Top 5 tips on how to choose an industrial flooring applicator
Installing an industrial flooring system, whether on a new floor or the refurbishment of an existing floor, can be a complex project to undertake. Experience teaches us that a correctly prepared substrate, combined with a flooring system that is suited for the relative service environment, will far surpass the life expectancy of that bonded covering.
The choice of applicator is equally important as the choice of finish, as industrial flooring systems should be installed by trained and skilled flooring contractors who take into consideration the technical aspects of installation. These include product and substrate temperatures, ambient conditions, and keeping the installation environment free of dust, birds and bugs to avoid damage during installations and curing. Factors like exposure to direct sunlight, mixing methods, open times and pot life of the specific product being used should all be considered before placement of a system on site. An experienced applicator will also use the correct and industry prescribed equipment and tools to complete the installation.
Our top 5 tips to choosing an applicator are:
1. Get a project specification
Get a correct specification for the flooring project, then look for an applicator who is experienced in the required floor covering. If you’re not sure about which flooring system is best suited to your needs, speak to our technical advice centre for advice and a specification for the correct fit for purpose floor covering for your application.
2. Request a quote in writing
Request a quote in writing. It is important to get a signed and detailed quote that explains the exact services being rendered before you begin the project. Consider:
- Is the removal or mechanical abrading of the existing floor covering included in the service (if a renovation project)
- Is priming and the correct substrate preparation included in the quote
3. Source multiple quotes
Source multiple quotes then carefully read and compare the offering, relative to the scope of work required for the site. This quote should be item specific, and the work as quoted should fall in line with the manufacturers prescribed guidelines for installation, and specification.
4. Get references of project referrals
References or project referrals should be considered along with an understanding of how long it will take to conduct the required work. Variables like program changes or delays by other trades should also be factored in to ensure the contractors availability to successfully complete work. Ask for samples of colours and finishes of the floor covering, so that you know exactly what the final product will look like.
5. Determine the financial requirements
Determine how much you will be required to pay upfront and what guarantees you will have on the work. A standard set of industry terms and conditions should be applied and agreed upon before payments are made. These could include deposits, progress payments and practical completion certificates for final payment etc.
Specifying and installation of a multi-level industrial flooring system by an experienced applicator, may be a higher cost at the outset, but the downstream savings are clear. Beyond the cost of the initial installation, the costs of remedial repair are exponential, as is the time factor when required to remove the failed flooring system.
For project specifications for your industrial flooring project, contact the TAL Technical Advice Centre.
Source multiple quotes then carefully read and compare the offering, relative to the scope of work required for the site. This quote should be item specific, and the work as quoted should fall in line with the manufacturers prescribed guidelines for installation, and specification.