Floorcrete Inc.

Considerations before an Industrial Concrete Floor Coating Installation

One of the most common option is concrete when it comes to industrial flooring.  Like any other option out there, this will eventually deteriorate due to the harshness of the several damaging elements that certain facilities have such as foot traffic, abrasions, chemicals, extreme temperatures and so much more – resulting to cracks, uneven surface and an overall unsightly flooring system.

There are different ways of protecting concrete from deterioration and contamination, and extend its lifespan in general.

High performance  protective coatings or surfacing products  not only provide added defence from such damaging factors but also offer several other benefits such as increased aesthetic value, ease of cleaning and maintenance, non-skid properties, and chemical resistance.

There are several factors that need to be considered before installing a new epoxy or urethane floor. It is not simply choose and coat with any type of epoxy, unless you want to waste your time, effort and money on such venture.  It is best to have expert contractors not only during installation but also from the very beginning of the process.

 

Evaluate the Area

Floorcrete uses new technology and test methods in evaluating the condition of the concrete substrate.  The concrete must be clean, structurally intact and without any foreign material that may hinder the application process. If the surface has imperfections such cracks and unevenness, it is very important to initially do repairing, leveling and patching. In doing so, the materials to be used should be compatible with the entire system and are of quality because cheap and low-performing leveling and patching materials will only compromise a good coating.

Another important aspect to consider is surface preparation – a step that has a huge impact on the longevity of the entire system. Floorcrete uses different ways to mechanically prep the floor before installing a new epoxy or orethane floor. 

Identify Common Flooring Problems

1. Abrasion – One must always consider the amount of traffic and wear a surface is exposed to such as steel-wheeled or rubber-wheeled traffic – where the former would most certainly require special treatment procedures to ensure long term wear.

2. Impact or Pressure – The heavier the load, pressure or impact a floor is exposed to, the thicker coating it should receive.

3. Extreme Temperatures – It is essential to consider changes or fluctuations in temperature a surface is exposed to. Certain procedures, such as steam cleaning, may cause thermal expansion that causes the bond to loosen up. In selecting the appropriate coating material, the coefficient of expansion should be carefully considered.

4. Chemical Exposure – Certain chemicals cause major damages to flooring systems, and although concrete is naturally durable, it is no exception. Your contractors should assess which types of chemicals your floor is exposed to, including the frequency and the usual amount.

 

Other Considerations

Although, the following factors may not be as essential in the eyes of the contractor, these may be at the top of the priority list for the client. These includes aesthetics, life expectancy, time requirements and budget. Certainly, you would want a coating that would look great and would appeal to whoever lands his feet on it, a material that will last for several years, one that will not compromise the production of your facility and a product that is within your budget.

One must carefully consider all these factors before choosing a coating material because if certain areas are missed out, these may compromise the whole system and will only end up as resource-wasting project. As mentioned earlier, the entire process is best left to the expertise of reputable and trusted flooring contractor because they have the skill, knowledge and tools to accomplish the job from start to finish.