Controlled Environments - July/August 2018

July/August 2018 • www.cemag.us 19

of time. For example, epoxies are hard. The same holds true with glued-down vinyl flooring.

Unfortunately, the more ergonomic and comfortable the floor, the higher the cost. Going the extra mile can provide a return on investment in that lab or cleanroom workers who are more comfortable will be more productive and miss less time due to standing-related injuries, like plantar fasciitis. Fewer injuries and more comfortable work conditions will also improve staff retention.

Installation
Does the underlying concrete pass moisture tests?

If there is concrete beneath your existing flooring, moisture could be an issue and will need to be checked first — particularly, if the flooring you’re considering is a product that needs to be glued. In that scenario, it’s also not advisable to glue the new floor onto the old floor. It should be installed onto the underlying concrete. If you are planning on using interlock flooring, first you need to test the old flooring for asbestos. Removing flooring with asbestos is a very detailed process. Areas of the floor need to be sectioned off with plastic as air pressure is used to contain any dust.

If using new concrete, can you wait for the 90-day
cure period?

If you can’t glue on concrete with moisture issues, it stands to reason that newly installed concrete floors must cure before you can glue down new flooring. Ninety days is the recommended amount of time.

If there is an existing floor, does it have asbestos
either in the tile or adhesive?

Both the flooring and the adhesive of your old flooring should be tested for asbestos prior to gluing down new flooring or, honestly, before installing interlocking flooring. Dealing with asbestos is costly and will delay installation. Interlocking tiles can be installed on top of old asbestos-containing floor without having to remove it.

If there is an existing floor, do you want to install
without removing it?

One of the beauties of interlock flooring is that it can be installed over existing flooring. Some facilities managers prefer flooring that requires an adhesive. In that scenario, removing the old flooring first is recommended. You can choose not to take on the expense of floor removal. It’s just not preferable.

Can your facility tolerate the dust generated from a
sub-floor preparation?

When you rip out the old flooring, it will generate some level of dust. Will that have an impact on the equipment and electronics at your facility? That must be considered and assessed. It could have an impact on your decision to go with a glue-down flooring or interlock.

There are other considerations and questions to ask before making your final selection. Things like operational considerations, maintenance requirements, aesthetics, and of course cost. If you start with these three major areas, the choice of an ESD flooring that meets EPA standards becomes clearer.