Concrete surfaces are prepared before laying down a topcoat not only for superficial reasons but also for mechanical reasons.  Construction work requires surface preparation prior to installing floor coating in industrial and commercial applications in order to create long-lasting hold and durability.  The texture of the existing concrete is an important consideration when laying down floor coating or resurfacing materials.

Concrete overlays and coatings need proper bonding. Construction professionals see to it that the surface has the right concrete surface profile or CSP.  The International Concrete Repair institute has developed benchmark guidelines to help contractors.   CSP is a measure of average distance from the peaks of the surface to the valleys. The peak ranges from CSP 1 – nearly flat – to CSP 9 – very rough.  The ruling states that the thicker the overlay or topping, the higher the CSP should be. To achieve higher ranges the substrate often needs roughening by shotblasting or scarifying.

Planning stage

Here, contractors and the property owners get together to determine the sope of work.  The following needs to be determined:

• timetable
• work schedule
• clean up process
• safety measures
• acceptable noise levels

Job specifications

The general job specification for surface preparation is that the surface should be “sound, free from surface defects, dry and clean.”  It is important that everyone concerned with the general construction work aligns all requisites so there are no expensive errors.  Specifications should clearly state how uniform, clean and at what strength the substrate should be prior to a coating or overlay installation.

Survey the current state of the concrete surface

The contractor must conduct an assessment of the concrete surface. The assessment should include a check on the top layer of the cement and whatever needs to be removed from the concrete surface.  The surface should also be checked for existing sealers, curing materials, grease, oil or dirt that has to be removed.

Cleaning the concrete surface

Chemicals, oil and grease should be removed from the concrete surface. Everything that is on the surface should be taken off. Chemicals can be removed using high-pressure washing. Oil and grease needs heavy-duty degreasers and scrubbers. Shotblasting and scarifying can be utilized on floors to take a layer off the top.

Roughen or “profile” the surface

The texture or “profile” of the concrete is a very important characteristic to acheive.  Depending on the scope of the project, roughening the concrete by mechanical profiling works but for some acid etching is also convenient.  Mechanical profiling is usually for large areas of floor coatings in industrial or commercial applications.

Surface defects should be repaired

The contractor, having evaluated everything, should now know what repair materials to have on hand.  Chips and protrusions found in the concrete greater than 1/16” should be ground down and refinished to match the rest.  Unstable concrete, bubbles and holes should be assessed and filled up with epoxy or other filling agents and refinished to match the rest.

Resurface the concrete

Having done all preparations, the concrete is now ready for resurfacing.

The above is just a simple overview of the techniques used when doing surface preparation.  The process is best left to a professional like Champion Coatings who will assess the situation of existing concrete and determine the scope of work to ensure good overlay, bonding, longevity and performance.

Industrial flooring methods focus on delivering results that are robust and reliable to sustain heavy traffic and load. This is important for warehouses and loading areas that need floors that will not crack and will uphold the safety of men and equipment.

Resin flooring installation provides a lot of benefits for commercial and industrial companies. Below are the reasons why it is becoming a popular choice:

Stronger than Concrete

The material has been found to be stronger than concrete. It also results in a smooth, seamless finish. Resin is produced by a chemical reaction between polymers. These are then absorbed by the concrete foundations and base flooring which results in a rock-solid and continuous floor surface. The surface will not flake, peel or come loose through time.

Tough and Durable

This type of industrial flooring is extremely tough. Flexibility is also one of its features, making it ideal for industrial and commercial use. Factories and warehouses can benefit most from this durable material. The strength of the resin prevents impact damage and increases the load bearing capacity of the floor.

Low Maintenance and Sanitary

Resin floors are ideal for schools, hospitals and kitchens because it provides a resistant floor finish. This type of floor can be washed, disinfected or even steam-cleaned to ensure sanitation without losing its robust properties. These floors can also withstand acids, alkalis, solvents and petrol without damage.

Slip Resistance and Safety

Industrial flooring contractors can include graded aggregates to create a more slip resistant floor for wet or greasy situations. Employers have less liability, and employees feel safe.

Colors can be added to the resin to result in flooring that can synchronize with the structure's paint scheme. This type of industrial flooring material is good for schools, food production areas, hospitals, warehouses, pharmaceutical production plants, bathrooms, marine environments, car parks and workshops.

An industrial flooring specialist like Champion Coatings can provide the installation service for your resin flooring needs.

