A mezzanine floor can potentially provide decades of use so long as its structure and features are properly maintained.
Regular inspection and maintenance of a mezzanine floor is also essential for safety and legal compliance. This is especially the case given that mezzanine floors are commonly used for commercial purposes such as offices, retail space, storage and warehousing.
The Mezzanine Company is here to give you some top tips on what to look out for when it comes to inspecting and maintaining a mezzanine structure.
Good to note: Mezzanine floors will require an inspection of their safety and overall condition at regular intervals. A full structural appraisal should also be undertaken every 3 years.
Mezzanine Structure
A mezzanine structure consists of columns and beams. These structural elements will need inspecting for signs of corrosion, rust or flaking paint. Likewise, check for any loose bolts or weld cracks.
The overall integrity of the structure will also need to be inspected to ensure that the mezzanine is not overloaded beyond its original specification.
Mild maintenance issues can be corrected by simple actions such as tightening loose fixings or treating any rust. However, if any more serious structural issues are detected, this will require more extensive remedial work.
Decking (Floor Surface)
Mezzanine floors use deckboards in place of traditional floorboards. This decking needs to be checked for sagging, soft spots, delamination or cracks. Likewise, any water damage or excessive wear that has occurred.
If any deckboards are damaged or worn, they should be replaced. Any exposed areas should also be sealed.
Staircases, Handrails & Balustrades
Aspects such as staircases, handrails and balustrades also offer critical safety protection for a mezzanine floor. In particular, their installation can help prevent falls from a height, while also aiding personnel to escape in the event of a fire.
Ensure handrails are secure, upright and free of rust. Stair treads should also be even and non-slip. Overall, none of the fixtures should be wobbling, corroded or uneven.
Fire Protection (If Fire Rated)
Not all mezzanine floors need to be fire rated. However, where any fire protection measures have been added, these should be checked to ensure they still provide the required protection.
Various aspects of a mezzanine can be fire rated. Some examples include fire rated ceiling tiles or plasterboard. Inspect the integrity of fire cladding around steelwork, along with the functionality of fire doors and signage.
Where necessary, repair or replace any compromised fire-resistant materials. It is also important to test any fire alarms or detection systems during the inspection.
The Mezzanine Company – Discover Our Mezzanine Floors In Nottingham & Beyond
The above is a snapshot of some of the top maintenance tasks a mezzanine floor needs. However, you should also be aware of general cleaning and maintenance requirements that can keep a mezzanine floor a safer, not to mention a healthier place to work.
If you need further guidance on this topic, or are in search of a mezzanine floor installation, please contact the experts here at The Mezzanine Company for further advice. Our key locations include Derby, Leicester, Dewsbury, Doncaster, Nottingham and Wakefield.
Alternatively, please give us a call on 0115 939 7572 to speak to our friendly team.
