VCT Installation in Large Shop - Advice Needed

[larry4406]

At work, I have to convert a 10,000 sf concrete warehouse into a high end electronics lab. The existing concrete slab is in relatively good shape (no major cracks or spalling), but has its share of abuse (random hydraulic spills, former paint stripping of storage isles, etc).

This warehouse has been in use since 1995. We will be installing VCT. The space will be heated and cooled. I am thicking on having the concrete roughened up (shot blasted or scarified) and flash patched as needed. Any professional advice would be appreciated.

 

[larry4406]

144 view and no response?

 

[CFA]

Your ideas are good. A good cleaning with a a some grindng may be good. However, I am nor sure if VCT needs the surface to be rough.
Another option: Have you considered concrete polishing. I have noticed some polished and colored floors lately that were not too expensive.

They do not have many of the problems of coatings.

 

[kartracer23]

I'm no expert, but...

When I installed my VCT, the floor was clean, but not perfect. The glue you use is super sticky-you let it set up before you lay the tile. And unlike epoxy, if you missed a small greasy area, it just ain't gonna matter-the rest of the tile will still be stuck. I had old lino glue, old paint, etc. on mine and it wasn't a problem. I'd probably scrub it, try to get as much of the grease / oil up, and go for it. My personal opinion is that grinding it or any type of mechanical action would just be overkill.

 

[sasquatchpa]

I used to lay VCT at work. Think of prep, like preping a car for paint. If you wax and buff the VCT a 1/32 crack will show. I spent 16 hrs of prep to lay 4 hrs. I don't believe you can over prep.

 

[Floorman01]

I would get a chemical cleaner for the grease and oil,but you dont want one that will leave any residue.It is all in the prep as any holes and dimples will show thru.If you have any questions feel free to ask I have been doing this 20plus years.

 

[BillK]

Larry,
Are you going to do it yourself or pay someone ? If you are paying to have it done, I have a good friend who does it for a living and would probably come over and give you a quote.

 

[Shocker]

Let's backup a second. High end electronics lab. What does that mean?

A showroom for high end electronics? An actual lab where electronics are tested/assembled?

If it is the latter. You will want to look at and ESD floor for sure. That leave's VCT out imho.

 

[larry4406]

The floor work will be subbed out - I want to make sure that I am spec'ing the proper scope. I did approach our users about the need for anti-static flooring, and they do not need it.

The space will be utilized to assemble computer racks, program devices, alarms, etc. We do security systems, telecom, control room displays, etc. Basically, this will be used to precommission, assembly, and test to the greatest extent before delivery to and set up at the client's facility.

I have seen imperfections in concrete telegraph thru VCT. I do expect the floor to be waxed and maintained, thus my concerns for not only a nice floor without blemishes but also bonding. Also, no idea if the floor was ever sealed.

Bill K - I see you are in Waldorf MD, this facility is near Dulles VA. If your friend is a legitmate company (insurance, warranty, etc) then PM me. It will be competitively bid. The architect and I are toying with epoxy floor.

 

[BillK]

Larry,
PM sent