Read more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminate_flooring

When selecting the type of industrial flooring that best suits your needs, the first step is to determine the different stresses and deterioration that will be acting on your floor.  This is measured in the following categories: mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, and electrical.  Industrial flooring mechanical stresses to consider are abrasion, erosion, impact, and vibration, while physical stresses would be liquid and temperature concerns such as humidity and frost.  Chemical is concerned with acids, oils, greases, and gas, while biological concerns arise where micro-organisms may need to be eradicated, and electrical concerns arise in clean-room or static-sensitive situations. Industrial flooring materials should be bassed on the usage of the floor, as determined above, it is important to consider each possible material’s properties of durability, composition, quality, and the maintenance it requires.  Consider the amount of labor and possible experience needed to care for the floor, as well as the experience and quality control standards expected of the installer.  In designing the floor, critical assessment of any necessary standards or specs of the industry is crucial.

At best, the contractor should be able to help in having the proper solution to the requirements. Thus, it is also important to hire a firm that is able to give advise as well as do the project. Once a reliable contractor is found then the requirements should be discussed. The next step is to choose the most appropriate design and material for the flooring requirements. The factors discussed should also be considered along with recommendations from the contractor.

One professional company to call on such need is Champion Coatings. They are experienced in supply and installation of industrial flooring.  Ask for a quote and compare with other contractors and notice the difference.  Check out the site projects page for the work they have done.

Military bases undergo rigorous wear and require a number of  industrial flooring systems with various attributes to meet the demands of different circumstances in this sector.  Waterproof coatings, chemical resistant coatings, antibacterial coatings, and ultra-durable traffic coatings are a few of the systems that can be provided for the diverse zones of the base environment.

Examples of  Industrial Flooring Applications:

• Aircraft Hangars
• Aircraft Runways
• Loading Docks
• Machine Shops
• Control Rooms (ESD)
• Classrooms
• Barracks
• Locker/Shower Rooms
• Garages
• Kitchens
• Mess-halls
• Assembly Areas
• Ship Decks
  

Our floor coating specialists can help you choose what coating is best for your situation.

Read More:
Military Construction Specifications, Regulations, and Mandates -  http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ccb.php

Industrial flooring for food manufacturing facilities must adhere to detailed specifications to ensure the health and safety of consumers and laborers.  The United States has standards set forth by the USDA that cover concrete quality, porosity, material surface and much more, to ensure cleanliness and purity in situations where flooring is subject to food byproducts like fats, bloods, and acids that lead to the growth of bacteria.  There are many options when choosing a hygienic and seamless flooring system – most surrounding the issues of materials, downtime, temperatures, and aesthetics.  For a more in-depth review of these considerations click on the link at the bottom of the article to read “Floors Fit for the Food Industry“ at FoodManufacturing.com.

Here are some examples where an appropriate protective industrial flooring system can be applied for certain areas of a food manufacturing company:

• Bottling Lines
• Meat Packaging Areas
• Kitchens
• Packaging Lines
• Coolers
• Splash/Spill Zones
• Dairy Rooms
• Sterile/Gowning Areas
  

Professional services for protective flooring systems can be provided by Champion Coatings. Use the quick quote form for any immediate need.  View the Protective Coatings Gallery for their work.

Read More:
http://www.foodmanufacturing.com/scripts/ShowPR~RID~8133.asp

Warehouses have a lot of different uses, but typically they are high-traffic areas with heavy machinery and heavy product being stored on the floors.  It is not unusual for the floor to get soiled by oil spills or other greasy lubricants from machines or forklifts.  Uncoated floors are difficult to clean and even more difficult to maintain. Coating the warehouse floor will make it easier to maintain and will reduce future spending on crack and joint repair.

Epoxy floor coating will allow for the absorption of any oil-based material and stains will not stay as easily as on other coatings.  Since epoxy bonds well with concrete it results in a further-hardened surface. This adds to the durability and resilience of the concrete floor.

Another material used for floor coating is polyurethane which does not discolour or turn yellow.  Like the previous paint, polyurethane hardens the surface. It also results in a very shiny gloss. This coating needs an epoxy primer before it is applied to the warehouse floor.

Latex floor coating is the cheapest option.  This coating needs at least 72 hours to dry. The result for this type of paint is an antique look that some contractors can even make resemble stone or leather.  The disadvantage when using this product is that it needs a protective coating to make it last longer. Exposure to sunlight can cause damage to a latex coated floor.

The decision of which product to apply to the warehouse floor depends on many factors, but there is no question that floor coating is important for the longevity of the floor. Some warehouse managers prefer the cheaper option. The epoxy floor coating is preferred by the majority of managers due to its durability and maintenance.

For help deciding what type of product to apply to your warehouse floor, call a floor coating expert. Contact Champion Coatings.

