Solutions

The purpose of a concrete protective system is to protect the concrete from its environment.

The range of products that apply to all these applications vary from water and solvent based epoxies, polyurethanes, polyurethane mortars and MMA’s to name but a few. Concrete protective systems are based around a multitude of specific project needs and can range from a thin paint film to provide basics protection against dust and provide ease of cleaning through to high build systems to resist severe concentrations of acid.

The following is a general overview of the various systems available:

Dust Sealers

A dust sealer is an epoxy floor coating that provides a seamless surface of good durability with a silk finish that protects green concrete from ingress of water and other chemicals. It is used where exposure to mild chemical or mechanical abrasion is minimal. They are at the lower end of the price scale, consequently are designed to offer a cost efficient sealer to new concrete prior to handover.

Dust sealers offer reasonable durability and provide a dust proof surface which is easy to clean and resistant to staining from oils etc. for projects such as:

Areas of Application:

• Concrete and plastered surfaces in factories
• Warehouses (food in particular)
• Hangars
• Food processing
• Car parks

Solvent or Water Based Coatings

Epoxy clear coating is a durable two part clear epoxy sealer designed to provide abrasion and chemical resistant to concrete floors. Epoxy clear coating cures to a smooth, glossy finish which allows for easy cleaning but can also have an ‘anti-slip’ feature and provides an excellent economical hardwearing dust sealer for a wide range of industrial applications.

Areas of Application:

• Warehouse floors
• Chemical Plants
• Laboratories
• Canneries
• Workshop floors

To maintain a good appearance and ensure a long serviceable life, it is important that good housekeeping procedures are always maintained. Cleaning can be done with a brush using a low residue detergent that is neutral in pH.

Self Levelling Polyurethane Mortar Epoxies

An epoxy coat over a concrete floor becomes almost invincible. This kind of work adds to the durability to surfaces, as well as their aesthetic appeal. They increase the longevity of the surfaces tremendously, when used with regular cleanings and the occasion recoating. Many seals are watertight. Often, unprotected concrete can get wet then the moisture is absorbed into the material, causing different levels of decay and damage. This also keeps other materials, aside from water, from being absorbed into the surface and causing stains that are now as much a part of the concrete as they are separate, and near impossible to remove.

Epoxy flooring is a tough, UV resistant, protective coating with excellent hardness, and good abrasion resistance. They are designed for rapid dry protective coating applications. These products have excellent adhesion to various concrete and metal substrates. They are usually used for industrial and automotive uses as they are high heat resistant

High Build Trowel On Mortar

Polyurethane concrete coating is a high gloss, single or two pack coating that has a high adhesion qualities to concrete. It is UV resistant, has excellent flow and weathering properties. Polyurethane concrete coatings can be used in any application requiring a low maintenance, heavy duty, high gloss, stain resistant concrete floor coating.


Areas of Application:

• Large retail outlets
• Factories
• Showrooms

Heavy Duty Trowel Applied Epoxy Topping

The use of this system is usually restricted to major concrete restoration projects or areas of extreme traffic and mechanical damage. As the name applies these systems are towelled on to the floor at the required thickness (minimum of 5mm).

Main areas of application range from the reinstatement of severely corroded concrete in areas such as wineries and fruit juice production to non-skid toppings in abattoirs etc.

The major advantage of these systems is the versatility of the application, allowing for ramps and drains to have a seamless finish and provide a highly durable and maintenance free flooring system.


Conclusion

The above list of techniques is not exhaustive and it is more than likely that a repair strategy will involve a combination of methods. However, when selecting repair techniques, aspects must be considered other than just the technical.