On the fast-paced planet of warehousing and logistics, every dollar’s valuable- and so is every square foot of your facility. With a majority of business owners focusing on equipment, inventory, and staffing, they often overlook one of the most critical assets in the building – the warehouse floor. At Reinforced Concrete, we’ve experienced firsthand how an aging or damaged floor can undermine a company’s bottom line, little by little, without being noticed.
Here’s how your old warehouse floor may be costing you more than you realize — and what you can do about it.
Decreased Productivity: Cracks, sloped surfaces, and spalling concrete are not just eyesores — they’re impediments. Forklifts had to slow down to avoid the bumps. Pickers move cautiously to avoid trips and fall. These delays, even if short, accumulate over time and can cause a reduction in daily production. In a cutthroat market, productivity is profit, and a deteriorating floor is any shop’s worst enemy.
Increased Equipment Damage: Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other heavy equipment wear and tear have been the culprits of rough or irregular floors. Suspension systems wear out more quickly, tires get damaged, and repairs are more frequent. These costs often go unnoticed, that is, until the maintenance bills start piling up — or worse, a piece of vital equipment fails during the busiest time of day.
Greater Risk of Accidents and Liability: People fall or trip on cracked and uneven surfaces, causing potential injuries to workers and damage to warehouse equipment. A single slip-and-fall incident can result in costly workers’ compensation claims, lawsuits, or insurance rate increases. Not to mention, replacing your old floor with a safer, smoother surface is a wise financial decision — and possibly a life-saving necessity.
Compliance and Inspection Matters: Workplace safety and cleanliness are critical in many industries. There are OSHA standards and code requirements for cleanliness regarding a worn and dilapidated warehouse floor, particularly in a food-grade or pharmaceutical application. Failure to do so can even result in heavy fines or closures during inspections.
Decreased Property Value: If you lease your warehouse, then the state of your floor is also the state of your lease. Well-maintained, professionally installed concrete flooring is a literal asset, while a battered one is a liability. Even warehouse tenants are less likely to renew or rent if the flooring is subpar.
Opportunities for Efficiencies Lost: Today’s floors do far more than provide a clean surface. With epoxy coatings, polished finishes, or heavy-duty reinforced concrete, you can enhance brightness, decrease dust, and ease cleaning. These may be modest benefits, but in a large facility, they add up to real savings and long-term efficiency.
Is It Time to Change Your Warehouse Floor?
If your concrete floor is cracked, with unsightly lines and divots, and this disruption affects your daily operations, consider replacing it. Reinforced Concrete specializes in warehouse floor replacements that are suitable for heavy use, increase safety, and are durable.
Let’s Reinforce Your Future
An old floor doesn’t have to be a drag on your business. Call us today for a no-fee site review and quote. Our team of professionals is prepared to help you find commercial flooring that perfectly suits your space, regardless of the type of work you do.