Top 3 Ways Manufacturing Plant Flooring Can Reduce OSHA Violations

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

The Northeast has a long history of being home to some of the earliest manufacturing facilities – with remnants of suburban mill towns spread throughout the region. As of late, the area is again a mecca of production, and factories are churning out everything from candles to candies, pharmaceuticals to fashions, and everything in between.

This surge of reborn industry has paved the way for new construction as well as renewed interest in the restoration and maintenance of older plants – requiring top technology and enhanced building materials that increase productivity and workplace safety.

Metallic Epoxy for Restaurants – Where Substance and Style Meet

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

Metallic Epoxy is carving out a name for itself as the flooring of choice in well-known restaurants and food and beverage establishments. This trending floor combines durability and design, which has caught the eye of many interior designers. Already a popular industrial flooring solution for high-traffic commercial buildings, restaurant owners have a new found affinity for metallic epoxy’s unique look and bold designs that enhance dining and lounge areas.

At the intersection of individuality and functionality is metallic epoxy flooring. Restauranteurs are guaranteed to get the strength and stability needed to withstand constant motion; a seamless, unified system that meets rigid health and safety codes; and an easily maintained floor that supports hygienic conditions. Couple this with a unique style that ensures no two installations are ever alike, and you have a desirable option for business owners looking to stand out with what their customers stand on.

Installing Metallic Epoxy for Restaurants
STEP 1 – Diamond grind and/or shot blast to repair chips and cracks to smooth out existing slab.
STEP 2 – Apply primer that will bond with the substrate.
STEP 3 – A formulated metallic base coat is applied to the entire area.
STEP 4 – Mix the pigment to create the desired color and effects to the epoxy and apply over base coat.
STEP 5 – Add a protective topcoat to provide greater resistance to scratch and scuff marks.

Creating the Desired Effect
Blending metallic coatings can create different looks and offer an array of pigments on a single floor. While multiple colors can be mixed, layering too many colors can have adverse effects on the design.

Single Color: Increase the intensity of a single color floor using the same color base and Metallic coat.
Two-Tone Flooring: Layer a Metallic color over a different colored base coat.
Three Color Effect: By layering two or three different metallic colors on a base coat you create a blend of hues that can have a dramatic effect on a space.

Restaurant owners are looking to make as much of a statement with their décor as they are their prepared dishes. From floor to ceiling, design conscious owners are establishing the voice of their business with interior finishes that complement the personality of the restaurant. Talk to Black Bear Coatings & Concrete to learn about Metallic Epoxy flooring solutions and complementing countertops for restaurants. From smooth, mirror-like finishes, to dramatic tones and wave-like designs, metallic epoxy for restaurants will provide a rich, unique look to call your own.

The experts will value engineer the right solution for your restaurant flooring needs. We have years of experience working with industry leaders in a variety of sectors. Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success.

Urethane vs. Polished Concrete: Commercial Flooring for High-Traffic Areas

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

In a saturated market of commercial flooring, how do you know which one is right for your facility? For example, two popular options are Urethane and Polished Concrete. On the surface, both offer the durability and reliability needed, but what distinguishes one from another?

High-traffic areas are prone to damage and erosion. Constant foot motion, machinery tread, and harsh cleaning solvents are to blame. So which system will withstand such stressors and win out to become your next floor? Before you cast your ballot, take a look at the benefits of each to help you decide what the right solution is for your facility.

Urethane

Urethane floors are engineered to withstand stringent conditions. They are easily maintained and provide a seamless surface that offers a higher degree of safety for high-traffic areas. This type of unified system also prevents the growth of bacteria from forming underneath flooring. A seamless surface discourages chemical and water intrusion which can attack a concrete flooring substrate.

Polished Concrete

Polished Concrete flooring is a multi-step grinding and polishing process that offers a longer life span, low maintenance and chemical resistant commercial flooring solution. A top layer of water proofing is available to inhibit moisture and reduce the occurrence of bacterial contaminant or mold. With an abundance of design options, polished concrete can be stained in different colors and stenciled with graphics or decorative engraving to add a personal touch to your flooring system.

