Concrete has unquestionably been used to construct buildings, interstate bridges, and even ancient Roman structures that are still standing, so it can survive the elements on its own. However, regular use can discolour or harm outdoor concrete surfaces, particularly those that get foot or vehicle traffic. The freeze-thaw process can deepen fissures and produce regions of spalling in places that often endure cold, rainy winters.
You have a few alternatives for protective coatings if your facility has an exterior surface of the concrete that you want to keep looking good and pedestrian-safe. The most to least protective options are shown below, followed by an overview of some of the more popular choices by concretecoloursystems.com.au.
At its most basic, a simple concrete sealer is made to keep out dampness and guard against mild wear and stains. This kind of product, which is relatively simple to locate and is frequently utilised in the home market for attractive patios or driveways, is available. A sealer will typically not be able to withstand the requirements of a commercial or industrial facility, however, for a surface that receives little activity, it is still better than no safety at all.In comparison to a simple sealer, epoxy floor coatings are significantly more robust, water-resistant, and protective of surfaces against impacts and abrasions. To provide an anti-slip surface that is suited for damp situations, an aggregate like quartz can be disseminated over the coating while it sets. Sadly, exposure to ultraviolet radiation can harm epoxy coatings, turning them yellow or making them look “chalky.” Epoxy is generally not advised for usage in particularly bright places, but Ultraviolet coatings can indeed be added to the solution to alleviate this.
Consider a customised urethane coating if you’re seeking the next protection level. Urethane is resilient, water-resistant, and can endure stains from oils and chemicals that have been spilt (such as from delivery trucks). The employees at CPC were able to provide an anti-slip texture and cover a loading dock and confinement area for a client using a water-based urethane. In most cases, this specific urethane mixture cannot be purchased off the shelf; however, a floor coating specialist can create it for you based on your requirements. Your best option might be a specialised waterproof deck coating, like those created for sports stadiums, for an exterior surface that must endure the elements as well as foot traffic. These are frequently strengthened with anti-slip components to keep pedestrians secure even in bad weather. Contacting a concrete flooring specialist who can direct you is recommended because these designed coverings can occasionally be proprietary in nature.
You might think about spending money on an elastomeric traffic coating for outdoor surfaces that experience a lot of harm from vehicle traffic. One of the greatest degrees of exterior concrete protection is provided by this kind of coating. The coating creates a sort of barrier over the concrete’s surface, protecting it from harm from impacts, water vapour, ice, and other caustic substances like salt and chlorides. They can be used to repair older concrete surfaces that have significant cracking and deterioration, but depending on the level of damage, particular care may need to be taken.
Get a flooring expert to assess the condition of your surface and provide customised recommendations before investing time and money in implementing an outdoor concrete coating. The specialist can identify a less expensive solution that exactly meets your needs, or he or she might unearth a secret element that could undermine the coating of your choice.
