CONCRETE FLOOR COATING
Concrete floor can truly result in an incredibly beautiful floor where unlimited self expression can be reached. Limited in industries till new, it is growing in popularity as more homeowners realize the fantastic benefits of concrete floors. Additionally, new processes and technologies have been developed to make concrete one of the most affordable and versatile flooring materials.
JUSTIFICATION FOR USE OF CONCRETE FLOOR COATING
We must remember that no other surface in a building takes more abuse than floors, regardless of the type of building, be it industrial or commercial. While a bare concrete floor can with stand tremendous weight and pressure, it is relatively porous and susceptibility to significant damage when left untreated or uncoated. If exposed to regular foot traffic or the demands of a commercial environment, concrete will readily absorb dirt, chemicals, oils and other spillages. This often results in stains, cracks and abrasions that can make the floor impossible to clean and unattractive in appearance. Hence all concrete floors need some sort of protection regardless of where they are located. Over the last few years, the protection of concrete floors has gone from essentially nothing to a fairly sophisticated process of some type of protective coating or surfacing. The main purpose is to provide protection to the slab from deterioration or contamination or to provide some added benefits such as aesthetics, wear, non skid, chemical resistance, ease of maintenance and different other properties. How to choose the protective material for concrete floor in different conditions? Whether you are constructing a new concrete floor or revamping an old one, there are different coatings you can choose to finish the project. We are focusing on coatings that are bonded directly to the surface and offer long term protection and may or may not have some aesthetic value. Typical coatings that are mostly used for concrete floors include acrylics, polyurethane, epoxy, or specialized elastomeric liquid membrane coating etc. However, before applying any new coatings to your floor just make sure that the ingredients are free from any chemical reactions that can cause significant damage to the floors. Industrial epoxy floor coatings are beneficial in order to maintain a safe, durable concrete surface besides proving it with a new and improved look.
SURFACE EVALUTION
The first step in the selection process is to evaluate the existing surface to determine what you are working with. The surface must be structurally sound, clean and must not be contaminated with any foreign material that could interfere with the bond of a new coating system. This includes concrete curing compounds.
Other critical things to consider are: is the surface distressed in any way? Does it have cracks, spills, or unevenness? Does the coating system required a level floor or one that slopes to a drain? What type of surface preparation is needed for the area in question? It is the most important step in the installation process and is critical to long-term performance of the total system.
PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS
Chemical exposure: Severity of the exposure and types of chemicals are both very important. Materials differ widely in chemical resistance, making identifying the exposure very important. Common splash and spills also are far less critical than constant immersion.
Abrasion: The amount of wear or traffic on a surface will make important criteria. Are there steel wheel or rubber wheel.
FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 3
Impact and Thermal shock: Heavy loads and direct impact require a heavier build or thicker floor system. Temperature fluctuation or thermal shock, such as steam cleaning of the floor surface, will cause a loss of bond from thermal expansion if the floor system is not chosen properly.
COST
Economy is the top requirement. At times, low cost systems will prevail at the expense of more durable systems. Generally when other parameters are exhausted, you get what you pay for. Another generally accepted rule is that the thicker the applied system, the better the performance.
APPLICATION AND POST APPLICATION
Once the surface has been leveled the material must be applied and the job inspected and approved. The choice of an appropriate contractor to install the system is just as important as the material used. A contractor trained to install a particular system. The job does not end with the application of material. A long term review, maintenance and repair programme. Should be established for continued performance and satisfaction. Post application, even the most durable surface might show areas of distress in future that may require attention. A small amount of attention before installation will prolong the life of a flooring system. The whole project is to create a low maintenance situation, so spending more money on the best materials and the extra time spent on preparation time is well worth it.
