Concrete coatings can enhance the look of your commercial space while providing protection against heavy traffic, chemicals, and abrasion. They also make cleaning and maintenance simple.
Before a concrete floor can be coated, it must be analyzed for cracks, pitting, and hollow spots as well as tested for moisture content. This helps installers determine what type of diamond grind is needed to prepare the concrete for a new surface. See our home page.
Preparation
The type, use, and location of concrete structures should be carefully evaluated to determine the proper protection system to apply. The selection of products available today is vast and each offers a unique combination of attributes such as curing speed, abrasion resistance, environmental friendliness, etc.
The preparation of concrete is a key element to the successful application of any coating. Concrete is constantly changing and interacting with the environment and will vary in surface hardness from day to day. It is important for facility owners to evaluate the contractor’s proposed preparation methods and include detailed project specifications for concrete surface preparation in their proposal.
To prepare a concrete floor to accept a resinous coating, the original concrete must be ground, and any cracks filled with a commercial-grade concrete mender. A diluted acid (usually muriatic) can also be used to etch the concrete. This opens the pores of the concrete allowing entrapped air to escape when the non-breathable coating is applied.
Repairs
Concrete is an incredibly durable material that can withstand a lot of abuse, but it does require upkeep and maintenance to maintain its strength. Concrete coating is a great option to protect concrete surfaces from things like inclement weather, heavy foot and vehicle traffic, and harmful chemicals and fluids. It also offers safety benefits for visitors, such as providing an anti-skid surface to help prevent injuries from slip and fall accidents at businesses.
When coating over concrete, it is important to repair any cracks or pitting before beginning. If left untreated, these issues can worsen over time and cause further damage to the concrete or the coating.
The moisture content of the concrete must also be tested before a coating can be applied. If the concrete has a high moisture content, it may not be able to bond with the coating or cure properly. This can be done by using a moisture meter to test the surface.
Final Coat
When the surface has been repaired, or cracks have been filled and a smooth finish has been achieved, the last step is to apply the final coat. This coating will be a little thinner than the fill coat and should be applied by roller to a thin film that is tightly stretched. Once again, a moisture content test should be conducted before this is done. If there is a high level of moisture, the coating can not adhere properly and may cause problems down the line.
A concrete coating can transform the look of your floors while increasing their longevity. They can protect concrete surfaces from damage and deterioration from water, chemicals, oil, and heavy traffic. They can also help reduce maintenance costs by lowering the need for repairs and replacements. They offer a wide variety of design options, including color options and decorative patterns. Some even have additives that improve traction and anti-microbial properties.
Maintenance
Concrete coatings protect concrete structures, surfaces, and floors from abrasion, reinforcement corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions. They can also add color and make the concrete more visually appealing. Concrete coatings differ from traditional penetrating sealants in that they form an external layer on top of the concrete surface, while a sealant simply penetrates into the pores of the concrete.
Proper surface preparation, adherence to recommended application techniques, and adequate cure time are critical to a successful concrete coating. Failure to address these factors can lead to problems with the adhesion and durability of the coating. A professional with knowledge of the different concrete coating products can help ensure a high-performing coating for your project. Discover more interesting articles.