GET IT Martin Yarker, technical advisor, Industrial Resin Flooring, M
What are the factors that cause resin flooring to fail? It has to be incorrect preparation, incorrect application or incorrect materials that are the cause of resin flooring failures. Simple. Or is it? Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons.
‘INCORRECT’ PREPARATION? Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the disciplines associated with the resin flooring industry is that of ‘correct preparation’. What does the phrase mean? I’m often amused when I see the explanation: ‘as the substrate requires’. Which is what exactly? A simple sweep of the floor with a bass broom? A general de-grease? Run the vacuum across the floor before coating work can begin? Correct preparation is, without any doubt, just as important as ensuring that skilled layers are engaged, and no less important than manufacturers producing materials to perform as detailed.
‘INCORRECT’ APPLICATION? Having ensured that the substrate has been ‘correctly’ prepared, what’s next? Some would say the most important stage happens next. In my humble opinion, the application of resin flooring should only be undertaken by a qualified, experienced installer who understands the process of applying a specific resin flooring system to the situation it is designed for. And yes, I’ve known installers refuse to apply a system that has been incorrectly specified for the environment they’re in – a sign of a true professional.
26 | SCREEDS, RESINS & COATINGS
‘INCORRECT’ MATERIALS? Of the factors that can cause a resin floor to fail, ‘incorrect’ material from resin manufacturers is the least likely. Owing to stringent procedures and checks, quality assurance policies and the vigorous cross-referencing of raw materials, the actual percentage is almost zero — which should be excellent news for the installers.
I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I count myself extremely fortunate to have worked with exceptional manufacturers, quality control and technical employees. I have also had the good fortune to have seen skilled resin floor layers produce work of astonishing quality.
Let me give you an example that still impresses me today. A few years ago, I was on a newbuild site in Oxfordshire for a project where epoxy quartz coving was specified for several medium- sized internal rooms. The specification called for ‘150mm high cove detail with a 25mm radius, finished to a ‘bird’s beak trim’, with many internal and external angles required.
When I saw the finish of the work that the screeder had produced, I refused to believe that it was not pre-formed, or pre-finished, and the angles made using a mitre-block! The sharpness of the detail was truly amazing. Each angle was perfect, the radius was spot-on, and what really gobsmacked me was the speed at which this ‘unsung hero’ worked - the attention to detail really showed me the skill needed to achieve this level of perfection.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
