Durable and Long-Lasting Epoxy Flooring in Oil-Soaked Areas

In industrial settings, where heavy machinery and oil are a part of daily operations, maintaining clean, safe, and long-lasting flooring is crucial. This necessity is particularly pressing in oil-soaked areas, where traditional flooring options often fall short.

Enter epoxy flooring—an unyielding solution tailored for the harshest environments. But what makes epoxy flooring so special, and how does it overcome the myriad challenges posed by oily surfaces?

Let's dive in and explore the intricacies of this durable and long-lasting solution.

Issues with Oily Surfaces

Oil-soaked floors are more than just a nuisance; they pose significant risks and challenges. Let's break down the primary issues:

Slipperiness

Oily surfaces are notoriously slippery, creating a hazardous environment for workers. A simple slip can lead to severe injuries, affecting productivity and increasing liability for businesses. Imagine trying to maneuver heavy machinery on an ice rink—that's the level of risk we're talking about.

Contamination of Equipment and Products

Oil doesn't just stay on the floor. It can splash onto equipment and products, leading to contamination. This contamination can ruin products, damage machinery, and result in costly repairs and replacements. Not to mention, it can compromise the quality of goods, leading to dissatisfied customers.

Difficulties in Cleaning

Cleaning oil from surfaces is no easy feat. Traditional cleaning methods often fall short, leaving residue that attracts dirt and grime. Regular cleaning can be labor-intensive and expensive, and despite best efforts, the floor rarely looks or feels truly clean.

Fire Hazards

Oil is highly flammable, and an oil-soaked floor is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Sparks from machinery or electrical equipment can ignite the oil, leading to devastating fires that threaten lives and property.

Corrosion and Damage to Surfaces

Oil can seep into flooring materials, causing corrosion and structural damage over time. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements, not to mention the disruption caused by downtime.

Health Risks

Prolonged exposure to oil can have adverse health effects on workers, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other long-term health problems. Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is paramount for any responsible business.

Overcoming Challenges with Epoxy Flooring

Given these challenges, industries often turn to chemical flooring solutions like epoxy. But applying epoxy flooring to oily surfaces isn't without its hurdles.

Delamination

One of the biggest challenges is delamination, where the flooring peels off due to oil beneath it. This occurs because oil prevents the epoxy from adhering properly to the surface, leading to a compromised finish.

Reduced Lifespan

Flooring applied to oily surfaces tends to have a significantly shorter lifespan—often 50% less than that of flooring on clean surfaces. This is due to the constant battle between the oil and the epoxy, which weakens the bond over time.

Low Success Rate

The chances of success in applying epoxy to oily surfaces are traditionally low, often in the range of 10-15%. This is a major deterrent for businesses looking for a reliable, long-term solution.

Application Issues

Traditional methods for preparing oily surfaces involve burning off the oil, which is not only risky but also often ineffective. The heat can cause additional damage to the flooring substrate, leading to further complications.

Surface Contamination

Oily surfaces are rife with contaminants that interfere with the epoxy bonding process. These contaminants can prevent the epoxy from properly wetting the surface, resulting in weak adhesion and a compromised finish.

How RachTR Chemicals Has Solved the Problem

Recognizing these challenges, RachTR Chemicals has developed innovative solutions to revolutionize epoxy flooring in oil-soaked areas.

Scarifying Rather Than Burning

Instead of the risky practice of burning the surface, RachTR employs scarifying—a process that mechanically abrades the surface to remove loose layers. This method ensures a clean, oil-free surface without the dangers associated with burning.

RachTR Oil Sealer

A cornerstone of RachTR's approach is the use of RachTR Oil Sealer, a unique product designed to seal the surface and prevent oil from moving from below to the top. This creates a stable foundation for the epoxy, ensuring better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish.

Standard Epoxy Flooring Process

Once the oil is sealed, RachTR follows the standard epoxy flooring process. This involves applying a primer, followed by the epoxy coating, and finishing with a topcoat. The result is a durable, long-lasting floor that can withstand the rigors of an industrial environment.

Performance Facts

The efficacy of RachTR's approach is backed by impressive performance facts.

Enhanced Durability

Flooring done with RachTR's process and products performs 100% better than existing solutions. This means longer-lasting floors that require less maintenance and offer better value for money.

Proven Track Record

In the past two years alone, RachTR has completed over 100,000 square feet of flooring jobs on oily surfaces. This extensive experience underscores the reliability and effectiveness of their solutions.

Reputed Clients

RachTR's innovations have garnered appreciation from several esteemed clients, including:

• Welspun BAPL

• Soma Comstar

• JBM Auto

• Meneta Automotives

• Baxy Ltd.

These clients have experienced firsthand the benefits of RachTR's durable and long-lasting epoxy flooring in their oil-soaked areas.

Conclusion

Navigating the challenges of flooring in oil-soaked areas requires more than just a robust product—it demands innovative solutions and a thorough understanding of the underlying issues. RachTR Chemicals has risen to the occasion, offering a groundbreaking approach that ensures durability, safety, and long-term performance.

By addressing the key issues with oily surfaces and overcoming traditional application challenges, RachTR has set a new standard in epoxy flooring. Their unique process of scarifying and sealing, coupled with their proven track record, makes them a trusted partner for industries looking to enhance their flooring in the toughest environments.

So, if you're grappling with slippery, contaminated, and hazardous floors, it's time to consider the RachTR solution. With their expertise and innovative products, you can transform your oil-soaked areas into safe, efficient, and long-lasting workspaces.