Both urethane flooring and polished concrete offer durable and water-resistant solutions that are appealing for high-traffic area. Urethane’s seamless options are advantageous for food and beverage industries, as well as hospitals, home care, and pharmaceutical facilities. Concrete options appear to be the flooring system of choice for commercial property common areas such as lobbies and retail spaces, as well as gyms and offices.

When it’s time to make a case for a new, high-traffic commercial flooring, it comes down to what type of facility you are fitting, the surface impact, and conditions that will exist. Design implications may or may not be a factor but could influence your decision.

Talk to Black Bear Coatings & Concrete for high-traffic, commercial flooring solutions that will last longer, and provide the safety and durability your facility needs. We would be happy to discuss what solution would best fit your needs. We have years of experience working with industry leaders in a variety of sectors. Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success.

Black Bear will work directly with you or your general contractor to develop a longer-lasting product that saves money and withstands the environmental elements in the Northeast. Whether it’s new construction to enhance the look and feel of your property, or a restoration project that ensures the safety of your patrons, trust the professionals at Black Bear Coatings & Concrete to make sure you get the exact concrete foundation and restoration services that you want and need.

With over 25 years of experience, our crews have the skills required to create a production floor that meets each client’s unique maintenance and aesthetic needs. Call Black Bear to learn how we provide longer-lasting, more effective solutions for manufacturing and production buildings.

Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success. We spend time upfront to assess each client’s needs, identify the best flooring solution, engage in the right preparation, and then install the floor using industry best practices. We’d love to help your company.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

Best Commercial Flooring Options

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

When it comes to your commercial flooring options, many are available. Before making a selection, the demands that will most likely be placed upon it and your specific industry regulations should be considered. It’s typical for commercial facilities to need floors which are seamless, sanitary, anti-microbial, chemical-resistant, slip-resistant, thermal shock resistant, etc. Commercial flooring is usually designed to meet those requirements and offer some combination of durability, cost-efficiency, easy maintainability, and visual appeal.

Common types of commercial flooring options include concrete, epoxy, urethane, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and hybrid flooring systems.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Commercial Flooring Options:

Downtime.
An environment with multiple competing projects and business demands may require commercial flooring options with a fast turnaround time that will minimize business downtime and impact on revenues.
Ease & Cost of Maintenance.
Many types of flooring need significant attention. Some might require regular buffing or polishing. Over time, the cost of labor to maintain flooring acceptably will be many times higher than the initial installation cost per square foot.
Traffic Volume.
Many commercial floors get a beating from foot traffic and rolling equipment. Installing a flooring system built to withstand heavy foot traffic, abrasion and impacts can make the difference between a floor that looks attractive and lasts for many years and one that doesn’t.
Safety.
The traction of a flooring material is especially important in high traffic areas, moist environments or areas prone to spills. To prevent employee falls and injuries, commercial floors may need to be textured and slip-resistant. The appropriate degree of textures will be determined by the operating conditions, as well as cleaning and maintenance practices.
Environmental Impact Issues.
Certain industries require flooring installations that generate very little dust or odors. Low or no VOC products may be necessary, as well as specialized installation techniques like HEPA filtration, air scrubbers, or negative air machines.
Sanitation Requirements.
Food & beverage, healthcare, and other industries must follow strict federal and state guidelines when it comes to flooring. They must install flooring that is durable and impervious to moisture. These materials must reduce the growth of bacteria and mold to guard against contamination.
Chemical & Thermal Exposure.
It’s important to consider the processes associated with maintaining your commercial flooring system. Commercial floors may be subjected to different thermal processes, such as heat from industrial equipment or hot water washes, as well as different chemicals. It’s essential that your flooring can withstand these types of processes.
Static Discharge.
In data centers, electronic manufacturing, hospitals and other areas where highly sensitive equipment is used, manufactured or handled, static discharge can cause damage and possible component failure. It’s critical to ensure your floors static dissipative qualities to avoid static electricity that could damage equipment.

Best Commercial Flooring Options

Concrete

Concrete is increasingly becoming the new flooring material of choice for commercial applications. Whether it’s stained, polished, or overlays, concrete offers a range of commercial flooring options, unlike any other material. With unlimited colors, textures, and patterns, you are likely to create a flooring system exactly to your environment needs while coordinating with your décor.

