Surface Preparation
Preparation MethodThere are many factors that can affect the adhesion and bonding capabilities of a polymer system to the substrate. In order to achieve optimum adhesion, the substrate MUST be clean and prepared properly. Therefore, it is ultimately necessary and absolutely important to check the conditions of the substrate in order to correctly identify the proper and correct method of preparation. The preferred method of concrete surface preparation is by use of an abrasive dust free shot-blasting machine, or dust free Diamond Surface Grind on all horizontal surfaces. Chemical preparation, although accept-able and commonly used, is a less desirable method of surface preparation due to potential for insufficient recovery of the cleaning solutions and the surface being left un-abraded. Shot blasting of a concrete substrate is by far the most effective surface preparation technique available; both form a cost and environmental standpoint. A highly effective method of surface preparation used prior to the application of coatings, sealers or overlays to a substrate. Shot blasting not only cleans a surface by removing surface contaminants, it provides a surface profile, which will allow for the best adhesion of the coating or overlay. Shot blasting or Diamond Grind is environmentally safe and the preferred method of surface preparation for several reasons:
Special ConsiderationsCondition of Concrete - Newly placed portland cement concrete (PCC) is designed to develop its full strength typically in 28 days, at which time a polymer system can be applied. If application speed is critical on job completion, DuraSpeed can be added to the concrete mixture, which will speed the cure process up. Thus the surface application can be completed 24 hours after the concerted is poured. A light steel troweled finish is most desirable. Existing concrete should be structurally sound and devoid of any detrimental materials and any surface contaminates. Surface Contaminates - These include a variety of foreign compounds including; curing compounds, release agents, hardeners, grease, oils, food byproducts, chemicals, fatty acids, old coatings, dust and dirt. Moisture - To achieve proper adhesion of the polymer system, repairs and or additional coatings may be necessary to eliminate the movement of water and vapors through the substrate. Prepared SurfacesRepairs of surface irregularities (including cracks, delamination, deteriorated joints, pitching for drainage, etc.) can be accomplished after the surface preparation is complete, and must be done prior to application of the polymer system. Polymeric Solutions offers Duracrete 1800 for patching and crack repair. These repairs should be appropriate and consistent with the system and method of application that will be used.
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 Figure 1: Highly effective, shot blasting removes old coatings and debris, and gives the substrate a bonding process.  Figure 2: Edge grinding assures proper adhesion along walls and around equipment and machinery.  Figure 3: Keying in of drains is standard design in built-up systems. No detail is overlooked in our preparation process.  Figure 4: To prevent breakout at transition points and to provide long-term durability at the perimeter.  Figure 5: After blasting, our prep crews can fill in all expansion joints, isolation joints and cracks using flexible and/or rigid modular material.  Figure 6: Our technicians can test your floors before, during, and after installation. Our quality control methods are very affective and are key to the projects success. |
