2024
Gauteng
In collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, Transfrontier Projects recently completed an extensive flooring upgrade designed to enhance the durability and longevity of key educational facilities. The project aimed to replace worn-out floors in high-traffic areas with impact-resistant solutions capable of withstanding daily use and ensuring safety.
Flooring Requirements
The primary goal of this project was to replace the existing worn floor coating in all high-traffic areas where examination and education materials are frequently moved with trolleys. The process began by removing the existing coating with diamond grinders, resulting in an open pore concrete surface, which is conducive to bonding the new screed to the concrete substrate. Good preparation is crucial for the effective application of all new coatings and screeds.
Sika Solutions
To meet the department's needs, Transfrontier Projects partnered with Sika to deliver a robust flooring solution across different areas:
High Traffic Areas
In spaces exposed to significant wear, such as corridors and entrances,
Sikafloor®-21 PurCem®, a polyurethane hybrid screed, was applied. First, the surface was prepped by removing old coatings, and Sikadur®-52 ZA epoxy resin was used to repair cracks. The Sikafloor®-21 PurCem® was then applied in layers to create a smooth, impact-resistant finish.
Medium Traffic Areas
In passages and office areas, Sikafloor®-263 SL ZA, a 2-part epoxy coating, was used. Following the surface preparation, this coating was applied in two coats, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface.
Light Traffic Areas
Storerooms and UPS Rooms: In these areas, Sikafloor® Garage, a versatile,
easy-to-apply water-based coating ideal for light to medium traffic areas, was used. The same preparation process was done, and Sikafloor® Garage was roller-applied in two coats.
Parking Decks
Damaged concrete surfaces were cut out, and defective areas were primed with Sika MonoTop®-1010 ZA, a cementitious bonding primer, which was brush-applied as a prime coat. Sika MonoTop®-412 NFG, a high-strength, shrinkage-compensated repair mortar, was used to level out the primed areas using a trowel, ensuring a neat finish.
Joint Sealing
All existing sealants were raked out of the joints. All joints were cleaned and then primed with Sika® Primer-3 N to ensure bonding of the new sealants to the sides of the joints. Sikaflex®-11FC Purform® was usedto fill in all joints.
Conclusion
By leveraging Sika’s advanced flooring solutions, Transfrontier Projects successfully upgraded the Department of Basic Education's flooring across high-traffic, medium-traffic, and light-traffic areas. This upgrade not only enhances the durability and functionality of the floors but also provides an aesthetically pleasing and resilient surface designed to meet the department's demanding requirements. The project sets a benchmark for future infrastructure upgrades in educational facilities.