Going Green with Polished Concrete Floors

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To say that green building is a trend would be a misnomer. It’s far from just a developer’s fad sure to be dated in a given period of time. On the contrary, green building is a movement that has proved its value in the residential industry, and it’s now taking commercial construction by storm.
commercial-polished-concrete More architects and commercial contractors are embracing green building in the development of new structures, and incorporating practices into renovation designs. Polished concrete floors are emerging as the flooring of choice that pairs strength with sustainability.

Already a popular solution in commercial construction for its durability and low maintenance, polished concrete is also known as an eco-friendly industrial flooring solution. Engineered concrete uses low VOC technology that reduces the environmental impact. And, by using the concrete as both a slab foundation and finished floor, builders conserve materials and minimize waste. Polished concrete removes the need for an additional flooring overlay. Other industrial flooring options such as tile, carpet, or hardwood use excessive building materials that eventually need replacement; whereas concrete will last with minimal repair. Should a commercial concrete floor need to be removed, it is comprised of biodegradable material that can be recycled for later use.

Polished concrete floors are also energy efficient and benefit interior climate control. In the colder weather, concrete floors absorb and retain heat to keep a space warmer. In direct sunlight, polished concrete actually protects the floors from escalating temperatures and keeps them cooler. Polished concrete floors are an efficient way to keep heating and air-conditioning costs low.

As the need for green building increases, Black Bear Coatings & Concrete can value-engineer a concrete solution that is not only durable and environmentally friendly, but also aesthetically pleasing and customizable in design. Polished concrete floors offer a number of color options, and stenciling to create unique look that is all your own.

The experts will value engineer the right solution for your commercial concrete 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.

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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How the Right Flooring Can Improve Hygiene and Safety in Food Processing Plants

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Most people don’t realize the implications industrial flooring has on food processing plant. But the fact is, it’s one of the most important considerations manufacturers need to plan for.

Food processing plants are held to rigid safety standards imposed by the USDA and FDA. When engineered appropriately, a commercial flooring solution will actually improve hygiene and safety inside the plant.

Flooring that Resists Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Food processing plant flooring is subject to a number of byproducts, grease, oils and acids, in addition to moisture and liquid that can easily seep into the floor. These elements are a breeding ground for bacteria and pests alike. Mold and yeasts can form in small areas in and behind flooring, and can spread quickly – putting the health and safety of your staff and your customers at risk. Selecting a commercial flooring option that is seamless and impervious to water will diminish your risk of contamination.

Flooring that Withstands Sanitization Procedures
In a large area regulated by strict hygienic policies, cleaning products with harsh chemicals are typically used to sanitize the plant. These industrial-strength cleaning solvents have deteriorating properties that erode floors quicker than standard products. Food processing plant floors should be strong enough to withstand the sanitization process without breaking down. Any wear on a plant floor can lead to bacterial contamination and pose safety hazards.

Skid-Resistant Flooring
Industrial flooring in manufacturing plants endures constant stress. Motion from foot traffic and machinery tread are present around the clock. Engineering a seamless and durable solution will avoid buckling which can lead to dangerous working conditions. A skid-resistant surface will support productivity and eliminate the threat of falls and related risks.

When engineering a food processing plant flooring solution, you’ll want to ensure that it is impervious to moisture and resists absorbing various types of liquids. Concrete is porous and corrosive by design. Temperature and water can deepen the pores and cause increased growth of bacteria. Make sure your substrate is protected and the foundation is properly covered to avoid seepage. For example, engineered urethane is becoming a popular solution that will shield your foundation from contaminants.

Talk to Black Bear, the experts in commercial flooring, to learn more about developing options that will improve the safety of your food manufacturing plant. 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.

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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High Performance Flooring and Coating Solutions for Municipal Properties

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A lot of bang for your buck. That’s what it takes to provide optimum commercial flooring and structural solutions for community properties. At Black Bear, our experts have supported the needs of towns across the Northeast for over 25 years. With restrictive budgets and a high degree of durability, municipal buildings are governed by rigid standards that dictate the demands of the floors and coating we design. Depending on the type of structure, how each space is used, and the volume of traffic that contribute to wear, Black Bear Coatings and Concrete is successful at engineering the appropriate flooring solution for a variety of interior and exterior municipal spaces.

