Low voltage leak detection is NOW available at National
Often referred to as the “dry test”. This method of flat roof electronic leak detection is ideal for use on any flat or low pitched roof to identify defects in exposed membrane systems allowing for a quicker testing schedule identifying defects such as pinholes and punctures. The Holiday test can also be used for retaining wall waterproofing membranes.
**This test can only be performed in dry conditions**
Method
The detector delivers, via a phosphor-bronze brush, a stabilised D.C. output voltage across the non-conductive waterproofing membrane under test. Detection of defects is by an audible tone and a visual spark from the search electrode (brush)
(Corrosionpedia explains Holiday Testing)
Holiday testing is a non-destructive test carried out on a coating, such as rubberized waterproofing coating on concrete, where holes through the coating are detected by the formation of an electrical circuit in areas where there is insufficient coating to resist the electrical charge. If an electrical flow is detected, then the test area is termed as conductive, indicating the presence of discontinuities such as pinholes and voids. This test is commonly used in the offshore industries where piping and structures are coated with non-conductive coatings.
A holiday detector is an electrical device used to determine the location of a gap or void in the anticorrosion coating of a metal surface. There are various techniques and equipment available for holiday detection. It can be performed by applying low voltage or high voltage across the chosen path. Coatings applied to concrete substrates can also be tested for discontinuities using either low-voltage or high-voltage holiday detectors, depending on the coating thickness.
Low-voltage holiday testing is used when the coating system is less than 500 microns (20 mils) thick. High-voltage holiday testing is used when the coating system is thicker. High-voltage holiday testing requires special care not to damage the coating or cause injury to the operator.
Any space where vehicles are parked is generally subject to a lot of wear and tear, but that is especially true for commercial or residential car parks in Melbourne, which have to stand up to the rigours of heavy traffic, footfall and the elements. Ideally, the flooring material for any car park should be tough enough to last, without the need for continual repairs and maintenance that might cause unwanted inconveniences. Choosing the right flooring material for your Melbourne workshop, car park or similar commercial space might seem like a daunting prospect, but the following factors should help you in your considerations, and ensure that you make the right flooring choice.
Heavy-duty high performance materials Think about the weight of all the vehicles that will be driven to and fro, and that will stand on the floor of your car park. You’ll need flooring that will stand the test of time and not be easily subject to cracks, fissures or dents. If it is a commercial space where vehicles aren’t just parked, but also required for work processes, then chances are the workmen will be using a number of tools and garage equipment as well, in addition to heavy loads that they might have to wheel or pull.
For such purposes, a substrate with heavy or large aggregates embedded could scratch or damage your equipment, and asphalt is simply not tough enough to stand up to routine wear and tear, as it can be worn away by tyre tracking. On the other hand, epoxy resin, when bonded with a concrete substrate, makes the concrete, which is already one of the most durable and hardwearing flooring materials available, several times stronger.
Health and safety factors When thinking about commercial flooring or car park surfaces, slip resistance is crucial. Particularly for spaces where vehicles are rampant, spillages such as grease, chemicals and oil are often unavoidable, and these can be hazardous to workers, other drivers and pedestrians. Commercial car parks, factories, warehouses and other workplaces have stringent health and safety regulations attached to them, and epoxy flooring is widely agreed to be one of the safest materials for these uses. That’s because it provides a seamless finish, ensuring that there are no cracks or crevices that shoes or wheels might catch on, thus minimising trips, falls and other mishaps.
Cleaning and maintenance Having a floor that is easy to keep clean is a necessity for any Melbourne car park or commercial space. If you use pavers, weeds or dirt could lodge in between the bricks, allowing moss to grow. Asphalt could develop miniscule cracks in it over time which aren’t visible to the human eye until it is too late to fix and water is seeping through to the substrate level, causing problems and costing you money. Constant sweeping and pressure washing could also quickly become a chore, so why not go for a wipe clean surface that is also waterproof? Epoxy flooring is fully waterproof and keeps its good looks for many years to come. This, in addition to all the other benefits outlined above, are some of the key reasons why more people are choosing epoxy flooring for their Melbourne workshop, car park or commercial space. You should too.
