Decorative Treatments for Concrete Floors: A ... - PaintSquare

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33A Level 4, Very High Gloss Sheenshowing that as the level of sheen increases,it becomes more reflective.Notice the sharpness and detail ofthe reflection of the dentist chair.Photo courtesy of CPAA.if it had the ridges and valleys.At some step in the process, (again,part of the “art” of polishing concrete;application is not always at the pointshown in Fig. 1 the concrete is hardenedwith a topically applied densifier, whichincreases the durability of the surface.Densifiers introduce additional silicate,carried by sodium, potassium, orlithium, that chemically reacts with theexcess calcium hydroxide (also knownas free lime, which is a byproduct ofcuring) and silica, and forms calciumsilicate hydroxide, which increases thebond between the cement and the aggregatesand fills the capillaries of the concreteand improves its hardness andimpermeability.While not always necessary, an impregnating micro-filming product (low-molecularweight,emulsified crosslinking polymer) can be applied at the conclusion of the processto protect the surface finish from staining, deterioration, and penetrating contaminates.Also, the filming product can provide scuff and scratch resistance and can minimize ultraviolet-lightdegradation of dyed surfaces.The sustainability issueTypical use levels for the epoxy silanes range from 0.5% to 3% by weight of epoxyresin dispersion. Higher use levels can cause orange peel in the coating, particularly inlow-VOC primers. For smoother, glossier films with maximum film performance, thesilane should be incorporated into the epoxy component during pigment grind.* Floor-covering products and installation materials are manufactured in other locationsand transported to the project. A smaller volume ofproducts (abrasives, densifiers, and chemicals) are producedand transported to the project for polished-concreteprocessing; consequently, a smaller amount of energy isconsumed and less pollution is created.* When a floor covering reaches the end of its service life,the old covering has to be removed and disposed of in landfillsor recycled, the concrete is prepared for a new covering,and a new covering is installed. Diamond-polishedconcrete is not removed or replaced, it is only polishedagain; additional grinding, honing, and densifying is notnecessary.• Reflectivity of ambient lighting is greater with diamondpolishedconccrete than with floor coverings, which couldtranslate into lower electrical-power consumption. Also, asalready pointed out, processed concrete requires less maintenanceattention and cost than floor coverings.A Class D – Large Aggregate Finish illustrating the uniformdistribution of varying sized aggregates.Image courtesy of CPAA
34Uncertainties persist about design and the process of polishing concreteAs is typically true of every new product, material, or technique, a widespread lack ofunderstanding persists about how a diamond-polished concrete floor is accomplished.Among the uninitiated, there are those who believe the process only involves a topicallyapplied finish. Many architects, designers, specifiers, general contractors, and specialtyflooring contractors do not understand the process and what is necessary to appropriatelyselect and specify diamond-polished concrete. CPAA is a new trade association thatis dedicated to improving the understanding of diamond-polished concrete, advancingthe concrete processing industry, assisting with the establishment of standards, and providingguide specifications. More about the association and its mission can be learned onthe association website, www.concretepolishingassociation.com.About the authorWalter R. Scarborough, CSI, SCIP, AIA, is Dallas regional manager, HALL Building InformationGroup LLC based in Charlotte, N.C., and provides specifications consulting,manufacturing consulting, peer reviews, and legal assistance. He is a registered architectand specifier with more than 30 years of technical experience with many buildingtypes, including sports, healthcare, governmental, hospitality, entertainment, detention,banks, and commercial. Scarborough was formerly director of specifications for10 years with one of the largest architectural firms in the world, and was with thefirm for more than 22 years.Scarborough is the revision author for the new CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide,co-author of the college textbook Building Construction, Principles, Materials andSystems, has written articles for a number of periodicals, has taught college coursesabout contracts and specifications, and has given numerous presentations at local,state, regional, and national conferences. He is active in the Construction SpecificationsInstitute at the national and chapter levels, and is a past president of the DallasCSI chapter president and is a current member of the CSI Education Committee. Healso is architectural representative to the board of the Concrete Polishing Associationof America (CPAA). He has CDT, CCS, and CCCA certifications from CSI, and receivedCSI’s J. Norman Hunter Memorial Award in 2008. He also is an ARCOM MasterSpecArchitectural Review Committee member.D+D
Page 1 and 2: Decorative Treatmentsfor Concrete F
Page 3: SPONSORED BY2ContentsColoring of Co
Page 6 and 7: 5materials should be selected with
Page 8 and 9: 7Table: Minimum Requirements of Cem
Page 10 and 11: 9light. For all these reasons, they
Page 12 and 13: 11orations are possible. Including
Page 14 and 15: 13Lumber, steel, plumbing, masonry,
Page 16 and 17: 15this residue must be neutralized
Page 18 and 19: ConcretePolishing17Getting Up to Sp
Page 20 and 21: 19Polishing revs up the performance
Page 22 and 23: 21as this will thin the densifier m
Page 24 and 25: 23Polished Concrete: Gaining Tracti
Page 26 and 27: 25The central feature of the buildi
Page 28 and 29: 27MR (Materials & Resources)Credits
Page 30 and 31: 29EQ Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Mater
Page 32 and 33: 31An example of a Sheen Level 4—V
Page 36 and 37: 35Sustainability Mandate DrivesMajo
Page 38 and 39: 37Odor and safetyReduced odor was a
Page 40: 39Coatings made with polyaspartic e

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