It’s not uncommon for government properties to require multiple solutions for a single structure. For example, buildings may contain commercial kitchens, washrooms, locker rooms, and indoor parking all with unique variables that need to be considered. From moisture mitigation and waterproof top coats, to OSHA approved thermal and slip resistant coatings, public buildings require walk-throughs and discussions with facilities or project managers. It’s necessary to fully understand what will impact or compromise the integrity of a product. Only then, can you present the best solution.

Black Bear provides cost-effective, longer lasting solutions for high traffic community structures including schools, post offices, judicial and government buildings, transit authority properties, corrective facilities, community centers, and sports venues. Our government and municipal clients have included Medford Department of Public Works, Block Island Fire Department, Weston Police Department, and Wayland Department of Public Works to name a few.

From functional and decorative epoxy, urethane, and other concrete coatings, to stenciled and branded crests, logos, and insignias for towns and specific departments, Black Bear works with facility managers to determine the right level of customization.

Take a quick look at some of the municipal properties Black Bear has engineered solutions for:

BB Facility Montage

Learn more about Black Bear’s unique process, and about the flooring projects we’ve completed for municipal properties. Talk to our experts to find out how we can engineer durable and affordable solutions for public works and departments, buildings, and structures in your area.

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.

Polished Concrete for Mission Critical Performance in Healthcare Flooring

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healthcare flooringThe healthcare industry requires mission-critical performance from a commercial flooring system. The versatility of polished concrete offers an array of benefits that facilities should recognize.

Polished concrete has become the solution of choice for many commercial clients including healthcare, medical device and drug production manufacturers. Healthcare organizations take advantage of the durability and chemical resistance without sacrificing the look and feel of a space. From office spaces to storage facilities and hallways, polished concrete can be a single source solution for the hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and healthcare providers.

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Five Big Benefits To Installing Polished Concrete In Your Facilities

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Polished concretebenefits of polished concrete floors is a popular option for flooring in a wide variety of buildings, including schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial spaces.  Polished concrete floors offer a number of advantages as an all-purpose flooring material, and can be engineered for specific environments.

Five Reasons For The Enduring Popularity Of Polished Concrete Floors

1. A spill-resistant surface

Unlike other flooring materials, like vinyl or laminates, polished concrete floors are resistant to a huge range of chemicals, solvents, and other spillable materials.  Only the most caustic of substances can damage the surface. However, there are additives and coating options which can add additional protection to maintain the integrity of the floor.

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Repairing Pharmaceutical Flooring without Disruption to Operations

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If you pharmaceutical flooringmanage a pharmaceutical operation, these are undoubtedly challenging times.  On one hand, if your work is in any way related to COVID-19, you’re probably near production capacity and seeing a lot of orders.  On the other hand, that means that if something goes wrong or repairs need to be done, you may not have the option to slow down production.

So what happens if your pharmaceutical flooring becomes damaged?  Cracked flooring isn’t merely a danger to your workers, it’s a potential source of contamination.  Worse, small cracks can very easily become large cracks – and quickly.  They can’t be ignored, but how do you repair your pharmaceutical flooring without disrupting your operations?

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The On-Site Evaluation Checklist That Creates Great Flooring Solutions

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For more than twenty years, Black Bear Coatings and Concrete has been one of the top sources for commercial and industrial flooring solutions in the northeast. One of the reasons a wide range of companies turn to us for flooring is that we never treat floors as a ‘one size fits all’ proposition.

Engineering the right floor should be a process that specifically tailors each solution to the needs of the individual business, as well as the spaces, for best long-term results. We utilize a process we call “reverse engineering.” Before even talking solutions, we do a detailed on-site evaluation and ask some key questions about how the floor will be used. That’s how we create exceptional floors, every time.

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Why Coving Is Important for Commercial and Industrial Floors

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When installing proper covingcommercial or industrial floors, an attention to detail is key to ensuring that the floor functions properly for years to come.  One detail which can often be overlooked, or implemented improperly, is the coving.  Despite often being regarded as little more than a finishing touch, proper coves are a necessity – and sometimes, a legal requirement.

What Is Coving?

Coving is the technique of installing small barriers lining the edges of a floor where it meets the wall (referred to as coves).  Coves are generally rounded 45-degree angles which slope upwards, preventing a hard 90-degree angle where floor and wall meet.