NWIF recommends epoxy flooring for:
Automotive workshops
Warehouses
Wine cellars
Commercial kitchens
Factories
Underground and multi-level car parks
Retail outlets
Shopping centres
Sporting and leisure facilities
Restaurants
Bars and clubs
NWIF are the commercial flooring melbourne specialists. For any work on commercial or industrial flooring, just contact us on 03 9555 0655.
The reason why epoxy flooring is used extensively in industrial and commercial flooring in Melbourne as a high performance coating is due to the properties of the epoxy resin. Epoxy resins are products that are known for their:
Outstanding resistance to chemicals
Surface and sub-surface bonding
Mechanical properties
At NWIF, we have been commercial flooring melbourne experts that have dealt with epoxy for flooring for over a decade and can attest to its high-performing nature.
Epoxy resin systems are comprised of an epoxy resin and a hardening agent that is also known as a catalyst or curing agent. Single molecules of the epoxy resin chemical (monomers) and the catalyst join together to form long sequences of molecules called polymers, which are stronger than the monomers. As this combination cures, it becomes a hard polymer and, depending on what solvents, catalysts and fillers are added, it takes on hardwearing, heat/chemical resistant and abrasion resistant properties.
Epoxy resin that is used with concrete substrates for flooring comes in three types of formulas: water based, solvent based and 100% solids. This latter formula of 100% solids is generally the most popular one used in commercial and industrial flooring, as the lack of liquid or solvent fillers means a relatively odour free installation. The curing process is caused exclusively by the chemical reaction between the base and the epoxy resin.
Strength and durability Although concrete is a very strong and durable material, epoxy flooring can be up to seven times stronger. This means that the lifespan of the floor is extended, and because of its resistance to chips and abrasions, it is a very high performance product that requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Chemical and acid resistant If the floor is going to be subject to spillage from chemicals, particularly acidic solutions, epoxy flooring should be the coating of choice. Thanks to its outstanding and long lasting resistance to chemicals, with general house keeping it will not stain or discolour so it will keep on looking as good as it did on the day it was installed.
Waterproof and seamless Unlike concrete, which has minute holes or pores on the surface, epoxy flooring is non-porous. Water and other liquids cannot penetrate its surface so it is not susceptible to contaminants such as bacteria, for example. As it cannot harbour germs and it can be easily cleaned, it makes an ideal surface for environments that require sterile flooring. Hospitals, laboratories and food preparation areas will all benefit from epoxy flooring, and as it can be installed without seams, rising up to above skirting board level, it meets the Australian regulations for health and hygiene. The substrate below the epoxy is maintained as well, because water or other liquids cannot get through, so the flooring will stand the test of time.
Design and customisation Finally, epoxy flooring comes in literally hundreds of colours, shades and intensities of shine and gloss, which means that whatever the design specifications, there will be an epoxy resin to suit. Epoxy flooring keeps its good looks, even with foot and vehicular traffic, making it the floor of choice for public spaces, as well as office blocks and residential properties. Depending on the operational needs of your premises, epoxy flooring can be customised to suit your needs – not just the colour but also the strength, texture, depth and resistance to chemicals.
With all these enduring characteristics, it is no wonder that epoxy flooring continues to be a high performance coating, one that is the preferred choice for industrial and commercial spaces in Melbourne.
At NWIF, we are the commercial flooring melbourne specialists that have dealt with the importance of safety for commercial and industrial flooring for over a decade.
