Choosing Flooring Solutions That Meet the Demands of Healthcare Facilities
New urethane-like technologies combine speed, flexibility and lasting protection for life sciences spaces
By Mike Durbin, Market Segment Manager - Pharmaceutical and Aerospace/Aviation, Sherwin-Williams
Mark Merrifield, Market Segment Manager - High Performance Flooring, Sherwin-Williams
In healthcare, pharmaceutical and life science environments, flooring plays a critical yet often overlooked role in daily operations. Constantly subjected to heavy foot traffic, harsh cleaning agents and strict hygiene protocols, these surfaces are more than just functional – they play a pivotal role in maintaining safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance (Figure 1).
When flooring systems fail to meet these challenges, the consequences ripple through workflows, safety measures and overall facility performance – highlighting the importance of solutions tailored to these specialized settings.
Healthcare flooring faces challenges far beyond those of standard commercial spaces. From enduring aggressive sterilants and temperature fluctuations to supporting heavy equipment and round-the-clock activity, these systems must deliver durability and seamless cleanliness. To meet these unique demands, facilities require flooring solutions engineered for resilience and precision.
New urethane-like chemistries – including Accelera One from Sherwin-Williams High Performance Flooring – are setting new standards for life science environments. These ultra-high solids formulations create durable, fast-curing coatings – some of which are free from Red List chemicals – aligning with both performance and sustainability priorities.
Figure 1. Floors in healthcare, life science and pharmaceutical facilities must maintain safety and functionality amid continuous foot traffic and rigorous cleaning routines.
By reducing downtime during installation and maintenance, these advanced polymer technologies cater to the needs of busy, high-stakes facilities. For example, rapid-curing systems enable the application of two coats in a single day while offering extended working time for flexibility. This combination ensures reliable performance in demanding spaces such as cleanrooms and laboratories, accommodating tight schedules without compromising quality.
Unlike traditional urethane-based products, newer formulations eliminate isocyanates (ISOs), making them safer to apply while retaining the chemical resistance and durability of polyaspartic-like solutions. These features make them ideal for contractors, applicators and facility managers seeking smarter, more resilient options.
As healthcare and pharmaceutical operations continue to face increasing demands, selecting the right flooring solutions has never been more important. Advanced urethane-like chemistries offer a compelling answer, combining durability, rapid curing and sustainability to meet the unique challenges of these spaces.
Balancing Rapid Service Turnaround with Flexible Application Times
Contractors working in healthcare and pharmaceutical environments often face the challenge of navigating tight timelines and coordinating with other trades. Flooring installations must frequently align with limited opportunities, such as overnight windows or scheduled facility shutdowns, which may only span 48 hours over a weekend.
This requires flooring systems that support quick service readiness while also accommodating the flexibility needed to adapt to varied project demands without compromising workmanship.
An ideal flooring system combines extended application time with a rapid return to usability. Accelera One exemplifies this approach. This ultra-high solids, urethane-like product provides a 20-minute working window at standard ambient temperatures – allowing crews to handle larger areas or staged installations with greater efficiency.
The extended working time reduces stress on applicators, helping to maintain consistent quality even when applying intricate designs or thick broadcast finishes. By contrast, other products may remain vulnerable for hours after application. For example, some resins can be susceptible for several hours, polyaspartics for around 90 minutes and specific polyurethanes for 4 to 6 hours.
Even with these advantages, some urethane-like formulations cure quickly enough to support foot traffic within a few hours of application. This combination allows contractors to complete installations on schedule, reducing downtime for the facility and preventing delays for subsequent trades. Such features are particularly beneficial in environments where every minute of operational disruption carries significant financial implications.
Reducing Odors in Busy Environments
The presence of strong odors during flooring installation is another important consideration, especially in hospitals, cleanrooms and production facilities – where air quality is critical for both patients and staff.
Flooring systems that rely on methyl methacrylate (MMA), certain epoxies and ISO-based urethanes often produce noticeable fumes – raising concerns about health impacts and necessitating extensive ventilation measures. Additionally, MMAs frequently have limited working times, further constraining installation schedules.
Low-odor flooring solutions address these challenges by minimizing the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application. These systems enable contractors to work in adjacent or partially occupied spaces without requiring elaborate ventilation setups or prolonged facility downtime. For contractors, this creates more flexibility in scheduling and opens up opportunities for projects that might otherwise be off-limits due to odor concerns.
