How to Protect Resin Flooring from Point Load Damage: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Point Load? 

Point load is a concentrated force applied to a small surface area. Unlike distributed loads, which spread weight evenly across a broader area, point loads focus that pressure on a much smaller footprint—often less than a square inch.

Common examples of point load include the narrow wheels of a loaded cart, a nail protruding from the bottom of a pallet or the corner of a dropped tool or utensil.

Although a floor may be designed to withstand tens of thousands of pounds per square inch (psi) in compressive strength, when that load is concentrated over a tiny surface area, the effective pressure can exceed the floor’s threshold, resulting in scratches, gouges or even cracks.

How to Calculate Point Load on Floor Surfaces 

To understand the threat of point load, it helps to do a little math.

The basic formula to calculate pressure (or stress) is as follows:

Pressure (psi) = Force (lbs) / Area (in2)

Let’s walk through a simple example. Suppose your resin floor has a compressive strength of 17,500 psi. That means it can theoretically withstand 17,500 pounds of pressure per square inch before failing.

If a load is evenly distributed over a 1-inch by 1-inch surface (1 in²), it could support up to 17,500 lbs. without damage.

But now consider that same force applied over a much smaller area—say, 1/16” x 1/16”. That’s just 1/256 of a square inch (0.0039 in²). Here’s how the math works:

Max Load = Compressive Strength × Area

Max Load = 17,500 psi × 0.0039 in²

Max Load ≈ 68.25 lbs.

So in this case, anything over roughly 68 lbs. concentrated on that tiny point could potentially crack or puncture the surface, even though the same floor could easily hold thousands of pounds if the load were spread out.

And it gets worse: If the pressure comes from a sharp object, is applied at an angle or if debris is trapped beneath a wheel or foot, the effective point load increases—and the risk of damage rises significantly.

What Does Point Load Damage Look Like on Flooring? 

Visually, point load damage disrupts the seamless aesthetic of resin flooring. High point load impacts usually leave visible marks that appear lighter in color than the surrounding flooring. This damage often signals deeper issues that, if left unchecked, could require costly repairs or system replacement.

Micro-Roughness 

Light scatters differently on scratched surfaces, giving the affected area a dull or hazy appearance.

Crushed Aggregate 

In deeper gouges, the internal materials of the floor, such as aggregate fillers, may be exposed and crushed, leading to inconsistencies in color and texture.

Coating Damage 

When the topcoat of the floor is compromised, the protective layer no longer prevents exposure to UV light, moisture or chemicals. Over time, this damage can lead to amber discoloration, increased wear and delamination.

Surface Irregularities 

Scratches and gouges can alter the uniformity of the floor surface, making it harder to clean and increasing the risk of bacterial growth in environments requiring high sanitation.

Slip Hazards 

Surface damage can also change the floor’s slip resistance, potentially creating unsafe conditions, especially in areas exposed to liquids or oils.

Common Causes of Floor Point Load Damage (and How to Prevent Them)

Point load damage can stem from a range of operational habits, equipment use or environmental factors. Being proactive about prevention starts with understanding where these issues most often occur and what actions can reduce their impact.

Vertical Drops of Sharp or Thin Objects 

Objects with sharp edges or small surface contact areas exert extreme pressure when dropped. Knives, pans, screwdrivers or other metal utensils concentrate force at the point of impact, easily breaching the surface integrity of resin floors. Even a seemingly lightweight item can exceed the floor’s compressive limit if the contact area is small enough.

This type of damage is common in commercial kitchens, food prep areas, dishwashing stations, workshops, laboratories and any workspace where metal tools are handled frequently.

Follow these steps to help prevent this type of point load damage:

• Install rubber or foam mats at workstations and dish sinks to absorb impact.
• Use floor trays or catch mats in high-risk zones to contain falls.
• Educate staff on the importance of careful equipment handling and proper tool storage.
• Consider using a resilient underlayment beneath the resin coating in areas with frequent vertical drops.

Carts with Small or Damaged Wheels (h3)

Carts or trolleys with small, hard wheels have minimal surface area in contact with the floor. As a result, the weight is not evenly distributed and instead presses sharply into specific points. If wheels are damaged or embedded with hard debris like stones or glass, the point load is further concentrated and can gouge the floor.

Frequently seen in hospitals, grocery stores, warehouses, manufacturing plants and logistics centers, this type of damage is especially common in areas where carts transition from outdoors to indoors.