When you stop to consider the amount of pedestrian traffic and footfall in and around public spaces such as schools, shopping areas, swimming pools, public bars and restaurants, then the requirement for non-slip epoxy flooring is very clear. Epoxy flooring is not only durable, anti-slip and hard wearing but also comes in a range of colours and shades to suit any commercial customers’ requirements. It is resistant to gouges or scratches which makes it an ideal choice in an area where there is constant wear and tear from boots, shoes, prams and wheels. So what do businesses and public sector bodies look for when it comes to installing flooring in their Melbourne premises that are used by both their staff but also the general public?
The safety aspect
There are several main requirements but the priority has to be Occupational Health and Safety and this starts with looking at reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls. External pathways and car parks, changing rooms at public swimming pools and schools, restaurants and bars, stores and shopping malls will, on a daily basis, have a range of water, fats, oils and chemicals trodden or dropped onto the surface of the floor. Stairs and ramps can also become wet and slippery and are even more of a risk to the general public. If the flooring is porous or cannot stand up to the rigours of daily life, then it will soon start to crack, causing even more of a hazard to the people walking over it.
Epoxy flooring offers a smooth seamless surface, easy to clean and maintain that makes it ideal for areas that get a lot of public use. It will save money for clients in the long run because it reduces the likelihood of trip and fall accidents which means less likelihood of litigation and expensive law suits against the business. It will offer peace of mind especially in high risk areas such as sports centres or in schools where there are large numbers of young children, so play areas and school sports facilities and canteens will also benefit from non-slip flooring.
Hygiene and cleanliness
Commercial flooring also meets a lot of the safety regulations required by different sector industry bodies particularly in the food and drink industry. Epoxy flooring provides an attractive, seamless floor coating that is chemical resistant, impervious and easy to clean. Again, having a non-slip and durable floor not only reduces the risk of accidents but with epoxy floors, they stand up to cleaning with hot water up to 60deg C and a wide range of chemical agents. The floors can be coved up at the floor / wall junctions so that mould or dirt cannot collect in the corners causing an unhygienic surface and breeding ground for bacteria.
Hard wearing and long lasting
Epoxy resin is applied directly over a concrete substrate and due to its superior adhesion qualities, bonds with the base substrate forming an extremely hard wearing and resilient surface.
Abrasion Resistant – Excellent
Weather Resistant – Very Good (But will chalk on exterior exposure)
Chemical Resistant – Very good to a wide range of Chemicals, Oils, Fats & Solvents
Due to the durability of this industrial flooring (Epoxy), it is ideal for industrial locations where hard wearing, hygienic, dust free environments are important
Finally, the non-slip flooring should look good from a design point of view, and today’s range of industrial and commercial flooring certainly fits that bill.
Before discussing the methods of moisture testing and its importance to ensuring successful commercial and industrial flooring, including epoxy flooring, it is important to understand a little about the process of concrete manufacture. Concrete is made by mixing a combination of water, cement and sedimentary materials in appropriate quantities so that a precise consistency is achieved. The water in the mixture is prevented from evaporating out of this mixture until the initial curing phase is over and the concrete is at setting point.
It is at this point that you require any excess water droplets or moisture to evaporate out of the mixture so that the concrete can begin to harden and dry. Depending on the surrounding temperature and humidity, this process can take a matter of days or weeks. The general rule is 28 days to full cure. If moisture is retained in the mix and sealant applied prior to this general rule (28 day full cure) then the water droplets are trapped and after a period of time due to hydrostatic pressure, will begin to force any liquid upwards and bubbles will begin to appear in the flooring material. Over time cracking can occur, with mould and mildew getting in between and the flooring will no longer be waterproof for example, or safe to walk or drive on, which is a waste of your time and money.
