Concrete
Concrete is made up of Portland cement, sand, aggregate, and water. When the materials are mixed they harden to form a solid mass. Concrete is the number one structural material used in the world. Its outstanding structural characteristics make it the choice for large structures and durable surfaces. Reasons for coating concrete include:
• Prevention or contamination of a contained liquid.
• Protect the concrete from weathering and abrasion.
• Reduced water permeability
• Appearance
Concrete is extremely reactive to attack from acids and can be degraded by water and chemicals. Concrete like steel corrodes and must be protected in order to reach its service potential. Coatings and linings offer the best protection; Imms Industrial Coatings offers the surface preparation and application methods for these materials.
Surface Preparation of Concrete
Surface preparation is the foundation for any coating system being applied. Concrete surfaces are porous and can easily be contaminated. These surfaces should be prepared by removing any absorbed containments and loose material. Some coating systems require deep profiles produced by mechanical abrasion. Imms Industrial can provide our clients with any of the following methods.
• Steam cleaning
• Solvent cleaning
• Acid etching
• Dry abrasive blasting
• Wet abrasive blasting
• Water blasting
• Centrifugal vacuum shot blasting
• Vacuum grinding
Floor Coating Systems
Coating cementitious flooring surfaces can provide protection from process chemicals that can degrade the concrete. Floor systems can also create a smooth cleanable surface for protection of sensitive equipment while providing anti slip properties for employees. Reflective epoxy and polyurethane coatings can effectively enhance lighting and lighting costs. Floor safety markings and striping are important to keep employees safe and productive.
Secondary Containment Linings
Coating systems act as barriers over concrete that needs to be isolated from its service environment. This barrier can protect the concrete from exposure to harmful contaminants like acids, alkalis, and sulfates. These systems can also contain process products that have leaked or spilled. Secondary containment coatings are crucial to keeping process products from absorbing into the concrete or soil.
Waterproofing Systems
Coatings systems are used to create a barrier to absorption of moisture through concrete. These materials are generally thicker films coatings such as coal tar epoxy.