A tenant improvement contractor as well as their clients should know that in 2012 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will have changes. Affected locations are restaurants, hotels, hospitals, stores, factories and warehouses. This update was made by Rocky Mountain ADA Center, which is one of the 10 regional centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The changes will have full implementation for new construction or alterations after March 15, 2012.

The ADA changes are the following:

• Social Service Center Establishments - access to beds and roll-in showers.
• Housing at Places of Education- application of provisions for transient lodging and for residential facilities, and kitchen access and accessible circulation within units.
• Assembly Areas - additional criteria for the location and dispersion of wheelchair spaces and companion seats in assembly areas, including stadium-style movie theaters.
• Medical Care Facilities - dispersion of accessible patient bedrooms.
• Residential Dwelling Units - coverage of dwelling units designed, constructed, or altered by state and local governments for sale to individuals.
• Detention and Correctional Facilities - enhanced scoping (3%) for accessible cells, dispersion, and coverage of altered cells.
• Places of Lodging - application of scoping provisions to sites with multiple facilities, alterations, and exclusion of residential-only units.

Rob Gilkerson, Architectural Information Specialist for the DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center said the revised standards are closely based on the ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003 and the updated ADA and ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) Accessibility Guidelines (2004) published by the U.S. Access Board, but the DOJ’s regulations implement the additional provisions above. When these standards go into effect on March 15, 2012, they will set new minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for new construction and alterations of the facilities of more than 80,000 state and local governments and more than seven million businesses. Until the 2012 compliance date, entities have the option to use the revised standards to plan current and future projects so that their buildings and facilities are accessible.

These changes would have to be considered by a contractor should  projects fall on or after the implementation date.

A  contractor must now review implementation rules and guidelines before starting any project design, construction or renovation.  It is emphasized that the failure to follow the ADA implementation can lead to more expenses due to rebuilds.  Lawsuits and penalties would also be imposed to the business owner and sanctions issued on the contractor.

Read More:
http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cpps/ada/adachanges.asp

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

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.

After waterproofing your deck with a urethane rubber decking system, you will notice that visitors take a second look at the area. The finish and neatness of the deck easily attracts attention.  What viewers may not be aware of is that the aesthetics of the deck are secondary to why the deck has undergone waterproofing.

Protection is the utmost reason for the application of a urethane rubber decking system.  With such protection, the durability of the deck is insured for many years to come.  A professional provider who has experience in applying the system could assure you of quality and an easily maintainable finish. Thus it is imperative to get a reputable installer to do the work for you.

Auto and pedestrian deck systems have two key ingredients: the tough elastomeric waterproof coating and textured granules.   The first ingredient's job is to assure the deck remains water resistant. The second ingredient is traction or slip-resistance, and protection from scratches.

Urethane waterproofing is colour-stable. There are a number of colors that can be chosen to make the deck correspond with your colour scheme.  The coating is also elastomeric which means that it will stretch when it is warm and cools through. The coating's physical flexibility traits that withstand weather conditions prevent cracking which leads to water damage.

Another feature of the urethane rubber decking system is that it is slip resistant.  Decks are expected to be high-traffic locations, especially for business establishments. The application of this kind of floor coating aids in accident-prevention because of its slip resistant quality.

The texture granules on the coating are very rough and are anchored in place by the coating. As well as providing great traction, this prevents premature wear and tear when loose dirt granules grind into the coating surface.  These traits allow for long-lasting waterproofing deck systems.  The texture will wear evenly and will not compromise the floor coating by coming loose.

With a urethane rubber decking system in place, you will enjoy durability and reliability. In terms of aesthetics, this waterproofing adds to the beauty and neatness of your deck area. There is no need for extensive maintenance because the floor coating does not need special equipment or chemicals to remain clean. You save money when you have this kind of deck system installed.

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.

You notice cracks in your floor and pay no mind to them. But beware, because this may be an indication of serious structural deficiencies.  Some cracks may have vital consequences.  Unless you are a professional in concrete services, you may not be able to tell the difference between which ones need immediate attention and which are superficial.

