At your commercial facility you might have traditional concrete floor surfaces. Maybe it’s a warehouse or other warehouse style facility and you haven’t given much thought to the condition of those floor surfaces in a while.
Believe it or not, concrete floors can be damaged. Even though they are one of the hardest substances you’re going to find in most commercial and industrial facilities, they are subject to damage, wear-and-tear, and can become cracked and pitted over time.
Just the natural process of tires, footsteps, boxes and lumber and other items getting dropped, dragged across, or rolling through the facility, those concrete floor surfaces take quite a beating. At first, they will seem impervious, but as oils, other fluids, and other materials come in contact with that concrete surface, those cracks and pits will become more pronounced.
There are also a number of other reasons why concrete floor surfaces can become damaged more quickly than you might realize. Cracks and chips can occur if the sub base was not compacted properly. If the floor surface is not heated properly during the winter, the dirt underneath can freeze and that can cause concrete to expand and lift, ultimately beginning to crack. If expansion joints are not cut into the concrete surface when it’s poured, that can also cause damage.
The best way to repair a concrete floor surface is by using an epoxy. Consider taking the following steps to help protect that commercial concrete floor surface, subsequently protecting employees and others who use the facility.
1. Remove any loose cement or other debris from the crack and the surrounding area. You can use a high-powered vacuum to do this properly.
2. Rinse the crack with clean water. You’ll want to make sure any leftover dust is eliminated. Allow that crack to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
3. Mix an epoxy resin according to the instructions. If you feel more thickener is needed, add more.
4. Fill in the crack completely using a clean putty knife.
5. Allow the area plenty of time to cure properly. This should generally take about one full day. When you repair the concrete floor surface, you will be extending its longevity and also protecting your facility and your business against liability.