By moving away from high-odor materials, contractors also create a safer and more pleasant environment for both facility occupants and their crews. Installation teams benefit from reduced exposure to harmful fumes, which can enhance job satisfaction and long-term health. This can lead to improved retention and fewer absences, making it easier to maintain a skilled and reliable workforce.
Resilient and Chemically Resistant
In healthcare and pharmaceutical environments, flooring must stand up to constant exposure to harsh cleaning agents, sterilants and chemicals used in production processes. Without adequate chemical resistance, coatings may deteriorate, peel or discolor – affecting the safety and aesthetics of the facility.
When selecting a flooring system, contractors should prioritize options like Accelera One that are built with advanced polymer formulations that offer high resistance to aggressive substances and heavy machinery. These properties help maintain a smooth, non-porous surface that is easier to clean and less likely to harbor harmful microorganisms (Figure 2). Such resilience reduces the need for repairs or replacements, helping facilities meet hygiene standards and control long-term maintenance costs.
For contractors, offering flooring solutions with long-lasting resistance to wear and chemical exposure can serve as a strong differentiator when bidding for projects. These solutions demonstrate a commitment to providing value by extending the flooring’s lifespan and preserving its appearance, which aligns with the priorities of clients who focus on return on investment and reliability.
Adapting to Environmental Variations
Flooring installations often occur under conditions in which temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Modern urethane-like systems – take Accelera One, for example – provide a significant advantage by allowing cure times to adjust based on environmental factors – allowing projects to move forward without waiting for conditions to stabilize.
These systems use advancements in hardener or catalyst formulations to maintain consistent curing performance, even in less-than-ideal conditions. This capability reduces delays caused by seasonal weather changes or facility temperature fluctuations, giving contractors more flexibility to schedule projects throughout the year.
What’s more, these adaptable solutions help prevent issues such as seams or inconsistencies between application batches. Contractors can seamlessly integrate new batches into ongoing work, achieving a smooth, uniform surface (Figure 3). Large package options also streamline the process, minimizing time spent mixing and pouring during on-site applications. A longer pot life also gives contractors more time to work with the product after catalyzation, reducing the likelihood of rushed or uneven applications.
Figure 2. Decorative flooring systems utilizing advanced polymer chemistry provide exceptional resistance to harsh chemicals, cleaning agents, sterilants and heavy traffic.
Figure 3. A seamless, consistent floor finish is achievable with high-flexibility solutions that reduce seam issues and inconsistencies.
Urethane-like systems also enhance efficiency with low-viscosity formulas that mix quickly – often in just 30 seconds, compared to several minutes for traditional products. This shorter preparation time, coupled with the material’s adaptability to varying temperatures, helps contractors make the most of their time and keeps downtime to a minimum.
Enhancing Aesthetics + Protecting Against UV Damage
In healthcare settings, the visual appeal of a floor can be as important as its functionality. A polished, bright appearance not only reinforces professionalism but also serves as a visual indicator of cleanliness – a significant factor in customer-facing areas and facility inspections.
Preserving this appearance over time can be challenging, especially in spaces exposed to sunlight or subject to frequent foot traffic. Flooring systems with ultraviolet (UV) resistance provide an effective solution by preventing fading, discoloration and yellowing – helping decorative finishes stay fresh and inviting.
For contractors, UV-resistant flooring options offer long-term benefits by reducing the likelihood of callbacks or additional maintenance due to early wear or aesthetic deterioration. These attributes can be a key advantage when presenting flooring solutions to clients who value a consistently polished and professional look in their facilities.
Easier Installation and Lower Labor Costs
Maximizing labor efficiency is a top priority for contractors – particularly when working with fast-curing flooring systems that require substantial manpower to keep pace. Solutions that offer extended working times and straightforward application methods (such as squeegee and backroll techniques) can help reduce the size of the crew needed on-site.
Traditional MMA systems, known for their rapid curing properties, often necessitate larger crews – typically around eight workers – to cover expansive areas quickly. While these systems may shorten the installation timeline, the accelerated pace can lead to inefficiencies, as teams often finish early but still require full-day compensation.
In comparison, more flexible epoxy systems with longer working times allow smaller teams – sometimes just four workers – to complete the same job in a similar timeframe. This reduces labor costs while also simplifying logistics, as fewer people on-site mean less coordination and a lower likelihood of errors. Additionally, smaller crews can cut down on ancillary costs, such as transportation and equipment mobilization.
