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You request a FREE site survey
Our friendly sales and project co-ordination team will contact you to understand your requirements.
We carry out the site survey
A sales or projects team member will arrange to visit you to complete a FREE site survey.
Specification & quotation
We will send you a bespoke specification and quotation that covers and explains the preparation and products we recommend.
Acceptance of quote
Our projects team will send over all the necessary paperwork and advise the best installer to be assigned to your project.
Project management
The projects team will be in regular communication with you and the installer to ensure the project goes according to plan.
Job completion/after-care
On project completion, our sales and technical advisor can assist you with aftercare advice to help prolong the life of your installation.
At Polycote, we’re with you all the way
Frequently asked technical and product questions
Do I need to be exact when working out the size of my area for you to give me an estimate?
If you are just looking for an estimate and not an exact project quotation, then no, your measurements do not have to be exact, but the closer you get to the actual figure the more realistic the estimate will be. When we carry out any site surveys we will ensure the measurements we take are accurate. It is always wise to allow for a slightly larger area than you actually have, to allow for some surface porosity and unknowns in the project.
How do I know if my floor is porous?
This is a very hard question and there is no simple way of finding out if the surface is porous. The only official way is to take a core sample and carry out an argon test, which means putting the core into a sealed container and then filling the chamber with argon gas. You can then take out the dimensions of the core and this will give you the figures that indicate its porous. As you can imagine, this is time consuming and costly and as a result we do not offer this service. The simple way, which only gives an indication and not an exact answer, is to pour half a cup of water on the floor and see how quickly it soaks in. If it soaks in almost straight away then the surface has a high level of porosity, whereas if the water sits there and takes a long time (20-30 minutes) to soak in, the surface is dense and has a low level of porosity.
What will cause my floor coating to bubble and have little pin-holes in the finish?
Bubbling and pin-holing in the finish of any floor coating is often an indication of porosity in the floor. The pin-holes are simply caused by the resin soaking into the substrate leaving a tiny hole. The resin coating is often sufficient to fill the holes and provide a completely sealed surface, but, sometimes if the surface has deep porosity then some of these may show. The bubbles will be because, as the resin cures, it starts to thicken and as it penetrates into the surface, the resin will force the air out of the floor and these cause the holes that have gelled over to form small bubbles. The only ways to overcome these issues are: 1) To apply multiple coats of resin to gradually improve the finish and reduce the imperfections 2) To crawl over the floor and fill all of the holes/bubbles. This is very labour intensive so often they will fill the worst holes and as many as possible in the time frame allowed and then apply another coat of resin to help remove the rest.
What causes a milky-white patch to appear on my new resin floor?
Milky-white patch/s or whiteness may appear on any new resin floor if there is an increased level of humidity or water/condensation get onto the floor after the product has been laid. This causes moisture to get trapped in the floor finish and it affects the cross linking of the floor finish. This is often referred to as ‘blooming’.
Why does my coating come off with car tyres?
This is a common problem with single pack products. The problem is often accelerated or accentuated when cars with warm tyres are parked on the floor. The problem is caused by the resident polymers and plasticisers in rubber compounds, when warmed up they become active and then penetrate through the microscopic pores in the coating finish. Single pack products are commonly water or solvent based products and the floor paint dries by the water or solvent evaporating out of the coating. As the water or solvent comes out, it leaves a microscopic pore / hole which is invisible to naked eye, however the plasticisers can get in and then cause the paint to soften again. So when you drive away, the coating comes up, stuck to the tyres. The best way to overcome this and remove the potential of this happening, is to ensure the floor paint you use is totally impervious and therefore has no pores. A pure epoxy resin or solvent free polyurethane resin product are the best to go for.
Will a ‘high build’ roller applied coating level out or smooth out the floor?
No – no paint coating is designed to fill or smooth out rough or uneven floor surfaces. Having said that, the product is a liquid so it will naturally, slightly run off the high spots and fill up the low points, but this MUST NOT be relied upon as the products are formulated with fillers to stop this from happening.
Frequently asked site survey and installation questions
What do I need to do to prepare for your fitters arrival on site?
There are a number of things that you will need to have in place for when we arrive on site but most of these will have been discussed with you by the projects team. Guideline requirement as follows:
- The area must be cleared so the fitting team have clear access to the floor and can carry out their works.
- Power sockets – As a basis we need 1 x 32amp 3phase 5pin socket and 2 x standard 240volt 3pin sockets.
- Waste disposal – As standard an 8-yard skip is unusually sufficient but the size of the project and the specification will have an impact on the requirements.
- Lighting – It is important to make sure there are functional working lights in the area. The better the lighting, the better you can make the surface finish in the time frame given.
- If there is heavy surface oil contamination it is advisable to thoroughly degrease the surface before we arrive. The cleaner the surface, the better we can prepare the surface and the better the products will penetrate and bond.