Carrying out a moisture test, particularly if installing an epoxy floor finish, is always recommended by National Waterproofing & Industrial Flooring and any other professional contractor. Epoxy floors can be buckled or lifted off the concrete base if there is excess moisture that rises to the surface destabilizing the concrete. Any surplus water droplets that are alkaline in content can also eat away at epoxy coatings which cause it to split and bubble up. Fortunately, moisture testing is a routine process for professional waterproof and commercial flooring companies based in and around the Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, Croydon, Sunshine and Preston areas. They may use one of four methods which are:
Non-destructive surface moisture meter
Moisture and alkalinity test kit method
Plastic sheet method
In situ probes method
Non-Destructive Moisture Test
A non-destructive moisture meter is a hand-held electronic moisture meter operating on the principle of impedance measurement. Parallel co-planer electrodes are mounted on the base of the unit which, during operation, transmit low-frequency signals into the concrete floor screed to a depth of approx. 12.5mm (.5 inch). While concrete under normal conditions can never be completely dry, the instrument has been calibrated on acceptably dry material. In operation it compares the change in impedance caused by the presence of dampness and displays this on a clear, easy to read analogue dial. This type of moisture meter will give you an instant reading of moisture content from 0% to over 6%.
Moisture and alkalinity test kits
The flooring is prepared by being swept clean and vacuumed dry using a commercial or industrial vacuum cleaner. Then the surrounding air temperature and humidity are checked, because moisture tests are most accurate during relative humidity levels not more than 60% and during an air temperature between 18-30°C (65-85°F). The test kits can be bought from a number of manufacturers but they basically contain the same equipment and it is recommended using a ratio of 1 kit to 333 square feet (sq. ft.) of flooring. The kit is placed on the floor and a weighed amount of anhydrous calcium chloride is placed on the dish that is supplied with the kit, and a plastic dome, which is used to cover the dish and chloride. The precise weight of the chemical compound is noted at the start of the test period and depending on the size of flooring, there may be one, two, three or more kits set out at the same time.
Then not before 60 hours are up and no more than 72 hours, the kits are removed and the calcium chloride weighed using precision scales. Any excessive moisture will have been absorbed by the chemical, making it heavier and it is possible to work out the level of safe vapour transmission levels. If you have a flooring of 1000 sq. ft. then you will have 3 kits in operation, and for new concrete the safe level of moisture or vapour transmission cannot be more than 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. So if each of your 3 kits picked up less than one pound each, the moisture level is acceptable but any more and the sealing process should not take place. A lot of new concrete floors will test around 10 to 15 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. and further curing time is needed until the moisture level is safe enough to pour on an ePoxy waterproof covering for example.
Plastic sheet method
Alternate moisture tests involve taping a plastic sheet to the surface of the flooring very securely around the edges ensuring a tight seal. This is left for 72 hours and a dew point hygrometer used which records how much evaporation took place by testing the moisture content of the air under the sheet.
In situ probes
For this test, holes are drilled into the concrete and an electronic meter inserted in or embedded before the concrete has dried out. Over the following 72 hours the relative humidity of the concrete is tested and the software in the meter can work out the amount of moisture present in the core of the concrete slab.
Whichever method is used, moisture testing is an important part of ensuring you get the professional commercial, industrial, waterproof or Epoxy flooring that will stand the test of time and continue to work hard on your behalf, day after day.
At NWIF, we are the industrial flooring melbourne specialists. For any work on commercial or industrial flooring, just contact us on 03 9555 0655.
North Melbourne train station: Deflecta Antimicrobial and Deflecta Surface Binder applied.
At NWIF, we are the commercial flooring melbourne specialists that have dealt with Deflecta for many years and across many projects. Concrete has been around for many years and is used to build homes, offices, walkways, car parks, schools and much more in Melbourne. It is a durable and resilient material but it is porous and if not treated can let in water which then sits in minute pockets of air and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In certain high risk environments such as hospitals, food preparation facilities, research laboratories and the like, this can be a problem particularly if the industrial or commercial flooring has not been treated in such a way as to prevent this happening. Deflecta is a registered Australian formulation which, when applied to concrete, provides an effective barrier to moisture, kills off bacteria and can extend the working life of the concrete surface.
Deflecta is available in a range of products including Stabilizer Antimicrobial, Stabilizer and Surface Binder.
