Any commercial property requires sealants to protect against the elements and improve structural integrity. 

Typically, sealants are used for different purposes, including connecting panels, windows, doors, and partitions. 

Not all sealants are the same, and you want to use the right one to provide the maximum amount of strength. Otherwise, you could have issues from the wind and rain when creating an impermeable barrier. Here are the different commercial sealants and the choices you can make to provide the highest protection levels. 

Traditional Solutions 

The traditional solutions that most people assume work as the best commercial sealants in West Palm Beach are caulking and putties. Since the 1950s, these materials were common in sealing metals, glass, wood, and concrete because of the linseed oil and tar derivates. 

However, these solutions were not effective and cracked as the weather took a toll on the sealant. You usually use these traditional solutions as a last resort and realize that you will be replacing the seals in the future. 

We recommend using caulking and putties only in certain situations, such as indoor settings. These solutions work better than others in these environments and last longer without the constant pressure from the elements. 

A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing is your expert on commercial sealants in West Palm Beach. We can replace, repair, and strengthen any surface to reverse the damage and prevent things from becoming worse. 

Synthetics 

Synthetics is one of the most durable and flexible sealants available that offers maximum protection. These solutions have high durability and can withstand the rigors of exposure to the environment. 

Synthetics use different polymers, including polybutene, polyisobutylene, and butyle rubber to give you long lasting solutions. 

Polybutene is a compound that blends with the environment and connects with the molecules in it. We use this to make strong sealants on walls, metal joints, and increase the elasticity of the seal.   

Polyisobutylene is thicker and lasts longer thanks to the unique mix of molecules that bind to the surface. 

Butyl rubber is strong enough to withstand the pressure from gases, the weather conditions, and is resistant to oxygen. The secret is in the resins, hydrocarbons, and hydrogen rosin that offer extra strength. 

We use these solutions to provide effective sealants against the elements and give your property extra protection. 

A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing are the commercial sealant experts thanks to our 35 years of experience working with commercial, retail, and industrial customers. We can help you find the best solutions that will last and prevent your seals from damaging prematurely. 

Acrylic Sealants 

Acrylic is another excellent sealant that offers more protection and is divided into the emulsion and solvent-based solutions. 

Emulsion is great at absorbing into the molecules of different materials including concrete, wood, plaster, metal, and glass. These solutions have lower amounts of shrinkage when drying and will last for up to 15 years. You will see lower amounts of discoloration from exposure to the UV rays of the sun. 

These solvents offer excellent adhesion to concrete, wood, steel, and aluminum to give you even more protection. These solutions are weather resistant and not affected by the UV rays from the sun. We use acrylic solvents for siding, wall joints, metal to concrete joints, and connecting wood to metal. 

The solvents use a polymer base with an 80% solid acrylic dissolution that adds to the weight by 50%. The increased weight reduces any possible shrinkage when drying, and it gives you the maximum amount of protection. 

We recommend using these solutions on any commercial project in conjunction with the others we mentioned previously. Our goal is to use all of them to give you the maximum amount of protection for your commercial property. 

A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing is the place that knows how to seal and protect your property against the elements. We have worked with over three thousand clients and know how to get the best results for you. 

We are the Waterproofing Experts 

These are some of the different commercial sealants we use to ensure we are giving your property the maximum amount of protection. You don’t want to do it yourself, as you may use those solutions that are ineffective and don’t work. Call A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing today at 888-367-2706 and see why we are the best at commercial waterproofing in West Palm Beach. 

Not all sealants are the same, and having the advice of trained experts is the best way to get results that last. We can help, are located in West Palm Beach, and serve Central and South Florida. Put our expertise and knowledge for you to ensure that you get the best results.  

Epoxy is well known to be one of the most durable types of finishes available. However, did you know that epoxy can be used to make a work surface safe? Whether it’s to meet safety standards, or take care of yourself and your loved ones, there are several ways to make an epoxy finish slip-resistant. Let’s discuss them!

Epoxy with Vinyl Flakes or Full Flake: Combining Safety and Aesthetics

One option available to you for making an epoxy surface slip-resistant is vinyl flakes. The advantage of choosing vinyl flakes is their look. The layering of the flakes creates a texture in the epoxy which creates a non-slip coating. Also, there are snowflakes of all kinds of colors and textures.

