Commercial warehouse conditions can vary markedly resulting in different levels of preparation. An older warehouse has often had a variety of uses of its life. As such, fixed fittings have been moved and damage to floor sustained. First task is to repair the concrete ready for use, then apply a floor treatment of choice. The following information is designed for practical advice in two situations:

CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION

Proper surface preparation is an extremely important factor in the immediate and long term successful performance of the floor system.

Proper surface preparation includes the following:

1. Inspection of the concrete substrate to determine its general condition, soundness, presence of contaminants, presence of moisture vapour emissions and the best methods to use in the preparation of the surface.
2. Removal and replacement of non-durable concrete prior to installation of coating type.
3. Decontamination of the concrete surface requires the removal of oils, grease, wax, fatty acids and other contaminants.
4. Creation of surface profile can be accomplished by a number of methods each utilizing a selection of tolls, equipment and materials to accomplish the intended purpose.
5. Repair of surface irregularities including bugholes, spalls, cracks, deteriorted joints, slopes, areas near transition zones, such as drains and doorways, etc. must be repaired prior to the flooring coating.the entire area. Normally a second coat will be sufficient. However, some surfaces may require a third coat.

SEALING A CONCRETE WAREHOUSE FLOOR

Reducing concrete dust and dirt from the work environment can be easily achieved with Uniseal, solvent based penetrating concrete sealer. This type of flooring application provides a good looking, hard wearing surface, suitable for trucks and forklift traffic at economic prices.This application is suitable new concrete slabs or renovating an existing warehouse floor.These jobs are easy to apply, but require well ventilated areas as the solvents are pungent and highly flammable.

PREPARATION

Preparation is the key to a good job. With newly laid concrete slabs, the surface is likely to have ‘splash’ spots and minor impediments which need to be scraped off, cleaned and prepared to provide a sound level work surface. Old surfaced may need patch repair. Usually a light hydrochloric acid wash will prepare the surface for application.

CUT IN PROBLEM AREAS

Start by identify problem areas, plan to fix these areas first. Areas such as stair cases, wall joints and posts should be ‘cut in’ as the first pat of the job.

APPLICATION METHOD

1. Complete the ‘cut in’ of edges with the first coat using the sealer, thinned to the recommended level, using a paint brush.
2. Using a roller, apply the first coat of Uniseal to the job. Remembering to plan your work from the furthest extreme to the exit point.
3. As the products are highly solvent, ensure the work area is well ventilated and secured while the first application is drying.
4. Apply the final coats to the entire area. Normally a second coat will be sufficient. However, some surfaces may require a third coat.

Key Products:

Concrete Sealers 
Concrete Epoxy Coatings