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Decorative concrete has become a very popular new flooring choice in both residential and commercial construction projects. They are easy to maintain, great for regions with a lot of sand or snow, and are a good alternative to rugs if the homeowner is allergic. Decorative concrete flooring is often installed in a new home early in construction, which can result in damage from paint splatter, dirt from work boats, impacts from falling materials, and circular traffic. How do you help protect these freshly polished floors from construction traffic and accidents caused by dropped tools and building materials?
There are several different types of surface protection that protect newly-laid decorative concrete floors from damage. Many contractors use masonite, plastic sheets and smooth films to protect concrete floors. . These items provide limited protection and have severe limitations. Products like plywood can scratch a floor and are usually heavy and difficult to store after use. Masonite is bulky and cannot be easily moved around the workplace. Sometimes the 4 x 8 foot Masonite sheets separate and allow circular movement directly across the new floor. In addition, Masonite is not absorbent, so the fluids run off the sides and enter the spaces between the sheets, damaging the decorative concrete. Plastic sheets have their own set of challenges. While it is easier to navigate around the workplace and cheaper than other floor protection options, it can be very slippery on a polished concrete floor and can lead to injury to workers if someone falls or trips. Plastic foil moves easily, which means that without sticking it can slide on the floor. Finally, the plastic sheet does not provide impact protection from dropped heavy objects. Another option contractors use to protect decorative concrete floors that don’t perform well is temporary carpets. The linings have a rubber backing that prevents concrete from breathing. While it offers good impact protection, it is heavy and cumbersome to move and does not soak up any spills at all. It is also a very expensive type of protection.
Many builders have tried each of these decorative concrete protection methods, but nothing works perfectly. An ideal product would be breathable, allowing the concrete to cure, absorb spilled liquids, prevent differential drying and provide impact protection. If possible, the product would be reusable and recyclable to reduce waste. Fortunately, there are several surface protection products on the market that meet all of these requirements.
Ram Board ™ is a durable floor protection product made of a thick material similar to cardboard. One Ram Board ™ roll is the same thickness as ten Masonite sheets, and because it is supplied in rolls, it is much easier to transport, handle and store. When unrolled, it lays down quickly and flat and allows moisture to escape to harden the floors. Ram Board ™ is waterproof and prevents oil and other materials from penetrating and staining concrete floors. Breathable Ram Board Vapor Cure ™ can be used to stick Ram Board sheets together and does not create a hardening line.
SurfacePro ™ is a thick, breathable floor protection product that has an anti-slip backing. It comes in large rolls and is easily cut to size. SurfacePro ™ is reusable and provides 40 mils of protection for decorative concrete floors. The breathable product prevents the formation of hardening lines in the newly laid concrete and does not invalidate the floor manufacturer’s warranty. Unlike paper Ramboard, Surface Pro is reusable and lasts longer.
SurfaceLiner Vapor ™ is a new product that is similar to SurfacePro ™ but also has a slightly sticky back that works almost like an adhesive. Gently grips floors without leaving any traces. SurfaceLiner Vapor ™ is breathable and vapor-permeable on new concrete floors. It is also waterproof and tear-resistant. SurfaceLiner Vapor ™ has padded protection that is very effective against impact damage.
The EZcover by McTech Group is a natural cellulose fiber composite that absorbs spills immediately without degrading. It has a dense top layer and a soft cushion on the bottom, and is designed to take impacts. The EZcover is breathable, relatively easy to trim / shape around objects, and comes in large rolls for easy placement over large areas. If stored in decent condition, the EZcover is reusable. It is resistant to construction and road traffic and the edges can be taped if needed.
While contractors can use basic products such as plastic sheets, masonite and carpets to protect decorative concrete floors, specialized floor protection products are the most effective types of protection. Products such as Ram Board ™, Surface Pro ™, SurfaceLiner Vapor ™ and EZcover are specially designed to provide the best protection at a competitive price. Remember; protection is an investment and prevents the high replacement or repair costs that can happen if expensive flooring is left unprotected. Contact your local surface protection supplier for more information on how to best protect your valuable concrete floors.
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Source by Patricia Mullen