Follow these steps to help prevent this type of point load damage:

• Switch to larger rubber or polyurethane wheels that provide more surface area and smoother rolling.
• Use sticky mats or carpeted entry zones at doorways to remove outdoor debris before carts reach sensitive flooring.
• Implement a routine wheel maintenance and cleaning schedule.
• For long-term or static storage of heavy carts or shelves, distribute the weight by placing them on plywood or composite boards.

Angled Point Load Impacts 

Unlike vertical loads, angled point loads create shear forces that challenge a floor’s tensile and flexural properties, which are typically lower than its compressive strength. This type of load is especially harmful because the mechanical advantage of the angled force amplifies the pressure at the contact point.

This damage is most commonly found in industrial or warehouse settings where pallets are dragged rather than lifted, or where workers use tools like pry bars, hammers or pallet claws that impact the floor surface at an angle.

Follow these steps to help prevent this type of point load damage:

• Always lift and carry pallets using a forklift or pallet jack rather than dragging them.
• Train staff on safe handling techniques and ensure damaged pallets are repaired or discarded.
• For areas prone to angled loads, apply temporary protective coverings such as Ram Board, plastic sheeting or rubber flooring.
• In workstations where hand tools are used heavily, install floor-safe drop zones or durable mats.

Best Practices for Protecting Floors from Point Load Damage 

Proper floor protection is essential to preserving the lifespan and performance of your resin flooring. No matter the type of facility you operate, implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of point load damage and minimize downtime due to floor repairs.

Provide Temporary Protection During Moves

Use products like Ram Board® or other high-compression resistance surface protectors when moving equipment or during renovation projects. These products help prevent scratches and gouges caused by heavy traffic or dropped tools.

If using Masonite or plywood, be sure to place a layer of plastic sheeting (e.g., Visqueen®) underneath to prevent moisture absorption and slipping hazards.

Select the Proper Equipment

Equip carts, racks and machinery with load-appropriate wheels designed to distribute weight more evenly. Avoid narrow, hard wheels and instead opt for wide rubber or polyurethane wheels that reduce point pressure. This simple change can drastically lower the chance of indentations and gouging over time.

Conduct Routine Floor Inspections and Perform Regular Maintenance

Perform regular walkthroughs to identify early signs of wear, scratches or discoloration. Catching damage early allows for spot repairs before the issue spreads or worsens. Keep a log of high-traffic zones or known problem areas to monitor consistently over time.

Place Mats and Floor Covers Strategically 

Place impact-absorbing mats or foam-padded covers in work zones where tools or equipment are handled frequently. In addition to protecting the floor, these mats can enhance comfort and safety for employees who stand for long periods.

Offer Employee Training and Awareness

Train staff on the importance of proper equipment handling and how certain actions, such as dragging heavy items or using damaged carts, can compromise floor integrity. A small change in daily routines can help avoid major maintenance issues down the line.

Manage Environmental Controls

Maintain a clean facility by ensuring that grit, debris and moisture do not accumulate on floors or equipment wheels. Place entryway containment systems like sticky mats and floor grates at high-traffic thresholds to intercept contaminants.

Protect Your Flooring System with Expert Advice from Sherwin-Williams 

Every facility has unique requirements, and no two floor systems face the same set of operational challenges. That’s why expert support is essential when selecting, installing and maintaining resin flooring systems.

Sherwin-Williams resin flooring systems are engineered to provide superior durability, longevity, and chemical resistance, even in the most demanding commercial and industrial settings. But like any high-performance surface, they require proper care and planning to avoid point load damage.

At Sherwin-Williams, our team offers personalized evaluations and floor protection recommendations tailored to your space, usage patterns and environment. Whether you need help calculating your floor’s compressive and tensile load tolerance or designing a long-term maintenance strategy, we are here to support you.

We help facility managers and contractors make informed decisions about the following:

• Selecting the right resin floor coating system based on environmental exposure and daily activities
• Designing protection strategies that prevent damage without compromising functionality
• Implementing best practices for ongoing maintenance and employee education

Don’t leave your investment unprotected. Contact a Sherwin-Williams representative today to learn how to safeguard your resinous flooring from the wear and tear of point load stress. Together, we will create a comprehensive plan to preserve your floor’s performance and appearance.