Basic Chemical resistance of repair materials:
Material | Chemicals Resistant to | Temperature | Traffic and Abrasion | Resistant to Ultraviolet Light |
Epoxy Grout | General, mild acids and caustics | 150 F | yes | No |
Novolac Polymer Concrete | Sulfuric acid | 180 F | yes | No |
Vinyl Ester Polymer Concrete | Harsh caustics | 250 F | yes | No |
Urethane Cements | General, mild acids and caustics | 250 F | yes | yes |
Call and talk to an expert when you’re planning your next coating
Your concrete isn’t just exposed to general wear and tear like a plant floor or warehouse. Your concrete takes a beating from steam, traffic, metal totes and the chemicals you’re processing. You need repair materials that can take it.
Here a few things to consider when planning your next repair project.
What is the predominant chemical or mix of chemicals that this area will have to stand up to? Your material will have to withstand exposure to these chemicals for a specified time.
Is this area a secondary containment, loading area, storage, processing floor or something else? This will add the effects of temperature, traffic and abrasion to your list of things to consider.
If your area is outside,
We all know that the key to the long term success of your joint sealant is it’s ability to stay bonded to the concrete sidewalls of the joint. But how do you make sure you have the best chance at superior bond in an existing joint. In one word, Prep. Preparation of the joint walls is critical and poor prep is a sure path to failure of the sealant.
Prep of your joints has to be done. And, the easier you make it, the better chance you have at success. There are many unique and high speed saws that are the latest and greatest for this job. But, you don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Chances are, you already have what you’ll need to clean and prep your joints. If you have a grinder, diamond blade, shroud and a vacuum, you have what you need.
Check out our checklist for joints and floors for a list
Material | Joint Type | Consistency | Chemical resistance | Tools needed |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sika ICSL | Self-leveling | For light traffic, no chemicals | Caulk Gun | |
Sika IA | Non-sag | For light traffic, no chemicals | Caulk Gun | |
Pecora 322FC | Expansion or control joints | Self-leveling | Fuels | AT 1200S Air powered applicator |
Pecora GC-2 | Expansion and joints at least ¼” wide | Non-sag | Various chemicals and immersion in water | Bulk Caulking gun, paddle mixer and drill |
Pecora NR-201 |
Sealing joints in your concrete structures is key to prolonging the life of a concrete structures. Joints in slabs are critical for relieving stress to prevent cracking but they are also the weak point when it comes to traffic. Joints in containment structures are the main route liquids take to get to the ground. Not sealing these joints could lead to reportable leaks or even undermining of the structure if not addressed immediately.
Given that these joints are outside, there are a few things you need to know before you choose a sealant so you can be sure it will last.
They are very different when it comes to the range of movement they will see especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Control joints relieve stress in
Long Term Immersion (LTI): the coating will be immersed in the solution for extended periods of time.
Short Term Immersion (STI): the coating will be immersed for up to 72 hours.
Splash Zone (SZ): the coating will be exposed to the solution for only short periods of time before cleaning.
Rating:
R = Recommended for use.
N = Not recommended for use.
Application | LTI | STI | SZ |
---|---|---|---|
Xylene | N | R | R |
Toluene | N | R | R |
1,1,1-Trichloroethane | N | R | R |
Gasohol |
With the wide range of chemicals and compounds used in Chemical Production these days, there’s no way to use one product. You need to consider a few things before you decide what you’ll use.
Some coatings are designed for acid service while others are specifically for caustic. There are even choices for single common chemicals like sulfuric acid. This can be tough when a single containment is common to multiple processes.
This is critical. You’ll have to make your system resistant to this if you expect it to last.
You need to make sure the coating can take it or
Re-coating a secondary containment area seems to be pretty easy. I mean, it’s just paint right? Well, it may brush or roll on like paint, but chemical resistant coatings are much more. Before you jump into self-performing a coating like this, you need to consider that you might need a contractor. Here’s some things to think about.
If this going to be a simple re-application of primer and topcoat you should consider doing it yourself. Of course, there will be some prep required. But it should be easily done with the tools you have with some direction.
If the system is new and will require reinforcement at joints and transitions, you might want to get a professional to look at it.
You could probably self-perform if a grout type system is to be used if you have