13 Oct Microbreweries and Distillery Floor Coating Options
Microbreweries and Distillery Floor Coating Options
There are many options to consider when looking at a brewery floor coating. The two most common options considered for brewery floor coatings are epoxy and urethane cement. These are the pros and cons for both brewery floor coating types.
Epoxy Flooring for Breweries
Pros for installing epoxy flooring into your brewery include a lower installation cost than urethane cement. Epoxy floors are chemical and abrasion resistant, as well as customizable for texture and anti-slip properties. For a decorative quartz system, epoxy flooring often meets Department of Agriculture, FDA or local health code requirements. It can be applied at 1/8 inches thick, making it strong enough to hold up to high traffic areas. Cove is often required in brewery floor coating and all epoxy systems can have an integrated cove added for a completely seamless floor to wall transition for easy cleaning.
Cons for epoxy flooring include less of a heat resistance compared to urethane cement if exposed to heat more than 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the systems are considered “thin mil” and don’t offer as much durability and protection of concrete as urethane cement. Those thinner systems may not meet certain health codes for brewery floors. Check with your local and state health department officials for specifics on epoxy flooring requirements.
Urethane Cement Flooring for Breweries
Urethane cement flooring is a top choice for breweries. They protect floors from thermal shock, impact, abrasion, and chemical attacks. A key feature as well of urethane cements is their resistance to any moisture vapor transmission that could be present in concrete. Anti-microbial additives can be included into the system for greater protection against bacteria and fungi such as mold or yeast. Urethane cements are often used for commercial kitchen flooring, in restaurants, breweries, bakeries, or food manufacturing facilities, so for businesses in the food industry, urethane cements are often the first choice for a flooring system. As an additional benefit, an integral cove can be added to this system to run up the wall 4 or 6 inches to create a seamless transition from floor to wall. This makes a truly seamless system where spills are contained and it’s easy to clean compared to tile flooring.
Cons for using urethane cement for brewery floor coatings primarily center around price. It is a more expensive system, but when it comes to brewery flooring you often get what you pay for. When a urethane cement system is installed, the owner will not have to worry about their floor for 10, 20, or more years if taken care of properly.
Other Factors to Consider for your Brewery
When it comes to deciding which type of flooring is ideal in your brewery, there are a few factors to consider:
Why are non-porous properties important for a brewery?
It is important for the concrete to be sealed and protected.
Unsealed concrete will wear away quicker while also creating a dusty/dirty
environment that can cause food/drink contamination. A seamless floor is easier
to clean and maintain and whether it’s urethane cement or another resinous
flooring system, they all withstand chemicals, stains, high traffic impact and
abrasions. Plus, many of these breweries are designed, aesthetics wise, to show
off the brand-new stainless steel or copper tanks of the production area is a
focal point of the brewery. The floor is an equally important part of this look
which means a glossy, texture resinous floor will brighten the space and give
the production area a finished look.
Why are floors free of gaps and cracks important for a brewery?
Seamless floors are easier to clean and help maintain a food safe environment. Cracks, gaps, or other trip points are a workplace hazard and employers need to maintain a safe environment for products and personnel. Uncoated floors, or ones with cracks and gaps will deteriorate even quicker.
Why is ease of cleaning important for a brewery floor?
Breweries are
frequently wet from spills in the alcohol making process as well as mopping and
hosing down from cleaning. After considering the yeasts, hops and grain used in
the production of alcohol, a brewery floor is the perfect environment for mold
and mildew to grow and thrive. Having an easily cleaned floor helps maintain a
safe and clean environment for food/drink preparation in the brewery.
Why is slip resistance important for a brewery floor?
Since brewery floors are frequently wet from spills, mopping and hosing down equipment, having a textured, non-skid floor will help keep everyone on their feet.
Why is durability important for a brewery floor coating?
Breweries are a heavy-duty environment. Heavy bags of ingredients are transported with pallet jacks and forklifts. Both equipment and floors are often cleaned with high pressure washing or steam cleaning. Not all breweries are the same in their use, so we always suggest working with a trusted contractor that will help provide the right solution to your facility.
Specialty Options
There are many options that can be added to Brewery floors to help them best suit a facility. We mentioned previously that cove can be incorporated into the floor and the benefits that it provides. Anti-microbial additives can be included to keep the flooring cleaner.
There are also many decorative options available. We have seen solid color floors such as a bold blue or bold red as a flooring option in some breweries. Others may want our decorative quartz epoxy with a colored sand blend. The serving area or bar is a great place for metallic finishes or a flake option, as they provide a high level of functionality combined with a luxurious look. Whatever flooring type you choose there are many possibilities for the floor to match the facility and brand.
There are many factors and options to consider for a brewery floor coating and our experts at SwedeBro can answer any questions you might have. Contact us or Get a Quote today!