It is crucial to have a professional assess structural cracks to determine what is significant and what is just on the surface level.  Concrete services personnel can properly identify the level and cause of cracking and can give the appropriate repair measures.

There are a variety of reasons why structural cracks happen. Thermal expansion and contraction, sub grade settlement, the load on the structure and even earthquakes can be some of the causes.  The bottom line is that the concrete has external and internal stress and this is shown through both large and small cracks.

Once you notice cracks on the walls or floor contact a concrete services professional to do an assessment.  Their job is to tell you whether or not the cracks are significant to affect structural integrity.  It is not advised to do a DIY solution unless it is an apparent surface crack.  There are too many factors involved in structural engineering and chemical formulation to leave anything to chance.  Remember that the right solution can only be made once an understanding of the cause is determined.

You can call on Champion Coatings. We have professionals who can evaluate the situation and resolve the issue.  Call us or use the Contact Form for an inquiry or 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.

The most important document in undertaking design-build or tenant-improvement projects is the contract. Why is it so important? The first reason is obviously a matter of legal safeguard for everyone involved, but furthermore, a written agreement is a means everyone concerned is on the same page. With this document both parties know exactly what is to be done, for what cost, and when. Discrepancies may arise over the matter of labor cost or completion deadlines. The client and contractor can come to an agreement on what needs to be done, and they are able to make adjustments to the scope of work together depending on the needs and skills of each party.

It is important to remember that the contract must include a degree of flexibility, as changes may happen after the contract is legalized. Schedules might be affected by bad weather, there may be a delay in arrival of materials, permits may not be approved in a timely manner. Construction is not without its many trials, so a little flexibility will likely be required. A professional Contractor can schedule in a little leeway for incidents, and change orders will be considered with the client.

Make your life easier by hiring a professional. A professional Contractor always uses a contract and will sit down with you to make sure the scope of work is understood. Signing a contract with a Contractor is much easier when you feel that everything has been covered to the satisfaction of both parties.

Champion Coatings, a San Diego contractor,  has completed many successful private as well as military jobs in the last 15 years.  We pride ourselves on putting forth a fair contract and collaborating with the client to come up with the best possible project.

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.

If you have inferior waterproofing your basement will be continuously damp which can lead to potential structural rot and insect infestation. There are basic methods that can be applied to keep gutter water from entering the basement. Be aware that some leaks are caused by water on the floor surface and some are underground. Sometimes leaks are due to continuous dampness that encourages rot to multiply and invites wood boring insects to move in. Concrete waterproofing is one of the basic processes in foundation building for any structure.

It is typical for basements to be damp or wet during periods of heavy rain.  In the event that the water does not naturally drain you have solutions:

• Regularly check gutters for clogged areas or leaky spots.  If you find them, take care of the problem as soon as possible.
  

• Check for cracks in your foundation and make a note of them. This may be a source of leakage. Show them to a professional who can assess the situation.
  

Whatever the problem is, a solution is possible. The first step is to find the cause of water leakage. This will give you an idea of the amount of work that is required and the amount of money it will take.

A professional can determine where the dampness or water is coming from and tell you how serious the problem is. You will need an expert to find a creative solution to a tough waterproofing job. Different issues require different fixes. Sometimes large jobs require excavation of the ground on the outside of the building. On occasion a whole piping system must be implemented to direct water away from the building, or create sloping ground for runoff. Some buildings require thick fiber wrapping. Other times it can simply be taken care of by a coating on the interior and exterior walls.

Every year a multitude of building owners lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in resale value due to leaky foundations and basements. Every year employees get sick from mold issues born from leaks in their company building's foundation.  Do not allow this problem to go unsolved.

Even if the water seepage is happening only once in a while, it is better to fix the situation before it gets serious.

Don't wait for it to happen. Waterproofing your basement now can save you money in the long run.  Getting a professional waterproofing provider will give you peace of mind that it is done properly.