All items are made from small atoms. These atoms are made up of even smaller items called protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons are charged positive, the neutrons have no charge and the electrons are charged negative. Under normal conditions there are the same amount of protons and electrons giving atoms no charge.

However, these electrons can move. When separating or rubbing together of materials, electrons can move from atom to atom or from one material to another (triboelectric charging). This can mean that atoms can hold a positive or negative charge, (dependent on movement and direction of electrons). If the material in question is an insulator, this charge can be held and not move. This is called static electricity.

The rapid movement or decay of these charges can cause expensive problems, whether it is huge and dangerous charges such as lightening or simply an annoying (and sometimes painful) “electric shock” when touching a filing cabinet or when getting out of a car. (The charges are normally on you!).

When we walk on certain floors, the friction between the soles of our shoes and the floor generates a static charge.* This static charge stays in place, on the surface of our body, until we touch something, then it jumps or discharges to that person or object.

This release of electricity is called an electrostatic discharge, or ESD. When static discharges to a static-sensitive electronic component, the sudden rush of electrical current can damage or destroy its internal circuitry.

In most workplace environments, the static generated when people walk is the biggest contributor to random ESD events (or problems caused by electrostatic discharge). For this reason, a static-protective floor—or an ESD floor/footwear combination—is the cornerstone of any effective static-control program

When we think of static in our everyday lives, most of us think nuisance—static cling, particle attraction, irritating static shocks. To perceive these common effects of static electricity—to feel a static shock—the discharge must be at least 3500 volts. Though we may not enjoy feeling a 3.5 kV shock, it’s no big deal—to us.

A hand reaching for a door knob to demonstrate an ESD event - a shock from touching metal - that might be felt by a humanElectronic components built or assembled in electronics manufacturing plants, circuit boards, hand-held electronic devices, headsets, and sophisticated computer equipment typically used in labs, hospitals, server rooms, FAA flight towers, 9-1-1 dispatch operations, mission-critical call centers—even in theaters and casinos—contain microelectronic parts that are highly sensitive to minute changes in electrical current.

So sensitive, in fact, that they can be damaged (and data compromised, if not lost or destroyed) by a static discharge as low as 20 volts. Well below the human threshold for perception.

We’ve all, at one time or another, been slowed down, laid-up, or knocked out by a cold. A static discharge of 20 volts is about as perceptible as breathing the germs that cause the common cold. We don’t know they are there—until

The relative humidity (RH) directly affects the ability of a surface to store surface charges. The higher the RH, the less time an item will hold a charge. The method of surface charge reduction [due to increased RH] can be attributed to recombination and or conduction. As the RH increases, so does the natural conductivity of the air, but even at 100% RH the increase in the natural discharge rate cannot be substituted for proper ESD control practices.

All surface contamination, e.g. oil, paint and rubber, should be removed and adequate mechanical preparation carried out to achieve a sound and stable surface with exposed coarse aggregate.

In case of any existing floor paints: these should be removed by mechanical abrasion or contained shot-blasting.

In case of oil or grease contamination: with heavily compacted oil or grease deposits, the bulk of the contamination should first be removed mechanically, by steam cleaning, or by biological treatment. In cases of severe contamination, specialist advice should be sought.

Where oil or grease contamination has been severe or of long duration none of these methods may prove satisfactory in preparing the base to allow full bonding of the synthetic resin flooring. In such cases removal of the affected base would be necessary followed by reinstatement with new concrete or by levelling screeds.

Get in contact with one of our specialists at Remmers for any advice.

Unfortunately not as resin flooring needs a durable substrate and not all materials meet this requirement. Enquire with one of our specialists for more information on the suitability of your current substrate.

The pendulum test value (PTV) should not be less than 40. In situations where ease of cleaning is more important than slip resistance and/or where anyone using the floor wears specially provided slip-resistant boots or shoes, pendulum test values in the wet state of not less than 33 may be considered acceptable.

Good maintenance is very important for keeping any flooring in good condition.

Depending on the required slip resistance of your floor as well as the amount and type of stress, a different approach is needed for maintaining the floor. Get in touch with our specialists for your maintenance guidance.

Yes.

High-build coatings are self-priming, but the substrate may vary in porosity and require priming to prevent pinholing from occurring.

Self-levellers will stick well on their own, but a primer is still essential to seal the substrate. Otherwise air in the substrate may rise through the self-leveller and cause air bubbles.

A screed or mortar topping will need a primer to ensure a good bond with the substrate, the exception being some water-based polyurethane screeds, which can be applied to cementitious substrates (concrete or screed) without a primer.

Remmers is proud to have a network of trusted application partners across the UK and beyond, who are able to install specified flooring materials.

If you’d like to discuss a specific project or you are still wondering how our team is able to help you with your ideal flooring solution, get in touch!

If a new floor is required for a food or beverage factory which has open food, a food safe resin will be needed. Remmers has systems with test certificates available which will not taint any product.

Get in contact with one of our specialists for more information on selecting the right system for any food or beverage factory.

The finished flooring should be allowed to cure according to the instructions of the system installed. These generally require:

24 to 48 hours at 15 – 20 °C before allowing light traffic

1 to 3 days at 15 - 20°C before allowing significant use by traffic and
3 to 7 days at 15 - 20°C before wet cleaning, allowing contact with chemicals, or heavy trafficking.

Remmers has faster curing systems as well. If you require more information on which system would be most suitable for you, get in contact with one of our specialists!

At Remmers, we have years of in house experience. By continuing to innovate in new and improved products, we therefore deliver good quality and solid service. We help you every step of the way and are happy to assist you in a personal manner. At Remmers, we are at your service.