You can easily achieve a personalized look while ensuring that your floor is not slippery. Vinyl flakes are great for anti-slip flooring in a room where looks are so important; for example, the floor of a showroom, a workshop/warehouse is open to customers, etc.

However, to achieve the non-slip properties, the floor must be saturated with flakes. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out a Full Flake project, that is to say, to cover the entire surface with flakes. To achieve a Full Flakes effect, it is essential to calculate 10 to 12 lbs of flakes per 100 sq ft of floor. No doubt, a Flake project requires a considerable investment, but a beautiful look is guaranteed.

How is it Done?

The professionals sprinkle flakes on the 2nd layer of epoxy while it is still fresh. Once the flakes are well anchored in the epoxy (after 24 hours), they pass a broom and vacuum cleaner. This makes sure to remove the fragile surplus of flakes. Finally, they apply a final coat of clear epoxy to seal the flakes.

If you want to optimize the anti-slip effect, applying a single coat of clear epoxy over the flakes is very important. Otherwise, the epoxy fills in the hollows caused by the flakes. The texture is therefore lost, and therefore the non-slip nature.

Make Your Epoxy Slip-Resistant With Silica Sand

Another possibility to make your floor safe would be to add silica sand to your epoxy finish.

First, it must be silica sand and not natural sand. The moisture in natural sand would prevent your epoxy from curing properly. Although silica sand is normally sprinkled on epoxy coats (while still fresh), certain products can be added to the epoxy mixture.

The team incorporates the grains of sand into the different layers of epoxy to create a non-slip texture.

Silica sand is a more economical option than vinyl flakes. However, its appearance is less striking and less luxurious. Also, professionals do not spare the trouble of sprinkling sand on the surface once the epoxy has been applied.

Surfaces covered with silica sand can also be more difficult to clean due to their roughness. It is, therefore, a possible methodology for a small/medium-sized surface, where the aesthetics of the finish do not matter.

“Orange Peel” Epoxy for an Uncompromising Non-Slip Surface

Orange Peel epoxy (or orange peel) is an epoxy with a special component that ensures a non-slip texture. This type of finish is used, among others, in-stadium bleachers and arenas.

Orange Peel epoxy has the advantage of including a non-slip texture when the epoxy is applied. In other words, you do not need to add a non-slip component at the finishing stage. So that saves you a step.

Also, the Orange Peel finish remains easy to clean despite its texture. The range of this epoxy is also available in a wide choice of colors, including safety colors. If you have to mark certain warehouse areas for forklift use (for example), you can do so with Orange Peel. 

For large-scale projects where you want a non-slip finish, this is an ideal product; as much to save money as effort.

Apply “Orange Peel”

You must first mix the epoxy (add the dye if necessary). After pouring our epoxy on the surface, they spread it using a squeegee. Once the epoxy has been spread, the surface is rolled with a thick nap roller (15 or 20mm). The thicker the hairs of the roller, the more it will accentuate the orange peel texture.

After 24 hours of drying, the second coat can be applied by following the same procedure. It will be necessary to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the surface, and at least 48 hours for the circulation of heavy machinery.

Epoxy Colors Safety and Signage in the Workplace

Epoxies are also available in a range of so-called Safety colors. Each color has a definition associated with it, making it possible to distinguish between different work areas. Also, you can use these colors for signaling traffic in a large work area, such as a warehouse where forklifts are used.

Here are the Safety colors available for floor marking of warehouses, and their meanings according to the RAL color chart:

• Red: Danger or prohibition
• Orange: Chemical storage.
• Yellow: Warning or danger.
• Green: Information, direction, or evacuation.
• Blue: Obligation or protection.

Having a good marking system for a warehouse floor is not only a safety priority – it also allows you to have a good traffic flow in your warehouse and increases profitability and productivity. Among all the possibilities offered by epoxy, you can choose the one that best suits the needs of your project to make your work areas safe. If you’re looking for commercial Sealants in Fort Lauderdale, contact A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing, experts in commercial painting and waterproofing, electrostatic painting, and commercial sealants!

Commercial sealants are a great way to prevent water and other liquids from seeping through surfaces and mechanical joints in your home or business. They offer protection from the elements and prevent heat, sound, dust, pests, and air from leaking in or out of places.