If you have any questions around these points there is more information in some of the other FAQ’s to cover these. Alternatively please feel free to call us to discuss.
Do I need to clear the area completely for you to carry out a site survey?
No – you do not need to completely clear the area for us to carry out a site survey, but obviously, if there are any areas that you feel we should be aware of, or any problems that you know of with the floor you are obliged to tell us so we can ensure they are addressed. If you want us to carry out surface repairs as part of the project, you will need to show us all of the areas – of course, we will always do our best to pick up these areas anyway, but two eyes are always better than one and you will always be aware of the problem areas before we arrive.
Our site surveys are only visual and we do not carry out any destructive substrate testing so there are factors that we cannot pick-up at the time of the site survey and quoting. These are mainly, porosity, level of surface contamination, any additional layers of surface coverings that are not seen, the substrate condition under any existing surface.
How long will the project take to complete?
This is very job dependent. The bigger the project, or the more involved the project is, will determine how long the project will take to complete. As a guide, if the floor is a clear open area and we are required to prepare, apply 1 coat of primer, and 1 coat of topcoat (including minor fine surface repairs) please see the guides below:
- 0-150sq.m – 2 days
- 151-500sq.m – 3 days
- 501-850sq.m – 4 days
- 851 – 1600sq.m – 5 days
- 1600sq.m + or a different specification will need to be confirmed with the project teams.
Who is responsible for waste disposal?
The standard waste disposal requirement is an 8 yard general waste skip but this does vary depending on the size and specification of the project. This can be discussed nearer to the start date of any project.
Unfortunately due to the licenses required to transport commercial waste, we are officially unable to remove waste from sites so we require a skip onsite. We are happy to arrange this for you, but we will simply cross-hire/source one from a local provider to you which, inevitably will be more expensive. As you will save money on the project by organising the waste disposal yourself we do not include this in our quotes.
The waste that is normally generated from our projects is the empty product packaging with liquids contents below 5%, grinding dust from the surface preparation and/or old existing floor finishes that have been removed. These items are not usually classed as dangerous or hazardous waste but it is wise to check with your local authorities to avoid any complications.
Do you install floors using casting resins or metallic pigments?
No, this is a very unique part of the resins field we do not get involved with. The resins are very different to industrial trade resins and ones that have not proven to be very durable or long-lasting.
What power supply do we need for the floor preparation machines?
We have many different types of floor preparation machines but most of them are either 32amp 3phase machines or 110V 32amp machines so we will need access to at least 1 x 32amp 3phase 5 pin power socket and 2 x 240v standard 3 pin sockets. We can then use power transformers to change the power as required.
Who is responsible for unexpected, non-visual or undisclosed issues with the floor?
As the condition of the floor is outside of our control and not something that we have a direct influence over, we cannot accept the full responsibility of substrate issues. Having said that, we are well aware that if there is an unknown or unexpected issue with the floor, then this is an unexpected issue for both of us and we will absolutely try and help you with any extra costs these issues may incur.
How soon can I use the floor?
Most resin floor systems have a standard full chemical cure time of 7 days however, you can get back on the floor sooner if required. The longer you can leave the surface the better, and the reason we recommend 7 days at 20 degrees C is that by this point the floor will have reached its maximum strength and durability.
Most resins will have cured sufficiently in 24 hours to accept full traffic but the surface is more susceptible to light surface scratching and if it gets wet may cause some blooming. However, these issues shouldn’t affect the long-term durability of the floor.
Do you carry out works in domestic environments?
Unfortunately, we do not get involved with resin and screed applications in domestic environments because our products and teams are set up for commercial and industrial spaces. However, as we always have a desire to help out with any enquiry, please feel free to call us or message us about your project and we can point you in the direction of resin suppliers across the industry, based on your requirements and budget.
Project requirements and contract notes
In this section we clearly lay out the standard project requirements and points you will need to be aware of. Please note these project requirement terms and notes are unlimited and where specific requirements are deemed necessary we will advise as part of your project planning. Do not hesitate to request clarification of any points raised in this guide.
Power Supply – The Client is to provide the necessary power supply for our industrial preparation equipment by way of 5 Pin, 32A Three Phase sockets & 240v standard power outlets.
Waste – Due to the nature of the waste and its potential volume we do not take this away or arrange for it to be collected. The Client is to provide all necessary waste disposal units and we recommend a skip – The size required will vary depending on the size of area and the system being installed.
Heating/Temperature/Lighting – The Client is to provide adequate heating/temperature/lighting (fit for purpose) for the duration of the project(s). Ambient temperature should be above 15°C prior to, during, and following the project(s) to support the system of application and product curing times:
- Full chemical cure of our resin applications is 7 days at a recommended 20°C. Please be aware premature spillages can cause surface staining (please refer to the product data sheet for additional information).
