All You Need to Know About Aerospace Hangar and Service Center Flooring
Air passengers have increased by more than a billion since 2009, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization. As more people are turning to air travel to get from point A to point B quickly and efficiently, airports are scrambling to improve infrastructure, making more room for planes. When it comes to flooring, not just any materials will do: Airports have specific requirements, especially in their hangars. If you’re considering building a new hangar, service center or aerospace facility, here’s what you need to know.
Aerospace Facility Flooring Solutions
Aircraft hangars are subject to flooring demands that can damage the concrete substrate quickly and permanently without the proper protective coating. Some aircraft can weigh up to 40 tons on their own, and these extreme mechanical loads can challenge any flooring materials. Add in the constant moving of lighter weight loads, such as ground crews, wheeled equipment and carts, and you’ve got a recipe for scratches, impact damage and worse. The right hangar flooring will be strong, stable and finished with a robust protective coating that will withstand even the toughest workouts.
Aircraft hangars are also prone to chemical damage through exposure. Fuel, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and other chemicals can erode and damage some coating materials and the underlying concrete flooring. The epoxy or urethane flooring system you choose should be capable of withstanding the toughest conditions while still being quick and easy to clean without the need for special tools or compounds.
Aesthetics might not seem like a major concern for aircraft facilities, but they do matter. With urethane and epoxy flooring, the floors can be made bright, light and glossy to ensure proper illumination through lighting amplification. The right color will also allow for easier maintenance and promote employee comfort, especially in those hard-to-reach areas under the wings or chassis. Other colors or textures can be added to specific areas or zones to mark pathways and non-working areas or to feature logos and brands as desired.
Seamless, Worry-Free Epoxy and Urethane Flooring Systems
Epoxy and urethane flooring systems are some of the best options when it comes to aerospace flooring. Solid epoxy flooring can be applied directly over new or existing concrete flooring for a high-gloss or aggregate finish and can range in thickness depending on environmental needs and concerns. Urethane mortar is an alternative that consists of a hybrid polyurethane-concrete formulation that can handle heavy equipment and stands up to some of the toughest environmental conditions, including thermal shock, abrasion, and chemical exposure.
Both are easy to apply and are available in virtually any color with a wide range of matte and glossy finishes, and they can even be customized with anti-static additions to disperse static electricity and reduce the risk of discharges.
About Blackrock Industrial Aerospace Hangar Flooring
At Blackrock Industrial, we understand the flooring needs of the aerospace industry. We create high-quality seamless epoxy and urethane flooring system that are designed to meet those needs, keeping your operations at their peak and with minimal interruptions. Urethane and epoxy flooring systems can be customized to your facility’s exact requirements, whether that’s a specific environmental need or your brand’s aesthetic. We use only the most reputable suppliers and products that are rated specifically for superior performance, impact resistance and chemical resistance in aerospace and military applications. Contact our team today to learn more aerospace hangar flooring options or to schedule a consultation with our team.