Further efficiencies can be achieved with high-solids urethane-like products that function as both a grout coat and a topcoat. By eliminating the need for multiple products, these dual-purpose solutions simplify inventory management and reduce the amount of training required, allowing crews to focus more on precise execution and less on managing materials.
Tailored Thickness for Varied Needs
Healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities often require flooring solutions that cater to the unique demands of different areas. Heavy-use spaces or locations housing heavy machinery benefit from thicker coatings that resist wear and absorb impacts effectively. Flooring systems offering customizable thickness options make it easier for contractors to meet these varying requirements without sacrificing appearance or functionality (Figure 4), including the integration of cove bases where needed (Figure 5).
Coatings with an application range of 8 to 30 mils allow contractors to adjust coating thicknesses to reinforce floors in demanding zones while maintaining a consistent overall finish. This flexibility improves durability while optimizing material use, helping to reduce both waste and costs.
Additionally, some polymer technology coatings provide versatile applications, serving as clear grout coats or topcoats in decorative flake and colored quartz flooring systems. Solvent-based liquid coatings can also incorporate aggregates such as silica sand or colored quartz to create non-slip textures and build thicker, more robust layers. These features not only enhance impact resistance but also add decorative appeal – delivering a blend of performance and aesthetics tailored to specific facility needs.
Reduced Mistakes and Simplified Product Management
Tight deadlines and complex installation processes can challenge contractors, but opting for a versatile flooring solution can simplify operations and lower the risk of errors.
Using a single high-solids urethane-like product that functions as both a grout coat and a topcoat eliminates the need for multiple specialized materials. This reduces the likelihood of mistakes during mixing or product selection, boosting job-site efficiency and saving time.
The streamlined approach not only decreases the chances of callbacks but also simplifies on-site inventory, giving crews fewer items to manage. Training can then become more straightforward, allowing new team members to quickly adapt to the process.
Ultra-high-solids urethane formulations (Figure 6) enhance productivity by enabling the application of two coats within a single day and offering a fast return to service. This combination of simplicity, durability and adaptability allows contractors to meet tight schedules while delivering results that align with the demands of healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities.
The Right Fit
Flooring solutions for healthcare and pharmaceutical environments require thoughtful attention to their unique demands. These spaces call for materials that deliver exceptional performance across durability, chemical resistance, odor control, installation ease and curing adaptability.
High-solids urethane-like formulations stand out by offering a balance of rapid curing and extended working time – enabling efficient installations without compromising quality. By focusing on these attributes, contractors can provide flooring systems that meet operational requirements while reducing labor demands and costs.
From minimizing facility downtime with fast-curing systems to improving air quality with low-odor options and streamlining workflows with multipurpose solutions, the right flooring choice can set contractors apart. By aligning their offerings with the needs of life sciences clients, contractors position themselves as reliable partners, paving the way for strong relationships and ongoing project opportunities.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Michael C. Durbin is the Market Segment Manager, Pharmaceutical and Aerospace/Aviation at Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine (SWPM). A 37-year veteran at the company, Durbin has been with SWPM since 1996, with a focus on multiple market segments throughout his tenure. An AMPP-certified Coating Inspector Level III, with Nuclear Facilities Certification #8077, Durbin is also a published author for multiple industry sources including NACE and SSPC. Durbin earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Contact: Mike.C.Durbin@sherwin.com
Mark Merrifield is a Market Segment Manager for Sherwin-Williams High Performance Flooring. His responsibilities include delivering specification and technical support to customers and the company's salesforce. Additionally, he is responsible for market opportunity and market development within the resinous flooring and wall coatings business. He has over 35 years of resinous coatings experience, including 20 years with Sherwin-Williams, previously serving as a Sales Representative and a Technical Service Manager during which he assisted on numerous projects and conducted national and international training sessions. Contact: Mark.Merrifield@sherwin.com
Figure 4. The demands of the service environment determine flooring thickness requirements, with high-traffic zones typically needing thicker coatings to resist wear and impacts.
Figure 5. Optional cove bases create a seamless, protective transition between the floor and walls, improving both durability and cleaning efficiency.
Figure 6. Ultra-high-solids urethane formulations deliver a durable and efficient finish, allowing for the application of two coats in a single day with a rapid return to service.