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Before & After: Epoxy Flooring Solutions for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plants

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When manufacturers consider commercial flooring, many look for a single solution that will satisfy the requirements of every area of a plant. This not only simplifies installation, but it also provides a consistent look throughout a commercial space. Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities for this particular reason.
Epoxy coatings are touted for high performance under severe conditions. Its ability to withstand a multitude of environmental toxins and resist wear make it a cost-effective solution that lasts longer than other products. The smooth, seamless surface and chemical and moisture resistance are ideal for pharmaceutical production spaces, clean rooms, and labs; while the durability to endure machinery weight and motion commonly found in manufacturing helps to maintain the integrity of the surface.

Epoxy Flooring: Before and After Pictures

Black Bear has installed countless epoxy coatings, and has designed environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing solutions for a number of pharmaceutical companies in New England. Take a look at our sample gallery below to see how epoxy coatings can be installed throughout the different spaces within pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

 

Epoxy Floors for Laboratories & Clean Rooms

Sterile Area – Hopkinton, MA

Epoxy Flooring: Sterile Area – Hopkinton, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratory – Boylston, MA

Epoxy Flooring: Laboratory – Boylston, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epoxy Floors Mechanical Rooms

Mechanical Room – Boylston, MA

Epoxy Flooring: Mechanical Room – Boylston, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epoxy Floors for Cafeterias & Lobbies
Benefits: durable, easily cleaned, slip resistant

Cafe – Cambridge, MA

Epoxy Flooring: Cafe – Cambridge, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epoxy Floors for Loading Docks

Loading Dock – Andover, MA

Epoxy Flooring: Loading Dock – Andover, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

BB_Pharma_300x250As the leading commercial coatings partner in the Northeast, Black Bear Coatings & Concrete’s unique process involves value-engineering industrial flooring based on environmental impact. We formulate solutions to last longer, and exceed safety regulations commonly found in manufacturing plants.

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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.

Retail Stores Gain Benefits from Epoxy Flooring

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Retail stores present a challenging environment when it comes to flooring. Stores are subject to high volumes of traffic, but it’s essential that the floor looks attractive for customers. So what is the best flooring for retail? Epoxy flooring is an ideal solution for retail store flooring – check out the top four reasons why:

4 Reasons Why Epoxy is the Right Retail Store Flooring Solution:

  1. Durability. Retail stores are subject to lots of foot traffic. In some cases, customers also use carts which impose additional wear and tear on the retail store floor. Epoxy floors are high strength and can endure foot and cart traffic, as well as the impact of items that may be accidentally dropped on the floor.
  1. Appearance. The floor in retail stores contributes to the overall impression that customers have when they enter the business. Epoxy floors improve the aesthetic appearance of retail stores since they can be installed using custom colors and patterns. It’s also possible to embed logos on the floor to reinforce the store’s brand.
  1. Hygiene and Safety. Given the foot traffic that retail stores experience, it’s not surprising that the floors get dirty, especially during inclement weather. A major advantage of using epoxy floors for your retail store flooring solution is that they can be easily cleaned, even with chemical cleaners designed to sanitize surfaces. In addition, epoxy floors can be installed with materials that offer skid resistance. This is essential for preventing injuries among customers and employees alike.
  1. Minimal business disruption. Retail stores simply can’t afford to be shut down for long periods of time while their floors are installed. Epoxy floors are a great option because many products have fast curing times, as well as minimal odors. In some cases, stores can even remain open while the epoxy retail store flooring solution is being installed.

Custom Engineered Retail Store Flooring for Retail Clients

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete partners with stores and shopping malls to provide longer-lasting, customized solutions. We’ve helped well-known brands including CVS, Gap, Harley-Davison, Kimball Farm, Aubuchon Hardware, Forever 21, Edible Arrangements, Lacoste, and Rite Aid, as well as independently owned and operated shops.

From durability to design, Black Bear understands that today’s retail spaces have a very specific set of criteria, and each brand has their own look and feel.  Black Bear customizes each product to meet the unique needs of the business. We stencil logos and designs and customize the color to complement your brand. We make every effort to enhance the look and feel of a retail space. Our energy efficient, environmentally friendly products can be installed quickly and we work with you to ensure little to no downtime.

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 on-site consultation.

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