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Remediation of pollution can be expensive and technically difficult.
Many state and local pollution control agencies have found that
encapsulating contaminated concrete is the most economical and
long lasting solution for existing contamination. 100% solid epoxy
can seal contaminants into the concrete with layers of 10 to 100
mils thick. In effect, the encapsulation works like an insect
trapped in amber. Solids, gasses, and liquids are all trapped
inside a solid hard capsule. Contaminants are thus able to be
left in place, with no danger to crews that might have had to
work in close proximity to remove them.
It is advisable to choose a white, yellow, or red color for
the first coat, or "seal coat." Subsequent topcoats
are a contrasting color like gray or brown. In this way, workers
moving around the contaminated surfaces are alerted when wear
has made re-coating necessary. The contrasting colors thus provide
a "wear meter."
100% epoxy has no odor, can go on as thick as needed, and comes
in colors as well as clear. When applying floor seals that can
be 20 to 500 mils thick as they repair and level imperfect floor
surfaces, it is critical to consider the height of the coating
in addition to the length and width issues of normal roll-on
applications. When water is poured on glass, it protrudes above
the surface at the edges. Pulling a finger though the water,
one sees flattening at the entry and exit points due to its
surface tension. When leveling floors, these same effects of
the epoxy's surface tension must be dealt with. In other words
"self-levelling," which is incomplete even for liquids
like water, will not produce a flat top layer of epoxy.
100% epoxy coatings do not shrink and will harden at any height
it is left at after being catalyzed. But special procedures
are needed in order to assure a flat surface while filling uneven
anomalies in the substrate. Experience has determined that using
a squeegee-like motion with a very short nap roller (3/16")
creates a pool of epoxy that can be pulled towards you to leak
into low spots while keeping the surface flat. Care must be
used to apply an even coat at the surface, and too much rolling
can cause the surface to try to contour along the floor's imperfections.
A good source of 100% epoxy floor coatings is Durall Industrial
Flooring of Minneapolis, MN. Durall provides customized kits
specially constructed to include every item needed for the specific
project of the customer. Durall delivers these kits directly
to the job site and provides factory-direct support during the
application process. Web visitors can obtain free, job-specific
quotes on materials or nationwide turnkey installations by completing
a simple questionnaire at www.concrete-floor-coatings.com. This
full-service concept allows anyone to enjoy the benefits of
industrial strength floors.
For photo examples and more detail, visit www.concrete-floor-coatings.com
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at harvey@durallfmg.com
Phone: 800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7)
Publisher - Article Source:
ArticleTrader.com
About the author:
Harvey Chichester is a principal of Durall Industrial Flooring,
a company with more than 40 years experience in developing special
flow-coatings for industrial and residential floors. For 15
years, he has overseen product development and field testing
for the company. He has personally directed the installation
or restoration of more than 6,000 floors.
During that time, his team of chemists have produced continual
improvements to over 500 products, including the acclaimed Dura
Seal and Dura Poxy lines of epoxy floor coatings. He has managed
installations in all 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 7
countries.
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