Resin Floor Installation Guide: After the Sale

Selling a resinous floor with Epoxy Depot products is a significant accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t end there. The period between the sale and installation is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and a successful project. Industry’s best practices suggest that contractors who prioritize meticulous planning, clear communication, and attention to detail achieve the best results. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps to guarantee a smooth and efficient resinous flooring installation with Epoxy Depot products.

Project Planning and Communication

Clear communication and meticulous planning are the cornerstones of any successful resinous flooring project. After securing the sale, promptly initiate these steps:

• Establish a Detailed Statement of Work: Begin by providing the customer with a comprehensive Statement of Work (SOW). This document should clearly outline the project scope, including the area to be covered, the type of resinous system, color choices, desired finish, and any specific customer requirements. Include detailed information about the Epoxy Depot products being used, along with their respective data sheets and warranty information. A well-defined SOW ensures that both you and the customer are on the same page and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or disputes later.
• Create Samples: Now is the time to make samples for your customers to approve BEFORE work starts. It is imperative to get your customer to pick their colors. This is a customer decision. You, as the contractor, should NOT choose the color scheme. This is the CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY. Your job, as a professional, is to guide them to their decision. You can do this by providing jobsite references for your customer to look at a floor in person, show samples for simple repeatable floors, like flake, and make samples for floors like metallic systems or overlays. Make sure your customer signs off on THEIR color choice.
• Schedule the Installation: Collaborate with the customer to determine a suitable installation date. Consider their availability and any potential disruptions to their daily routine or business operations. Factor in the necessary preparation time, the resinous’ flooring application process itself, and the required curing period for the chosen system.
• Confirm Project Scope and Address Customer Questions: Once the SOW is established and a date is set, take the time to review the project details with the customer once again. Encourage them to ask any questions they may have about the installation process, expected outcomes, and post-installation care. Actively listen to their concerns and provide clear, concise answers. This is an opportunity to build trust, demonstrate your expertise, and ensure the customer feels confident in your ability to deliver a successful project.
• Maintain Consistent Communication: Keep the customer informed throughout the process, providing updates on material delivery, scheduling changes, and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. This proactive approach fosters trust and transparency, minimizing potential anxieties and ensuring a positive customer experience.

Site Preparation and Assessment

Thorough site preparation is paramount for achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing resinous floor. Before the installation date, conduct a comprehensive site assessment:

• Evaluate the Concrete Substrate: Begin by carefully inspecting the concrete floor. Look for any cracks, holes, unevenness, and signs of moisture issues. Determine if any repairs or leveling work are required before the resin can be applied. For example, cracks and holes should be filled with E4E Ur-A-Fil or E4E Gel Patch, and uneven surfaces may need grinding to create a level base. The site visit should be conducted at the estimate stage, but if you haven’t conducted a site visit, now is the time to get ahead of any problems by visiting the site.
• Conduct Moisture Testing: Use a Tramex CME5 moisture meter to assess the moisture content of the concrete. Excessive moisture can hinder proper adhesion of the resin, leading to bubbling, peeling, and other long-term problems. If moisture is detected, it’s crucial to address this issue before proceeding with your installation.
• Identify Potential Challenges: Assess the site for any potential obstacles or challenges that may affect the installation process. This could include specific power needs, generator placement with cord access, limited access to the work area, unusual floor layouts, or the presence of existing sealers or coatings that need to be removed. In new construction projects, it’s essential to consider the concrete’s curing time. The concrete must have sufficient time to cure and release moisture before the resin can be applied.
• Plan for Moisture Mitigation: If moisture is present in the concrete substrate, consider incorporating a moisture-tolerant primer or vapor barrier, such as E4E-100 VPB, into the resinous system. These specialized products help prevent issues with adhesion and curing, ensuring a long-lasting and durable floor. In new construction projects, it’s often necessary to use a moisture-tolerant primer to address potential moisture issues.
• Sufficient Concrete Preparation is Vital: Remember that proper preparation of the concrete substrate is crucial for the success of the resinous floor installation. Take a concrete hardness test with your MOHS Hardness Test Kit so you can have the proper diamonds to properly prepare the substrate, on your vehicle, before the crew gets to the job. There is nothing that makes your company look worse to a customer than not being prepared. A properly prepared surface ensures optimal adhesion of the resin, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. There is nothing that makes your company look worse in a customer’s eyes than not being prepared.
• Make sure the customer has thoroughly cleaned the space. The less dust in the area the better. Some examples of spaces that I have learned, from personal experience, need special attention are:
  • Salons
  • Barber Shops
  • Dog grooming facilities
  • Dog kennels
    • The hair they cut goes everywhere and will fall from anywhere ruining your floor.
• Remove any electronic equipment from the space. If the electronics can’t be removed, then wrap them in plastic the best you can.
• Temperature and Humidity: Temperature and humidity play a significant role in the curing process of resinous flooring. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the curing time and potentially lead to issues with the final finish. On the opposite end of the temperature spectrum, protecting your floor from cold conditions is paramount to the curing of the resin. It’s crucial to monitor these conditions during and after installation and take appropriate measures to maintain the optimal environment for curing.

