Why is the “anticipated life span” of line marking better than any guarantee?

All too often we hear comments about how internal line marking did not live up to expectations, especially about how long it lasted for. We are all used to hearing that such-and-such a product comes complete with a five-year guarantee. Great we think, until we discover this only covers material failure or poor installation. To our cost, we learn there is nothing covering how the lines will stand up to the impact of materials handling equipment (MHE) or damage by pallets and stillages being dragged over the areas – all hazards common to any warehouse or factory.

For complete peace of mind before you buy, the best way for businesses to overcome this issue is to talk to us first. Tell us what you think the “anticipated life span” of your line marking should be, considering all the variables present in your operation. Once we have understood the volume, weight and various activities performed by your MHE, so we can best advise you on the most appropriate preparation and resin to use.

One of our specialisms is Shot Blasting, which is a durable and versatile method of floor marking favoured by many customers for speed of installation and lifespan.

Specified for facilities with busy FLT movements, shot blasting can be installed on most floors, making it suitable for old and new warehouses or distribution centres which need cost-effective floor marking, but where long-lasting durability is not essential.

Shot Blasting is the method of hitting the concrete floor with ‘shot’, a small piece of metal which strips the surface to leave virgin concrete. The ‘Shot’ is effective to various depths, depending on the machine used and severity of the impact.

Our point is this, all shot blasting is not the same, as the size of the blaster and speed the preparation is completed all play a part in how much concrete is removed and how much resin will be needed to be applied to the concrete surface.

The same factors influence the use of epoxy resins. The chemical formulation and the resin and the speed it dries or cures will all influence the durability of the finished work.

To help start the process of establishing the best process and materials for our customers, we have developed a simple line marking selector tool so we can begin the conversation on “anticipated life span”.

Once customers have completed the selector, they can call us to discuss further how we can help them implement the most appropriate and durable line marking solution for their operation.

The shot blasted finish is probably not as crisp or durable as Diamond Shaved marking, but this is reflected in the cost, which is why Shot Blasting is often the best option for some many businesses.

In all probability, the nature of the warehouse environment will dictate which is the most appropriate marking solution. Where resilience is the priority, diamond shaved marking is the most durable, most accurate, and most professional marking option available in the UK.

Diamond shaving (not to be confused with diamond grinding – a preparation for large solid areas and not suitable for line marking) is the process of ‘shaving’ an area of the concrete floor surface to reveal virgin concrete and a rough surface which helps the paint system key more firmly. This removes any seal or ‘Power Float’ coating and is done with the use of a specialised diamond blade shod machine to a depth of 1mm – 4mm.

The line edge created during this method provides an accurate and clean finish on prepared concrete, something not possible with other methods. This means the line edge does not fail as with other types, and significantly increases it ability to withstand constant use with forklift trucks and MHE.

Chris Hopkirk, ASG Sales Director, said: “ASG Services is a market leader in internal line and floor marking for all kinds of warehouses, with a range of solutions to suit all budgets and needs. A properly prepared warehouse floor will enhance the safety and efficiency of the facility, so it is important that businesses select the right solution for them.

“With experience developed over many years of proud service and customer satisfaction, we have grown to understand the demands posed by different environments and operations and have therefore honed our products so that they perfectly meet specific industry needs.

“Despite the current lockdown, the warehousing and logistics industries have been designated key sectors, so we remain in contact at all times and are responding to all emails and phone calls in the usual way.”