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The Right Shotblasting Combination
IFS specializes in floor surface preparation, removal, and renewal procedures. The leading industry technique, known as "shotblasting", performs this function in a virtually dust-free environment, making "shotblasting" the number one choice in many industrial and commercial applications. If your present construction site requires removal of line markings, laittances, petroleum, adhesives from vinyl, linoleum, tile, or other such surface contaminants, "shotblasting" from IFS may save your company a whole lot of time and a fist full of dollars.
Contractor and Construction Terms:
Scarification, Laitances
- Scarification, scarify
- Scarification is a mechanical process by which the deteriorated or contaminated surface of a concrete slab or surface is removed or "scarified". The purpose is to reach a sound substrate upon which a new flooring system will be placed. The process itself can take several forms but specifically, scarification is accomplished with shot blasting (shotblasting).
- Laitances
- Laitances are salt by-products from cement hydration. As concrete cures, moisture is drawn toward the exposed concrete surface to evaporate. This excess moisture brings with it various particles of cement, in particular alkaline salts or "laitances". Laitances create a barrier between the concrete floor surface and the new floor coating or system. When this moisture from the curing process reaches the flooring surface, it leaves laitances behind. Laitances are referred to as the white chalky substance found on concrete or cement floor surfaces. Applying a new floor system without laitance removal will interfere with the new floor surface and its coating adhesion, causing adhesive bonds to be broken and resulting in a delaminated floor. Special attention, like shotblasting, should be given to removal of all laitances from concrete floor systems prior to application of new floor system.
Shotblasting: The Medium
First, let's take a look at what is used in performing the shotblasting procedure. If you think of "gunshot" or "buckshot" used in shotguns, you're not far off the mark. The "shot" used in shotblasting is similar in that small beads or pellets called "shot" are used to remove a thin layer of floor surface. The "shot" is constructed of specially formulated steel, matched for each specific task. The size of the shot needs to be as fine as possible but coarse enough to meet specification. Much finer in texture and coarser than the shot associated with ammunition, the "blasting of shot" forcibly propels the shot onto the floor surface at an extremely high rate of speed. Upon contact with the floor surface, these pellets "shotblast" or remove small particles of floor surface upon impact. It literally takes millions of these small shotblast beads to accomplish this, even over a small surface area. This removal of floor surface creates what is termed the floor surface "profile". The profile from shotblasting is typically less than 2 mm. A newly resurfaced floor "profile" provides the necessary grip by which a new floor coating may adhere. It is this "profile" which is critical in the success of floor resurfacing. Industrial Floor Service, Inc. has specialized in proper resurfacing and profile creation for over 32 years.
The Equipment: Right for the Job
The equipment that IFS brings to your site keeps those fast charging shotblasting beads in place. Modern shotblasting equipment utilizes "wheel technology" to maintain a virtually dust-free environment. This "wheel technology" keeps the "shot", the floor surface particles, and the removed contaminants from being propelled outside of the "control area". The wheel within the shotblasting equipment rotates at such a high rate of speed that a "vacuum" is created. With the forced induction of air, all the expended shot and removed surface matter is gathered and separated for
later retrieval and
disposal. Equipment used by IFS for performing shotblasting comes in three basic configurations. Portable hand-held shotblasting units are utilized for small, hard-to-reach areas requiring surface removal. Electric walk-behind shotblasting units are used for larger areas, while even larger, diesel ride-on units are used for much larger surface areas needing to be shotblasted. Using the right tools for the right job will save you time and money - that's your bottom line!
The Personnel: Experience and Expertise
Shotblasting equipment alone does not guarantee success. Have you have ever purchased an item that promises results you desire, only to later find yourself disappointed? Remember that fishing lure which promised to catch every fish? Those golfing videos or new set of clubs you bought? Did your success at fishing or golf dramatically improve? Historically, the best results have always been obtained from the combination of proper equipment and the most appropriately trained personnel. IFS's professional shotblasting expertise is unmatched in the industrial floor industry. We combine proper equipment, appropriate personnel, experience and expertise to give you professional results. The benefits of a properly shotblasted surface and its profile are both short and long term - immediate financial savings of "renewal", improved client productivity, prevention of work-related accidents and claims. The benefit of a cleaner, nicer work environment cannot be measured but can surely be enjoyed by both management and employee.
The Choice: Yours
Our results are your results. Gain the edge and become an IFS partner today! Nobody can match our expertise, equipment, or personnel. If your experience has been that the job is over when the last truck leaves, then you will not believe the level of service and support an IFS customer experiences, day after day, week after week, job after job.
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