hangars are more than just storage spaces. They are mission-critical facilities that need support, maintenance, inspections, fuelling and long-term protection of aircraft. As aviation operations expand and aircraft technology becomes advanced with the passage of time, the infrastructure of hangars needs to advance as well. However, many current hangars are still facing significant operational and structural challenges, especially at the ground level.
Let’s understand these aeroplane challenges and how a simple solution of epoxy can act as an advanced smart solution for these aeroplane hangars.
1: Floor Durability under Heavy Loads
Aircraft are heavy machinery. They need ground support and equipment to take off and land. Such heavy machinery puts immense pressure on hangar floors. Over time, these untreated concrete surfaces or substandard flooring systems start to crack, break and even sink under continuous stress. These surface imperfections can lead to unsafe working conditions and even damage the aircraft's equipment during manoeuvring.
2: Chemical Exposure and Corrosion
Hangar floors are routinely exposed to jet fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids, solvents and even de-icing agents. These substances are corrosive and can penetrate untreated surfaces, causing long-term damage. Concrete absorbs these chemicals, leading to staining, structural weakening and even environmental concerns if not properly contained or treated.
3: Downtime from Repairs
When hangar flooring fails, its repair and maintenance are rarely simple. They often involve full or partial shutdowns, disrupting the scheduled flights and movement cycles. For high-traffic hangars, downtime translates directly into lost productivity and operational delays.
4: Lighting and Visibility Issues
Dim or poorly lit hangar environments increase the risk of human error during maintenance and inspections. Flooring plays a critical role in reducing the visible defects of the grounds and becoming a source of a clear path. Dull and stained surfaces fail to reflect available light, making the space feel darker and constantly demanding more artificial lighting. This drives up energy costs and affects efficiency.
5: Dust and Airborne Particulates
Uncoated concrete floors tend to produce dust, which settles on sensitive aircraft components and compromises maintenance work. In aerospace environments, even small particles can impact performance, making cleanliness a top priority. Traditional floors require constant sweeping and upkeep to stay compliant with flooring safety standards.
6: Safety and Slip Hazards
Aircraft are heavy machinery, and it requires constant maintenance. Aircraft hangars in high-traffic workspaces have chemical spills, fuel spills and breakage in flooring. If these floorings are not properly treated, aircraft will be prone to safety hazards and slips. Without anti-slip texture or coating, the risk of injuries to technicians and ground crew members will be increased and thus become a safety hazard issue.
7: Compliance and Inspection
Compliance and inspection readiness in aircraft hangars are common, as they are mission critical and thus require aviation authorities’ approval. Strict inspection by insurance auditors and environmental regulators becomes challenging with damaged flooring. Uncontrolled chemical exposure and poor cleanliness on the floors lead to costly violations and downtime for aircraft and remediation.
Addressing the Challenges
To overcome these challenges, many facility managers are turning to epoxy and high-performance resin coatings to replace the concrete flooring. Having epoxy flooring offers chemical resistance, load-bearing strength and, most importantly, maintenance in an easy way.
One of the biggest advantages of having epoxy is its resistance to jet fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids and de-icing chemicals. These substances are easily degraded from standard concrete, while epoxy coatings are more of a protective shield for longevity and safety. The glossy finish of epoxy enhances visibility inside the hangar and improves the overall working conditions.
Armorpoxy Epoxy Coating as a Flooring Solution
Aeroplane hangars are high-stakes environments that demand durable and safe compliance infrastructure. Addressing ground-level challenges, especially flooring, can lead to better performance, reduced maintenance costs and operational efficiency. As aircraft continue to evolve, Armorpoxy also becomes advanced in supporting all types of grounds.