There’s this “5-second rule” circulating around about dropped food on floors. Basically, it says that if you pick up a dropped food within 5 seconds, then it’s still perfectly safe to eat. Of course, the television show Mythbusters has completely debunked this idea. Food that’s touched the floor is instantly packed with bacteria – no matter how long it stayed there. In fact, according to the CDC, around 48 million Americans per year get sick of foodborne diseases. Around 128,000 of those are hospitalized while roughly 3,000 die every year. However, not all floors are created equal. Some floors actually help minimize the presence of bacteria on the surface – which makes it great for restaurants, medical buildings, and manufacturing companies. In this article, you will learn how MMA flooring helps in food safety.

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Flooring

MMA flooring is one of the most effective floorings today to help minimize bacteria in food processing industries. How MMA manages to do this is thanks to its non-porous surface. This means that there is absolutely ZERO pockets on the floor surface, preventing bacteria from entering into these little pockets.

This makes cleaning the MMA flooring surface more effective compared with other porous floors. There’s no need to use extensively complicated cleaning products since a single swipe already picks up all the bacteria on the surface.

But what about tile flooring? Isn’t tile non-porous too? The problem with tile is that it uses grout. So even if the tiles themselves are easy to clean, the grout pockets are 100% porous and therefore can harbor more bacteria. Even worse, cleaning the grout can be incredibly difficult, even with industrial-type cleaners.

Benefits of MMA Flooring in Food Safety

Beyond the lack of bacteria buildup, MMA flooring also comes with added benefits – all of which contribute to a cleaner floor for the food industry.

1: Prevents bad smell from covering a room.

A common problem with porous flooring materials is that water and bacteria seep into the surface. This essentially leaves microscopic puddles of stagnant water in the building – causing the entire room to smell bad.

2: No washdown after heavy equipment passing.

This happens when the floor area gets heavy traffic from forklifts or other heavy machinery. The weight of the machinery squeezes the water out, causing all that bacteria to become airborne. This is a problem that you’ll never have to worry about with MMA flooring since there are no pores to take in the bacteria in the first place.

3: MMA is heat resistant for up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

This makes it easy to clean them using hot water as an extra precaution against bacteria. Of course, some flooring types are also cleaned with hot water. However, these types have low heat resistance, which means that there’s a chance of it breaking down during the process. Repeated over time, the flooring breaks down, develops cracks, and harbors more bacteria.

4: Broad installation temperature.

MMA flooring can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it viable to install even during extreme temperatures with a curing time that still offers quick results. For food operation purposes, this means that the company can quickly get back to profit-making ventures.

5: Wide industry application.

This flooring type is slowly gaining popularity thanks to its diversity. Its usual applications include supermarkets, food and beverage manufacturers, hospitality, entertainment, and even as pool decks. Today, however, we’re seeing more and more MMA flooring in pharmaceutical fields, animal care, industrial, and healthcare.

Of course, these are just some of the advantages associated with MMA flooring. As Methyl Methacrylate becomes a staple in every industry, updates and improvements are set for this material.

Installing MMA Flooring

MMA Flooring is only as good as the people installing it. Extreme Epoxy Coatings sources and installs MMA flooring following industry-standard guidelines. When looking for company sources, it’s best to go over providers and seek out previous works for comparison. Figuring out the extent of the company’s service and turnaround time can go a long way in helping you arrive at a decision.

It’s never too late to have floors changed or upgraded to materials that meet the overall goal of the product being created. Food industries can focus on the really important aspects of production while still meeting industry guidelines for cleanliness.

In any setting, choosing a type of floor is something that must be considered very carefully. There are many factors that go into making this decision, including cost and function. Among the most popular types of flooring options, today are epoxy flooring and MMA flooring.

They’re great alternatives to concrete flooring since they are much easier to install and maintain.

However, each type has its own unique set of attributes that make it best suited for particular settings.

So which one should you choose? Let’s take a closer look at what these two types of flooring have to offer.

MMA Flooring System

MMA resin flooring system is a flexible and durable flooring that can be installed in any kind of industrial or non-industrial setting.

It has been used for decades now by both residential homeowners and commercial entities worldwide.

The MMA (or modified methyl methacrylate) flooring system uses a two-part epoxy compound that is mixed with a hardener to create a durable surface that can withstand chemicals and the demands of high-traffic areas.

This flooring is extremely versatile, and it is available in both smooth and nonslip textures to meet varying slip resistance requirements.

Pros

There are certain pros and cons to owning an MMA floor.

Here are the main benefits and drawbacks that you should consider when deciding whether or not to use this on your property:

• MMA Resin Floor Allows Rapid Installation – If you want a finished floor resin system that makes minimal disruption, Methyl methacrylate flooring is a good option. This type of flooring’s curing process is quick (cure time is around 2-3 hours) and can be installed even at temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• MMA Floors Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures – Methyl methacrylate MMA can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Even areas with low temperatures that reach sub-zero degrees don’t pose a threat to this type of option. It’s a great choice for settings that experience extreme temperature fluctuations, such as mechanical rooms, food processing areas, and loading docks.
• Bonding With MMA Resin Is Strong and Durable – Thermoplastics such as MMA resins form a chemical bond between every installation layer. This results in a smooth, monolithic finish. In fact, each new layer molecularly fuses to the preceding layer (or current subfloor), forming an almost impenetrable bond. A durable, high-quality MMA floor will last for years to come and stand up to heavy foot traffic, extreme temperatures, and chemical spills.

