FLOORING
Three things to consider when installing epoxy flooring systems Epoxy flooring systems are well suited to most industrial applications, particularly where hygiene, chemical and/or abrasion resistance is important. According to tile and construction adhesives company TAL there are several key factors to consider in order to ensure a successful project.
1
. PRODUCT SELECTION
Choosing the correct system and surface finish is critical to ensure your required service expectations are met. This can be a daunting task, but TAL’s technical advice service offers customers technical specifications for projects, assist with choosing the right product for the application, will conduct product training and their technical representatives will conduct on-site monitoring for peace of mind during the project, and confidence in the end-result. Important considerations include chemical exposure, anticipated traffic over the surface and the service and operating conditions, all of which will determine the specific product selection and the installation thickness of the compound that your application needs.
a TAL technical representative will assist with conducting surveys of the surface and give advice on practical solutions for repairing damaged concrete substrates and appropriate priming systems. Following this inspection, bespoke specifications and methods and materials statements are supplied, detailing which products to use, how to use them and where they should be installed.
3. INSTALLATION PITFALLS
‘Incorrect installation procedures on site can result in poor performance, an impaired aesthetic of the final floor finish or can even lead to an installation failure of the resin epoxy flooring system’
The cost of repairing a flooring system that has failed due to poor, or insufficient preparation of the surface is significant. If the epoxy system doesn’t chemically bond to the substrate, then cracking, peeling and delamination can occur. The substrate strength, quality and integrity, the design thereof, and a thorough floor inspection all form part of an integral process that determines the success of a flooring system installation. To determine the specific surface preparations required for your application,
Incorrect installation procedures on site can result in poor performance, an impaired aesthetic of the final floor finish or can even lead to an installation failure of the resin epoxy flooring system. The installation of an industrial flooring system therefore needs to be effectively and carefully managed, by an experienced and skilled installer, backed by the technical expertise of the manufacturer. Common failures include installations where no, or an incorrect, primer has been applied. Excess moisture or liquids can build up on the underside of an epoxy flooring system, as this moisture is unable to evaporate, or pass through the epoxy resin, it can cause a ‘blistering’ effect on the surface. Changes in temperature on site during application, or excessively porous substrates can result in air being trapped in the primer and the epoxy flooring system. When this entrapped air rises, it will cause a bubble in the surface finish.
A TAL technical representative will advise on a suitable and moisture tolerant primer and/or moisture or vapour barrier, as part of a well-planned multi-level system for your project. An experienced flooring professional will also give due attention to mixing of components correctly, batch sizes, ratios and the use of the correct installation tools and equipment. For further information on epoxy flooring system, or for bespoke methods and materials specifications for your project, contact the TAL technical advice centre on 0860 000 TAL (825).
Epoxy flooring systems are well suited to most industrial applications, particularly where hygiene, chemical and abrasion resistance is important
For a successful bond onto the substrate, it must be free of all contamination and be ground, scarified or shot-blasted.
An experienced installer is highly recommended for application of epoxy resin flooring systems
2. SURFACE PREPARATION
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INDUSTRIAL BUYER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
