Sika supplied the
durable, resin floor to ensure the smooth and safe operation of heavy machinery
in a sugar production plant.
The
existing flooring at the factory was in need of refurbishment after becoming
cracked in areas. Its replacement needed to withstand the rigours of daily
forklift movements, aggressive cleaning and demonstrate excellent chemical
resistance. The Sikafloor® PurCem® system was more than up
to the task.
Contractors
Corroless Eastern began the floor’s refurbishment in February 2017. The initial
challenge involved making good defective concrete and previously poorly-repaired
areas of the existing floor. Damaged areas were isolated using a
vacuum-controlled floor saw, prior to the breaking-out process using
vibration-damped breakers.
The areas
were then repaired using Sikascreed HardTop, a fast-curing, rapid-load bearing
levelling mortar, which was applied using trowels. The same material was used to
install falls to drains in areas where the client was experiencing issues with
ponding water.
With the
preparation and repair works complete, Sikafloor® PurCem®
20 was installed. The three-part, resin-rich, high-strength cement and aggregate
screed is ideal for floors subject to heavy loading, abrasion and chemical
exposure, while its textured aggregate surface provides medium-to-heavy profile
slip resistance.
Applied to
a thickness of 9mm, it can also withstand the thermal shock created from steam
cleaning. Sikafloor-29NA PurCem®, a vertical grade, three-component,
polyurethane-based cement and aggregate mortar, was used to install coving where
required to ensure a seamless resin floor suitable for a food production
environment.
The
floor’s finish was provided by Sikaflex® PRO-3 SL, a solvent-free,
moisture-curing, self-levelling, elastic joint sealant with high mechanical and
chemical resistance.
Oliver
Hunt, Sales Manager at Corroless Eastern, said: “The Sikafloor®
system performed superbly, as always. The client was very happy with the
improved appearance and functionality of the floor and its easier maintenance.
Our excellent installation teams, coupled with the high-quality Sika products,
facilitated a very successful refurbishment.”
Such was
the ease contractors were able to apply the Sika system, the floor’s
refurbishment was completed to the agreed three-week deadline. The new surface
will not only ensure the area maintains strict food hygiene standards, its
smooth, hard-wearing properties will help uphold staff safety in a busy,
industrialised environment.