Docklands carpark, Melbourne: Deflecta Antimicrobial and Deflecta Surface Binder applied.
Stabilizer Antimicrobial This is a bacterial controlled liquid cure and when it is applied to concrete flooring or walls, the liquid penetrates deep into the concrete to a depth of 150mm or more and the biocide contained in the formula then kills and prevents further bacteria from multiplying. This will offer up a concrete matrix that works for 5 years killing off further bacterial activity. It also turns from a complete liquid solution and forms an insoluble solid in the form of a silicate hydrogel. This biocide is applied to the surface of the concrete in one effective spray application and activates almost instantly.
Stabilizer This clear water borne seal moisture membrane and liquid cure acts as an effective moisture barrier and sealant due to the nature of the catalytic agent it contains. Once applied to concrete it is attracted to free alkaline hydrates and turns any moisture into solid matter. The surface of the concrete is hardened and then becomes resistant to oils, fats, gases and solvents, and depending on the number of applications, this resistance is increased. Normally treated to a depth of around 150mm depending on the nature of the building, then the construction team or flooring specialist will advise on the correct number of applications and depth of treatment.
Surface Binder This is a stain resistant, anti-slip and ultra-violet stable gloss finish for concrete flooring that can be used both for outdoor and indoor applications. It is applied once the stabilizer has been used and produces not only a safe surface to walk on but gives a great gloss finish to a stabilised floor. Where there is going to be specific slip and fall risks, such as freezer areas in commercial property, this flooring solution is ideal. It needs to have a minimum of 3 coatings to ensure the concrete turns from opaque to a gloss finish so usually up to 5 coats will achieve the desired effect. The beauty of this formulation is that whilst the application is being applied, normal work can continue as the area of application can be roped off and this surface binder dries really quickly. National Waterproofing & Industrial flooring (NWIF) would expect to apply around 4 coats within one day for example, and heavy duty equipment can be used on the area the following day.
Benefits of Deflecta within the construction industry
Deflecta hardens the surface of the concrete which extends its use, reducing wear and tear and the length of time between re-laying the flooring. This inevitably cuts down on construction time in repairs saving money and also not interrupting the work flow of the business. The stabilizer antimicrobial delivers protection against E.Coli, Listeria and Golden Staph, offering up easier cleaning and measureable occupational health and safety benefits. For employees and customers, this will cut down on the risk of cross contamination and infection in high risk areas, providing a safer area to work within. For outside contractors who have to come into these premises, it also protects them as well against serious illness and time off work.
The stabiliser and surface binder increase traction and will add bonding and density, cleaning is a lot easier and the concrete does not become weathered or stained. Thermal resistance is also improved and there is protection against corrosion. Water cannot penetrate the surface so the base layer under the concrete flooring is also protected, so any electrical cables or pipes are not in danger of cracking which can be expensive to put right. Deflecta is quick and easy to apply, non-toxic and dries very quickly so does not slow up the day to day running of a business.
Application of Deflecta Antimicrobial
1. Pre wetting concrete due to high temperature on the day.2. Application with a boom sprayer due to large area.3. Concrete surface after first application.4. Dispersing of pooling with a broom.
For more information, please call National Waterproofing & Industrial Flooring P/L (NWIF) phone 03 9555 0655. At NWIF, we are the recommend installers of Deflecta Antimicrobial / Bacterial treatment. Contact our team of professionals who will be able to consult as to the best solution for your flooring needs.
14 May, 2014
Grant Wigney, Owner of National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring
National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring
Factory 30, 282 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin, Victoria
03 9555 0655
Grant.wigney@nwif.com.au
At NWIF, we are the commercial flooring melbourne specialists that understands the colour of the floor can be an important aspect of any commercial environment. When it comes to setting the tone and mood for either your business or your home, then the right colour flooring is really important. Flooring, whether commercial or industrial, epoxy or concrete, is hard wearing and durable, which means it is going to be around for some time, so there are a few pointers to consider before making your colour choice.
