Mezzanine Floors

Making sense financially for those looking to increase usable space at a relatively low cost, a mezzanine floor enables you to achieve this quickly and effectively whilst adding value. When comparing two empty properties of the same dimensions yet Property A has a mezzanine whilst Property B doesn’t, although both are the same in terms of height space and footprint area property A offers more capacity therefore more value. This contributes towards a positive ROI and enhances the cost benefits as property A can offer more functionality within the same space dimensions.

Generally speaking, rates are measured on how much a property is worth and because the market value of a property increases after a mezzanine floor installation it’s possible for rates to increase too, however the degree of permanence is the deciding factor. Although a mezzanine is seen as a temporary structure its often in the interest of the landlord and subsequent tenants  to keep a structure that offers sustainability and long term value, rather than removing it at the end of a leasing contract. It’s probable, for example that an office mezzanine floor would become a permanent feature because it enhances the building’s offerings however its permanence could incur chargeable rates. Guidance on rates can vary from council to council so for clarity on whether a particular mezzanine floor would be rateable, your Chartered Surveyor can advise.

Because a mezzanine floor is built within an existing building it cannot be classed as an extra storey of the property, however the mezzanine floor itself can be multi storey. This is known as a multi tier mezzanine floor and is a perfect way to gain maximum use of tall spaces. The first tier can multiplied by as many times as the buildings height will accommodate, providing a substantial amount of usable floor space in comparison to a single tier mezzanine and all within the same footprint area. The upper levels can be utilised in ways that will best support the business and can even accommodate multiple functions across the levels.

As a bespoke solution a mezzanine floor is priced mainly on its size and weight load bearing. Factors including fire rating, access features and accessories are also included in the cost so it’s difficult to state an accurate price before a site survey is carried out, however as a mezzanine floor manufacturer, WSL can immediately add value and save you money. We manage your project through every stage including design, manufacture and installation so middle man mark up cost is eliminated and those savings are passed directly to you.  If it’s a choice between relocating the business, extending the building or installing a mezzanine floor, the latter certainly has the upper hand especially when you consider the added savings WSL can offer.

When we say the mezzanine is a “semi-permanent” structure, you may question durability however there is no need for concern. Mezzanine floors are specifically designed to suit the intended space and use and as one of the UK’s leading mezzanine floor designers and manufacturers we can assure you of endurance and stability. Whether you require additional office space or storage areas, with the right design, which ensures a safe load bearing for its use, your mezzanine floor will provide a long term sustainable solution.

In many cases yes, however there are some circumstances that exempt this requirement such as the mezzanine of less than 10m2 which is used for storage purposes only. A larger storage only mezzanine up to 20m2 will require smoke detectors and any mezzanine accessed by people regularly will require fire rating. This includes office, retail, warehouse, manufacturing and hospitality settings. Mezzanine fire rating barricades the structure itself protecting it from heat, smoke and flames for an extended period of time. This allows a time-delayed effect giving you a longer period of time to evacuate and have the fire distinguished before the flames reach the structure underneath. Fire rating entails:

• Underside – Fissure tiles are fitted across the entire span of the underside delaying the time for fire and heat to reach the structural floor.
• Columns – Moulded around the columns fire resistant castings work to protect the columns which hold the deck from extreme heat. These can be either galvanised or colour coded for visibility.
• Edges – Coated fascia is placed around the edges including stairway and open loading areas.
• Cavity Barriers – Where the space between the floor and ceiling is over 20m vertical cavity barriers are fitted within the mezzanine ceiling, concealing any pocket openings to prevent smoke seeping through.

All of the above allow up to one hour of protection. Trying to understand the regulations and requirements around mezzanine floor fire safety can often seem very complicated. This is why WSL take care of all aspects of fire safety and building regulations on your behalf. We work closely with regulating bodies and officers so you don’t have too, before passing all approved safety documentation to you.

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (Puwer 1998) the commercial mezzanine floor which is categorized as workplace equipment, must be appropriately constructed to meet its purpose with minimal risk to the health and safety of those expected to use it. Despite its robust steel framework, a mezzanine floor is still structurally vulnerable to knocks, bumps and general wear and tear which can cause progressive weakening. It could be that the handrail on the staircase has become loose, a fork lift truck collision has weakened the structure or the decking is becoming worn, affecting the surface. A professional, annual mezzanine floor inspection can help ensure the continual integrity of the structure with the early detection of weaknesses and risks. This enables appropriate action to be taken earlier rather than later, which can help to prevent a catastrophic event making your annual mezzanine floor inspections an effective way to ensuring your compliance with PUWER 1998.

At WSL we offer professional mezzanine floor inspections for all types of mezzanine floor structures for which SEMA codes are followed. We can inspect your mezzanine floor structure after which you will receive a detailed report of any findings and paperwork to document that the inspection has taken place. For a quotation and availability, contact our inspections coordinator on 0113 2045350.

It may be true that many of the mezzanine floor projects carried out by WSL are large scale, but it is also true that many are of a smaller size too. Mezzanine floors of any size are the perfect way to maximise limited spaces without compromising the ground floor area. A small mezzanine floor is certainly worthwhile if you just need that little bit of extra floor space to accommodate new or expanding working areas. By making a significant improvement to your workspace, a small mezzanine floor can bring huge value to your operation, and all you need is sufficient height space and the expertise of the WSL design team for this to be possible.

In all types of settings, WSL has installed a small mezzanine floor for all kinds of purposes including additional storage, offices, veterinary treatment rooms and a dance studio. However you intend to use your raised platform, WSL will design and implement a bespoke solution to match your exact needs and on budget. Your project will be carried out with the same level of attentiveness as any other project, because at WSL we focus on your requirements individually to ensure we create a bespoke solution that will bring you long term savings in terms of time, money and space.

You can even future proof your small mezzanine floor

A small mezzanine floor with a future proof design will be much easier to extend should your needs change later down the line. Investing in additional floor space you don’t currently need makes no sense, however investing in floor space you do currently need with the assurance this can be extended easily and quickly in the future, makes perfect sense. This is a huge advantage should you anticipate future growth because it means that your immediate needs can be met and should you need that extra floor space in the future, it will be simple and easy to achieve.