For some types of epoxy coatings, a slurry coat is used that combines aggregates with the epoxy. This gives the coating more bulk, when a thicker treatment is desired. A recent study from Poland has demonstrated that both new aggregates (such as sand) and recycled aggregates (usually from crushed recycled concrete) have the same strength. Since recycled aggregates are typically less expensive than natural sand, this ends up being an advantage for the client, where available. Plus, recycled aggregates almost always require less shipping and effort to produce, making them the more ecological choice.
What the Study Indicated
First of all, it is noteworthy that the researchers had plenty of good things to say about epoxy coatings. For example: “Epoxy resin is a perfect material that can be used to protect cementitious materials.” Perfect is a word that scientists do not use lightly, so here at California Custom Coatings we want to emphasize that this is extremely high praise for a product that we too advocate for protecting all types of concrete surfaces.
The study also pointed out that epoxy resins also play a large role in repairing damage to cement. They stated:
Cement-based structures are sometimes not properly designed. These types of cementitious constructions need strengthening, protection, or repair. The repair of cementitious constructions can be carried out using epoxy resin.”
California Custom Coatings offers concrete resurfacing and urethane concrete overlays for the ultimate in concrete surface repairs. For these projects, aggregates are often applied to provide a strength similar to, and even beyond, that of the original concrete.
Epoxy Coatings are Strong
And that final point is one item that the aggregate study project really drove home. After coating a number of cement samples with epoxy coatings that combined new aggregates with recycled aggregates, the researchers noted that every epoxy coating mixture outlasted the concrete when it came time for demolition tests. A 60/40 recycled aggregate versus new aggregate mix was the most effective, but the point still remained that the concrete always failed before the epoxy coating. The final lesson was quite clear that you can trust epoxy coatings to protect and restore the surface of your concrete.
For more information about using epoxy coatings to protect or repair your concrete surface, contact California Custom Coatings and ask about our concrete overlays, urethane concrete products, and protective epoxy coatings.