Setting and surroundings Coloured flooring will look different depending on the surrounding features, which includes the tones and colours of adjacent walls and ceilings, along with any equipment or furniture placed on the floor. The amount of natural light falling on the floor is also important, as daylight can make a floor seem a different colour than it would be if artificial light is shining on it all the time. If you have an area that is not well lit, with no access to natural day light, then you will want to consider a colour that reflects rather than absorbs light, so a bright white or pale colour will bounce the light around the room, unlike a black or dark colour.
Working conditions You do need to consider the job the flooring is going to do because if it is subject to a lot of wear and tear over the years, then there will be some changes over time. This will also depend on the care and maintenance it is subject to, or not as the case may be, including use of appropriate cleaning materials, plus if it will be continually exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
You also should consider the people in the working environment, as colours do have an impact on individuals. Very bright strong vibrant colours can look energizing but can be very tiring for people who have to work under these conditions day after day. If your requirements demand a concrete rather than epoxy floor for example, this should also be taken into consideration as a yellow stained concrete floor might not look as good as the same colouring used in an epoxy resin.
Colour swatches and samples If possible try to look at the original colour palette before choosing your final colour. Online samples are a good indicator but because computers have different settings and resolution, then you may get a slightly different shade than the one you were expecting. One of the best options is to go along and have a look at some of these floorings in situ, if this is at all practicable. There are many commercial and industrial flooring applications in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us for a project reference to show you examples of these floors in Melbourne, Moorabbin, Brighton, Dandenong, Ringwood, Croydon, Sunshine, Preston and beyond, that may suit your purpose.
Design and function Finally, think about the overall look and feel of what it is you are aiming to project to either your customers or visitors to your home or premises. Polished and mirrored floors not only reflect light but offer a glamorous and opulent look to a business or residential property. Epoxy floors can provide colourful floor options for a modern twist and decorative chips added to add a little sparkle or complement the décor of a room. There are also a number of decorative concrete coatings available on the market today that you might want to consider.
Whatever you decide, just ensure you give yourself time to consider all the options and professional commercial and industrial flooring experts will be more than happy to spend time making sure you make the right choice.
7 May, 2014
Grant Wigney, Owner of National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring Factory 30, 282 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin, Victoria 03 9555 0655 Grant.wigney@nwif.com.au
National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring
Factory 30, 282 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin, Victoria
03 9555 0655
Grant.wigney@nwif.com.au
1 April, 2014
Having spent time planning which is the best type of commercial or industrial epoxy flooring for your Melbourne business environment, our aftercare service begins before we start work on your premises. We want to ensure that your epoxy flooring stands the test of time so that you reap the benefits and this starts with checking the condition of the substrate or surface that will be underneath the new industrial flooring.
Checking the substrate If our customer wants us to install an epoxy coating over an existing industrial flooring then there are a few points on our checklist that we ensure we cover before starting any work. For buildings that are in use or have been used for the food and beverage sector or the car industry, there will more than likely be some form of contamination on the floor due to previous use. Before attempting to install a new floor coating all the grease, oil, dirt and other contaminants have to be properly removed, otherwise the epoxy resin will not bond properly and this can lead to future problems. If there is a weak substrate, such as a poor quality of cement screen or concrete base and epoxy flooring is laid on top, then over time the floor will show signs of cracks and damage. The difficulty in this case is not with the epoxy resin, because it is much stronger than the substrate or base, but with the cement which can start to detach itself. We also ensure the compatibility of the substrate with the epoxy resin used, for example if you try to install an epoxy floor over a wooden base it will crack, as wood is flexible and the resin cannot follow the wood as it expands over time.
