Brad Smolin
Outgassing, Carbon Dioxide, & Bubbles
In the flooring business, carbon dioxide (CO2) often gathers in a place where the air is still. While the gas itself is odorless and invisible to the human eye, the impact of carbon dioxide on an epoxy flooring project is visible. How do we see its effects? Small craters, similar to mini-volcanos with holes in the center, or bubbles in the floor, derive from the phenomenon known as outgassing.
Minimizing bubbles is key to avoid outgassing. Here are three tips:
- Strive to generate few bubbles. Use good tools such as a high-quality mixer, and minimize folding air into the mixture by mixing it primarily below the surface.
- Work efficiently on the floor with the resin (as quickly as possible—the sooner the flooring technicians get off the floor, the fewer bubbles and rework). Somewhat akin to certain food recipes, less is more (i.e, the less air you trap in the materials).
- Select the best resin materials for the project before you begin. Both the specific polymer resin and its application are factors that affect bubbles and defects.
At Hascall & Hall, our attention to detail and client satisfaction is superior. The project on which this post was based was completed on time and within budget.