Decorative Quartz and Flake Systems
for Low Temp Jobsites

Everybody knows that you can’t install decorative quartz and flake systems on low temp job sites, right? The material wont set up, the clear finish coat will yellow, the system will not be as strong….we have all heard this before. Time to rethink! ROCK-TRED has been manufacturing low temperature polymer solutions for decades and our current lineup of low temperature products is better than ever.

Last winter ROCK-TRED released our CHEM-THANE P-200 low temperature, high solids, low odor polyaspartic coating and it was well received. Sales of this product continue to grow in both the residential market and in commercial/industrial applications. Contractors have found that using the P-200 as the clear finish coat over flake or colored quartz broadcast into ROCK-TRED low temperature epoxy base coats is a cost effective and easy way of continuing with decorative installations after the temperatures have dropped without sacrificing clarity, gloss retention or overall durability. While the P-200 can be used for all the layers of these systems, it is less costly to install low temperature epoxy coatings for the base layers in these full broadcast systems. Since they are broadcast to rejection the epoxy base layers do not have to provide the same long-term clarity or color stability that the high performance P-200 coating will offer.

When installing above 45°F contractors have been using ROCK-PATCH, CRACK N PATCH Cooler Formula or RQP (sand or grind the RQP after cure when used at temps below 60°F) to make the substrate repairs. Either CHEM-ROCK LT-45 or CHEM-ROCK PRIMER are then installed directly to the prepared concrete. For lighter duty installations flake or colored quartz are broadcast to rejection directly into the colored base coat and then scraped/swept after cure. For systems requiring higher durability or thicker builds multiple layers of CHEM-ROCK LT-45 or CHEM-ROCK PRIMER with multiple flake or quartz broadcasts are used. One finish coat of water clear CHEM-THANE P-200 polyaspartic is used to seal the system and provide a long lasting, durable, clarity/gloss retaining finish over the decorative system.

With lower temperature installations down to 25°F contractors still use ROCK-PATCH, but switch to CRACK N PATCH Freezer Formula for repairs. CHEM-ROCK LT-25 becomes the epoxy base coat of choice below freezing. The LT-25 still can be pigmented, can be installed directly to prepared concrete and can be broadcast directly into using flakes or quartz. The clear finish coat of CHEM-THANE P-200 polyaspartic remains the same.

For more information on these systems or to learn about all the ROCK-TRED Low Temperature Solutions contact your ROCK-TRED Local Representative today!

Contractor's Corner - by Erik Sebby

Best Practices for cold temp installation

Pretend that you have just received a lead to install a polymer system on low temperature jobsite. What are the key points to investigate during your site visit and to include in your estimate to make sure you adequately bid this job, make the job runs smoothly and to keep the profits in your pocket? The following is a short check list of Best Practices for Low Temperature Installations.

• Pre-Job due diligence. Low temperature installations take more forethought and planning.
  • Measure the substrate temperature, the air temperature and relative at various points throughout the job site. Substrates can be significantly warmer or colder than the air temperature in the same workspace and can also vary near doorways and exterior walls.
  • Understand how the substrate will be used and treated in the future and allow for expansion and contraction in the slab. Substrates are dynamic and will move as they move through thermal cycles. If you expect the substrate will be subjected to changes in temperature control and expansion joints should be honored to allow for slab movement without cracking or causing compression “bumps” in your ROCK-TRED system.
  • Make sure there is an interior area for product mixing and storage. Even ROCK-TRED low temperature products can’t be mixed outdoors in the middle of a driving sleet storm!
  • Is there any heat available in the area? Is it a heat source that will emit exhaust into the project area? Even “clean” burning heaters that operate on propane, etc. still produce exhaust that can cause a blush reaction on curing polymer coatings. Heat sources either have to be zero emission (electric) or have to be externally ventilated outside the work area.
  • Is it wise to bring in additional heat? In some cases introducing heat to a jobsite will result in sweating, condensation or increased humidity. All of these issues are harder to overcome than just a cold jobsite.
  • Are any tarps, extra insulation or other protection needed that will require additional time and materials?
• Material Pre-Conditioning and Staging.
  Different ROCK-TRED materials have different requirements regarding pre-conditioning and no ROCK-TRED material should be allowed to freeze. Make sure a proper staging area is available to allow the material to reach it’s appropriate temperature prior to installing. ROCK-CRETE products must be pre-conditioned to at least 70°F when installing below 50°F. In most cases, ROCK-TRED epoxy and polyaspartic products should be pre-conditioned to a temperature close to the job site’s temperature, but not to below freezing.
• Coverage Differences in Cold Temps.
  Most polymer coating products are thicker when colder. Account for lower rates of coverage and addition of ROCK-TRED reducing agents when applicable to make the mixed material more free flowing and easier to apply.
• Lower Productivity in Cold Temps.
  Humans do not function as well or as quickly when we’re cold. Allow for some added labor hours as it will take your crew longer to do anything in the cold.
• Slower Product Set Times in Cold Temps.
  There has to be a balance between workability and cure rate when ROCK-TRED formulates low temp products. To allow installers enough working time many of our low temp products have slower cure rates.
• Stage Applications Based on Time of Day.
  When possible, plan for product application at times of the day when temperatures are rising and not falling.

This list naturally is not exhaustive, but should at least provide some food for thought when planning your next low temp install. As always, ROCK-TRED is here to help you find solutions for your toughest jobs. Call your ROCK-TRED Rep for assistance in planning and bidding low temperature jobs. We will be glad to help!

ROCK-TRED Institute

Our first ROCK-TRED Institute Class of 2015 is scheduled for February 17th ,18th, & 19th. RTI Classes have continually received the highest ratings from attendees as being among the best training classes in our industry. Attending RTI Classes are a solid investment in your company and a great way to not only learn about the full ROCK-TRED product line, but also to receive the most up to date polymer coatings industry knowledge. Contractors know that more knowledge translates into more profits. There are still seats available for the February classes – register now to attend!

See here for the February RTI Standard Policy Letter