Floor preparation and environmental conditions Our team are very experienced in working under a range of conditions and we know that preparation is key to ensuring your flooring will last and perform as you expect. We ensure that the surface area is fully prepared prior to installing the epoxy flooring, which means ensuring it is dry, clean and free of dust and dirt. The surface should also be shot-blasted or ground using a diamond floor grinder prior to applying the right sort of primer. Many people tend to assume that the resin in epoxy floors makes it stick to the base or substrate but this is not always the case. If the floor is going to be subject to a lot of hard wear and tear, then we know that the use of the right primer will ensure proper bonding with the epoxy coating.
One of the other reasons why an epoxy floor will fail and not stand up to constant use and heavy duty wear, is down to the environmental conditions at the time of installation. If there is a lot of moisture or humidity in the immediate atmosphere, the base is not completely dry, or if there could be a leak or drip, or humidity coming up through the floor, then there will be a problem. Epoxy does not bond well with humidity so we work with our clients to ensure this is not the case.
Maintenance and aftercare We ensure that our team of flooring experts carry out the best possible job for your organisation because we understand the nature of the industries that require hard-wearing epoxy flooring. Once installed, there are a few points that we recommend to clients to help keep their flooring in top condition:
* Keep on top of minor spills by wiping them up with a soft cloth or paper towel. * Heavy soiling of the floor can be treated by sweeping away any debris and mopping the floor with a hard foam mop, hot water and cleaning detergent. * Routine maintenance is best achieved using a commercial dust mop or soft bristle brush. * Avoid cleaners that contain acids or soap-based cleaners if possible; the soap based ones can leave a surface layer that will over time detract from the shine and also can become quite slippery. * To maintain a high gloss finish we would recommend the application of a high grade polish. This polish can also act as a sacrificial coat to protect the epoxy coating. Otherwise, a properly installed epoxy floor will provide you with a safe, sturdy and hard working surface for years to come.
How important is it for architects, builders and contractors to work together on a project?
Grant Wigney, Owner of National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring – the commercial flooring melbourne experts – reflects on this question in an interview about a recent project in Warrigal, Victoria.
National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring Factory 30, 282 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin, Victoria 03 9555 0655 Grant.wigney@nwif.com.au
14 March, 2014
Tell me about the current Warrigal project that you are working on. At the moment the team are working on refurbishing a car park deck surrounding a busy Aldi supermarket. We are in the process of installing a trafficable waterproof membrane (BASF Conipur 2269) which is not without its challenges because we working onsite during trading hours where the safety of both customers and our team is paramount. The area we are working in is both where customers park and where Aldi stock is delivered. In addition, all the work is being undertaken externally so we are very much exposed to the elements as well as dust and dirt from the moving vehicles.
The carpark at Aldi, Warrigal before work started.
What is working well with the project? We have adopted a partnership approach with respect to the communication and planning that has taken place both prior and during the duration of the project. The communication in particular between the architect, the builder and the contractor has been great with everyone being responsive and following through on any actions agreed. The primary objective was to get the job done but not impede Aldi’s daily business of serving their customers so we had to come up with a phased approach to the work. The fact that customers are not being adversely affected and Aldi’s daily stock deliveries have not been interrupted suggests that the project is working well. We have also managed to fit our own stock and equipment onsite. The site itself is marked out for 73 standard parking bays plus 2 for disabled parking so there has had to be a phased approach to the work schedule because of minimising disruption to Aldi’s loyal customer base. At any one time there has to be an average of 50 spaces available for customer parking, so we have had to factor this into the 6 stages of our project planning.
Have there been any particular moments that stand out during the work? We have had some disruptions to our due to inclement weather. You can plan for most eventualities but we have had an extremely hot summer and there have been minor disruptions due to the rain as well. All the work is external so once the weather turns wet, we cannot carry out any work onsite because we cannot apply a waterproof membrane over a wet or damp surface.
The carpark at Aldi in Warrigal – complete!
