13/07/2017

Sika supplied the durable, resin floor to ensure the smooth and safe operation of heavy machinery in 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® PurCem®-29NA, 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.