After experiencing lifting and pealing of floor products, many
industries have reduced their expectations for shop floor life
to three or four years. This is unfortunate because epoxy floors
have an intrinsic service period of a decade or more if the
subfloor is properly prepared prior to laying down the coating.
Even new floors require proper preparation before a seal coating
is applied. New concrete is dusty for the first few years as the
microscopic latents are kicked off the surface. If concrete is
exposed to wear, it will eventually deteriorate. Friction wear,
erosion, and contamination all play a role. Dust, cracks, crumbling,
rough surfaces, and the inability to keep the environment clean are
symptoms of a floor that has not been protected and is moving towards
an unserviceable condition.
The secret to success in producing floors that last a decade or more
is paying attention to the preparation process. Instead of using
simple raw materials like hydrochloric acid and tri-sodium phosphate,
it is better to employ cleaners that have penetrants, rinse agents,
and detergents built-in. Such specialty products ensure that the
etching
and cleaning of the subfloor results in a strongly bonded epoxy layer.
Mission-critical sites in industries such as printing, food
processing,
air travel, and breweries rely on decade-old epoxy floors that are
used
24 hours per day.
Recently, at least one manufacturer has begun providing kits of
materials
customized to owner specification and delivered directly to the job
site.
These kits include full directions and 24/7 help lines staffed by
seasoned
flooring experts, so professionals and amateurs alike can successfully
install a quality floor.
On the Web, individuals and project managers can obtain free,
job-specific
quotes on materials or nationwide turnkey installations by completing
a
simple questionnaire at www.concrete-floor-coatings.com.
For photo examples and more detail, visit
www.concrete-floor-coatings.com
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at:
harvey@concrete-floor-coatings.com
Phone: 1-800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7)
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