Epoxy Floor Systems

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Author Message Anonymous   Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 08:28 am:    What are the important physical properties to consider when specifying an epoxy floor system for a hotel kitchen, i.e. is compressive strength more important than bond strength? Other than poor preparation, how do these systems applied over concrete fail? Thanks in advance for responses. Anonymous   Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 09:16 am:    Suggest slip-resistance; sanitation, including chemical resistance (yes, even in a kitchen), ease of cleaning, thermal shock, NSF and/or USDA approval are other good considerations Anonymous   Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 10:56 am:    If existing/remodel and downtime is critical, you may want to consider methylmethacrylate (e.g. Silikal), as curetime is relatively short. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 969 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 11:27 am:    Find out what cleaning methods are to be used. That can have a big impact on selection. If they're high pressure washing with high temp water, thermal shock is an issue. Also, type of cleaning solutions used are important since some are extremely aggressive. And look at types of rolling loads. Phil Kabza Senior Member Username: phil_kabza Post Number: 334 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 09:28 pm:    Watch potential for serious odor/fume problems when applying methyl methacrylate (MMA) if working in occupied facilities. Richard Hird (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 12:30 pm:    Having specified epoxy flooring for many industrial applications I can not remember any concerns about compressive strength or bond strength. These values for epoxy far exceed that of the concrete substrate. The issues in the previous postings are the controling issues. The biggest concern is the effect on moisture on the bond to the concrete. Take a look at the numerous postings on vapor barriers at this site. There are many oinions on this. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 302 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 06:39 pm:    I received the following from one of my epoxy flooring people in response to the above: The following are common issues that happen in epoxy flooring: Debonding 1. Poor prep work. 2. Bond breaker or curing compound. 3. MVT (moisture vapor transmission). 4. lack of primers. 5. Concrete is too smooth. 6. Too thin of an application of coating system. The key is to have a smooth texture with enough anti-skid qualities yet is cleanable and will not trap dirt. Should have high compressive strength, high tensile strength,100% solids (no solvent), Non-blushing. These are just a few suggestions. If you want more info, or the name of the company (they're in So. Calif) e-mail me at rmatteo@tbparchitecture.com J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 293 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:00 pm:    Some people in the construction industry refer to these systems as "ceramic carpet" (which confused the hell out of me when I first saw it). The systems may include urethanes as well as epoxies and methylmethacrylate indicated above which is why they are sometimes referred to as "resinous flooring". I find it extremely difficult to generate anything other than a proprietary or basis of design specification for these systems since the various manufacturers have different formulation that do the same thing. It has been assumed by other posters that your system will be installed over a concrete substrate and that the substrate will be a slab-on-grade. If you have another substrate, there are other considerations. A suspended slab might be best from the vapor transmission perspective, but concrete over metal decking (either composite or non-composite) may require additional drying time. If the system is a non-composite system, check into having the structural engineer specify perforated metal deck; doesn't solve all the issues, but does solve a lot of them. Richard's list is pretty comprehensive in terms of installation issues, but the specified thickness of the coating (usually a primer and two coats) will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Other posters have listed a number of design parameters for use in selecting a system, let me add compliance with health code (and perhaps FDA or USDA) requirements. Compressive strength and tensile strength may be very important with regard to supporting fixed and rolling kitchen equipment. This is, in my experience, an extremely difficult parameter to quantify so I usually am very conservative. The industry seems to play a lot of games with performance testing, one of the most interesting one is the listing of a compressive strength for components--I would really prefer to see the compressive strength of the whole system. In my view one of the most important ones listed is thermal shock, but also look into chemical resistance expecially with regard to resistance to acids (citric, lactic, fatty, etc.). You may want to look at only those products where the manufacturer has its own installers, but if you don't want that, look for a strong licensing program where the flooring materials manufacturer has a strong training program. I have not only used these systems in food prep areas, but also in school restrooms. when properly installed, they as impervious (if not more so) than quarry or ceramic tile and are easier to clean. Costs will vary depending on the system selected and the part of the country you are in. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 303 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 03:18 pm:    I have to concur with Peter on a strong licensing program for installers. This is very important if you are going to get a proper installation and a worthwhile warranty.