Heavy duty flowable systems combine the smooth, easy-clean look of a self-smoothing floor with the strength of a filled screed. Our heavy duty flowable resin flooring is a three-part filled system laid at 4mm or 6mm. It flows out to a smooth finish in matt or gloss, but it is built for heavy duty to very heavy duty use, with very good resistance to chemical attack and very good cleanability.
What heavy duty flowable systems are
A standard flow applied floor is a lightly filled resin that settles to a smooth surface at 2-4mm. A heavy duty flowable floor carries more filler and is laid thicker, so it can take heavier wheeled traffic, point loads and impact while still giving a seamless, low-texture surface. It is a useful choice when an operations manager needs a tough floor but a hygiene or quality manager wants something that cleans like glass.
Where a heavy duty flowable floor suits
- food and drink production halls with trolley and pallet truck traffic
- pharmaceutical and chemical production areas that need a smooth, cleanable surface
- printing and packaging plants with heavy reels, rolls and forklift movements
- engineering assembly lines where appearance and durability both matter
- busy pick and despatch areas within warehouse resin flooring projects
Sector requirements are explained on our food and drink, chemical and printing and packaging flooring pages.
Where another system is better
If traffic is moderate and the budget is tight, a 2-4mm flow applied resin floor may be all you need. If the floor is constantly wet, oily or on a slope, a smooth surface is not ideal even with a seal coat, and a textured heavy duty trowelled resin floor gives lower slip potential in both wet and dry conditions.
System specification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Application | 3 part filled system providing a self-smoothing finish |
| Intended use | Heavy-duty to very heavy-duty use |
| Thickness | 4mm & 6mm |
| Chemicals | Very good chemical attack properties |
| Slip resistance | Some resistance in wet conditions subject to seal coat selection |
| Anticipated Life | HD 8-10 Years VHD 5-8 Years |
| Appearance | Smooth finishes available in matt or gloss |
| Static | Static controlled versions available |
| Cleanability | Very good cleanability |
Choosing 4mm or 6mm
Thickness follows the traffic. At 4mm the system suits heavy duty areas with regular pallet trucks and forklifts. At 6mm it adds more body for very heavy duty areas with frequent impact, heavier loads, or a slab with minor surface irregularities to take up. We agree the thickness for each area at survey, and it is common to lay both within one building.
Preparation and installation
- Survey: traffic, chemical exposure, cleaning regime and slab condition, including moisture.
- Preparation: shot blasting or grinding with dust extraction to give a clean, open surface.
- Edge detailing: chases cut at perimeters, drains and doorways so the floor terminates cleanly.
- Repairs and priming: joints and damaged areas made good, then primer applied.
- Flowable layer: the filled resin is mixed, poured and spread to 4mm or 6mm, then left to flow out.
- Seal coat: where specified, to set the finish and adjust slip resistance.
Installation is typically phased in a working building so that one area can cure while production continues elsewhere.
Finishes and slip resistance
Smooth finishes are available in matt or gloss in a range of colours. Slip resistance in wet conditions depends on the seal coat selected; we discuss the right balance between grip and cleanability for each zone. Static controlled versions are available for electronics and other sensitive areas.
Common questions
What is the difference between flow applied and heavy duty flowable flooring?
Both give a smooth finish. Heavy duty flowable is more heavily filled and laid at 4-6mm, so it takes heavier traffic and impact than a standard 2-4mm flow applied floor.
How long does a heavy duty flowable floor last?
Our specification gives an anticipated life of 8-10 years in heavy duty use and 5-8 years in very heavy duty use.
Can heavy duty flowable resin take forklifts?
Yes, it is designed for heavy duty to very heavy duty use, including forklift traffic. For dock levellers and areas with constant turning, a trowelled heavy duty floor may still be preferred.
Is a smooth resin floor safe in wet areas?
Slip resistance depends on the seal coat. In areas that are wet most of the time, a textured system is usually the safer choice.
Arrange a survey
Heavy duty flowable floors are specified on many factory resin flooring projects. Call 0161 726 5095 or request a quote.
