The FeRFA Standard
Excellence in Resin Flooring, Surface Preparation, and Screeding.
At FeRFA, we are proud to set the benchmark for quality and professionalism in the resin flooring industry. The FeRFA Standard is more than a guideline; it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation. Through rigorous specifications, training, and member accreditation, we ensure that all FeRFA-accredited projects embody the highest quality and durability.
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POLYURETHANE
Water based, solvent based
Strength
Excellent Adhesion
Dimensionally Unstable
High Chemical Resistance
Decorative
Wide Temperature Tolerance
Speed of Installation
EPOXY
Water based, solvent based, solvent free
Strength
Dimensional Stability
Excellent Adhesion
Chemical Resistance
Decorative
POLYUREA
Fast Cure/Fast Installation
High Chemical Resistance
POLYASPARTIC
Fast Cure
High Chemical Resistance
UV Stable
MMA
Solvent based
Very Fast Installation
Low Temperature Tolerance
Moisture Sensitive
Risk of Taint
Decorative
FeRFA CLASSIFICATION
Understanding the various resin flooring types and their applications is essential for selecting the right solution for your project. FeRFA classifies resin floors into distinct categories, each tailored to meet specific performance criteria and application needs.
From light-duty areas requiring basic floor sealing to heavy-duty areas where highly resistant finishes are a must, our classification guide provides a clear framework for specifying resin flooring systems.
01
Floor Seal
Applied in two or more coats.
Generally solvent or water borne.
DUTY: Light
TYPICAL THICKNESS: 150µm
02
Floor Coating
Applied in two or more coats.
Generally solvent free.
DUTY: Light to medium
TYPICAL THICKNESS: 150µm to 300µm
03
High Build Floor Coating
Applied in two or more coats.
Generally solvent free.
DUTY: Medium
TYPICAL THICKNESS: 300µm to 1000µm
04
Multi-layer Flooring
Aggregate dressed systems based on multi-layers of floor coatings or flow applied floorings, often described as “sandwich” systems.
DUTY: Medium to heavy
TYPICAL THICKNESS: >2 mm
05
Flow Applied Flooring
Often referred to as “self- smoothing” or “self-levelling” flooring and having a smooth surface.
DUTY: Medium to heavy
TYPICAL THICKNESS: 2 mm – 3 mm
06
Resin Screed Flooring
Trowel finished, heavily filled systems, generally incorporating a surface seal coat to minimise porosity.
DUTY: Medium to heavy
TYPICAL THICKNESS: >4 mm
07
Heavy Duty Flowable Flooring
Having a smooth surface.
DUTY: Heavy to very heavy
TYPICAL THICKNESS: 4 mm – 6 mm
08
Heavy Duty Resin Flooring
Trowel finished, aggregate filled systems effectively impervious throughout their thickness.
DUTY: Very heavy
TYPICAL THICKNESS: >6 mm
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Recommended PPE is listed below, please refer to FeRFA Guide to PPE and for more detailed information.
| Checklist | |
|---|---|
| Safety Boots | |
| Safety Helmet (worn as required) | |
| Safety Glasses | |
| Barrier Cream | |
| Gloves (no slip, long sleeve) | Type suitable for material movement, mixing and laying material |
| Lower Arm Protection | |
| Knee Pads | Correct fit |
| Face Mask FFP3 & cartridges | Face fit certificated |
| Overalls/Protective Workwear | |
| Hand Wipes/Cleanser | |
| Eye Wash Station | |
Resin Mixing Equipment
| FeRFA Type / Description | Mixing Equipment |
|---|---|
| Type 1 Sealers Type 2 Coatings Type 3 High Build Coatings | Medium Duty slow speed (450 rpm) Drill and Paddle mixer Battery or 110 Volt |
| Type 4 Multi-layer Type 5 Self Smoothing | Heavy Duty slow speed (450 rpm) 120 mm diameter bottom to top Drill and Paddle mixer 110 Volt |
| Type 5 Self Smoothing (Volume) Type 6 Screed Floors Type 7 Heavy Duty Flowable Type 8 Heavy Duty Screed Flooring | Forced Action Mixer, twin or single paddle 110 Volt |
Mixing Speeds & Timing
| Mixing Speed / Mixing Timing | Result |
|---|---|
| Higher than recommended speed | Entrains too much air into system Effects surface finish May cause blistering and/or pin holing |
| Lower than recommended speed | Will not create sufficient shear between base and hardener May result in soft spotting and/or colour variations |
| Mixing time too short | Ineffective blending of base and hardener May result in colour variations and soft spots |
| Mixing time too long | Overheating of product May cause premature curing |
Application Methods
| Resin System | Application Method |
|---|---|
| Seals Coatings | Roller plus soft polypropylene squeegee Spray applied (wall coatings) |
| Self Smoothing/ Self Flow | Lay to thickness with pin rake or stainless trowel Spike roller |
| Resin Screeds | Screed box, gauging bar or batons and straight edge |
Coverage Rates
| Coverage Rates | Wastage Guide |
|---|---|
| Coverage rates depend on: – Porosity of the substrate – Ambient Temperature – Substrate Temperature – Application Technique Follow manufacturer guidance | Up to 100 metres add 10% – 100 to 500 metres add 7% – 500 to 1000 metres add 5% – 1000 metres plus add 2% |
Substrate Strengths
| Resin Type | Compressive Strength (Schmitt Hammer Tester) | Tensile Strength (Elcometer Pull Off Tester) |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy & Methacrylate | Minimum 26N/mm2 | Minimum 1.5N/mm2 |
| Polyurethane | Minimum 30-35N/mm2 | Minimum 1.7N/mm2 |
Substrate Moisture Levels
| Resin Type | Substrate Moisture Level (British Standard Testing Method Hair Hygrometer) |
|---|---|
| Epoxy & Methacrylate | Not exceed 75% RH |
| Polyurethane | Not exceed 85% RH |
| Polyurea | Not exceed 75% RH |
| Polyaspartic | Not exceed 75% RH |
Surface Regularity
| Class | Maximum Permissible Departure From A 2 m Straightedge Laid In Contact With The Floor (mm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| SR1 | 3 mm | High Standard: special floors |
| SR2 | 5 mm | Normal Standard: normal use in commercial and industrial buildings |
| SR3 | 10 mm | Utility Standard: other floors, where surface regularity is less critical |
‘Tis The Season
The 2024 FeRFA Awards are fast approaching! Celebrate excellence in the resin flooring industry with us.
Visit the official awards portal and stay updated!