What have you learned whilst doing this project? We have learnt a lot about how best to work effectively in a busy car parking area! Aldi has been very understanding but they are open 7 days a week and we have had to work around traffic management systems because the store gets busy, particularly on Aldi’s special trading days (Wednesdays and Saturdays( so that has been a learning curve. But probably the main point I have learned is that an architect, builder and contractor can work really effectively together to help minimise delays to the end client. This really has been a team effort with both internal and external staff cooperating and communicating.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this project? I am really pleased to be able to say that Stage 1 and 2 are now complete. This is possible because of the hard work of, and collaboration between our team members and partners. A big thank you to Alan and Ian in particular!
What do you need to know about flooring if you work in the food and beverage industry?
Grant Wigney, owner of National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring – the commercial flooring melbourne experts – answers this question and more in this article.
National Waterproofing and Industrial Flooring Factory 30, 282 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin, Victoria 03 9555 0655 Grant.wigney@nwif.com.au
11 March, 2014
The range and complexity of businesses operating within the food and beverage industry is vast, dealing with products and services that could impact on the health of individual consumers. It is not surprising to find, therefore, that this sector is subjected to some of the highest number of laws and legislation linked to sanitation and food safety. Hygiene standards, health and safety regulations and inspections are all part of the daily routine for those in the food and drink industry, so ensuring their work area is fitted with the right type of industrial and commercial flooring is crucial.
There are a number of flooring solutions that are available commercially to suit a range of industrial needs but it is important to take into consideration what role the floor plays in ensuring strict cleanliness standards are met whilst being subject to a lot of wear and tear. Prior to installing any form of flooring, the proper planning and analysis of what conditions the floor will be subjected to, is the hall mark of a quality flooring specialist. Taking time to understand the range of substances that will come into contact with the flooring, along with other environmental conditions such as heat and lighting, starts to narrow down the choice of floor solutions for the food and beverage industry.
Flooring requirements within the food and beverage sector
Operational challenges Not only will the flooring in the food and beverage industry need to withstand a certain amount of both human and mechanical traffic, the latter in the form of pallet trolleys or forklifts, but also it will come into contact with a number of both liquid and solid substances. Depending on what type of food or drink is involved, these could range from acidic juices found in wineries or hot fat from the fast food operatives. In abattoirs or meat processing units, there could be heavier chemical abrasions that come from blood products or meat residue. The flooring will have to stand up to a number of challenges whilst ensuring that the surface does not present a slip, trip and fall hazard to the workers.
Smooth finish without cracks or joints Due to the amount of daily traffic, dripping liquids and hazardous solutions that can be tracked across the flooring, it is imperative that any floor should not only be waterproof but not have any cracks where bacteria can accumulate. If it is not a seamless floor then harmful bacteria will soon gather in the joints and start to breed, which impacts on the very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene required of the industry.
Non porous surface Likewise, the flooring has to be 100% waterproof because it will have to stand up to daily washing, not just with hot water but with chemical cleaning agents. The flooring has to have a non-absorbing surface so that it repels fats, oils, acids and other food and drink residues.
Easy to clean and maintain Unlike domestic flooring in a residential kitchen, flooring in the food and beverage industry needs to have rounded floor edges that go up the sides of the wall coving. This makes the floor easier to clean and stops dirt and bacteria from collecting in the crevices and corners.
Taking all of this into consideration it becomes very clear that resin flooring made of epoxy or polyurethane resins, is the only answer for the food and beverage industry. Epoxy flooring has all the characteristics needed to fulfil the requirements listed above, as does polyurethane. Both are durable, water resistant although epoxy flooring does offer greater resistance to chemicals, whereas polyurethane is more resistant to UV lighting and its softer nature does make it slightly more susceptible to gouging.
Epoxy flooring is the better choice all round for both industrial and commercial floors in the food and beverage sector where durability is a concern. Plus it is the number one choice due to its superior adhesion, resistance to scratches, cuts and gouging, and water and chemical resistant properties. Where temperatures are to exceed 60 degrees (hot water) or 90 degrees (dry heat), BASF Ucrete DP heavy duty non-slip polyurethane flooring system would be the preferred alternative.
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