Busy cities see a lot of traffic. Workers slog through rush hour traffic once in the morning, and then again in the evening. During the time in between, those cars need to be parked somewhere, and in urban environments that means a parking garage. In order to keep those cars, and their drivers, safe, those floors need to be in great condition.
Drivers might expect to see potholes during that commute, but they should never see potholes in a parking structure. Those parking structures are not constructed of your run-of-the-mill concrete, but utilize a special traffic coating to help protect those roads and floors.
The basic idea behind using a traffic coating is to protect the underlying structure from water, which can either quickly or consistently cause corrosion or other types of serious damage. These special coatings need to resist attacks from chemicals like gas or oil that might leak from vehicles.
There are many types of traffic coatings, each with their positives and negatives. Figuring out which one works best in which environment isn’t an exact science, but they still can differ enough from one another.
Polyurethane systems are extremely waterproof and are great at bridging cracks, making them great for projects that need water resistance. However, they can be expensive and difficult to install.
Epoxy broadcast systems have been around for decades because they are more affordable and easier to install. They are known for their great aesthetic and protection against slipping. Epoxy is not waterproof though, and corrosion and cracks may occur.
A hybrid of the two, polyurethane and epoxy, has emerged to be used in high wear areas that see a lot of traffic, such as ramps, exits, entrances, and turning areas. They will not provide great movement capabilities, but are very durable.
Poly-methyl methacrylates, or PMMAs, give the benefit of quick installation. They are very durable and will not shut down your space for long, which is crucial for a project that needs a quick turnaround. They can be expensive, and can crack more easily than others.
Latex/vinyl copolymer systems are economical, allowing for easy application and high permeability. Again, they are not known for its waterproofing capabilities and it is naturally rigid, but has an appearance closest to concrete.
Last, sealers are affordable and also easy to apply, and will not change the appearance of concrete at all. The downside is that it does not last too long, and frequent reapplication is required for the best protection.
Today’s traffic topping technology is widely used to protect the reinforced steel and concrete of a structure. The biggest goal of the coatings is waterproofing, with the goal to stop water from permeating the concrete. By cutting back on the flow of water, then you can cut back on corrosion.
Where there is occupied space, such as below a parking deck or pedestrian plaza, D.C. Byers Company/Grand Rapids is qualified to recommend and install many types of waterproofing membranes to protect the spaces below.
To get a quote on your concrete restoration needs, call DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids today at (616) 538-7300. Our experience and expertise allow us to assess the damage correctly and plan how to perform the repairs to allow you to use your space properly.
For concrete restoration and repair, DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids looks at all the factors contributing to the deterioration of the concrete. By understanding the underlying problems, we can start working on the most satisfying and cost-effective solutions.