Material Procurement and Preparation

Ensure all necessary materials and equipment are readily available before the installation date:

• Order A High-Quality Resinous System from Epoxy Depot: Order the chosen resinous flooring system from your local Epoxy Depot. Confirm the required quantity, color, and any specific additives needed for the project. It’s crucial to use high-quality resin products from Epoxy Depot to ensure optimal results and avoid potential warranty issues. Over-the-counter products from the big box stores may not provide the same level of durability and performance as a professional-grade resinous system from Epoxy Depot.
• Gather Tools and Equipment: Assemble all necessary tools and equipment for the installation. This may include:
  • Concrete Grinders: Grinders, such as the Shark Black Tip, Tiger or Bull, are essential for surface preparation, removing existing coatings, and creating the proper surface profile for optimal resin adhesion.
  • Sanders/Buffers: Get your Shark 20″ Swing Buffer for smoothing the new resinous surface during the installation process.
  • Vacuums: Industrial HEPA vacuums, such as the Dust Control Tromb 400L, with shrouds are crucial for dust collection during the grinding process, minimizing airborne particles and ensuring a clean work environment.
  • Moisture Meters: Bring your Tramex CME5 so you can accurately measure the moisture content of the concrete substrate. Don’t forget to calibrate your meter, at least, every calendar quarter.
  • Rollers and Squeegees: Have plenty of different mill Flow Max squeegees by Eagle Craft and your Epoxy Depot 18” and 9” roller covers
  • Mixing Paddles: Used for thoroughly mixing the resin and hardener.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes gloves, goggles, and respirators to protect yourself and your team from potential hazards.
• Prepare the Work Area: Clear the installation area of all furniture, equipment, and any obstructions that may hinder the installation process. Protect adjacent surfaces and walls with masking tape and plastic sheeting to prevent accidental spills or damage.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial for dispersing fumes generated during the resinous flooring application and curing process. Open windows, use fans, or employ mechanical ventilation systems, such as air scrubbers, to ensure proper airflow and a safe working environment.

Types of Resinous Flooring

Understanding the different types of resinous flooring and their specific requirements is essential for selecting the right system for each project. Here’s an overview of the main categories:

Safety Precautions

Prioritizing safety is crucial when working with resinous flooring systems. Take the following precautions to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team:

• Wear Appropriate PPE: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and respirators. This protects your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential hazards associated with resins, hardeners, and solvents. Everything you need for PPE is readily available at your local Epoxy Depot.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent the buildup of fumes. Open windows, use fans, or employ mechanical ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow and minimize exposure to potentially harmful vapors. Tell your customer to shut down pilot lights if you are installing any solvent borne products.
• Handle Chemicals Safely: Follow Epoxy Depot‘s safety instructions when handling resins, hardeners, and solvents. Avoid direct skin contact and wash thoroughly with soap and water after any exposure.
• Clean Up Spills Promptly: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls. Use appropriate absorbent materials and dispose of waste properly according to local regulations.

