subject: Some Of The Motivations To Get Mezzanine Floors [print this page] Having sufficient work and storage space can often become a problem for businesses that have expanded or just have too little floor area available. To solve this problem many are looking at a mezzanine floor which is a raised floor system. This is an inexpensive and quick way to meet this particular need where re-locating or additional construction is not an option.
Many businesses start out small and only need a limited space. However, as they expand there are more inventories, with additional desks and equipment needed. All of these things require floor space. Office desks shoved together, inventory stacked in various places and other such situations are a prime example of why mezzanine flooring is desirable. It can quickly change a cluttered area into one that is clean and airy, provide workers with needed space to properly do their job and/or allow for proper storage of needed materials.
A great advantage of a mezzanine is that it is quickly and easily be put into place. Since this can be done in a few days, it is much faster than having regular construction when additional space is needed. When a comparison is made between the two methods of adding more floor space the raised floor system is found to be a very cost effective decision.
Components, such as security cages, handrails, gates, vertical lifts or other safety items needed are included. This makes sure that there are no safety concerns involved. With their many different sizes, types of construction and flooring, it is possible to find the unit that specifically fits any situation.
These units are available with a number of different support systems. The most frequently used construction is aluminum, steel or fiberglass. Each type has specific features and all are semi-permanent.
Steel mezzanine support systems are manufactured using stainless or rolled steel. Cold or hot rolled steel is lighter than stainless but both are very strong and require less supporting columns than the other types. Stainless steel units are used throughout a wide spectrum of businesses. They are especially popular in the food-processing industry which has the approval of the FDA.
Aluminum is popular for any location where it might be subjected to water. It does not rust and is lighter than steel but not as strong. Fiberglass, the third choice does not contaminate water or rust but does not provide the support offered by the other two options. It is more expensive and sways more than steel.
The overall design of the mezzanine flooring consists of a platform supported by columns. The flooring itself is supported by beams with a long-wearing surface usually comprised of high-density particleboard. Other flooring options are steel or plywood.. These units may be obtained freestanding, connected to a building wall or what is called inverted (running around the edge of the building). This convenient structure works particularly well in manufacturing, office and retail areas as well as for storage and other uses. It is a way of doubling the available space in a cost effective way and is tailored to fit the particular needs of each individual situation.
