FeRFA

The Resin Flooring Association

The FeRFA Categorisation system is a critical tool for selecting commercial resin flooring. Developed by FeRFA, the UK’s leading authority in resin flooring, this categorisation simplifies the often complex task of choosing the most suitable flooring.

This system is essential for anyone looking to make an informed choice in flooring, ensuring the preferred option aligns seamlessly with the unique demands of their commercial space.

The Significance of Categorisation

Choosing the right flooring extends beyond surface aesthetics; it’s a decision that impacts a commercial space’s functionality, safety, and longevity. FeRFA’s categorisation system is pivotal in this process, providing a clear and structured approach to selecting a flooring solution that aligns with the specific requirements of your environment. This system helps identify the type of flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear, resist potential chemical spills, and maintain its integrity under various stressors.

By using this categorisation, businesses can ensure that their investment in flooring goes beyond mere appearance, contributing to a safer, more efficient, and durable workspace. It’s not just about choosing a floor; it’s about choosing a foundation that supports your business activities and enhances the overall workplace environment. FeRFA’s categorisation makes this critical decision-making process more straightforward and aligned with the practical realities of commercial flooring needs.

FeRFA’s 8 Flooring Solutions

The FeRFA categorisation system comprises eight categories, each catering to specific industrial and commercial environments. These include:

Type 1 – Floor Seal

This is the first line of defence for light-duty areas, where flooring faces minimal stress. The multi-layer coating provides a basic level of protection, sealing and dust-proofing concrete surfaces, making it ideal for spaces like small offices or storage rooms. This type is particularly beneficial for areas where low foot traffic is expected, but a clean, polished appearance is still desired.

Type 2 – Floor Coating

Moving up in durability, this type is designed for environments that experience light to medium foot traffic. It’s thicker than Type 1, offering more resilience against wear and minor chemical spills. This makes it suitable for larger office spaces, retail areas, and light industrial settings, where a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional durability is needed.

Type 3 – High Build Floor Coating

Tailored for low to medium-duty areas, this coating is significantly thicker, providing enhanced protection and durability. It’s a practical choice for workshops, garages, and utility rooms where floors need to resist regular stress and occasional heavy loads while still being easy to maintain.

Type 4 – Multi-Layer Flooring

This robust option is ideal for more demanding environments such as medium-duty industrial areas. The multi-layered approach, often incorporating aggregate dressings, creates a ‘sandwich’ system that offers increased durability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for manufacturing plants and high-traffic commercial spaces.

Type 5 – Flow Applied Flooring

Known for its self-levelling and self-smoothing properties, this type is 2 to 3 mm thick and particularly effective in areas requiring medium to heavy-duty, resilient, and easy-to-clean flooring. It’s a popular choice in commercial kitchens, laboratories, and areas where hygiene and ease of cleaning are paramount, offering excellent resistance to impacts and chemical spills.

Type 6 – Screed Flooring

This heavy-duty flooring option is characterised by its trowel-finished, heavily filled system. It’s a solution that brings strength and longevity to areas subjected to constant heavy foot traffic and equipment use, such as industrial warehouses or large-scale manufacturing facilities. The surface coating minimises porosity, providing a durable and lasting wear surface that can withstand the rigours of high-demand environments.

Type 7 – Heavy-Duty Flowable Flooring

Designed for the most challenging conditions, this flooring type offers an aggregate-filled system with a self-smoothing surface, ideal for spaces that experience very heavy-duty use. With a thickness of 4-6 mm, it’s especially suited for areas with heavy machinery, high-impact activities, and the need for exceptional durability and impact resistance.

Type 8 – Heavy-Duty Screed Flooring

As the most robust option in the FeRFA range, this trowel-finished, aggregate-filled system is designed for the most extreme conditions. With a thickness of 6 mm and upwards, it’s tailor-made for environments that not only require very heavy-duty flooring but also need to withstand severe impact and chemical exposures. This type is often the go-to choice for heavy industrial settings, chemical plants, and areas where the floor must endure the harshest operational demands without compromising on performance.

Practical Applications and Benefits

Each type of FeRFA flooring serves a unique purpose and is tailored to specific commercial needs:

Light-Duty Spaces: Types 1 and 2 are perfect for areas like offices, retail spaces, and showrooms, where the focus is on aesthetics with moderate durability. These types provide a clean, professional look while offering basic protection against everyday wear and minor spills.

Medium-Duty Environments: Types 3 to 5 balance aesthetic appeal and functional durability. They suit educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and light manufacturing units. These types ensure a higher level of resistance to traffic and wear, making them ideal for areas that see a regular but controlled level of activity.

Heavy-Duty Areas: Types 6 to 8 are engineered for the most demanding conditions. They best suit industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, and areas with heavy machinery. These flooring types offer superior durability, resistance to heavy loads, and excellent longevity. They are designed to withstand the rigours of intense commercial use, making them a reliable choice for spaces with the highest flooring performance.

Choosing Impact Flooring for Your Commercial Needs

When selecting the best flooring for your commercial space, partnering with Impact Flooring can make all the difference. Our expertise in FeRFA-categorised flooring solutions ensures that we offer not just a product but a tailored solution that aligns perfectly with your specific requirements.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing flooring solutions that enhance the functionality and safety of your commercial environment. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we work closely with you every step of the way, from initial consultation to installation and aftercare.

If you’re considering a new flooring solution for your commercial property, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to provide you with expert advice and support.

Contact us today to discuss your flooring needs and discover how Impact Flooring can help transform your commercial space.