09 Feb Concrete 101 for Floor Coatings
Concrete floor Coating
Concrete Coating Options Based on Slab Type
When looking at your options for concrete floor coatings, it’s important to know what type of concrete slab you have as this could affect the coatings available or change the installation process. Here are the most common types of slab foundations we see when installing concrete coatings:
Slab-on-grade concrete foundation:
A slab-on-grade foundation—also known as a floating slab foundation—is a structural engineering practice in which the concrete slab that will serve as the foundation for a building or other structure is formed from a mold that is set into the ground.
Below grade concrete foundation:
This is typically referred to as the basement. It is any concrete that is formed beneath the ground level around it.
All of our standard epoxy systems will work regardless these slab types. Depending on whether your facility is on grade or below grade, our experts at SwedeBro will assess the possibility of moisture in the concrete to ultimately determine the best flooring choice for your unique situation.
Span Crete floors:
Span Crete floors are concrete floors that are elevated with open space beneath. These are often seen in facilities with multiple levels of concrete garages, particularly in parking garages and ramps.
For Span Crete, we use a BASF systems called Masterseal Traffic 1500. This is a flexible, moisture cure polyurethane that is waterproof. This coating allows for maximum movement of the elevated concrete, while the waterproof technology protects the space beneath from water damage. This is used most often in multi-level parking garages and mechanical rooms.
Concrete Floor Coatings – Your Options Based on Concrete Age
When deciding on a floor coating for new and old concrete, there is a wide variety of options regardless of concrete age. At SwedeBro, any of our systems work for new and old concrete. One minor caveat should be noted when it comes to new concrete; New concrete requires a minimum curing period of 28 days to allow any residual moisture left in the forming process to evaporate.
Concrete Floor Coatings – Your Options for Heated Concrete Floors
One question that many people ask is “If I have in floor concrete heating, can I still get an epoxy coating?” The short answer is yes! In-floor heating for concrete is installed within the concrete as it is poured, so whether or not the concrete is heated has no affect on the installation or function of the epoxy system when installed over the concrete. It is always a good practice to notify your epoxy installer prior to doing any work so that no accidental damage is caused to the underlying heating system.
In summarizing the main takeaways, epoxy systems are extremely versatile and can be installed on concrete of most any type or kind. It is always important to work with an expert epoxy installer to make sure that the moisture is tested in the concrete and to ensure a safe installation. Contact out experts at SwedeBro for a free estimate on your concrete floor coatings project today!