Concrete floors are very common in production facilities, as they're strong and durable and also fire resistant. They're a good choice for when your facility will have forklifts and other heavy-duty equipment running inside the building, as they may be less likely to scuff or become damaged than vinyl tiles and other such flooring materials. However, many building owners and managers don't realize how to maintain those concrete floors or keep them in good repair. Note a few misconceptions about maintaining concrete floors so you know how to keep them in good repair in your facility.

1. Soil type and load does affect concrete floors

It may be assumed that, because concrete floors are so durable, they are not affected by the type of soil and debris that may be dragged into your facility or tracked over the floor. This just isn't the case; a buildup of any soil can mean added cracks and pitting, and corrosive materials can also eat through any protective sealant you have on the concrete and then also cause pits or cracks to form. To keep your concrete floors in good repair, you need to think about the soil load you allow to build up on the floors as well as any corrosive or otherwise damaging materials you use--be sure spills are cleaned quickly.

2. The coatings of concrete are not created equal

Concrete is either polished or coated, and coatings are not all alike. You cannot assume that you can clean or repair epoxy coatings the same way you might repair or maintain an acrylic coating. Urethanes are also different. Always ensure you know the type of coating used on your concrete floor and that you maintain that coating accordingly; otherwise it may simply fail to protect your concrete floor and the concrete will suffer water damage or other corrosion.

3. Concrete floors do crack or chip over time

 As durable as they are, don't assume that your facility's concrete floors will simply stay in good condition indefinitely. Concrete will absorb moisture and expand and then contract, and this can cause cracks. It can also settle in certain areas, depending on the subfloor, and this too can cause it to chip. The constant wear of traffic over its surface can also cause pressure that causes cracks. It's a common misconception that concrete floors will need no maintenance, but you should figure repairs and even resurfacing into your facility's maintenance budget according to the level of wear and tear it suffers, the coatings used on it, and the like. 

Contact a contractor for any questions you have about concrete repair.