In many instances, concrete flooring is not detrimentally impacted by fluctuating temperatures; however, if the temperatures are exceedingly high, a negative impact occurs.

High summer temperatures, industrial warehouses that have furnaces, large machinery, and nuclear-powered components, and heat emitted from fires are examples of situations that may negatively impact a floor composed of concrete.

If your warehouse has concrete flooring, it is imperative that you learn as much as possible about the effects of heat and the measures you can take to protect your flooring.

Properties of Concrete

To understand the impact of heat on concrete flooring, it is first important to gain an understanding of the properties of concrete, as a material.

First, it is a composite material. It is highly dependent upon both moisture and its high level of porosity. “Porosity” refers to its porous nature or the fact it is full of very tiny holes. As a result, high temperatures will negatively impact concrete in both a mechanical and a physical nature.

This is due to the fact that concrete’s inner elements could become displaced, spall, lose its structural integrity, and even release potentially harmful moisture or types of gases into the air due to the pressure caused by the accumulation of steam.

Extreme to Which Concrete is Affected by High Temperatures

The extreme that concrete is negatively impacted by high temperatures is dependent upon several different factors. These include how fast the temperature rises, the type of concrete that makes up the warehouse flooring, and the general level of stability associated with that type.

While consistently high temperatures can have a negative impact on the concrete flooring, abrupt changes within the warehouse can have a more severe impact on the flooring.

Concrete will go into a type of thermal shock when exposed to very high temperatures. As a result, spalling and the cracking of the concrete may occur. Additionally, expansion can occur within the concrete – which results in internal distress.

The strength of the concrete is also impacted by high temperatures. The material may start to experience a type of dehydration. When concrete starts to lose its moisture level, the paste bond will start to experience weakening.

Once this happens, the concrete may actually start to become discolored and may be very weak. This is not a positive situation for a warehouse with concrete floors

Highly Durable Concrete Floor Coatings

If you want to avoid the concrete in your warehouse becoming subjected to the negative impact of high temperatures, you should opt for warehouse floor coatings. These coatings will put a layer of protection against the environment and the concrete; therefore, protecting it from high temperatures.

Additionally, this highly-durable coatings will protect your floors against the damage and weight from any type of industrial machinery in your warehouse. You may choose from a multitude of colors, textures, and more! For more information, contact us today at: 706-249-4131