Installation Day Checklist

On the day of installation, follow this checklist to ensure a smooth and efficient process:

• Review Project Details: Before starting any work, revisit the project scope and confirm all details with the customer and your crew. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings.
• Final Site Inspection: Conduct a final inspection of the prepared site, ensuring it meets the requirements for resinous flooring installation. This includes checking for moisture, ensuring the surface is clean and level, and confirming that all necessary materials and equipment are readily available.
• Safety First: Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and respirators, throughout the installation process. This protects you and your team from potential hazards associated with resins and other chemicals.
• Follow Epoxy Depot’s Instructions: Adhere to the Epoxy Depot‘s instructions for mixing the resin and hardener, application techniques, and recommended curing times. This ensures optimal product performance and a durable, long-lasting floor.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the work area clean and organized throughout the installation process. This not only promotes a safe working environment but also helps prevent contaminants from affecting the resinous flooring finish.
• Quality Control: Regularly inspect the applied resinous flooring for any imperfections or inconsistencies. Address any issues promptly to ensure a flawless and aesthetically pleasing result.
• Post-Installation Cleanup: Thoroughly clean all tools and equipment used during the installation. Your tools are important but an often-overlooked aspect of cleaning your jobsite is cleaning your customers’ space and adjacent spaces where you installed your resinous floor. It’s not the customers’ responsibility to take down tape and plastic. Even if it means an additional trip to remove these materials, make the trip. Go the extra step and get those 5-star reviews. Always dispose of waste materials properly and according to local regulations.

Customer Education and Follow-Up

After completing the installation, provide the customer with clear instructions on post-installation care and maintenance:

• Curing Time: Inform the customer about the required curing time before the floor can be subject to normal use. This typically ranges from 24 to 72 hours, but it’s essential to follow the Epoxy Depot’s recommendations for the specific resinous flooring system used. Explain that while the floor might be dry to touch sooner, it needs full curing time to reach its maximum strength and durability.
• Impact of Temperature on Curing: Explain to the customer that temperature can significantly affect the curing time of resinous flooring. Warmer temperatures generally accelerate the curing process, while colder temperatures can slow it down. If the installation takes place in a cold environment, it may be necessary to use portable heaters to maintain the optimal temperature range for curing.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Provide guidelines on proper cleaning methods and recommended cleaning agents. Generally, sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dirt and debris is sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, use a damp mop with a mild pH neutral detergent or a resin-safe cleaner such as ERC (Epoxy Resinous Cleaner). Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the resinous flooring finish.
• Preventative Measures: Advise the customer on measures to prevent damage to the resinous floor. This may include using floor mats in high-traffic areas, avoiding dragging heavy objects across the floor, and promptly cleaning up any spills. Also, I would recommend, to the customer, against using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage the resinous flooring’s finish.
• Follow-Up Communication: Schedule follow-up visits to inspect the cured floor and address any questions or concerns the customer may have. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and provides an opportunity to ensure the floor is performing as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While resinous flooring is generally durable and long-lasting, some common problems can arise during or after installation. Here are a few factors that can affect curing time and how to address them:

• Porosity: Checking the porosity of the substrate is paramount to a successful, trouble free, installation. Use the water absorption test to see how quickly water is sucked into the substrate. If the sprinkle of water disappears in less than 30 secs, you may want to consider a primer to prevent outgassing.
• Temperature and Humidity: As mentioned earlier, temperature and humidity play a significant role in the curing process of resinous flooring. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the curing time and potentially lead to issues with the final finish.
• Moisture in the Substrate: Excessive moisture in the concrete substrate can cause problems with adhesion and curing. If moisture is present, it’s essential to address this issue before applying the resin. This may involve using a moisture-tolerant primer, a vapor barrier, or allowing the concrete more time to dry. Sometimes hydrostatic pressure is present, and a coating is not a good floor covering option. Be sure to use your Tramex CME5 to check for the presence of moisture and/or a calcium chloride test when you suspect hydrostatic pressure might be present in the substrate.
• Improper Mixing: Incorrectly mixing the resin and hardener can lead to incomplete curing, resulting in a weak or tacky finish. Always follow the Epoxy Depot’s instructions carefully for mixing ratios and techniques. Remember this: NO ONE TALKS TO THE MIXER when he is in the zone and mixing your product. The mixer is the most important person on the crew. He has a ton of math going on in his head, so he can’t carry on a conversation with you!

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, contractors can ensure a seamless transition from sales to installation, resulting in a successful resinous flooring project and a satisfied customer. Remember that clear communication, meticulous planning, and attention to detail are essential for achieving outstanding results and building a strong reputation in the industry. A customer-centric approach, proactive communication, and a commitment to quality at every stage of the project are crucial for exceeding customer expectations and establishing yourself as a trusted and reliable resinous flooring professional. Mistakes in resinous flooring installation can be costly, so partnering with experienced distributors ensures a successful outcome and a durable, long-lasting floor. Always remember to install the Epoxy Depot Way!