One of the major benefits is its affordability compared to other commercial flooring options. Installation can be quite cost-effective and the lifetime cost is very low because there is very little maintenance involved and it lasts for years.

Stained Concrete
Staining concrete is good for revitalizing dull, lackluster flooring. Concrete stains are semi-transparent and are intended to enhance rather than disguise the surface. They will not hide cracks, blemishes or other flaws in existing concrete. Nor will they completely mask an underlying color or conceal the texture of the surface.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete involves grinding concrete floor surfaces to a high-gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings. You can choose the level of sheen — from satin to high-gloss — that meets your maintenance and aesthetic requirements.
Cementitious Overlays
Cementitious overlays are used to repair the surfaces of floors that have been heavily eroded due to thermal shock, chemical exposure, and high impact traffic. One of the best solutions to avoid costly replacement is to overcoat and re-enforce damaged floors with cementitious overlay.
Epoxy Flooring Systems
Epoxy flooring is a system that is made up of epoxy resins and hardeners that when mixed together, form a material that is durable, chemical-resistant and solvent-resistant. These epoxy coatings are formulated based upon your specific commercial flooring requirements. It’s the combination of the epoxy and hardener component that determines the final characteristics.
Urethane Flooring Systems
Urethane flooring systems are good for the most abusive commercial environments. They are a superior commercial flooring option for many harsh environmental conditions, especially where thermal shock is present.
MMA Flooring Systems
MMA flooring systems are great for those who require minimal downtime. They are also good for very cold environments and are UV stable for exterior applications.
Hybrid Flooring Systems
Hybrid flooring systems combine the best attributes of all of our flooring systems, making them the most value-packed systems. The various combinations can be designed to fit within your budget while ensuring your floors offer the performance requirements needed for your specific commercial environment.

The Black Bear Process

The Black Bear team, with over 30 years of combined expertise, has been integral in renovating and installing commercial flooring solutions for companies throughout the Northeast. Our unique, individualized approach and proven processes involve an in-depth understanding of each space to engineer the right solution and perfect installation.

Learn more about our epoxy, urethane, and polished concrete solutions for commercial spaces. Take a look at projects we have completed for clients in the manufacturing industry, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, municipalities, and for corporate and retail brands. Find out about our expertise in concrete surface prep, mitigation systems, and underlayments to discover how Black Bear Coatings and Concrete can design a longer-lasting, customized solution for your business.

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Moisture Mitigation

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

Moisture from concrete slabs is a common problem and it can cause significant issues, if it goes unchecked. Have you experienced any of the following symptoms in your facilities?

Blistered or peeling floor coatings
Wood floors or floor tiles that are warped or cracked
Carpets that have signs of mold and mildew
Softened adhesive that is bleeding between tiles
Powdery substances on concrete floors

If so, you most likely have a moisture issue. There are several reasons why concrete slabs emit water vapor. The first fact is that moisture is always present in concrete. Newly installed concrete slabs can take as long as four weeks of curing time per inch of thickness to evaporate excess water. When project timelines are fast-tracked, they often don’t allow sufficient time for slabs to dry. Another contributing factor is new, “green” building materials that include more water-based ingredients in the concrete, rather than less environmentally friendly components. Sometimes geography can play a role, as well. In buildings where the slab is installed on top of the earth, a high water table can cause moisture to seep through the concrete.

Regardless of what the root cause is of your concrete moisture problem, it’s not an issue that should be ignored. The good news is that there are several in-situ mitigation strategies that can be used which do not require removing the concrete slab. These include the following:

Coatings that penetrate the surface of the concrete. These products chemically combine with the concrete and reduce the surface porosity. This inhibits both moisture and soluble alkalis from moving to the surface of the slab. These coatings are typically sprayed on.
Coatings that retard moisture transmission. Acrylic or specialized epoxy coatings can be applied to concrete slabs. These form a barrier between the concrete and any flooring material that is applied on top of the slab’s surface, preventing moisture from reaching the tile, wood, or carpet.
Cementitious overlays. These epoxy and copolymer modified products also create a barrier between the concrete slab and flooring. Although they are not 100% impermeable to water vapor, they are designed to allow moisture to develop and not harm the flooring materials.

