THE VIEW FROM FERFA The key factor in ensuring the success and efficacy of a resin flooring system is
often the level of attention to detail put into the surface preparation of the substrate. Here, FeRFA outlines some of the fundamental issues to consider.
Surface preparation is defined as the treatment process by which a background surface or substrate is rendered sound, clean, level and free from contaminants in readiness for application of the specified resin flooring product.
The actual process of surface preparation involves the mechanical cleaning or removal of existing materials and residues or contaminants, followed by texturing of the surface in readiness to receive a resin flooring system. Any residues left on the surface from old coatings or surface contaminants, or an uneven surface, will affect the adhesion, durability and aesthetics of the resin flooring system being applied.
There are four key surface preparation principles used in resin flooring applications:
Shotblasting: This involves steel abrasive (shot) being propelled at high velocity by a machine on to the designated surface to produce the desired profile.
Planing/Scabbling: Carried out by a machine containing a drum rotating at high speed. The arms of the drum can have different accessories to create varying profiles and textures.
TYPE
1 2 3
4 NAME Floor seal Floor coating
High build floor coating
Multi-layer flooring DESCRIPTION
Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent or water borne.
Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent free.
Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent free.
Aggregate dressed systems based on multiple layers of floor coatings or flow-applied floorings, often described as ‘sandwich’ systems.
5 Flow applied flooring 6 Resin screed flooring 7 Heavy duty flowable flooring 8
Heavy duty resin flooring
20 | FEATURE
Often referred to as ‘self-smoothing’ or ‘self-levelling’ flooring and having a smooth surface.
Trowel-finished, heavily filled systems, generally incorporating a surface seal coat to minimise porosity.
Having a smooth surface.
Trowel-finished, aggregate filled systems effectively impervious throughout their thickness.
Grinding and Multi-Stripping: The grinding process is provided by diamond, tungsten or resin bonded discs or plates which are secured to single or multiple heads and rotate in a circular motion.
The relevant British Standard is BS8204-6, which states that surface preparation by acid etching of the concrete should not be used, on account of the associated health and safety implications and because the concrete surface is left saturated with water and calcareous salts, which may ultimately lead to debonding or osmotic blistering of the resin flooring system.
The following table gives guidance on the methods available to prepare a substrate to receive resin flooring, but as every situation is different, it is recommended that specific advice is sought from a specialist surface preparation contractor.
Surface preparation is a specialist skill area and should be undertaken by trained and qualified operatives to NVQL2 as a minimum. As the training provider for this sector, FeRFA offers both apprenticeship schemes and upskilling courses in surface preparation.
www.ferfa.org.uk. TYPICAL THICKNESS up to 150 µm 150 µm to 300 µm 300 µm to 1000 µm > 2 mm PREPARATION METHOD
Shotblasting Grinding
Shotblasting Grinding
Shotblasting Grinding
Shotblasting Grinding Planing
2 mm to 3 mm
Shotblasting Grinding
Planing/Scabbling Multi-Stripping
> 4 mm
Shotblasting Grinding
Planing/Scabbling Multi-Stripping
4 mm to 6 mm
Shotblasting Grinding
Planing/Scabbling Multi-Stripping
> 6 mm
Shotblasting Grinding
Planing/Scabbling Multi-Stripping
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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