Grounded in Safety: Exploring Flooring Options for Educational Facilities

Grounded in Safety: Exploring Flooring Options for Educational Facilities

Selecting appropriate flooring for educational facilities is essential for establishing a safe and conducive learning environment. The flooring in such facilities must not only be durable and easy to maintain but also enhance the overall learning atmosphere. It is widely recognised that, following walls, floors constitute the largest component of an interior design scheme.

When exploring flooring options for educational facilities, there are several factors to consider ensuring that the chosen flooring meets the unique needs of the space.

[Seamless and sparkling resin flooring system, Flowcoat Terrosso, installed at a medical education building] 

What is resin flooring?

A resin floor can be manufactured from one of several formulations, with epoxy, polyurethane and methyl methacrylate (MMA) being three of the most common materials. The installation process can vary between these systems, however, the seamless, impermeable, abrasion-resistant finishes they create share comparable properties that have made them a popular choice within commercial environments.

When choosing the right system for educational facilities, it is important to consider the area of the facility, for example, science rooms might need a different flooring system compared to the cafeteria, while sports areas may require flooring with shock absorption and high slip resistance.

Epoxy

Epoxy resin flooring solutions involve a thermosetting polymer created by mixing epoxy resin and a hardener, initiating a chemical reaction (curing). The resulting flooring is highly durable, resistant to chemicals and abrasion, making it ideal for commercial sectors like education. Its smooth, glossy finish is visually appealing and easy to clean.

Pros: High durability, customisable aesthetics, resistance to chemicals, low maintenance and seamless application.

Cons: Rigid causing potential for cracking if the substrate moves, slippery when wet (if nonslip aggregates have not been broadcast correctly) and sensitivity to UV, which can cause discoloration.

[Flooring systems in educational areas such as the pool will need to ensure efficient slip resistance is met]

Polyurethane

Polyurethane (PU) resin flooring solutions are based on polymers formed through the reaction of a polyol and an isocyanate, resulting in a highly elastic and durable material. These floors are known for their flexibility, impact resistance, and resilience, making them suitable for areas with dynamic loads and temperature variations. 

Pros: High durability, customisable aesthetics, resistance to chemicals, low maintenance and seamless application.

Cons: Rigid causing potential for cracking if the substrate moves, slippery when wet (if nonslip aggregates have not been broadcast correctly) and sensitivity to UV, which can cause discoloration.

Polyurethane Cements

Polyurethane cement flooring (PU cement) combines polyurethane resin with Portland cement and aggregates. The chemistry involves the reaction of a polyol and isocyanate, enhanced by cement hydration, creating a hybrid material with exceptional chemical, thermal and mechanical resistance.  

Polyurethane concrete systems are good at coping with temperature changes without cracking. This advantage stems from the fact that they exhibit a similar coefficient of expansion to concrete, meaning that the floor finish will expand and contract at the same rate as the concrete substrate. The inherent thermal resistance capabilities, lends PU Cements to environments such as cafeterias and kitchens.

Pros: Withstands extreme temperatures and thermal cycling, highly resistant to chemicals and abrasion and tolerates moisture during installation.

Cons: Typically, has limited aesthetic options especially when using traditional matte finishes and can be difficult to clean without correctly equipment and protocols in place.

[Common area for students with a contemporary flooring system installed]

Methyl Methacrylate

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin flooring is based on polymers formed by the rapid polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomers using a peroxide initiator. This exothermic reaction produces a durable, hard-wearing and fast-curing flooring system suitable for various environments. 

MMA is notable for its ability to offer exceptionally rapid installation and cure times compared to alternative methods. MMA flooring can be flow applied, making it less labour intensive than trowel applied resin systems. In most cases MMA floors can be installed at extremely low temperatures. 

MMA flooring can be installed on top of a wide variety of sound substrates, including concrete, tiles and steel which means the previous floor system may not need to be removed, enhancing its reputation as a speedy refurbishment option. This type of flooring is also 100% non-porous and monolithic, which creates an impervious surface with exceptional chemical and UV resistance.

Pros: Extremely fast curing, even in low temperatures, allowing minimal downtime. High durability, chemical resistance, and availability in a wide range of finishes and colors. Easily repairable and suitable for heavy traffic. 

Cons: Strong odor during installation, requiring good ventilation. Higher material cost compared to some alternatives.

[MMA flooring installed at a West Sydney sporting facility]

When exploring flooring options for educational facilities, there are several factors to consider ensuring that the chosen flooring meets the unique needs of the space. Safety is a primary concern within this space and considerations such as slip resistance is a crucial factor to consider. With students and staff constantly moving through the hallways and classrooms, it's important to choose flooring materials that provide adequate slip resistance to prevent accidents or injuries.

In addition to safety considerations, the colour and design of the flooring can have a significant impact on the learning environment. Colour combinations can be used to create visually stimulating spaces or to designate different areas within the facility, promoting wayfinding and organisation. Light reflectivity can also come into play here. An appropriate light reflectivity can help enhance the overall brightness of the space, reducing the need for additional lighting and creating a more inviting environment for learning.

Durability and maintenance are vital aspects to consider, especially in high traffic areas like hallways or communal areas. Resin can be highly durable and long-lasting, resistant to wear and tear in these spaces while also providing easy maintenance for cleaning due to its ability to allow spills and stains to be easily wiped away. 

Furthermore, demarcation through flooring can be used to clearly delineate specific areas within the educational facility, such as play areas, study zones, or walkways. As with light reflectivity, this can also help in creating organised and safe environments for learning.

Selecting the right flooring solutions for educational facilities is a multi-faceted process that requires careful consideration of numerous factors. By weighing in factors such as slip resistance, color combinations, light reflectivity, and demarcation, educational institutions can create safe, visually appealing, functional, and easy-to-maintain spaces that contribute to a positive and productive learning environment.

For specific guidance and recommendations tailored to your facilities unique needs, consult with resin flooring experts who can help you choose the optimal solution or why not discover our past projects and get some inspiration for your next project.