There are different types of floor surface preparation that concrete service contractors use to start any project.  For the flooring installation to be successful the contractor must have experience in carrying out the proper flooring preparation process. Each method has specialized equipment and requires specific techniques. The floor surface preparation process is a vital step in laying down industrial flooring.

The most common surface preparation processes are:

1. Shot Blasting also know as Captive or Dust Free Shot Blasting

This is the most commonly used method because it is the most effective and cheapest of all preparation methods.  The machine used is attached to a dust extraction unit. This prevents dust from circulating in the area and will not disrupt what is going on around the work area.

2. Scarification

This is a mechanical process wherein the deteriorated surface of the concrete is removed or “scarified”.  The objective is to get to a sound substrate on which the flooring system can be placed.  The process can be of two methods – diamond grinding and STR machines. Scarification removes thick mill coatings, overlays, and as much as ½ inch of concrete with several passes.  The equipment ranges from 8, 12 and 13 inches wide and is powered by electric power or by gasoline.  They are always equipped with a dust collector.

3. Scabbling

The scabblers are used prior to shot blasting weak industrial flooring substrates. This is a more time consuming process but good for removing thick flaky coatings & oil contaminated floors.

4. Grinding

The floor preparation process may take more than one method to complete, depending on the condition of the existing floor. Another method that is often used is the grinding process.   Floor Grinders have the ability to remove coatings, glue, and other particles while leaving the surface clean, smooth & ready for the application of thin mil coating & stains.

5. Acid Etching

Etching is when the area to be prepared is hosed carefully with acid. This is a two-man process where one man operates a nylon grit brush and the other is responsible for pouring the acid evenly and working with a broom. This is a risky process so only experienced contractors should utilize such a method. Never attempt to do this yourself to avoid accidents and improper application of the acid.

It is important to do the research and gain knowledge of the different industrial flooring surface preparation processes, as it is a vital step in prepping the floor so that the processes-to-come  are as successful as possible. If you want a reliable concrete service provider to handle your industrial flooring requirements, contact Champion Coatings.

Choosing the right concrete protective coating is important especially when the floor is subjected to high-traffic, abrasive chemicals, constant cleaning, and varied temperature conditions.  Industries such as food processing and preparation have a wide variety of needs that must be met when it comes to floor coatings.  What the floor needs is a heavy duty, corrosion resistant, anti-skid and sanitary floor covering.

A urethane concrete floor coating can endure severe conditions like:

• corrosive chemicals
• abrasions
• varying temperatures

This type of concrete coating is able to absorb hard impact by distributing the shock throughout the concrete floor.  A urethane concrete protective coating has many traits that make it an effective solution.

This floor is also easy to maintain, seamless and does not have any odor, therefore it's safe for people who have allergic reactions to odor or chemical components.  Food industries and industrial kitchens will find this coating acceptable to handle strenous work. Companies that comply with USDA standards have a long list of needs that urethane concrete floor coating is an effective tool in satiating.

Champion Coatings specializes in customized floor coating solutions. Contact us for a quote.

The floor is one of the most noticeable features upon entering a building. This part of your restaurant, retail store, office, or even warehouse can make a lasting impression on visitors. No matter the location, when the floor is polished and shiny, it looks very neat and sophisticated. An unfinished floor looks unmaintained, uninviting, often dirty, and elicits no attention from visitors.

To make a restaurant or office more appealing and make it look warm and inviting, a floor coating should be applied. Aesthetics are a benefit, but this is also for the durability of the floor. Foot traffic, furniture, machinery, and automobiles can take a toll on a floor. A floor coating will protect the concrete and can hide the wear and tear of the concrete floor. It can also make the floor much easier to clean.  These industrial-style floors have become popular in restaurants and offices because of their clean but industrial style, durability, and ease of cleaning and maintaining.

There are various types of floor coating but the two most popular are epoxy and polyurethane.

The epoxy floor coating is the most durable and long lasting. This type is best for patios, garages, basements, industrial or commercial concrete. The epoxy is composed of two components: the resin and the hardener. These components are separate and only mixed within minutes prior to the process of curing.  The floor needs a number of hours before it is totally cured and can be walked over. For heavier traffic areas like warehouses or garages, it needs three days before auto traffic can be moved on the new floor.

Polyurethane floor coating is very tough and is more elastic than epoxy.  This application comprises of two processes: the application of a primer and then the application of polyurethane. Available in both solvent and water-based, polyurethane provides a seamless high-gloss seal with excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals as well as excellent UV stability.

Champion Coatings provides floor coating services to commercial and industrial clients nationally.  Use the Quote Form for questions or price quotes. Check out the Protective Coatings Gallery for actual work done.

