As an industry leader in innovative flooring products, SelecTech often fields questions from our customers about how our products will meet their needs. However, we sometimes need to help them figure out what those needs are first. That’s why we put out our Checklist for Replacing Your Laboratory Floor, which we just updated earlier this summer. Whether your lab is for medical research, electronics, or any of the other vital industries that require specialty flooring, SelecTech has the laboratory flooring solution you need.
Laboratory flooring has several varying requirements. Here’s a look at some of the questions we ask our customers to determine the right product for their lab.
Do you need extra slip resistance?
No matter what you do in your lab, you don’t want anyone to slip while they’re working. However, if the work you do in your lab requires a greater level of slip resistance, you’ll want to avoid materials like epoxies that create smooth and slick surfaces. Many of our flooring products offer more secure footing, such as tile with a coin-top texture. Hard and smooth surfaces like epoxies are also harder underfoot, making your work environment less comfortable. More ergonomic and comfortable flooring materials tend to be more expensive, but they are usually worth the cost because they improve the work environment and reduce the risk of standing-related injuries.
What chemicals do you use in the lab?
Many labs use chemicals that can damage standard flooring materials. Before deciding on a SelecTech flooring product, have a conversation with our team about all the chemicals you use in your lab. Materials like vinyl and rubber are resistant to many chemicals, but if you use unique or unusual substances, you don’t want to assume you’ll be okay. If possible, get samples of the flooring materials you are considering and test them against all the chemicals you use in your lab.
Will you need to relocate or reconfigure the lab?
Our interlocking flooring has the additional benefit of portability. Many labs need to keep their options open in case they downsize, expand, or relocate. Glue-down flooring is stuck where you put it, but interlocking tiles can move and adjust with your lab. If you need to relocate or reconfigure your lab, your flooring can move with you, saving both time and money.
