Concrete Resurfacing
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Restoration of Hangar Floors with Rhino ArmaFloor 500
When concrete floors age they become discoloured, stained, cracked, chipped, and weakened.
These were the same problems Qantas Defence Services needed to be addressed when it came time to upgrade the 60-year-old concrete floor of the RAAF Base Richmond hangar.
Due to budgetary constraints replacement of the floor was out of the question, restoration was the only way forward.
Tenderers were required to address certain criteria to win the project. In addition to the more mechanical properties of a suitable floor coating such as strength, durability and chemical resistance, the product had to be easy to clean, exhibit a high gloss finish and be aesthetically pleasing.
A variety of concrete floor coatings were considered for this particular project, however, Rhino ArmaFloor 500 was selected for its strength and durability and the products other features and benefits.
THE PROCESS
All cracks and damaged concrete were repaired prior to being primed with ArmaFloor® 300 ECO. This product was specifically chosen for its ability to bond exceptionally well to existing concrete substrates.
Rhino Linings ArmaFloor 500, a strong durable polyaspartic floor coating used in residential, commercial and industrial applications, was fit for purpose.
This product offers a fast 24-hour return to service, exhibits excellent UV resistance and provided that high gloss finish required by management.
The product was especially suitable for this project due to ArmaFloor 500 excellent chemical resistance against fluids such as skydrol, motor oils, and other hazardous transmission fluids.
THE RESULT
Combined, these two products met the required specifications of Qantas Defence Services, including the ease of cleaning, strength, durability, chemical resistance and provision of that aesthetically pleasing and professional look to the hangar floor.
Suffice to say, management was extremely satisfied with the end result.
Watch the video and let us know what you think.
For more information call now
and speak to your Rhino Linings State Sales Manager, Ph: +61 7 5585 7000
Floor Slip Resistance Tests – Why are they so Important
Getting a new Floor? Thought about Floor Slip Resistance Tests?
Having a non-slip or slip resistant finish is important for any flooring application, whether it be in the home, commercial premises or industrial warehouses and factories. The reason? Safety. The avoidance of any trip or slip incident depends greatly on a slip resistant floor, in a nutshell that’s why floor slip resistance tests are so important.
In an effort to verify safe flooring, it is fast becoming a routine practice for property owners, specifiers and architects to request floor slip resistant tests prior to specifying any floor coating for an upcoming project. The advantage here is that the building owner can be confident that the new flooring will sustain its slip resistance for a period of years as well as help guard the safety of the people who visit, work or live onsite from slips and trips.
It should be noted that here, in Australia, the slip resistance of any new floor surface should be measured in accordance with AS/NZS 4586:2004 – Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials. This standard outlines five different methods to measure slip resistance including:
- Wet Pendulum
- Wet Pendulum and Dry Floor Friction
- Dry Floor Friction
- Wet/Barefoot Ramp
- Oil-Wet Ramp
The AS4586-2004, Appendix A “Wet Pendulum Method” the preferred test method Rhino Linings request our flooring contractors to carry out when completing any flooring project. The test is a safe guard ensuring there is no doubt of the finished floors slip resistance properties prior to handover. This can be especially important in the case of a later ‘slip’ and especially where there is the possibility of litigation against the property owner. The “Wet Pendulum Method” can be carried either onsite or in a laboratory by testing sample swatches of the product or the completed flooring. Results are provided as a British Pendulum Number (BPN) and allocated a slip resistance classification ranging from Z to V – with Z being the lowest.
Another consideration that needs to be taken into account is the slope of the flooring surface. This is where the older Ramp Test or ‘R’ Rating was used. This test is carried out by a laboratory technician standing on a coated ramp at various angles of incline either barefoot or with a simulated standard shoe sole (Four S) which is generally accepted as the material to assess the slip resistance. However, it is not always possible to carry out a Ramp Test on site and that is why Standards Australia and Rhino Linings recommend a “Wet Pendulum Method” to determine the slip resistance.
The relationship between the Pendulum Test and Ramp Test
|
Mean Pendulum |
Wet Pendulum Class |
Ramp Test (‘R’ Rating) |
|
(35-44) |
X |
R9 – slippage at a 3 to 10 degree angle of elevation (this surface is fairly slippery) |
|
(45-54) |
W |
R10 – slippage at a 10 to 19 degree angle of elevation |
|
(45-54) |
W |
R11 – slippage at a 19 to 27 degree angle of elevation |
|
(>54) |
V |
R12 – slippage at a 27 to 35 degree angle of elevation |
|
(>54) |
V |
R13 – slippage upwards of 35 degree (this surface is highly slip resistant) |
Table 3, noted below, defines the Minimum Pendulum and equivalent Ramp Rating Recommendations for Specific Locations This is provided for informational purposes only. Sourced from CSIRO Standard HB 197:1999 An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials.
