Right arrow Chemical Exposure in Cold Storage Facilities

Chemical Resistance for Cold Storage Floors Exposed to Refrigerants and Brines

Floors in cold storage warehouses are exposed to a unique mix of chemicals that rarely appear together in ambient environments. Refrigerant leaks, defrost fluids, brines and aggressive cleaning agents all interact with the slab and surface systems at low temperatures. We treat chemical resistance as a core part of the wider cold storage warehouse flooring strategy, rather than assuming products suited to normal warehouses will behave the same way under frozen or chilled conditions.

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20 +

Years
Working in Cold Environments

Cold stores rely on refrigerants, secondary coolants and wash down regimes that introduce chemicals into the floor environment in controlled but repeated ways. These substances can behave differently at low temperatures, becoming more viscous, lingering longer on surfaces or concentrating at joints and low points. Our approach aligns with sector guidance from the Institute of Refrigeration, recognising that refrigeration systems and floors must be considered together to manage risk and long term performance.

Right arrow Chemical Exposure Unique to Cold Storage Floors

Unlike ambient warehouses, cold storage facilities introduce chemicals through refrigeration plant, defrost cycles and hygiene regimes designed for frozen or chilled food and pharmaceuticals. Brines used in secondary cooling systems, glycol solutions, ammonia residues and alkaline or sanitising cleaners can all contact the floor surface. Low temperatures slow evaporation and drying, increasing contact time and changing how chemicals migrate into pores, joints and repairs.

During concrete slab installation for cold stores, allowances can be made for these exposures by controlling joint layouts, specifying suitable surface systems and protecting vulnerable interfaces. In existing facilities, resurfacing is often required where historic floors were not designed for modern cleaning chemistry or refrigerant systems. In selected inspection corridors and low exposure routes, polished concrete may be appropriate, provided chemical contact is limited and well understood.

Right arrow Common Chemical Sources in Cold Stores

  • Refrigerants and secondary coolants from plant rooms and pipework.
  • Brines and glycol solutions used in cooling and defrost systems.
  • Alkaline and sanitising cleaning agents for frozen food hygiene.
  • Defrost water carrying residues across cold room floors.
  • Leak or spill residues that persist due to slow evaporation.

Right arrow Floor Problems Linked to Chemical Exposure

When chemical resistance is not matched to cold store conditions, damage tends to appear gradually and repeatedly in the same zones, often masked by frost or ice until it becomes disruptive.

Surface softening or staining beneath refrigeration pipe runs.

Joint edge breakdown where brines collect during defrost.

Loss of surface integrity after repeated sanitising wash downs.

Chemical tracking into freezer thresholds and airlocks.

Patch repairs that react differently to cleaners at low temperatures.

Increased slip variability where residues persist on frozen surfaces.

Right arrow Our Approach

How We Address Chemical Resistance in Cold Stores

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STAGE 1

Identifying Chemical Exposure by Zone

We begin by mapping where refrigerants, brines and cleaning agents are most likely to contact the floor. This includes plant rooms, pipe routes, defrost zones and hygiene wash down areas, alongside traffic routes already considered in our work on load movement on sub zero floors. Understanding exposure patterns allows us to separate high risk zones from areas with minimal chemical contact.

Double arrowsSTAGE 2

Reviewing Floor Build Ups and Interfaces

Next, we review how existing floor build ups respond to those chemicals at low temperatures. Particular attention is paid to joints, repairs and interfaces at door thresholds and airlocks, which are also covered in our article on temperature transition interfaces. This stage identifies where chemical resistance is being undermined by detailing rather than by the main surface system.

Double arrowsSTAGE 3

Defining Targeted Floor Solutions

Finally, we define floor solutions that tolerate the specific chemical mix present in each zone. This may involve resurfacing high exposure areas, upgrading joint materials or adjusting cleaning practices to suit the floor system. Recommendations are coordinated with defrost, drainage and moisture behaviour discussed in our article on drainage and defrost cycles, so chemical resistance and water management work together.

Managing Brine Exposure at Defrost Zones

Brines and glycol solutions tend to concentrate during defrost. We focus on protecting floors at evaporator drip zones and drainage paths so chemical contact does not undermine surface performance over time.

Balancing Hygiene and Surface Compatibility

Hygiene regimes in cold stores are demanding. We help align cleaning chemistry with floor systems so sanitising routines support compliance without shortening floor life.

Protecting Joints and Repairs from Chemical Attack

Joints and patches often fail before the main floor. We prioritise compatible materials and detailing so these weak points do not become entry routes for chemicals and moisture.

Linking Floor Performance to Refrigeration Design

Refrigeration layouts influence where chemicals appear. By coordinating with plant design and maintenance, floor performance can be stabilised even as systems are upgraded or expanded.

Get a Quote for Cold Storage Flooring

We support operators of cold storage warehouses across the UK with flooring solutions designed for chemical exposure, low temperatures and demanding hygiene regimes.

Contact us to discuss your cold storage flooring requirements:

Right arrow FAQ

Chemical Resistance Common Questions

Why are cold storage floors exposed to different chemicals?
Cold storage facilities use refrigerants, secondary coolants, brines and strong cleaning agents that are uncommon in ambient warehouses. These substances behave differently at low temperatures, increasing contact time and changing how they interact with floor surfaces.
Do refrigerant leaks damage concrete floors?
Some refrigerants and associated oils can stain or soften certain surface systems, particularly if leaks persist or are not cleaned promptly. Damage is often concentrated around joints and repairs where liquids can penetrate more easily.
Are standard cleaning agents suitable for cold store floors?
Not always. Cleaning agents formulated for ambient environments may be too aggressive or may not rinse cleanly at low temperatures. Compatibility between cleaners and floor systems should be reviewed to avoid gradual surface degradation.
Can chemical resistance be improved without replacing the slab?
Yes. In many cases chemical resistance can be improved by resurfacing selected zones, upgrading joint materials or adjusting cleaning practices, without the need for full slab replacement.
When should chemical exposure be reviewed in a cold store?
Reviews are recommended when refrigeration systems change, new cleaning regimes are introduced or recurring floor damage appears in the same locations. Early review helps prevent small issues becoming widespread floor failures.