The sheer variety of sealants is enough to perplex anyone, from latex and acrylic-based sealants to silicone and polyurethane variants. Each has its qualities and applications, which can often be confusing to discern.

These sealants can be permanent, temporary, strong, weak, rigid, or flexible. It all depends on your needs because the applications dictate the type of commercial sealants you use.

Let’s discuss sealant applications and the things to consider about their properties when selecting a commercial sealant for your needs.

Commercial Sealants: Things to Consider

When it comes to commercial sealants, you need to identify your purpose or application.

Applications

Most sealants are commonly used to seal or close openings between surfaces where mortar or concrete cannot be applied. Identifying why you need commercial sealants will help you choose the correct one.

Typically, commercial sealants have three key applications.

1. Seal to fill the gap between two or more surfaces or components
2. Seal to provide a protective, impermeable layer that acts as a barrier for various substances
3. Maintain their sealant properties throughout the expected lifespan, provided the conditions and environments match the specifications of the commercial sealant being used

If you want the sealant to provide these functions effectively, it is important to match the most suitable commercial sealant with the materials you need to join together. Apart from this, you will need to consider the sealant properties of the commercial sealant you use.

Sealant Properties

When choosing a sealant for application, here are the things you need to consider about the sealant properties.

• Weather Resistance

Another widespread application of commercial sealants is to provide outdoor waterproofing for surfaces and joints. Hence, sealants must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Typically, high-performance commercial sealants are weatherproof and can endure extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, moisture, and other weather conditions and remain functional and flexible as expected.

If you want to use a commercial sealant outdoors, it must withstand the hot South Florida sun and rainy seasons.

• Adhesion

The adhesion of elastomeric sealants is an important factor when choosing commercial sealants. Typically, manufacturers provide the required adhesion data for sealants with various substrates. This information can make it easy to understand their adhesive capabilities for various substrates.

• Hardness

Hardness is the ability of a commercial sealant to avoid deformation after settling. The hardness is always inversely proportional to the sealant’s movement and flexibility; Harder sealant is less flexible.

If you are applying a sealant for static purposes, consider using harder variants.

• Liquid Consistency (Viscosity)

The liquid consistency of the sealants refers to their viscosity. A high viscosity sealant will not move or flow much from the application area, even on vertical surfaces and joints. Low viscosity sealants have more flow and are typically used to penetrate surfaces or on horizontal joints.

Low viscosity sealants are also self-leveling, which can be very handy in tight spaces.

• Movement Tolerance

A sealant’s joint movement capability is determined by the percentage of movement between the substrates to be sealed. Movement tolerance is shown as a percentage of the joint width. The less static a substrate is, the more movement tolerance or flexibility the sealant will require to function properly.

• Modulus of Elasticity

Usually, high-modulus sealants have low movement capabilities and vice-versa. High-modulus sealants are typically used for static, non-moving joints, whereas low-modulus sealants are used for sensitive or delicate substrates that are not static.

There is a wide variety of commercial sealants available in various modulus of elasticity, and your choice will depend on your application.

• VOC Content

Volatile organic compounds are chemical irritants in commercial sealants. While there are plenty of low VOC content sealants, not all sealants are made the same. You may want to check the VOC content before selecting a sealant.

• Staining

The chemicals in commercial sealants may stain certain substrates, which is very common with natural stone materials because they are quite porous. You may want to test the sealants on a small area before application, even if the manufacturer claims that the sealant is non-staining.

• Life Cycle (Durability)

Most sealants should easily last you a decade. Some silicone sealants have life cycles of up to 20 years, and manufacturers often guarantee it. However, every commercial sealant has a different expected life span under ideal conditions.

As long as there are no misapplications, improper conditions, or incompatibility with application surface materials, you can expect it to last the entirety of its life cycle.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct commercial sealant for your needs is always easier and cost-effective than replacing failed sealants. Hence, it would help to consider the things mentioned in this post before choosing one for your purposes.

We highly recommend letting professionals like A1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing handle your sealant needs because they know which ones to use here and can give you excellent sealing results.

Please visit our website today if you want to learn more about commercial sealants or the best professionals for sealant application, removal, or replacement in South Florida.