Concrete floors are subject to thermal, mechanical, and chemical stress. They are also frequently exposed to impact, abrasion, friction, various chemicals (such as alkalis, acids, and salt solutions), and very low or high temperatures.

Untreated concrete is spongy and vulnerable to damage due to moisture, wear, and tear, etc. It’s important to find a way to shield concrete structures against depreciation. Concrete coatings are tremendously effective in increasing their service life.

You can eliminate or reduce the risk of damage to concrete floors by adding special additives and aggregates to the concrete mixture. Or, you can do it by applying suitable concrete coating systems to shield the structures against concrete-destroying factors.

In this blog, we will explore the second option. The process of choosing the correct coating can be quite confusing and problematic, but we’ve simplified it into a few simple steps.

1. Examine the Condition of the Concrete Slab

Examining the present condition of the slab before selecting a coating system is a critical task. The methods and materials used to prepare and make repairs to the concrete surface have a certain bearing on the coating selection. For example, if you select a massive coating system without making the required repairs, it could result in the addition of a new concrete layer to the existing slab. The floor may end up being too high!

2. Foresee Exposure Situations

If you are aware of the operating conditions expected (chemical exposure, normal wear and tear, thermal shock, etc.), you can easily choose a concrete coating system. With these conditions in mind, the coating system you choose will have the essential chemical and physical properties to perform correctly.

3. Inspect Coating Functioning

Make sure to know the differences between coatings. Generally, epoxy coatings are characterized by higher chemical resistance, bolstered mechanical properties, and increased adhesion. Urethane formulations have brilliant gloss retention and superior resistance to abrasion, chemical, impact, and stain damage. However, these concrete coating epoxy hybrids also form a thicker film. This can modify the coating’s performance.

4. Assess Stability

A concrete coating system does not last forever. Be sure to assess the actual service life of the solution that you have decided on before you pay for it. However, you can prolong the expected life probability of any coating system by practicing regular maintenance.

5. Consider Location

The location where you want to install the concrete coatings plays a vital role in the choice of the product. For example, if you are going to install concrete coating in a warehouse, that product choice will be different from the one chosen for a retail space or office.

6. Think About Aesthetics

Simply put, concrete coating systems make your workspace look more elegant and professional. That said, make sure that the product you have chosen complements the existing decor. If you intend to select a concrete coating for a business or an industrial environment, conformity with the suggested color-coding patterns will help you ensure a protected yet aesthetically pleasing workplace.

7. Concrete Coatings Price

When choosing a concrete coating system, think about its cost-effectiveness. While a low-priced product may seem to be the best option to you, this may not actually be true. Pricier coating systems usually offer first-class quality and enduring results. Even if the product seems expensive at first, it could be more cost-effective in the future.

To learn more about choosing the perfect concrete coating product for your industrial environments in Frederick, MD, contact our professionals at DC Generals. We’re happy to put our expert knowledge and experience to work for you.