With all of these solutions, it’s essential to prepare the concrete properly. Another option is to forego tile, wood, wood or carpet and go with a polished concrete or stained concrete finish. These alternatives are not adversely affected by vapor transmission from the concrete.

As you decide which path to pursue formoisture mitigation, Black Bear Coatings & Concrete would be happy to discuss what solution would best fit your needs. We have years of experience working with industry leaders in a variety of sectors. Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success.

We spend time upfront to assess each client’s needs, identify the best flooring solution, engage in the right preparation, and then install the floor using industry best practices. We’d love to help your company. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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Epoxy and Urethane Flooring Get a Taste of the Craft Brewing Market

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

The dawn of the craft brewery is upon us. In New England alone, we’ve witnessed a spike in independent brew companies, accompanied by unique flavors that flow across discerning palates craving artisan beers.

As eager, would-be crafters seek to create the perfect environment for their new brews, we see function and design collide. Industrial flooring for craft breweries must be safe, but also stylish – reflecting the company’s individuality and flare.

Much like the meticulous process of brewing each distinct flavor, Black Bear Coatings & Concrete takes the time to value-engineer the right flooring for these spaces. It’s necessary to invest in each client and become familiar with their site, surroundings and production environment to provide the right solution.

From the Ground Up
Brewing hopefuls looking to build (or expand) a business need to start with the space. And within this space, one of the first things to consider is how commercial flooring impacts licensing, inspections, and regulations. In the food and beverage industry, selecting the wrong flooring could be a detriment to the business. Foodborne illnesses are a real concern and must be addressed at the beginning of every project.

Craft breweries are subject to food and liquid byproducts of ingredients, fermentation and the brewing and bottling process. For this reason, the selected system should resist volatile organic compounds, and provide a seamless surface to eliminate threat of contamination. A non-slip top coat should also be included to avoid workplace hazards.

Many breweries have consumer restaurants or tasting rooms attached, which require a level of aesthetics that may not be needed in production areas. It’s important that a solution offer styles that enhance the vibe of the overall space. Preferred surfaces for craft breweries include:

Cementitious Urethane
• Ideal for wet spaces and processing
• Thermal resistant to withstand extreme temperatures shifts
• Seamless surface protects against bacterial formation
• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Chemical resistant eliminates dangerous pathogens
• Non-slip topcoats are available
• Select from a variety of colors

Epoxy Resin
• Well suited for hostess and waiting areas, dining room spaces and restrooms
• Durable enough to withstand rugged traffic & high impact
• Additional product can be added to ensure protection against byproducts
• Non-slip surface treatment available
• Can be applied in a variety of style options and colors.
• Customizable design

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete has over 25 years of collective experience engineering urethane and epoxy floors for restaurants and beverage manufacturing plants. Black Bear is New England’s leading coatings team dedicated to providing breweries with a longer-lasting, more durable flooring solution. When you’re ready to collaborate on a flooring design that meets your criteria, trust the experts at Black Bear – call us at 978-405-0017.

Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success.

Choosing the Right Commercial Flooring for Your Industry

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

Urethane, Downeast Cider House, Boston, MA

When it comes time to select commercial flooring options for your facility, it’s important to consider the unique requirements related to your industry. Here are five important factors to keep in mind as you make your flooring decision:

1. Hygiene requirements. In many industries, such as food and beverage, manufacturing, healthcare, and restaurant and food service, cleanliness is essential. To minimize the threat of bacterial contamination, floors often are subjected to aggressive washdowns with harsh chemicals or high temperature cleanings. Selecting a floor that is both easy to clean and can withstand these conditions is important.

Why Flooring Installers Should Provide Proper Commercial Floor Care Procedures

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

One of the most frustrating, and challenging parts of being a flooring contractor is prepping old flooring and substrate for new applications only to see that clearly it hadn’t been maintained properly. This not only creates bottlenecks in installation, but it may require a new strategy when repairing or replacing commercial floors. When customers are asked why floors aren’t adequately protected by regular maintenance, typically we get the standard answer – no one told them how to properly care for their original product. It seems like there are a lot of flooring contractors out there who simply don’t take time to explain basic maintenance to customers, which should be mandatory for job completion. In this blog post, we will explain why flooring installers should give you proper commercial floor care procedures and instructions.

