the first place. Interior and exterior walk-off mats can minimize the amount of sand, water, and foreign matter that are tracked onto the floor. Limiting contaminants will simplify the maintenance process.

Since most seamless floors are installed inside, cleaning methods generally incorporate floor scrubbers, steam cleaners, wet vacuums, squeegees and mops to perform daily floor maintenance. The type of cleaning equipment and chemicals should be specified by the seamless flooring manufacturer.