IPS flooring, also known as Indian Patent Stone flooring, is a popular type of flooring widely used in commercial and industrial spaces. It is a durable, cost-effective solution providing a smooth surface. IPS floor consists of a mixture of cement, aggregates, and pigments, which is poured onto a prepared base and then finished to achieve the desired level and texture. It offers excellent strength, resistance to heavy loads, and easy maintenance, making it suitable for areas with high foot traffic. IPS floor is a reliable choice for creating functional and aesthetically appealing floors in various settings.

1. Features of IPS Floors
2. Types of IPS Floors
3. Main ingredients of IPS floor
4. Strips in IPS flooring
5. Installation methodology of IPS flooring

Features of IPS Floors

IPS flooring offers several key features that make it a popular choice:

1. Durability: IPS floor is highly durable and can withstand heavy loads and constant foot traffic, making it ideal for commercial and industrial spaces.
2. Cost-effective: It is a cost-effective flooring option compared to alternatives like marble or tiles, making it a budget-friendly choice for many projects.
3. Easy maintenance: IPS floor requires minimal maintenance, with regular cleaning being sufficient to keep it in good condition.
4. Versatility: It can be customized to achieve various textures, patterns, and colours, allowing for creative design possibilities.
5. Strength: IPS floor provides excellent stability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for areas that require long-lasting flooring solutions.
6. Installation flexibility: It can be poured and finished on-site, allowing for customization and adaptation to the specific requirements of the space.
7. Eco-friendly: IPS floor is made from natural materials like cement and aggregates, making it an environmentally friendly flooring option.
8. Non-slip properties: The texture of the IPS floor provides a non-slip surface, enhancing safety in areas prone to moisture or spills.

Types of IPS Floors

IPS flooring offers various types to suit different requirements:

1. Plain IPS Floor: It is the standard type, providing a smooth and level surface suitable for most applications.
2. Coloured IPS Floor: We add pigments or dyes to the IPS mixture, which enables us to create customized colours and explore various decorative possibilities.
3. Decorative IPS Floor: This type incorporates designs, patterns, or logos into the flooring, adding aesthetic appeal to the space.
4. Epoxy IPS Flooring: The IPS mixture enhances durability, and chemical resistance, and provides a glossy finish by mixing epoxy resin with it.
5. Stamped IPS Flooring: During the finishing process, texture mats or stamps create patterns resembling natural materials like stone, brick, or wood.
6. Polished IPS Flooring: To achieve a smooth and shiny finish that enhances the overall appearance, we use abrasives to polish the surface.
7. Anti-static IPS Flooring: It contains special additives to minimize static electricity, making it suitable for sensitive electronic environments.
8. Self-levelling IPS flooring pours and spreads evenly, levelling itself automatically to create a smooth and seamless surface.

Main ingredients of IPS floor

IPS flooring typically consists of a mixture of cement, aggregates, pigments, and water. The specific proportions of these ingredients may vary depending on the desired strength and characteristics of the flooring. Cement acts as a binding agent, while aggregates like sand and crushed stone provide stability and strength. To achieve desired colours or decorative effects, you add pigments. You use water to mix the ingredients into a workable consistency. Additionally, you can include additives like plasticizers or admixtures to enhance workability, improve curing, or provide specific properties such as water resistance or chemical resistance.

Strips in IPS flooring

Strips in IPS floor serve as control joints or expansion joints. These strips serve the purpose of accommodating the natural movement and expansion of the flooring due to temperature changes. They are commonly made of materials such as PVC, glass, or metal and are installed to fulfil this function. These strips help prevent cracking and maintain the structural integrity of the IPS flooring.

Strips, such as control joints or expansion joints, are highly recommended for IPS floors. While not always mandatory, they serve important purposes in ensuring the long-term durability and integrity of the flooring. These strips accommodate the natural movement and expansion of the floor due to temperature changes, preventing cracks and structural damage. Additionally, they help control the formation of shrinkage cracks and provide a designated area for any potential future repairs or modifications. The utilization of strips is generally regarded as beneficial and advisable for installations of IPS flooring.

PVC Strips: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) strips are commonly used as control joints in IPS flooring. They provide flexibility, durability, and resistance to moisture, making them suitable for various applications.

Metal Strips: Metal strips, often made of aluminium or stainless steel, offer strength and stability. They provide effective control joints and can withstand heavy loads and traffic.

Rubber Strips: Rubber strips are flexible and offer excellent shock absorption and noise reduction properties. They are commonly used in areas where vibration control and comfort are important.

Fibre Strips: Fiber strips, made from materials like fibreglass or carbon fibre, offer high tensile strength and resistance to cracking. They are commonly used as expansion joints in IPS flooring.

Foam Strips: Foam strips, typically made of closed-cell polyethylene foam, provide cushioning and flexibility. They are effective in absorbing impact and reducing noise transmission in IPS flooring.

Installation methodology of IPS flooring

The installation methodology of IPS flooring typically involves the following steps:

1. Surface Preparation: Thoroughly clean the existing floor surface, ensuring it is free from dust, dirt, grease, or any other contaminants. Remove any loose or damaged portions if necessary.
2. Base Preparation: Prepare a base layer using a mixture of cement and coarse sand. Spread it evenly on the cleaned surface, compacting and levelling it to establish a stable foundation for the IPS flooring.
3. Mixing IPS Mixture: Combine cement, aggregates (such as fine sand and crushed stone), pigments (if desired), and water to prepare the IPS mixture. Thoroughly mix until achieving a consistent and workable consistency.
4. Pouring and Spreading: Pour the mixed IPS mixture onto the prepared base in sections. Spread and level it using trowels or screeding techniques to achieve the desired thickness and evenness.
5. Finishing: Use tools like trowels or power floats to smoothen the surface, eliminating imperfections. Apply texture or pattern stamps if desired.
6. Curing: Allow the freshly installed IPS flooring to cure for a specific period. Cover it with a curing compound or use wet curing methods to ensure proper hydration and strength development.
7. Cleaning and Sealing: After the curing period, clean the surface to remove any residue or loose particles. Consider applying an appropriate sealant to enhance the durability and stain resistance of the IPS flooring.

It’s important to note that the exact installation methodology may vary depending on specific project requirements and the recommendations provided by the manufacturer or flooring experts.