Untreated concrete floors are typically porous, allowing contaminants to rise from beneath the surface. Its not unusual for moisture or water vapor to escape from below, causing efflorescence deposits, malodors and the growth of algae & fungus.
The floor surface is the receptacle of food debris, of all kinds. What is not pickup up with regular sanitation efforts, can re-locate to the pockets or pores in the floor, or other irregularities. Harmful bacteria and food contaminants thrive in these areas, causing disease. It's necessary that the floor be treated with a specific coating, in order to maintain a hygienic surface.
The following microorganisms are the biggest culprits of foodborne illness because of the severity of the illness or the number of cases of illness they cause: Listeria monocytogenes, Norovirus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli 0157:H7, Campylobcater and Clostridium botulinum.
FDA & USDA has set the necessary standards for concrete floor coatings so that they are able to provide a protective barrier that prevents contaminants, from permeating the concrete substrate. This coating will allow for thorough cleaning and sanitation efforts, whether by pressure washing, auto-scrub or mop & bucket. Additionally, the floor should have slip resistance, to protect employees.
Your choice of a floor coating can be a complex. The industry has evolved with a variety of epoxies, urethanes, elastomeric polyurethanes and varieties of silanes. The traffic anticipated on the floor including forklifts and the possibility of standing water, will also be a consideration.
A perfect choice for sealing, curing, hardening and dustproofing porous concrete is our Aquaseal W-20. Aquaseal W-20 is approved by FDA & USDA as a floor sealer in food processing plants. This is a clear, water base, sprayable, inorganic silicate based solution for both indoor and outdoor application. - It also complies with the Federal and Army Corp of engineers specifications for concrete surface treatment.
This should be your primary consideration, when choosing a sealer because of the ease of application, quick cure time and economy. It comes with a 5 Year Warranty for concrete hardening & dustproofing.
You can find pertinent information, regarding coverage and chemical resistance by following this link:
We encourage you to call us, in order to answer your questions related to floor coatings. - Ask for Barry
