September 3, 2020
There are a considerable amount of regulations regarding every aspect of the cannabis industry. In addition to federal regulations, each state has its own guidelines that need to be followed.
Take California for example, The Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), California Bureau of Cannabis Control, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Department of Public Health all have strict codes to adhere to, including the construction and maintenance of cannabis facilities.
Flooring is a significant operational consideration and it is only a matter of time before it is more strictly regulated. There are many options available for flooring which meet both state & USDA standards but it is important to understand which choices will help you protect your products, avoid failed inspections and costly shutdowns.
The current guidelines for the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 Division 1 and the USDA state that floors should be “constructed of material that is smooth, nonporous, easily cleanable, corrosion-resistant,” and “built of durable materials impervious to moisture and be cleaned and sanitized as necessary to prevent adulteration of product.”
There are many options for floors that could qualify as compliant, but these standards alone can leave your facility susceptible to additional risks and failures. There are additional operational considerations to consider when choosing the right floor for a cannabis facility.
The additional operational considerations may vary for every facility, but these are the most common:
- Thermal Shock Resistance
- Chemical Resistance
- Slip Resistance
- Salt & Moisture Tolerance
- Reduced Bacterial Growth
- Durability & Low Maintenance
- Low Odor, Low VOC
Seamless floors have become the preferred specification for sanitized environments. They eliminate seams and crevices which can collect moisture and promote bacterial growth. Seamless floors reduce bacterial growth, safety hazards, and keep you operational longer.
Not all floors are created equally.
While all seamless floors will eliminate bacteria-harboring seams — not all seamless floors are suited for every environment. The unique operational conditions found in the grow rooms and production areas in cannabis facilities will dictate what long-term flooring systems you should choose to protect your product and minimize downtime.
Which Seamless Floor is right for your Facility?
Epoxy and cementitious urethane flooring systems are recommended for applications where wet processing, chemical contamination, and high temperature cleaning are regular occurrences. These systems meet the strict safety guidelines in the cannabis production industry and address the most critical needs:
- Safety: Available in a variety of textures to protect against slip and fall hazards without compromising cleanability
- Sanitation: Non-porous surfaces further reduce the places for bacteria to collect and ease the cleaning and sanitization process. These systems are seamless from the wall to the drain
- Thermal Shock Resistant: Built to withstand cycling between hot and cold temperatures without delaminating, cracking, or peeling
- Chemical Resistant: Durable topcoat options are available to stand up to a broad range of chemicals, fertilizer, and extreme pH substances
- Durable: Long lasting, resistant to common facility traffic and heavy equipment
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and keep clean. long-lasting seamless flooring solutions assist in passing inspections
- Salt & Moisture Tolerance: Withstands elevated moisture and salt levels. Reduces moisture vapor transmission
- Low Odor, Low VOC: Chemistries that meet EPA & similar regulations
Products that are built to perform.
Dur-A-Flex offers a versatile family of epoxy and urethane flooring systems with multiple top coat options for added chemical and moisture resistance. A floor system can be built to fit the individual needs of most facilities, whether it is budgeting, environmental, or aesthetic purposes.
Three flooring systems commonly preferred in the cannabis market:
DUR-A-GARD (20 MIL) WITH ARMOR TOP TOPCOAT
A seamless epoxy flooring system built for industrial and commercial applications, finished with a UV-stable urethane topcoat offers excellent abrasion, stain and chemical resistance.
DUR-A-GARD SL (60 MIL) WITH ARMOR TOP TOPCOAT
A seamless epoxy self-leveling system with a special blend of natural quartz aggregates and fillers. A UV-stable urethane topcoat offers excellent abrasion, stain and chemical resistance.
POLY-CRETE SLB WITH SHOP FLOOR / ARMOR TOP TOPCOAT (OR ACCELERA)
A seamless self-leveling cementitious urethane system that offers moisture mitigating properties and slip resistance. Adding a urethane topcoat ensures wear, chemical, and stain resistance.
Choosing the right floor translates to: staying on budget while still ensuring a high-performing, durable floor that will keep your business in operation for many years to come.
Unique flooring needs require unique flooring solutions. Dur-A-Flex will help you understand your facility’s flooring needs before recommending a system to protect it. To determine which floor is right for your facility, it is best practice to have an onsite evaluation performed.
For more information or to schedule an onsite evaluation, please contact us by calling 877.251.5418, emailing or submitting this form.
Author: Jes Grant
Jes Grant is the content development manager for Dur-A-Flex. She has over 15 years of experience creating content for various technical industries, and has been featured in several publications for her writing and design work.