In order to meet the standards needed to grow crops to top quality and maximum yields, a commercial operation needs to select flooring that provides a seamless surface to help in elimination of crevices, lines, and other areas where soil and pathogens can dwell. The floor should be non-porous and provide a surface that can isolate toxic materials or spills to allow for a safe and secure cleanup. Flooring in a greenhouse should allow for the improvements and changing of slope to allow for proper drainage in the growing areas, and be installed with the floor-to-wall options for easier sanitation and washing down sessions in the grow area between planting cycles. The greenhouse flooring should also have the strength and durability to withstand heavy loads and traffic of employees and the movement of equipment needed in the day-to-day operations of a greenhouse. An easy solution for the commercial operation is the installation of flooring known as epoxy flooring.
The choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions an owner of a commercial operation will make. Floors are found throughout the entire structure, a selection of poor flooring will wreak havoc on an operations yields and profits over the long run. Very few commercial operations can afford to have the inconvenience and overall expense of having to do repairs and improvements that had the right choice been made, wouldn’t have been needed.
Checklist for greenhouse flooring
- Seamless surface area
- Non-porous
- Easily cleaned/ sanitized
- Hardy
- Non-toxic to plants and environment
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a special coating placed on concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, and durable surface that can withstand the intense wear and tear placed on equipment and surfaces in the commercial greenhouse. Epoxy floor coatings are a common sight in the commercial and industrial grow industry. The use of epoxy coatings in the greenhouse has many benefits that make the application worth more than its weight in gold. These floors are known for their ease of cleaning, sanitation, and safer working conditions for workers, equipment, and inventory. Epoxy flooring is known as an excellent, long-term value floor system that is professional grade while offering unique solutions to all growing area types. Not only does this resinous coating offer all the needed features of an excellent flooring system, it also has many added benefits for the commercial operation.
Why should a commercial operation install epoxy flooring?
There are countless benefits to the use of epoxy flooring in a greenhouse. These should be taken into consideration when selecting flooring for a new build or for improvements to an existing structure. The use of the resinous epoxy floor results in a floor that has a high gloss finish. This high gloss aids in the reflection of light to the underside of leaves on crops aiding in photosynthesis and improving yields. This floor has a virtually seamless finish and surface meaning that there are less areas for weeds, pathogens, and dirt to accumulate in areas a grower might not be able to see. This helps in sanitation and overall health of the plants in the grow area. Epoxy floors have been shown to have exceptional resistance to the harsh environment of the greenhouse from water resistance, chemical, alkalia, and acid resistance and the ability to hold up under the high traffic areas with both people and equipment. Most importantly, epoxy floors have added safety in the workplace. These floors are slip-resistant with the option to fully customize the tread and areas for increased traction at install, as well as, allow for the placement of colors and markers that are industry and OSHA approved. Epoxy floors have low to zero V.O.C and are fully compliant to EPA and other environmental regulations.
Reduction of risks
One of the top causes of failure in the commercial growing industry is from pests and disease. A grower must prevent, control, and act in an effective manner to address pest and disease issues as they present themselves. One of the best ways is through preventative actions integrated into an IPM program. Epoxy flooring offers the ability to help prevent pests and disease in a greenhouse by eliminating several factors that create a perfect environment for pathogens. Epoxy floors can be cleaned and sanitized effectively and accurately. With the smooth finishes and virtually seamless flooring allows for the elimination of excess dirt and hiding places for pests and disease pathogens. Additionally, the flooring can be fully customized at install specific for the growing operation from slope, color, sign/ safety marker placement, and traction support.
For more information:
RF Agriculture
www.rfagriculture.com