12 Nov How to prepare the subflooR WHEN INSTALLING EPOXY FLOORS
PERFORMANCE FLOORS (Epoxies & Polyurethanes) continue to be the number one industrial flooring choice in 2021 owing to its ability to deliver high mechanical & chemical resistance, easy to clean and hygiene.
Industrial Floors are particularly popular with industries which require high levels of hygienic conditions and low floor maintenance as these floors provide such attributes. However understanding the importance of site preparation prior to installation is paramount. The quality of the Epoxy/Polyurethane floor will only be as good as the subfloor over which it has been laid and this deserves as much attention as its elegant surface finish.
Industrial Flooring solutions require a clean, sound, level surface that is sufficiently strong and stable. Successful preparation of the subfloor will ensure the longevity of the
installation and a satisfied end user long term.
LEVELING WORKS
The subfloor should be thoroughly inspected before the EPOXY/PU flooring is installed in line with the CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LAYING OF EPOXY RESIN FLOORS. Uneven concrete surfaces are corrected by applying a specific repair epoxy compound to the concrete floor. It’s important not to overlook this step as any necessary remedial works can significantly impact on project costs and timescales.
DRYING TIME FOR NEW CONCRETE SLABS AND SCREEDS
Another element that shouldn’t be rushed is the correct drying out time for a new concrete slab or screed. Depending on the site conditions and thickness, some concrete slabs could take a year to attain equilibrium. It’s important for installers to ask themselves the following questions before they even think about applying the epoxies/PU’s;
- When was the slab poured?
- Are site conditions prime for the drying out of the slab?
- Is the building watertight? The rule-of-thumb when installing industrial floors is to allow one day per mm of thickness, up to the first 40mm of thickness. Above this, the thickness may require twice as long to dry out. Some modified screeds can accelerate the drying process, but installers should closely follow the chosen manufacturers guidelines.
MOISTURE CONTENT
Before installing an INDUSTRIAL FLOOR, the moisture content of the concrete sub floor should be thoroughly checked. The concrete sub floor must have a moisture content by volume of below 5% . If moisture content exceeds these measurements, the issue should be rectified before laying the epoxy/PU resin floor. Hygrometer testing is still the most accurate way to determine the dryness of the concrete floor slab.
INSTALLING EPOXY/PU FLOORING OVER EXISTING SUBFLOORS
We are often asked whether epoxies and Polyurethanes can be applied on top of other floor finishes like wood, laminates or tiles.
Theoretically, epoxies and PUs can be applied on any surface. However, in practice, industrial floors should primarily be applied on concrete. Chemical engineers and industrial flooring manufacturers & experts design industrial floors to be used primarily with concrete. They can also be applied on screeds but the quality of the screed has to be superior, preferably a modified screed.
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