Liquid proof floor

A liquid-tight floor is a floor that does not allow liquids to pass through, such as water, oil, chemicals or fuels. For companies that work with such substances, a liquid-tight floor can contribute to the safety, hygiene and sustainability of the working environment.

On this page we explain what a liquid-tight floor is, when it is mandatory, what types there are and how you can find a suitable liquid-tight floor for your company.

What is a liquid-tight floor?

A liquid-tight floor is a floor that is resistant to the penetration and leakage of liquids. This type of floor is crucial in business environments where liquid spills may occur.

Through the use of high-quality materials and precise installation, a liquid-tight floor ensures that no harmful substances can penetrate into the underlying construction, which significantly increases the durability and safety of the floor.

What are the characteristics of a liquid-tight floor?

A liquid-tight floor has several characteristics that distinguish it from regular floors. This is how liquid-tight floors are:

• Resistant to liquids, oils and chemicals;
• Wear-resistant and durable;
• Easy to clean and maintain;
• Suitable for various industrial applications;
• And they meet the legal requirements for liquid tightness.

When is a floor liquid-tight?

A floor is considered impermeable when it does not allow liquids to pass through to the underlying structure. This means that the floor is completely sealed against liquids, oils and chemicals, which is essential to prevent environmental contamination.

When is a liquid-tight floor mandatory?

A liquid-tight floor is mandatory for companies that fall under the following categories:

• Companies that use or store more than 50 liters of oil or 200 liters of other hazardous substances per year;
• Companies that collect, treat or process waste;
• Companies that repair, maintain or clean vehicles;
• Companies that keep or slaughter animals.

Are there legal requirements for a liquid-tight floor?

Yes, there are legal requirements for a liquid-tight floor. These requirements are laid down in the following regulations:

• Regulation 3.25 of the Activities Regulation: Obligation to safely deliver liquid fuels to motor vehicles for road use.
• Regulation 4.94 of the Activities Regulation: Requirement for the delivery of liquid fuels to motor vehicles that are not intended for road use and where the annual quantity of fuel is more than 25 m3.
• Regulation 3.27 of the Activities Regulations: Regulations regarding the external cleaning of vehicles.
• Regulation 4.104h of the Activities Regulation: Regulations for the internal cleaning or disinfection of means of transport.
• Regulation 3.43/4 of the Activities Regulation: Regulations regarding the storage of substances that may pose a hazard to the soil.
• Regulation 4.18 of the Activities Regulation: Rules for storing substances that could pose a hazard to the soil in an above-ground tank.
• Article 2.1, paragraph 4 of the Activities Regulation: Obligation to carry out an inspection of the liquid-tight floor once every six years.
• Article 2.1, paragraph 5 of the Activities Regulations: Annual obligation to internally check the liquid-tight floor.

Which floors are liquid-tight?

At ICM Projects we offer a wide range of different types of floors that are liquid-tight. We have listed some commonly chosen floor types that are liquid-tight or can be made liquid-tight:

Concrete floors

Concrete floors can be made liquid-tight using special coatings and seals. This closes the pores of the concrete, making the floor resistant to liquids and chemicals.

Cast floors

Cast floors are naturally liquid-tight due to their seamless nature. They are often used in environments where hygiene is of great importance, such as hospitals and the food processing industry. View all the possibilities of a cast floor from ICM Projects.

ESD floors

ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) floors are specially designed to prevent electrostatic discharge. They are also liquid-tight and are often used in electronics and production environments. At ICM we offer various options for ESD floors.

Trowel floors

Trowel floors are composed of different layers and are extremely durable and liquid-tight. They are often installed in heavy industrial environments where intensive use and chemical loads occur. Discover how an ICM trowel floor can contribute to a safe working environment.

HACCP floors

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) floors meet the highest hygiene requirements and are also liquid-tight. They are often used in the food processing industry. There are several floors that meet HACCP guidelines. Ask about the options from an ICM Projects expert.

