Concrete is one of the most highly recommended flooring options in the healthcare world. It is often strongly recommended for hospitals and related facilities, with many people pointing to its durability when compared to other materials.
Durability is a concern. But those building hospitals often wonder how much of a concern it really is. After all, there are many durable types of flooring. Does concrete really matter this much? Will other types of flooring really become so damaged that it could impact the work at the hospital?
How Hospital Flooring Options Hold Up
Healthcare facilities are subject to unique and rigorous demands due to their high-traffic nature, stringent hygiene requirements, and the presence of heavy medical equipment. The flooring in these environments must withstand these challenges while maintaining safety and cleanliness.
This is something that very few other types of flooring can provide, and while some can offer some support here and there, most of the time, only concrete makes sense as a safe choice:
- Durability – Healthcare environments experience constant foot traffic from staff, patients, and visitors. The use of wheeled equipment such as gurneys, wheelchairs, and medical carts adds to the wear and tear on the flooring. Non-concrete flooring materials, such as vinyl, laminate, wood, or other options, would show signs of wear more quickly under these conditions. T
- Stronger Cleaning Solutions – When you’re trying to clean pathogens, you need to be able to utilize stronger cleaning agents. This is something that may not be possible with laminate and other forms of flooring, where acidic cleaners could quickly damage the flooring and cause long term issues. Concrete and epoxy handle powerful cleaners AND scrubbers.
- Moisture Resistance – Any time you’re in a hospital, there is a risk that someone drops water, that someone throws up, that someone coughs, or that someone comes in with wet shoes. All of these are sources of moisture. These can not only damage flooring but also lead to the development of mold and mildew, which could be harmful for sensitive groups.
- Resistance to Other Chemicals and Pathogens – In addition to cleaners, flooring in a hospital may have contact with other dirt and pathogens. This, in turn, can also eat away at many other materials. Even medications can have chemicals in them that are not meant to come into contact with flooring, leading to further damage.
The issues with durability are not solely related to the longevity of the flooring, but the risks associated with poor durability should they be unaddressed.
For example, when there are chemical related issues, then cleaning is more difficult, which in turn can create potentially deadly pathogens. When there are durability issues, then the flooring itself can be a tripping hazard – an extremely dangerous situation for seniors and older adults, let alone younger people and workers.
Also, repair is more difficult in a hospital. Most medical offices do not have much space, and so repairing any type of flooring when you’re operating 24 hours a day can be tremendously difficult. Overall, the damage that can be caused by non-concrete flooring in medical facilities can be substantial.
The Advantages of Concrete Flooring in Healthcare
Given the demanding conditions of healthcare environments, concrete flooring offers several advantages that address the limitations of non-concrete flooring options.
- Durability – Concrete floors are highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic and equipment without showing significant wear and tear.
- Hygiene – Concrete floors are seamless and easy to clean, making them ideal for maintaining a sterile environment. They can be treated with antimicrobial coatings to further enhance their hygienic properties.
- Chemical Resistance – Concrete floors can be treated with sealants that provide resistance to chemicals, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
- Load-Bearing Capacity – Concrete flooring can support the weight of heavy medical equipment without damage, providing a stable and reliable surface.
The healthcare environment is indeed damaging to non-concrete flooring due to high traffic, hygiene requirements, chemical exposure, and the presence of heavy equipment. Concrete flooring addresses these challenges effectively, offering durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to damage. For these reasons, concrete flooring is often the preferred choice for healthcare facilities, ensuring a safe, hygienic, and long-lasting solution.
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If you’re looking for concrete floor refinishing, concrete staining, epoxy coatings, concrete repair or other services, our team can provide high-quality, effective solutions for hospital flooring in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas.
Give us a call at (720) 835-1013, or fill out the form below to get started today!