Cons

• Colors are Limited With MMA – In terms of aesthetics, MMA only comes in a few standard colors. While the installation process is fast and the surface is durable, it does not offer as many color options as compared to other types of floor coverings. If you are looking for a floor with vibrant colors and patterns, MMA may not be the best choice for your property.
• MMA Flooring Systems are Prone to Peeling – Since MMA flooring is thermoplastic, it can shrink and expand slightly over time. This can lead to peeling and lifting issues for certain areas of the floor, especially if there are gaps between the tiles or panels. If you want a more stable finish that will not peel or fade over time, another choice may be a better option for you.
• MMA Can Be Difficult to Maintain – MMA is relatively easy to place, but it can be difficult to maintain. In order for this type to retain its shine and durability over time, it requires regular cleaning and periodic sealing. If your budget or schedule does not allow for frequent maintenance, this might not be the best choice.

Epoxy Flooring System

If you are looking for a durable, versatile flooring option that offers a wide range of colors and patterns, consider an epoxy floor as an alternative to polyurethane flooring systems.

Epoxies are high-performance floor materials that are resistant to chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and moisture.

They come in a variety of colors and textures to suit any aesthetic, and they are especially well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Epoxy is made up of a mixture of two chemicals, epoxy, and a hardener. The type of flooring is most commonly used in car parks, but it can also be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas within the home that require a durable finish.

Epoxy floors come in three forms:

1. Seamless coatings that are typically used in garage flooring applications
2. Colored chips that have tiny chips of color embedded into the coating create a more decorative look
3. Industrial coatings.

Pros

As with any material, epoxy floors do have some advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a few key pros and cons to consider:

• Affordable – Compared to other flooring materials such as MMA, polyurethane systems, tile, and wood, epoxy floors are relatively affordable. They are also easy to install. This makes them a budget-friendly option for homeowners or businesses looking to save on project and labor costs. You can also add it over an existing concrete floor, further reducing costs.

• Compressive Strength – Considering the price it offers, epoxy floors are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are also impermeable to moisture, making them an ideal choice for areas that may have water or chemical spills on a regular basis. This is especially true if you go for water-based epoxies.
• Customizable – Other than being able to withstand vehicular traffic and heavy foot traffic, epoxy floors can also be customized to suit any aesthetic. Whether you are looking for a traditional look or a more modern design, epoxy is versatile enough to work with virtually any color scheme and pattern.

Cons

• Demanding Installation Process- The epoxy installation process is very demanding and must strictly adhere to strict rules. For example, prior to installation, you should check humidity levels. If there’s too much moisture in the air, it can prevent the epoxy from properly curing. You must also mix and apply the epoxy in specific sequences and adhere to strict drying times.
• Takes Longer to Cure – Curing for this takes longer (around 12-18 hours) than MMA or polyurethane. If you need something that will be ready to use right away, epoxy may not be the best option for you. Fumes from the curing process may also be an issue since you will need to keep the room well-ventilated. The strong odor for the first 24 hours is another disadvantage.
• Slippery Material- While an epoxy floor is durable and versatile, it can also be quite slippery when wet. If you have young children or pets that play on the floor, this may not be the best material choice for you. However, some epoxies offer slip-resistant coatings to help minimize the risk of falls in these areas.

Which One to Go For?

Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of MMA and epoxy floors, which type of flooring material should you choose for your project?

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your budget and needs.

Epoxy is a good choice if you’re looking for a durable, cost-effective flooring option for your home or business.

However, if you need flooring that is ready to use as soon as possible and is not concerned about spending a bit more money, MMA may be the better choice for you.

There are very few jobs that are as sensitive as processing food products. One reason is that food products are usually more prone to infection than other products, and each infection can lead to catastrophic consequences. Illness, discomfort, loss of revenue, and even death are just a few that come to mind. This article will show you the best flooring system for your food processing facility, how you can afford them if your food processing plant is in California, and some commonly asked questions about flooring for food and beverage processing plants.

Various research has established that microbes and other infectious components are more likely to be found on flat surfaces and floors. Still, a good floor coating in your food processing plant is crucial for the sanitation and protection of food products.

Why Do You Need Strong Floor Coatings for Food Processing Plants?

One of the places that are prone to contamination in food processing plants is the floors. Food substances are attractive to microorganisms and can fuel microbial growth and spread. Food byproducts such as oils, blood, natural food acids, and sugar solutions also contribute to this problem.

Many food processing plants combat these infections by vigorously cleaning and sanitary processes. But without proper flooring, this method tends to backfire. Bad flooring (like those with concrete slabs) gets corroded when constantly subjected to harsh cleaning chemicals and hot water washdowns. In time, the porous flooring makes them more prone to bacterial infection than their unclean counterparts.