MMA floors

Methyl methacrylate floors, MMA floors for short, are fast-hardening floors that are highly resistant to liquids and chemicals. They are often used in situations where quick installation is required. An MMA floor also contributes to a safe working environment where this is required.

For which applications are liquid-tight floors suitable?

Liquid-tight floors are suitable for a wide range of applications in different sectors. Below we give some examples:

Industrial environments

Industrial environments include factories, workshops and storage areas where oils, chemicals and other liquids are used. A liquid-tight floor guarantees a safe and sustainable working environment in such environments. Examples of industrial floors for which liquid-tight floors are required are:

• Parking garage floors
• Workshop floors
• Warehouse floors
• Production floors
• Laboratory floors

healthcare

Hygiene is crucial in hospitals, veterinary practices and other healthcare institutions. Liquid-tight floors, such as cast floors and HACCP floors, ensure a safe and clean environment. Some examples of healthcare floors are:

• Hospital floors
• GP floors
• Dentist floors
• Vet floors
• Pharmacy floors
• Clinic Floorne

Food processing industry

In the food processing industry, liquid-tight floors are used to ensure food safety and quality. Liquid-tight floors prevent food residues, grease or acids from penetrating or accumulating in the floor. Examples of food industry floors where a liquid-tight floor can contribute to a safe working environment are:

• Bakery floors
• Butchery floors
• Fishery floors
• Restaurant floors
• Dairy factory floors
• Brewery floors

catering industry

Liquids such as water, oil and different types of drinks are also used daily in the catering industry. A liquid-tight floor ensures that any spills do not cause damage to the floor or the underlying structure, thus contributing to a safe and hygienic environment. We often see the use of a liquid-tight floor in the following types of companies:

• Hotel floors
• Café floors
• Bar floors
• Discotheque floors
• Catering floors

How do I choose a suitable impermeable floor for my company?

To choose a suitable impermeable floor for your company, you must take the following factors into account:

• The nature and quantity of the fluids used.
• The load and frequency of traffic on the floor.
• The temperature and humidity in the room.
• The desired appearance and comfort of the floor.
• The budget and time available for the installation and maintenance of the floor.

Based on these factors, you can choose a floor type that best suits the situation of your company. You can also ask one of our specialists for advice, who can help you make the right choice.

Choose a high-quality liquid-tight floor from ICM Projects

ICM Projects specializes in the design, supply and installation of high-quality liquid-tight floor systems. With years of experience and expertise, we offer flooring solutions for various business sectors.

Our floors meet all legal requirements and are installed with the utmost precision. We also offer regular inspections and maintenance services to ensure the durability and functionality of the floor.

How much does a liquid-tight floor cost?

The costs of a liquid-tight floor depend on various factors, such as the type, surface, thickness, finish and preparation of the substrate. On average you can count on a price between €40 and €150 per square meter. For an exact price, it is best to request a quote or contact us.

What is the difference between a liquid-tight and a waterproof floor?

A liquid-tight floor is a floor that does not allow any liquid to pass through, while a waterproof floor only repels water. A liquid-tight floor is therefore also waterproof, but a waterproof floor is not necessarily liquid-tight.

For example, waterproof floors can allow oil, chemicals or fuels to pass through, making them unsuitable for companies that work with these substances. A liquid-tight floor therefore offers more protection and safety than a waterproof floor.

How often should you inspect a liquid-tight floor?

The frequency of inspections for liquid-tight floors may vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations in your sector. In general, floors are inspected annually, but in some cases more often may be necessary. Our experts at ICM Projects can advise you on this based on your business situation.

How long does it take to install a liquid-tight floor?

The duration of installing a liquid-tight floor depends on various factors, such as the size, substrate, type and finish of the floor. On average, you can count on an installation time of between one and four days.

Some floors, such as MMA floors, have a shorter installation time because they cure quickly. Other floors, such as concrete floors or cast floors, have a longer installation time because they need more time to dry or harden.