Forklift Proof Flooring | If your warehouse relies on forklift trucks every day, especially in busy areas like Birmingham and Manchester, you will already know how much strain this puts on your flooring. Constant forklift movement and heavy loads place a unique set of demands on warehouse surfaces. It is not just about keeping your trucks running smoothly. Your flooring also plays a key role in safety and efficiency.
The Pressure of Forklift Traffic on Floors
Warehouse flooring needs to handle frequent vehicle movement, turning pressure, and heavy weights. If the surface of the substrate beneath it is worn, cracked, or damaged, it can create an uneven working environment. This affects forklift performance, increases wear on your trucks and introduces avoidable safety risks.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Forklift Use
Forklift Proof Flooring | Using the correct type of resin flooring is essential. If there are isolated areas of damage, these can be repaired with heavy-duty polyurethane mortar at a depth of 10 to 60mm. This provides a strong, lasting solution suited to forklift traffic.
Quick and Durable Installation Options
Minimising downtime is essential in any warehouse. A pump screed, laid at 5 to 30mm, offers rapid installation across large areas. Up to 2,000 square meters can be installed in a single day, depending on conditions. This creates a flat, self-levelling surface ready for further treatment.
A polymer-modified screed can then be applied, offering improved strength, strong adhesion, and a smooth finish before the resin layer is installed.
Protecting Expansion Joints from Wear
Expansion joints are often overlooked. However, forklifts place extra pressure on these areas, which can lead to damage. To protect them, they should be saw-cut and filled with a flexible mastic. This supports normal movement from heat and vibration while shielding the joint from erosion.
Long-lasting Chemical and Impact Resistance
Once any repairs are completed, a solvent-free epoxy coating can be applied in two layers. This gives a gloss finish with good chemical and abrasion resistance. In most warehouse environments, this system will last for five to seven years.
For a stronger finish, a thicker self-levelling coating can be applied in layers of 1 to 3mm. These systems offer excellent durability and are expected to last up to ten years in high-traffic areas.
Improving Safety with Clear Markings
To finish the floor, high-visibility lines, hatchings, numbers, or letters can be added. These markings help guide traffic, improve organisation, and make the space safer for staff members. Get some advice on forklift-proof flooring by talking to Jofson.