Glass manufacturing can present arduous operating conditions for flooring surfaces, subject to impact damage and constant wear caused by glass fragments and the wheeled traffic necessary to transport the product safely. When Glassolutions in Coventry were looking to refurbish flooring across a section of their manufacturing premises, they turned to Impact Flooring and resin flooring specialists Resdev to devise a practical and durable solution.
A challenging application
Glassolutions is the UK’s leading provider of glass and glazing solutions to the architectural, construction, building maintenance, door and window markets, with manufacturing facilities across the UK. The concrete floor in question, in their Coventry factory, had been operational for more than 30 years and was exhibiting significant signs of wear and tear.
With no experience of resin flooring systems, the company called in specialist applicators Impact Flooring, who assessed the damage caused by forklifts, trolleys and ground in glass fragments which had resulting in the development of an uneven surface not suitable for the glass manufacturing and transportation processes.
High build polyurethane provides an effective solution
Applying a simple coating system to the concrete floor was not a viable solution, as shards of glass could cause localised damage which would quickly undercut and damage the integrity of the floor. Following consultation with Glassolutions, Impact Flooring recommended installation of a 6mm high build polyurethane screed capable of withstanding the operating conditions.
The product selected was Pumadur RT, developed and manufactured by Resdev. Pumadur RT is a resin rich, water-dispersed heavy duty polyurethane floor screed designed for use on concrete and polymer modified cementitious screeds, in areas subject to heavy duty traffic and manufacturing processes. It creates a seamless floor with the highest levels of durability, impact, abrasion and chemical resistance.
Keeping the factory working
Impact Flooring began by milling the existing concrete floor and vacuuming up the resulting dust and debris. Chases were cut into the floor around the perimeter, then Pumadur RT was laid across the area to a depth of 6mm. As the factory needed to remain in production throughout the process, the total 1500m2 floor area was divided into three sections and completed in three separate stages, necessitating only minimal machinery shutdowns.
All work was completed to budget and within agreed timescales in line with Glassolutions’ production requirements, and the company is now looking at using resin flooring products at other production facilities in the UK.
