Are you planning the construction or renovation of a floor area? Whether it’s for a garage, warehouse, parking area, or even an industrial floor, you want the results to not only look neat, but also strong and durable, right? Well, there is one way to ensure that your floor remains sturdy in the long run, and that is by choosing the right hardening material.
But wait a minute, from the many choices of floor hardening materials on the market, which one is the most suitable for your needs? Well, let’s discuss some types of hardening materials that can be relied on so that the floor remains tough to face heavy loads and busy activities!
Most Popular Types of Floor Hardening Materials
There are many types of hardening, each of which has its own advantages. Starting from those suitable for areas with heavy loads to those that are easy to maintain. Here are the types so that you can choose the most suitable one for your needs!
1. Dry Shake Hardener
This material is in powder form and is applied while the concrete is still wet. Dry shake hardener consists of a mixture of cement, hard aggregate, and other additives.
Its advantages? A very dense and hard finish. Floors are stronger against friction, ideal for heavy industrial areas. According to research from the Concrete Society UK, the use of dry shake can increase abrasion resistance by up to 300%.
2. Liquid Densifier
This type is liquid and is absorbed into the concrete. The active ingredients penetrate and react with free calcium in the concrete to strengthen the surface. A great solution for commercial and warehouse floors, liquid densifiers increase surface strength.
The application process is relatively quick and leaves no dust. Suitable for time-constrained projects.
3. Silicate Hardener
Uses active silica compounds that strengthen the concrete structure from within. This material is suitable for light to medium traffic areas.
The use of silicate hardener helps seal the pores of the concrete making it more resistant to stains and chemicals. In addition, the finish is naturally glossy without the need for additional coatings.
4. Epoxy Coating
Epoxy not only strengthens the floor, but also gives it a clean and professional look. This floor hardening material is also resistant to chemicals, oil, and water.
Epoxy coatings are often used in laboratories, industrial kitchens, and vehicle showrooms. Its adhesion is very high, extending the life of the floor to twice that of ordinary concrete.
5. Polyurethane Coating
An alternative to epoxy with better flexibility. Polyurethane remains flexible, so it does not crack easily when the concrete expands or contracts. It is also UV-resistant, so it does not yellow quickly even when exposed to direct sunlight. Ideal for outdoor areas or open warehouses.
Important Considerations Before Choosing Hardening Materials
Not all floors are suitable for the same hardening material. You need to know the condition and workload of the floor first. Well, there are some important points that must be considered before choosing it, namely:
1. Type of Activity
Floors in production areas certainly have different needs than showrooms. Heavy vehicle loads, machine vibrations, and heavy traffic demand abrasion- and crack-resistant materials.
For showrooms or public spaces, aesthetics can be a top priority. Choose materials that can provide a neat and shiny finish.
2. Time Availability
If your project is on a deadline, choose materials that are easy and quick to apply. For example, liquid densifiers that dry quickly and don’t require too much curing time. However, if time is not an issue, you can use dry shake or epoxy for a sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing result.
3. Long-term Maintenance Costs
Some floor hardening materials require regular maintenance such as recoating or special cleaning. Consider this cost before making your choice. Materials such as silicate or densifier generally have lower maintenance costs.
These are the various choices of floor hardening materials that you can consider according to the needs and conditions of the area to be worked on. Each has its advantages, so adjust according to the type of activity, the time it takes, and also the long-term maintenance costs.
The point is, by choosing the right hardening, you can get a floor that is strong and durable, also looks maximum and minimal maintenance.
To optimize floor protection, consider a variety of quality construction chemicals from PT Hissan Trading Indonesia. Starting from floor hardener, epoxy, waterproofing, to other floor coating products, all are available in full and ready to help your project needs.
Come on, check our products directly and find the best flooring solution for maximum results!