Site Conditions – It is important the correct site conditions prevail to ensure our Contractor Service Team can maximise the opportunity of installing your system to the highest standard. Adequate heating/light/temperature, together with the absence of all other trades for the duration and curing of the product will support the specification toward meeting your expectation.
Bolts/Protrusions – The Client is to ensure that all bolts/protrusions have either been removed or clearly marked out. Any damage to machinery due to unmarked bolts or protrusions will be chargeable. Should floor repairs be required by Infinity Resins where bolts and protrusions have been removed, these must be identified, quantified, and a price agreed before remedy.
Airborne/Chemical Contamination – We are not familiar with the on-site manufacturing protocol of The Client and/or products used in their processes; and we cannot be held responsible for any defects in the floor which is deemed to be created by airborne/chemical contamination beyond our control.
Working area – Where it is observed the area(s) is not watertight and there are gaps between wall panels, doorways, and shutter doors not flush to the floor substrate; both rainwater and wind debris could affect the appearance of the floor coating during installation and curing. Infinity Resins cannot be held responsible for defects caused by these conditions. In addition, please note, in the absence of being agreed or advised otherwise:
- We presume the area will be clean and dry, at the ambient temperature noted
- We presume the area will be available to us in one continuous and uninterrupted visit
- We presume the area(s) will be free from other contractors/trades during our visit
- All free standing equipment should be removed by The Client prior to our arrival on site
- All fixed equipment should be sheeted and protected by The Client prior to our arrival.
Preparation – When applying any coatings, preparation is paramount. We recommend that the floor is professionally prepared using Vacuum Assisted Shot-blasting or Vacuum Assisted Diamond Grinding. These methods of preparation are recognised in the trade as the best and most effective methods to remove any weak, loose or friable laitance from the surface whilst providing a mechanical key for the coating to adhere to. It is a 95% dust free operation and can be quicker than traditional chemical preparation methods, where time is lost waiting for the surface to dry.
Damp proof membrane (DPM) – Our quote is based upon the substrate having an adequate and effective Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) in place. It shall remain the responsibility of the main contractor/The Client to ensure the DPM is intact and Infinity Resins cannot be held responsible for failures due to excessive moisture pressure or alkaline reactions in or through the concrete substrate.
Substrate – This should be in a dry, clean, sound, and reasonable condition. We have not allowed for any remedial work to the substrate that is not apparent at quotation stage. Extra works arising from defects not apparent at the time of survey may be considered as additions, not limited to and including tile/lino/vinyl/latex (type) removal, though existing cracks, floor joints, chipping and other minor damage will be significantly infilled by the floor coatings (but they may still be noticeable through to the final finish). It is important to note tiles remaining in situ will show their outlines even if coated unless specifically agreed (in writing) to apply a system of application to remove.
Other Surface Preparation – Our floor finishes follow and reflect the contours/falls of the existing floor; we cannot be held responsible for cracks caused by the concrete reflecting through to the resin finish. This also applies to any movement of the substrate beyond our control through building design. Any undulation will be reflected in the finished product.
Falls Installation – Where required and/or deemed agreeable, fall measurements must be in print with agreed tolerances noted allowing for the substrate condition and existing levels, between The Client and our Contractor Service Team before the project commencement date.
Handover – It remains important in support of the longevity of the flooring system’s integrity once installed, that care should be taken for it to be protected once sufficient cure time has taken place (please refer to the product data sheet for additional information) from other on-going contractual projects. Infinity Resins cannot be held responsible for any damage caused beyond our control.
Cleaning/Maintenance – The frequency and procedure of cleaning and maintaining of the floor should be established with The Client/end user. We provide a ‘Guide to Cleaning of Resin Floors’ and it is important to invest in a system of regular housekeeping appropriate to your operation.
Premium Rates – Please note our price is not inclusive of Premium Rates. Weekends and Nights are typically charged at 20% extra, general Bank Holidays are typically charged at 30% extra, and Christmas/Easter rates are by negotiation only.
Payment Terms – We will require a deposit for all projects. Payment terms to be determined on completion of an Account Form.
Project Dates – We endeavour to accommodate project dates that suit you as our client. Should a confirmed date be changed for any reason, please be aware that this may be chargeable and such cost may be deducted from any deposit.
Product – Once an order is placed and product manufactured, any cancellation may result in the product value being charged for, as all product is specifically assigned to the project(s). All unused products at the end of a project are the possession of Infinity Resins unless agreed otherwise in writing prior to works commencing.
Contractor Service – We have our own team of fully qualified and experienced professionals who are quick to respond, technically aware, proactive and flexible.
Please note – We reserve the right to delay carrying out any project due to site conditions, which could otherwise compromise the integrity of your specified installation.