Why facility managers choose epoxy flooring for correctional facilities

Don’t make a costly mistake when choosing flooring for a correctional facility

The flooring used in all types of correctional institutions needs to meet high standards and be fail-safe. We’ve spoken with many correctional facility managers who have faced challenges in ensuring the floors used in jails across the United States meet the safety standards to protect the inmates, staff, and visitors to the facility.

Epoxy flooring is the smart choice for facility managers who know that the flooring they choose is going to be put to the test. It provides a sanitary, safe, and durable flooring solution that can be installed in the cells, communal areas, kitchens, and bathrooms of both minimum and maximum security prisons.

Tough flooring that cannot be weaponized

US jails house some of the most dangerous criminals who are resourceful enough to attempt to turn all sorts of objects into weapons. Traditional tiled floors can easily be broken, and the sharp edges of the tiles used as weapons, threatening the safety of staff and inmates.

Everlast® Epoxy flooring is almost impossible to break up and weaponize because the resin-based solution becomes part of the substrate and cannot be broken or chipped up to form a makeshift weapon. It’s shank-free and seamless, which means even the most determined inmate will not be able to damage or penetrate the hard-wearing epoxy floor surface.

Interested in seeing high quality Epoxy flooring up close? Get our FREE sample pack today!

Sanitary flooring for overcrowded prisons

Because so many of our correctional facilities are overcrowded, inmates often share cells, toilets, and washroom areas. Living in such close proximity makes these facilities a perfect environment for the spread of viruses and germs, which can cause a headache for the medical facility within the jailhouse.

Everlast® Epoxy flooring for cell floors includes an antimicrobial component that penetrates every level of the floor—from top to base—which is important for correctional facility hygiene. On top of that, because it’s a seamless flooring system, there is nowhere for bacteria or germs to hide, so viruses are less likely to spread.

The use of epoxy flooring in jails is a more hygienic alternative than tile flooring, which can harbour debris and germs in the joins, or rubber flooring, the seams of which can open up and hide bacteria.

Slip-resistant epoxy flooring

Communal shower areas in detention centers need to be safe environments for inmates. The sheer number of prisoners who use the washrooms means that the flooring is rarely dry and thus poses a slip hazard. The same is true for the kitchen area where grease or cooking spills can increase the risk of slipping.

Our slip-resistant epoxy flooring is manufactured using small marble stones that provide a textured finish that reduces the risk of skids and slips. In areas such as shower rooms or kitchens, we can add grit to the glaze coat for additional resistance to protect the welfare of prisoners and supervising staff.

epoxy flooring for correctional facilities

Low maintenance and easy to keep clean

Everlast® Epoxy flooring does not require any waxing, buffing, or specialist cleaning methods. It can be cleaned and maintained with just a squeegee and our Everlast® Floor Care solution. In addition, debris and grime are easily removed because the floor is nonporous and cannot absorb dirt or water.

This simple yet effective maintenance routine will keep your prison floors clean, hygienic, and maintained for many years to come. In fact, an Everlast® Epoxy flooring system can provide a permanent solution for all correctional institution flooring requirements because it does not need to be replaced every few years. This frees up the budget and allows facility managers to direct cash flow to other areas of their detention center.

epoxy flooring for kitchens in correctional facilities

Fast installation for minimal disruption to prison life

Routine is important to keep the daily operations of correctional facilities running smoothly, and the disruption caused by replacing a failed flooring system can have an effect on the efficient administration of prison life.

If you need to replace a failed cell floor, Everlast® Epoxy is the ideal solution. It can be applied directly to the existing concrete base and is ready to walk on in under 24 hours. The flooring system is virtually odorless, which means inmates in adjoining cells need not be moved while the neighboring cell floor is replaced.

For areas within the facility where minimal downtime is essential, we recommend Everlast® Overnight (Fast Cure) Floor—a durable, one-step epoxy flooring system that’s ready for foot traffic in just 6 hours.

epoxy flooring for washrooms in correctional facilities

Cool, calming colors for your correctional facility

Maintaining a calm environment in a facility that houses many inmates is crucial, and psychology has shown that cool colors can reduce agitation or aggression.

Our epoxy flooring is available in a range of over 40 colors, many of which are neutral or calming and thus could help to encourage positive behavior.

epoxy flooring for bathrooms in  correctional facilities

Discuss your options with our flooring experts

Our professional team can recommend the right epoxy flooring solutions to meet both the stringent requirements of your correctional facility and your budget. Contact us online for a free, no obligation quotation or a free sample.

Interested in seeing high quality Epoxy flooring up close? Get our FREE sample pack today!

Durable Epoxy Flooring for Daycare Centers & Kindergarten