One area of a property that is always involved in high activity is the floor. As a rule, it is this part of the building that must be cared for. The floor bears the brunt of furniture, machines and foot traffic so it is easily damaged and cracked. There is a way to make your floor tidy and fresh-looking as well as add to its longevity by improving its durability.

To strengthen your floor, the use of floor paints and coatings is highly recommended. Two of the most commonly used are epoxy floor paint and latex floor paint which differ in both quality and material.

Epoxy floor paint is tough and sturdy, and it lengthens the durability and value of your floor. With a powerful adhesive capacity, it has more resistance to heat, oil, water, and chemicals. It is often found in large establishments and factories. In the office, the best areas to apply epoxy floor paint are high-traffic floors, roofing and bathrooms.

Latex floor paint uses the suspension of rubber or plastic polymer particles in producing adhesives, emulsion paints and other products. Latex floor paint is less odorous and toxic compared to epoxy floor paint, and its gives more glossy finish to most surfaces. 

Each type of paint has different results when used as protective coating to the floor in your building. Decisions are based on the usage of the building.  Call Champion Coatings to help you decide the best protective solution for you.

Some decisions are easy while others are difficult to make. Have you wondered how the differences between hard tile or carpet can influence a decision?

An interesting result of a survey made by Professor Joan Meyers-Levy of the Marketing department at University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, and author of the well-known study on ceiling height, came up with this result: the ground where people stand can greatly influence how they judge products.

This astounding result was published in the Journal of Consumer Research (June 2010). Conducted by co-authors, Joan Meyers-Levy and Juliet Zhu and Lan Jiang of the University of British Columbia, they analyzed the experience brought about by the two most common flooring types sold on retail outlets: hard vinyl tile and carpet. Professor Meyers-Levy discovered that people standing on carpets feel comfortable, however, they have the tendency to judge products that are close to them as less comforting.

The authors did the following procedures:

1. The first result showed that carpeting really gives a greater sense of physical comfort than tiled flooring. They then proceeded to deal with more practical and tricky questions such as - Would these bodily sensations elicited by the flooring transfer to people's assessments of products that they observe while shopping?

2. Some participants were made to stand on soft pile carpet and others on hard tile. They were required to look at products that were close and also placed further away. It was observed that when products were further away, the participants assessed them by the sensations of their bodies, without any conscious efforts at all. For instance, while standing on soft carpet and watching a far-off product, they would judge the item as more comfortable. But when they examined products that were close by, they judged them as less comfortable. According to Professor Meyers-Levy, it was because when objects are close by, the bodily sensations elicited by the flooring are more likely to be used as a comparison standard, but not as a frame for interpretation.

Just how much would implications of these findings affect all brick and mortar retailers and service providers? It is a fact that interior décor, like flooring, is a more important element than function or style. Directly affecting how consumers perceive products, it can determine whether or not the consumers buy the goods. Analyzing the attitude of consumers has always been important, as shown in the result of this study that even where consumers stand can make a difference in making a sale or failure to close the deal.  Let Champion Coatings help you determine what flooring your property needs to make your consumers feel at home. 

For complete report on this study, read the article in the Journal of Consumer Research of June 2010. It is written by Joan Meyers-Levy of the Holden-Werlich School-Wide Professor of Marketing at the Carlson School. She has been researching the effect of verbal and visual communication, memory, information processing, gender and individual difference on the behavior of consumers.

 A tenant improvement project is a tedious job: you have to find the right contractor to handle the many moving pieces and do a good job at the right price.

The tasks in tenant improvement can be daunting.  You have to hire an interior designer, possibly an architect and apply for permits for structural changes.  You have to choose new paint, new carpet or flooring options.  You have to hire a contractor for construction. You have to make sure he has foreman on the job every second.  You have to buy new sinks or toilets. You have to hire a painter and a flooring installer. You have to find crews that are willing to work on weekends and after business hours. You have to hire a security team. You have to hire a mover and temporary storage facilities.  You have to create a schedule for moving your employees around the building in coordination with where construction will be starting and ending.  You have to buy fans so your employees don't have to smell the carpet glue. You have to create a schedule to get the furniture moved, the construction crew in, the painter in, the flooring installer in, and everyone back out again without anyone stepping on eachothers' toes.

The list goes on.  You need a full-service Tenant Improvement Contractor with proven relationships with all the different service providers that go into setting up tenant improvement jobs. You need a contractor that will bring these relationships to the table, set up schedules for you, and solve problems inherent in large tenant projects.

Let us help you make your tenant improvement project into an organized and exciting event for everyone.

Champion Coatings has been in the business for more than 15 years and can offer quality service.  We have successfully completed jobs in private corporations as well as military bases.  Contact us for any of your contracting needs.