Troubleshooting Protective Coatings and Sealers for Concrete

Overview: 

Protective coatings can be a vital component of a long-term concrete repair and protection strategy. Selecting the right material for the particular project is the first step in a successful protection strategy, but there are many factors that can influence the performance and overall effectiveness of these materials. One of the most influential of these factors is the installation of these coatings. Evaluating and preparing the substrate properly, recognizing the impact of ambient and surface conditions on a particular material, understanding and adhering to the recommended application techniques, as well as educating the end user on proper maintenance practices, will all have an impact on overall performance. This discussion focuses on addressing each of these critical areas to help avoid costly issues when installing protective coatings and sealers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how protective materials require different levels of surface preparation and the impact of surface preparation on performance.
2. Learn how to evaluate the adhesion of protective coatings using industry accepted field tests.
3. Recognize the impact of various ambient conditions on material performance and how to limit the potential for issues related to these conditions.
4. Learn proper application tools and techniques that can prevent issues related to improper thickness, texture and aesthetics.