Data centres are mission-critical environments where operational continuity, equipment protection and long-term reliability are essential. From server halls and technical rooms to storage areas, corridors and offices, flooring forms part of the overall building infrastructure and should be selected to suit the intended use of each area.
Unlike conventional commercial buildings, data centres have heavy equipment loads, intensive traffic during installation and maintenance, specific cleanliness requirements and, in certain areas, electrostatic discharge control requirements. Flooring specifications should therefore be developed with consideration for the function of each area and the project requirements.
Data Centre Flooring Performance Requirements
Flooring requirements can vary depending on the area of the facility, key considerations can include:
Load-bearing performance
Data centres contain heavy loads from server racks, storage systems and other technical equipment. Floors should be designed and constructed in accordance with the project’s requirements and intended loading conditions.
Surface regularity
Surface regularity should be established early in the project and aligned with the intended use of the space, including equipment installation, movement or operational requirements.
Abrasion and impact resistance
Data centre floors can be exposed to foot traffic, wheeled equipment maintenance and future upgrades. Flooring systems therefore need to withstand the expected level of abrasion and mechanical impact without premature deterioration.
Cleanliness and dust control
Dust and debris can be problematic in environments containing sensitive electronic equipment. Flooring should provide a sealed, easy-to-clean surface that helps minimise dusting and supports the cleanliness requirements of the facility.
Electrostatic control
Electrostatic discharge may present a risk to sensitive electronic equipment in environments. The requirement for conductive or dissipative flooring should be determined as part of the project’s ESD control strategy and project specification. Where electrostatic control is required, specialised flooring systems can provide controlled electrical resistance and a defined path for dissipating electrostatic charges.
Flooring Solutions for Data Centres
Different areas within a data centre may have different flooring requirements. Sika has a range of flooring systems designed to address the different demands found throughout data centre facilities.
Electrostatic Conductive Flooring
Where electrostatic control is required, Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-56 ESD is designed to provide conductive flooring performance while offering a seamless surface that can support cleaning and maintenance procedures.
The system is intended for use in environments such as server halls and data processing rooms where sensitive equipment requires protection from electrostatic discharge.
Epoxy Flooring for Technical and Operational Areas
Not every area of a data centre requires conductive flooring. Technical rooms, plant rooms, corridors, logistics areas and storage facilities may have different operational requirements.
The Sikafloor® MultiDur range includes epoxy flooring systems designed for areas that may be exposed to heavy traffic, abrasion, impact and chemical stresses. Depending on the selected system and specification, these floors can provide a hard-wearing, slip-resistant and easy-to-clean surface.
Hard-Wearing Concrete Flooring
Sikafloor® Dry Shake Terrazzo is a dry-shake flooring system that is applied during concrete slab casting. Rather than relying on a post-applied coating to seal and finish the concrete at a later stage, the system is incorporated into the slab construction process.
This can help streamline the construction programme by reducing the need for subsequent floor finishing operations.
The finished surface is designed to provide high resistance to wear, while maintaining a dust-free surface. Its characteristics make it suitable for areas subject to regular traffic and operational use. The system also provides an attractive finished appearance, making it suitable for areas where both performance and aesthetics are important.
Choosing the Right Flooring System for Each Area
Different areas within a data centre can have different operational requirements. The table below provides examples of typical considerations and potentially suitable Sika flooring solutions. The suitability of any flooring systems should be assessed against project-specific requirements, specifications and service conditions.
| Data Centre Area | Key Requirements | Sika Solution |
| Server halls | ESD control, cleanliness, durability | Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-56 ESD |
| Data processing rooms | ESD control, easy maintenance | Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-56 ESD |
| Corridors and service areas | Abrasion resistance, durability | Sikafloor® MultiDur systems |
| Logistics and storage areas | Heavy traffic, impact resistance | Sikafloor® MultiDur systems |
| Large warehouse areas | Hard-wearing, dust-free surface | Sikafloor® Dry Shake Terrazzo |
Consider Flooring Requirements Early in the Design Process
Flooring performance is closely connected to the operational requirements of a data centre. Surface regularity, concrete quality, crack control, loading, environmental conditions, installation and maintenance requirements should all be considered when developing the specification.
Early collaboration between the client, architect, flooring contractor and other project stakeholders can help establish appropriate performance requirements and support the selection of suitable flooring system. This can be particularly important for data centre projects, where flooring works may need to be coordinated with equipment installation programmes and other specialist building services.
Sika Flooring Expertise for Data Centres
Sika provides a range of flooring systems that can be specified for different areas within a data centre, including conductive flooring, epoxy resin flooring, polyurethane systems and dry-shake concrete flooring solutions. These systems are designed to address a range of project requirements including durability, mechanical performance, cleanliness, electrostatic control, and maintenance.
For project-specific advice, contact Sika's technical experts via the form below to discuss your project requirements and identify the appropriate flooring system.
