THE PROBLEM
The race team required a durable resin flooring for their new race team workshop floor.
SOLUTION
We proposed the application of a high build epoxy floor coating in the form of Flowcrete SF41.
To ensure excellent adhesion of the new resin flooring the concrete was prepared by method of vacuum controlled track blasting. This fires steel shot at the floor to remove laitance and contaminants in a controlled manner, capturing the shot and arisings. The perimeters where the preparation unit could not reach were prepared by method of vacuum controlled diamond grinding.
We often see failed resin floors due to lack or incorrect surface preparation. Good preparation is key!
Removing expansion joints
All expansion joint were removed prior to application of the epoxy flooring – these will be recut and resealed following the application of the epoxy coatings.
As per our standard quality assurance for resin flooring applications the moisture content of the slab was checked and recorded using a Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter. The climatic conditions with regard to relative humidity and dew point were checked and recorded using a Positector gauge.
Applying Flowcrete SF41
All surfaces were vacuumed clean prior to the application of the first coat of Flowcrete SF41. We allowed this a generous coverage rate of 0.4Kg/m2.
Following curing overnight of the first coat of epoxy flooring minor defects in the substrate were filled using a twin component filling compound. These were allowed to cure and then sanded flat using an orbital sander.
A second coat of Flowcrete SF41 was then applied at the same consumption rate as the first coat.
Priming using polyurethane jointing compound
As mentioned earlier the expansion joints in the slab were recut using a vacuum controlled diamond floor saw. These were then primed and resealed using a polyurethane jointing compound. Many other contractors often fill expansion joints, however we always recommend against this as it is liable to cause reflective cracking in the new epoxy flooring.
