The winter months are a great time to relax and take advantage of the Juicy Stakes Casino bonuses if you love online gaming. But if you are in charge of maintaining a concrete sidewalk, parking lot, or driveway, then you have to worry about the potential damage that rock salt can cause – specifically in the winter.
With the winter months comes the inevitable ice and snow. To melt the ice and make your walkways and driveway safe, you spread rock salt. Unfortunately, spreading rock salt is one of the leading causes of concrete damage. The good news is that there are ways to protect your concrete from rock salt damage.
Rock Salt Damage to Concrete
Rock salt, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride are the most common de-icing salts. A chemical reaction occurs when these salts come into contact with calcium hydroxide in the concrete. This reaction creates a corrosive substance that eats away at the concrete. The damage can be seen as a white or brown powdery substance on the surface of the concrete.
If left untreated, the damage can spread and cause bigger problems. The chunks of concrete that are broken salts can cause your concrete to crack, pit, and flake. The severity of the damage will depend on how much salt is used, the composition of your concrete, and the weather conditions. The good news is that there is a solution, installing polyaspartic coatings.
Polyaspartic Coating Is the Answer
Yes, you can now ditch the mats that have been sitting in your garage and put them away for good. Polyaspartic coatings are a solution to preventing rock salt damage on your concrete floors. These coatings are applied as a liquid and quickly harden into a durable, monolithic coating. They are resistant to salts, UV light, scratches, and chemical spills.
The polyaspartic coating is way stronger than epoxy coatings. This, in turn, means that you will no longer have to worry about rock salt damage for over a decade.
The Process
The application process is pretty simple; however, it is best to leave it to professionals. There are five key steps that need to be completed for the polyaspartic coating to work:
1. Prepare the surface
The first step is to make sure that the surface is clean and free of any debris. Any cracks or pits will need to be repaired before the coating can be applied.
2. Apply the polyaspartic basecoat
The base coat is applied with a roller and must be allowed to dry for a few hours before the next coat can be applied. This coat will create a smooth surface for the coating to adhere to.
3. Add textures
Depending on the look you are going for, you can add different textures to the coating. This is done by applying a topcoat with a sprayer. The textures of the coatings also give them a unique non-slip finish.
4. Scrape excess chips
Excess chips may form when the topcoat is applied. These need to be scraped off and removed before the final coat can be applied.
5. Apply the final coat
The last step is to apply the final coat. This will protect your concrete from rock salt damage and give it a beautiful, high-gloss finish.
You can get the installation done at any time of the year, and it only takes a few hours to complete.
Choosing the right installation company
The installation of the polyaspartic coating is very important. This is why you need to make sure that you hire a reputable company to do the job. The company should have;
1. Experience
The first thing to look for is a company that has been in the business for a long time. This means they have the experience and know-how to properly take care of your concrete.
2. Proper training
The employees should be properly trained on how to apply the coating. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about the process.
3. A good reputation
Check online reviews to see what other customers have to say about the company. You should also ask for referrals from friends and family.
4. Affordability
The cost of the project will vary depending on the size of your concrete and the type of coating that you choose. Make sure to get a few quotes before hiring a company.
These are just a few things you should consider when choosing an installation company. If you take your time and do your research, you will be able to find a great company that will do a great job.
Maintenance of the Polyaspartic Coating
Cleaning and maintaining the coating is very easy. A simple sweep and mop will do the trick. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a diluted bleach solution to clean them up.
Given that it is much stronger than the epoxy coating, it can withstand most cleaning solutions. So much so, polyaspartic coatings are a durable solution that will last you for years without any fading or chipping.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to protecting your concrete from rock salt damage, polyaspartic coatings are the way to go. Their strength and durability will give you many years of use. They are also very easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a simple sweep and mop.