RESIN SYSTEMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF FLOORING
To achieve optimal protection and efficacy of the high-performance flooring surface system, it is essential to prepare the subfloor foundation in accordance with proper technical requirements and specifications. The most innovative solutions are also environmentally friendly and health-conscious, as they are water- based and do not contain chemical solvents.
The production process of resin for flooring ultimately comes down to quality. It all begins with choice raw materials and careful formulation that allows for maximal durability and enhancement of the technical characteristics over time. This applies to all the designs that correlate to the various characteristics of subfloors and their specific intended use.
At the heart of proper design for resin flooring protection are the subfloors. In fact, the preparation of the substrate is crucial. Statistics show that 70% of detachment and breakage of flooring protections occur because the subfloor was not adequately prepared.
Thus, it is not coincidental that the most advanced manufacturing companies carefully analyze all possible subfloor types before formulating different solutions. When it comes to “resin flooring,” it is not referred to as a “product” but a “system” because, in addition to the type of subfloor, which may have different layers, it is equally crucial, as we emphasized, to consider the intended use in various spaces.
A SOLUTION FOR EVERY TYPE OF SURFACE
Carefully evaluating all these variables is the only way to ensure secure responses to various protection needs. Surfaces can be friable, requiring significant restoration work, or they may contain moisture, sometimes not visible. Regarding the intended use, the flooring must withstand heavy vehicle traffic or continuous traffic loads. In industrial settings, it must provide excellent resistance to oil and other substances that could damage the surface. Additionally, the versatility of resin systems, with their innumerable possible application in offices, schools, shops, or service areas in homes, might also require an attractive aesthetic aspect, as well as ease of cleaning and maintenance.
For the most innovative and high-performance solutions, raw materials without solvents are used, with very low VOC emissions, a clear focus on the environment and human health. Quality control of raw materials must be ongoing, and it’s crucial to use the most advanced tools for continuous precise measurement of substance quantities in each formulation. Furthermore, it’s important that they are produced in facilities with closed loop washing systems, where residues are recovered and recycled, thus avoiding the release of harmful substances into the environment.
KEY:
1. Concrete sub-layer
2. Possible consolidating treatment with WINFIX FISSATIVO (consumption 100-200 g/m2 with a single coat).
3. Skimming with UNIBAR T loaded at 25% with quartz 01-03 (Consumption 1.5-1.7 kg/ m2).
4. 01-03 waste quartz dusting (Consumption 1.5-2.0 kg/m2).
5. Skimming with UNIBAR T loaded 25% with quartz 01-03 (Consumption 1.5-1.7 kg/m2)
6. 01-03 waste quartz dusting (Consumption 1.5-2.0 kg/m2).
7. Skimming with UNIBAR T as is (Consumption 1.4-1.8 kg/m2).
8. First coat of UNIBAR F diluted 5% (Consumption 150170 g/n2).
9. Second coat of UNIBAR F diluted 5% (Consumption 150-170 g/m2).
11. Joint sealant WINJOINT SEAL
THE BEST PROTECTION STEP BY STEP
Coatings with resin systems come in various thicknesses, depending on their intended use and the type of subfloor, which may be concrete or, for example, old ceramic tiles where removal could be uneconomical. When preparing subfloors for thin coatings, sanding or grinding with appropriate diamond tools is often necessary. For medium-thickness layers (multi-layer systems from 1 to 2 millimeters), heavy grinding or shot blasting is more appropriate. For high-thickness applications (heavy multi-layer systems, self-leveling, troweled mortar) in highly stressed areas, heavy shot blasting, milling, or bush hammering may be required. In all cases, preparation should be followed by washing and vacuuming.
Surface preparation may reveal the need for subfloor repairs or partial reconstruction.
For instance, when dealing with floorings that need to withstand heavy vehicle traffic, the use of high mechanical strength epoxy mortars with extended workability times is particularly suitable. If the flooring surface is deteriorated, it is advisable to use self-leveling epoxy mortar, which allows for the recovery of load distribution layers and provides a smooth surface with high chemical and mechanical resistance, suitable for subsequent coatings.
If the subfloor is friable, it is recommended to apply a two-component epoxy resin to consolidate the surface and provide effective dustproofing.
For highly porous subfloors, these products can significantly reduce “blistering” of resin systems, which are small protrusions on the surface.
Another rather common scenario is the need to manage moisture trapped in the subfloor. Depending on the CD circumstances, it may be necessary to block moisture with specific epoxy-cementitious primers if the finishing product is sensitive to rising moisture or when conditions require it. Alternatively, breathable systems that allow gradual moisture evaporation may be used. Always keeping the environment in mind, advanced products are water-based and are particularly suitable for concrete substrates with moisture presence. They also offer excellent mechanical, hardness, and abrasion resistance.
PROTECTING AND FINISHING
The resin system for flooring is completed with finishing and protective products. In this case, too, specific solutions exist, based on the type of substrate, and intended use. For creating thin coatings, where there are no heavy stresses or intense use of the flooring, such as in industrial flooring, warehouses, offices, pedestrian, or light vehicular traffic areas, it is advisable to use a satin epoxy protective coating suitable for painting concrete flooring and baseboards indoors.
For flooring in food, pharmaceutical, chemical, mechanical industries, warehouses, and especially for heavily trafficked indoor spaces such as garages and underground parking, the use of epoxy coatings is recommended to create self-leveling or multi-layer high-strength floors.
As mentioned above, the application of resin systems for flooring can also extend to environments where aesthetics matter. Leading manufacturers of resin systems for subfloor protection have carefully considered this opportunity by producing matte or glossy polyurethane finishes, water-based and solvent-free, offering excellent mechanical resistance. Matte finishes are also excellent for concealing any surface imperfections and significantly reduce the transfer of tire marks or the imprints of dirty or wet shoes on the surface.
Winkler Chimica srl
E- Mail: info@winklerchimica.com