Minimum Pendulum and Older Ramp Ratings for Specific Locations
| Location (These are a guide only) |
Pendulum Rating |
Ramp Rating |
| Accessible internal stair nosings (dry) – handrails present |
X |
R10 |
| Accessible internal stair nosings (wet) – handrails present |
W |
B or R11 |
| Communal change rooms |
X |
A |
| Entry foyers hotel, office, public building – wet |
X |
R10 |
| Entry foyers hotel, office, public building – dry |
Z |
R9 |
| External colonnade, walkways & pedestrian crossing |
W |
R10 |
| External ramps |
V |
R11 |
| External stair nosings |
W |
R11 |
| Fast food outlets, buffet food servery areas |
Z |
R9 |
| Hospitals and aged care facilities – dry areas |
Z |
R9 |
| Hospitals and aged care facilities – ensuites |
X |
A or R10 |
| Internal ramps, slopes (greater than 2 degrees) – dry |
X |
R10 |
| Lift lobbies above external entry foyer |
Z |
R9 |
| Other separate shops inside shopping centres |
Z |
R9 |
| Other shops with external entrances – entry area |
X |
R10 |
| Shopping centre excluding food servery areas |
Z |
R9 |
| Shopping centre – food court |
X |
R10 |
| Shop and supermarket fresh fruit & vegetable areas |
X |
R10 |
| Supermarket aisles except fresh food areas |
Z |
R9 |
| Swimming pool surrounds & communal shower rooms |
W |
B |
| Swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water |
V |
C |
| Toilet facilities in offices, hotels, shopping centres |
X |
R10 |
| Undercover concourse areas of sports stadium |
X |
R10 |
Cleaning Slip Resistant Flooring Surfaces
Finally, cleaning of a slip resistant floor is also very important and the grease/dirt can build up in between the highs and lows, thereby significantly reducing the grip. Cleaning with a foaming agent in warm water is the best way to remove dirt, grease and grime. Be aware that some cleaning chemicals can also make your floor slippery. Rhino Linings also try to have our flooring contractor’s state in their Warranty that proper cleaning and regular inspection (6 to 12 months) is an essential part of maintaining the Warranty of a floor.
In addition to correct maintenance and cleaning, always keep in mind that when choosing a suitable floor coating for your next project, whether it be epoxy, polyaspartic, polyurea, polyurethane, vinyl or even tile, it is extremely important that you make sure that your choice provides a suitable slip resistant surface throughout the entire lifespan of the coating. Most importantly, ensure you have floor slip resistance tests done to safeguard yourself against possible legal action from slips and trips.
For further information contact Rhino Linings Head Office on 07 5585 7000, email info@rhinolinings.com.au or visit our website at www.rhinolinings.com.au
DISCLAIMER:
Note that this article is Rhino Linings Australasia Pty Ltd interpretation of AS/NZS 4586:2004 – Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials and accepts no liability for the content supplied in this article, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Please refer to the actual standard available at Sai Global prior to making any decision.
Commercial Flooring Options for Kitchens, Bars and Wet Areas
So, you are looking at commercial flooring options for your restaurant kitchen or bar and wet area. Have you thought about the features and benefits you require for this area? Do you want a seamless, impervious flooring system that exhibits slip resistant qualities, is flexible to withstand substrate and wall movement, is easy to clean and highly durable?
If that is the case, and you are looking at epoxy, polyaspartic or polyurethane commercial flooring options, you will find that primarily the most critical aspect of any successful flooring application is the correct preparation of the concrete substrate.
Correct Flooring Preparation is Key!
All food fats and fatty acids MUST be removed from the substrate prior to any application as these floor areas are likely to have oils, grease and cleaning chemicals bedded within the surface layers.
The flooring surface should be prepared first with a diamond concrete grinder. Why you ask? The surface needs to be grinded back to a depth sufficient to remove the contaminated top layers and to expose clean concrete. A high-pressure water cleaner should then be used to clean the surface.
It is important to note that floors exposed to food fats from cooking and food preparation require a three step cleaning process this is to:
- Remove fats from the surface of the floor
- Dissolve calcium deposits which lock in fat
- Neutralise any residual acids and alkalies
Areas that attract heavy staining such as floors under stoves and cook tops will require additional attention.
Doing bar and kitchen floors usually involve high exposure areas that are often visible to the public and in addition are under scrutiny by local health departments. The Rhino Linings® coating system can provide a flooring surface that satisfies a range demands for you, the owner and the health authorities.
In most cases, due to long opening hours in the hospitality industry and with these types of flooring applications, you will only have a limited windows to have the work completed. Being aware of this allows you to successfully work in with your flooring applicator where they can map their preparation and application carefully, over two or three nights if necessary, ensuring a quality job upon completion.
