When it comes to protecting concrete, chemical-resistant floor coatings provide protection from solvents, acids, alkalis, and other compounds that may be absorbed into the concrete or environment. Commercial and industrial concrete floors are porous by nature, meaning they have minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass. When water is added to the cement, sand, and stone, a chemical reaction begins to form a paste that binds the sand and aggregate together. As concrete dries, it hardens and cures, and water evaporates out. However, concrete can absorb elements around it, much like a sponge, which can wreak havoc when dealing with chemicals.
Check out this time-lapse video of our crew installing chemical-resistant flooring.
Over time, the concrete will break down with wear and tear from things like forklift traffic or damaging chemicals. As a result, those small air spaces can be compromised through regular traffic or filled with hazardous material, thus compromising the integrity of the concrete. Even more critical, the hazardous compounds can leak through and contaminate the soil underneath.
However, our chemical-resistant flooring and coatings protect both the concrete floor and the environment around it, helping prevent damage from exposure to corrosive compounds. We service chemical and pulp and paper plants, food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and dozens of other commercial and industrial facilities. Chemical-resistant floor coatings provide lasting protection and are necessary to protect the environment.
Furthermore, facility engineers don’t have to choose between chemical resistance and a decorative finish. Most floor coating systems can be blended with a decorative chip, color, or even company logo, all the while forming a strong chemical resistance. Chemical-resistant floor coatings offer superior strength and can be easily cleaned. If properly maintained, the floor coatings can last several years.
Finally, the installation technique is the most critical aspect of installing durable chemical-resistant flooring. Not all floor coatings are created equal, and neither are installation companies. What happens if a floor coating isn’t installed correctly? Numerous issues can arise, from sticking and chipping to the floor coating not setting correctly and feeling like a soft sponge. If this happens, the floor coating must be removed and reinstalled, tripling the downtime.
Check out this short how-to video on installing chemical-resistant flooring:
Below is a summarized, but not exhaustive, list of the industrial products we install:
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
ATLAS MINERALS
SIKA
CHEMPROOF
If you have a specific coating need, make a request to our team at 410-737-4700 or contact@plastechservices.com For more information about our services, visit us at www.plastechservices.com
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