Engineering Commercial Floors for Hospitals and Medical Centers

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

One of the biggest challenges in designing a hospital is the vast array of spaces which need to be created, maintained, and often prevented from contaminating other areas of the facility. The different areas of a hospital require vastly different solutions based on how each individual space will be used.

Flooring is a key element that needs to be addressed from a hospital or medical center’s initial design or renovation project. Whether patient rooms, common areas, surgical centers, storage\receiving space, the IT center, or mixed use spaces, virtually every individual area may require different flooring solutions.

Health & Safety Considerations When Choosing School Flooring

by blackbearconcrete - September 23, 2021

When selecting school flooring material, it’s essential to think about the health and safety issues that could affect students and employees. Unfortunately, many traditional school flooring materials have been found to create health hazards. For example, the Asthma Regional Council of New England has found that carpet and vinyl flooring create health problems. To make the right school flooring material decision, let’s take a look at some things you should consider.

Top 3 Guidelines for Evaluating School Flooring Material Options:

1. Will the school flooring material generate dust?

Although carpets may seem like a good option for deadening sound and creating softer surfaces for young students to sit on, they can actually be a major source of dust. For many individuals, dust is an allergen. When released into the air, it can cause respiratory problems. Want a dust-free alternative? Try Polished concrete floors or epoxy floors.

2. Will the school flooring material be a source of mold and/or mildew?

If flooring, such as vinyl tiles or linoleum, gets water underneath, it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Like dust, these can be allergens and irritants for students and school employees and can cause respiratory illnesses. Vinyl flooring is also the most toxic flooring material to manufacture and dispose of. Mineral floors, which include concrete, are a better option. They can become wet on the underside without developing mold or mildew.

3. Will installation or ongoing maintenance of the floor contribute to toxic chemicals in the air?

Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are dangerous for humans to inhale. Many carpet adhesives emit VOCs. In addition, the sealers, waxes, and strippers used for linoleum are also often sources of VOCs. Concrete floors are preferable in many ways. Polished concrete is easily maintained with just a wet mop. Concrete floors also do not require waxing, buffing, or stripping. As a result, that means fewer chemicals in the air and a less expensive maintenance regime.

A Safe, Alternative School Flooring Material: Concrete

So what’s the best flooring for schools? Unlike carpet or vinyl flooring, The Asthma Regional Council of New England has identified concrete floors as an ideal school flooring material. It is the especially the best option for school halls, classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, restrooms, and kitchens. Concrete solutions are completely dust-free, and will not develop mold or mildew. Choosing concrete as your school flooring material will give your institution one less thing to worry about.

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete Are School Flooring Material Experts

From new building installations to repair and replacement of failing floors in any type of school, Black Bear has partnered with educational institutions throughout New England. In addition to stronger, safer, compliant floors, we’ve completed detailed customization from stenciled inlays for athletic facilities, to branded colors that enhance the aesthetics of each area. Black Bear has value-engineered solutions for Harvard, Babson, Massasoit Community College, Wellesley, and Springfield College.

View Gallery of Black Bear’s Past Work with Educational Institutions

At Black Bear, we use a proven methodology referred to as reverse-engineering. Our team conducts a thorough on-site evaluation to know exactly how the space is used, what influences may compromise the integrity of the floor, and how it will be maintained. By understanding these elements, we are able to provide an innovative solution that meets and exceeds innate challenges and environmental impact. This allows us to formulate and install the best flooring product for each space for increased durability and a more reliable, safer and healthier floor. Whether you’re looking for classroom flooring materials, school hallway flooring, or a cafeteria flooring material, we’ve got you covered.

Black Bear teams will work within your scheduled downtime periods, and complete construction during off hours to avoid disruption on campus. Give us a call at 978-405-0017, or contact us for a free on-site consultation to learn how we can design and install the best school flooring materials for your school. Safety, accuracy and dependability, that’s Black Bear’s promise and evident in every product we deliver.

To learn more about our passion for concrete – and more importantly, for making your project a complete success – please contact us today for a free estimate.

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Top 3 Ways Manufacturing Plant Flooring Can Reduce OSHA Violations

Metallic Epoxy for Restaurants – Where Substance and Style Meet