Avoid Disappointment
It is imperative that corners are not cut in an attempt to have your flooring job completed due to unrealistic time constraints. After all, your disappointment that the job will take an extra night will be quickly forgotten when the completed floor more than meets your expectations and that of the health department.
Concrete Coating Surface Preparation
By the amateur the question is always asked, why is concrete coating surface preparation so important prior to the application of a floor coating system?
Whether you are new to flooring, a specifier, architect or potential customer, understanding the importance of a properly prepared concrete floor prior to the application of an impermeable lining is paramount, especially if it saves you money in the long term. Without correct preparation, concrete coatings will fail resulting in bubbling, blistering and delamination of the lining from the concrete substrate.
Sometimes, the correct concrete coating surface preparation is simply overlooked by both experienced and inexperienced flooring contractors; it may even be the case that the customer wants to cut costs, not understanding the reasoning and importance of correct surface preparation.
To ensure the coating properly adheres to the concrete substrate, a flooring applicator must take into account a number of considerations, which will result in a long lasting, durable, versatile concrete floor coating.
The Concrete Slab
The age of the concrete substrate itself can be the first issue especially if newly laid. Concrete is formed by mixing cement, sand, stone and water, as the moisture evaporates the mix cross links leaving hardened concrete in its place. This curing process normally takes around 28 days, issues arise when coatings are applied to slabs that are still curing, leaving laitance on the surface.. The next issue is excessive moisture. 5 % moisture in the slab is the recommended maximum to which an applicator should be going ahead and coating the concrete slab. There are tests that applicators can carry out to ensure the moisture content is at an acceptable level and will not cause problems further down the track. With regard to laitance, this has to be water blasted off the concrete before profiling.
Surface Preparation and Profiling
The third issue is the actual surface preparation. This is often the most important part of any successful coating or resurfacing application. The surface profile must be prepared prior to coating, which allows for strong adhesion and reduces the chance of failure. The NACE International standard “Surface Preparation and Coating of Concrete” defines a surface profile as “the roughened surface that results from abrasive blast cleaning or power tool cleaning. For commercial and industrial indoor jobs, shot blasting is another method to prepare the surface. For residential indoor jobs; scrubbing with detergent, acid washing, neutralizing, rinsing and wet/dry vacuuming is another method of surface preparation when mechanical surface profiling is not easily achieved. After profiling, the surface must be clean from dust, dirt, grease or any loose or foreign material that can interfere with bonding.
The Weather & Concrete Coating Surface Preparation
Failure can also occur when a coating is applied under the wrong ambient conditions. For example, when epoxies either outside or inside are in the curing process they have the ability to draw in moisture caused by high humidity. Note that humidity should be no higher than 80%, if higher you run the risk of the coating failing.
Tip: To gauge if a surface is suitable for coating it is necessary to determine the Dew Point, this can be determined by cross-referencing the Ambient Temperature with the Relative Humidity and only lay coatings when the substrate is a minimum of 30C above dew point.
Other issues for coating failures can include:
- Poor coating thickness
- Pigments and resins are not blended well enough
- Abrasion, impact or mechanical damage
Added to the above Murphy’s Law will often apply, if something is going to go wrong, it will go wrong. Thankfully, if it happens while the coating is being applied you have the ability to correct there and then.
So remember, concrete coating surface preparation is the most important part of any flooring project. Without it, even the best flooring applicator may experience a coating failure. The cost to repair or replace can be expensive, not to mention the down time involved including customer dissatisfaction – nobody wants that no matter what line of business you are in.
Metal Fusion – a Touch of Elegance for Concrete Floors
Concrete Floor Coatings – Add a touch of elegance with Metal Fusion
Metal Fusion is a stylish, metallic floor coating which is designed to bring a seamless showroom, glossy finish to any concrete floor. With a three-dimensional look, ordinary floors come to life with beautiful vibrant colours and depth.
Metal Fusion provides a durable designer finish, making it ideal for use in the home, commercial premises, showrooms, night clubs and so much more.
Being a glossy floor coating Metal Fusion is easy to clean and maintain
With Metal Fusion you have the ability to create an original decorative floor using one colour or mix and match to create that one of a kind, highly unique work of art. With eleven colours to choose from the decorative concrete possibilities are infinite.
The Benefits of Rhino Linings Concrete Resurfacing
When considering the ways to prolong the life of your flooring, there are many options available. At Rhino Linings, we believe in giving you a wide range of choices to ensure you achieve the desired results for your home or business. Our concrete resurfacing solutions deliver superior durability and longevity – allowing you to get the most out of your investment. Resurfacing concrete flooring will enhance the aesthetics while extending the life of the surface. Let us assist with our collection of flooring solutions to give you lasting beauty for your home or business. Our flooring is ideal for applications including garage floors, residential kitchens, retail stores, shopping centres, restaurants, and many others.
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