A proper flooring cover solves many of these issues. These floor covers often cover the concrete slab floor and are highly resistant to aggressive cleaning chemicals and thermal treatment of most sanitary processes. Resin floor coverings are one of the best floor coverings.

What is The Price of Food Processing Plant Flooring in California?

The price of a suitable resin floor covering varies across different states but will ultimately depend on the size of your food processing plants. Most plants are massive, so you might need to invest considerably.

Floor covering charges will also depend on the type of floor cover you want for your plant, as all materials are different and do not cost the same. For example, the Epoxy floor covering costs between $3500- $ 18000.

Many firms charge clients between 10 USD to 12 USD per square inch. They might charge a more considerable upfront cost if they are involved in preparing the floor and applying the coating. Other factors that could impact the price include:

• If your facility has an uneven floor, and the workers need to fix it.
• Your concrete floor is in poor condition; that is, it is cracked or broken.
• Your floor surface requires power washing or pressure cleaning.
• You request a topcoat for extra protection.
• You have items that need to be moved before the workers can complete the project.
• You request a unique floor covering such as solid or solvent epoxy.
• You have a large food processing plant.

If none of the services above are unnecessary, the project’s pricing might be considerably lower. Fortunately, Extreme Industrial Coatings provide wonderful flooring solutions for a considerate price.

How to Choose Flooring Material for Food Processing Facilities

Many generally accept that resin floors are the gold standard, but there are various types of these floors. To make the best decision, you need to consider the following factors:

Floor Hygiene

As mentioned, floors are crucial to your plant’s sanitation because they are more susceptible to microbial infection. Some floor coverings come with antimicrobial agents evenly distributed throughout the resin to fight microbial growth.

Many anti-microbes can last long, even when the floor has been damaged or worn out, and they contribute in no small way to hygiene. Several International studies show a 99.9% reduction of bacterial growth in some resin floors; this is essential for the food industry as it aids food safety.

Slip Resistance

Workplace injuries cost the United States billions annually, and you probably want to keep work injuries as low as possible. Hence, the floor coating you choose should be as slip resistant as possible.

When deciding on a floor covering, ensure that you test them under wet conditions to check how slippery it is. They should also have an effective drainage system to reduce water pools and slipping risks.

Nature of Chemical Contact

Food contains many organic and inorganic chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and oils, and these food components make the floor of food processing plants susceptible to chemical attacks. Although it isn’t immediately apparent, prolonged exposure to these chemicals can result in the floor’s erosion, softening, or bristling.

Thermal Shock and Cycling

Flooding food processing plants with hot water or steam is often necessary to remove stubborn stains such as blood and grease. Such temperature changes can cause the floor to expand and contract at various rates. If the flooring is not poor, it could quickly begin to crack, peel, or delaminate.

Some floors are more equipped to deal with thermal shock than others. That is why you need the right professional advice when choosing floor coverings. Extreme Industrial coatings will help you make the right decisions. With our help, you will come away with a floor that will last a long time.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Food processing floors are one of the most vigorously cleaned places in the workforce, and for good reasons. But many cleaning chemicals take a massive toll on the floor covers. The right floor cover will resist the harsh chemicals used in treating floor covers and prevent damage.

Best Floor Coatings for Food and Beverage Facilities

There are various floor coatings, each of which has unique properties. Here are the four best floor coverings commonly used in the food and beverage industry:

Epoxy Coatings

These are one of the most recommended floor coatings for food processing plants. The FDA and USDA approve them, and they can withstand chemical attacks and heat. Some epoxy coatings come with anti-skid additives and visual appeal; epoxy coatings cure quickly.

Urethane Coatings

Urethane coatings are more expensive than epoxy coatings but tend to last longer. Urethane has more resistant to thermal cycling and is incredibly tolerant to the chemicals in beef and poultry products; this ability makes them more preferred to those in the food processing industry. Like their epoxy counterparts, urethane flooring has decorative touches and a visually appealing look.

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Coatings

MMA doesn’t seem the most popular choice, but it has some advantages over other resin floorings. They cure exceptionally quickly, and workers can quickly install them at low temperatures; these properties reduce the disruption your facility will experience from installation. Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Coatings is also resistant to UV light and a range of acids and alkaline.

Polyurea Coatings

Polyurea Coatings are another favorite of the USDA; they also meet the UL ANSI-NSF 61 standard. Though not as visually appealing as epoxy and urethane coatings, they are significantly thermal and impact resistant. They are also the quickest floor coating to cure; they give off no odor after installation.

Food Processing Plants Flooring-FAQS

The thought of food processing floors raises many questions. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Conclusion

The flooring of your food processing plant is essential for the hygiene of the plant, and this is because they are mostly exposed to chemicals, thermal variation, and microbial growth. A sound floor system will contain antimicrobial agents and is also easy to maintain; It should also be thermal and chemical resistant.

Resin floors are the new standard in food processing plant flooring. Some great examples include epoxy, polyurethane, MMA Coatings, and polyureas coating. Each of these coatings has different benefits and is used in different ways.

Extreme Industrial Coatings will help you with the right advice on the best flooring type for your processing plant. They will also provide good floor installation service for the right price.