As winter has arrived, it brings with it a number of challenges. Cold temperatures, increases in moisture, and fluctuations in weather conditions all call for reliable and robust flooring solutions. This is particularly true in areas where you have high traffic levels and in those locations where slips and trips are more likely to occur. Epoxy flooring is such an effective solution here that it has become the standout choice in flooring options. It offers a number of benefits that make it perfect for dealing with the harsh impacts of winter.  

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider epoxy flooring if your current flooring is susceptible to winter weather conditions, or if you need to ensure the integrity and durability of your floor in the long term.  

Enhanced Safety Features:

The icy and slippery weather conditions in winter increase the risk of slips, trips and other accidents. Epoxy flooring helps to prevent these from happening due to the fact that this type of flooring has improved traction. The flooring is engineered to withstand extremes of temperatures which means it retains its durability in the heat of summer and cold of winter. It can also withstand heavy impacts and even has fire-resistant properties. This makes it the perfect choice for enhancing safety for employees working within an environment and visitors to the business as well. The types of environments that can benefit most from this form of flooring are industrial settings and also commercial spaces.  

Moisture Resistance:

The snow and ice that can appear in the winter months lead to an increase in indoor moisture levels. This can be a real problem for businesses and environments that have heavy footfall and traffic through the buildings. Epoxy flooring and coatings help to prevent concrete floors from absorbing the moisture that is in the air. This helps to maintain warmth in the building and also helps to play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the flooring and also its cleanliness.  This is particularly relevant in settings where hygiene and moisture control are of paramount importance. 

Durability in Cold Temperatures:

Epoxy is a tough material, and this makes it the perfect solution for use in spaces that are affected by cold temperatures. As well as being able to withstand the impact of heavy activity and the weight of heavy vehicles, this kind of flooring can also withstand fluctuating temperatures in the winter. As well as being durable, it is also resistant to Mold and mildew and maintains its integrity in the event of chemical spills and stains.  

Protection from Water Damage:

As they are mostly located below ground level, basements and car parks are susceptible to the effects of water damage. As winter brings some of the worst wet weather conditions this is the time when the highest level of protection is needed. Water can drip on vehicles or collect around them. The most effective way of protecting the assorted cars and vans in the car park is by using epoxy flooring. It creates an impressive barrier, offering superior protection for them.  

Stability in Fluctuating Temperatures:

Concrete floors are extremely resilient, but they also need to be protected. UK winters have become a shifting mix of freezing and then thawing conditions. These ever-changing weather patterns will damage the floor, but with epoxy coating, the life of the floor can be prolonged for many years. 

Weather Resistance:

One feature of the new normal for British weather is the extremes it brings. It seems as if more and more storms are battering our shores and our floors have to put up with some very diverse conditions. The increased heat of summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and then the drop in temperature in winter time puts so much pressure on the floor. Resin flooring is perfectly set to offer the degree of protection that a floor needs to last for decades and take this shifting weather. The fluctuation in temperatures can cause some other flooring materials to expand and contract, and this can cause cracks to start to appear over time. Epoxy flooring options allow for the expansion of the floor in the heat and contraction in the colder months without it having an impact on the integrity and durability of the floor.   

Impact of winter on concrete flooring:

As every facilities manager knows, winter has a direct impact on concrete flooring. If left untreated, the ups and downs of winter temperatures can cause great damage to the floor. Without adequate protection, when the cycle of freezing and thawing starts to take hold, issues can arise. Cracks will appear, dents are more likely and worst of all, the foundation shifts and issues with the structural integrity of the concrete flooring might be compromised. With epoxy flooring as a shield against this potentially fatal cycle, the floor can withstand wintery climatic onslaught and considerably reduce the risk it poses. The good news for facilities managers is that this helps to alleviate the need for regular maintenance and repairs to the flooring structure, meaning that it is not only a safe and aesthetically pleasing solution but also a cost-effective one.  

Epoxy flooring is not only a practical choice when it comes to looking for a flooring material that can withstand winter conditions, but it is of a high quality and looks good too. It also helps to provide safety for those using the space, has high levels of durability and requires very little maintenance. The types of industries that can benefit greatly from epoxy solutions include residential buildings, commercial facilities and industrial settings. As the weather in the UK continues to become more extreme in terms of fluctuations in temperature and with the increased risk of localised flooding across the country, these types of flooring solutions will become more and more important.