For an epoxy floor, when is it appropriate to specify under 07 18 00 “Traffic Caotings” and when is it appropriate to specify under 09 67 23 “Resinous Flooring”? Does it have to do with material, thickness or use? It seems like both sections will support the same products.
Resinous flooring systems are generally interior systems used for specific applications where resistance to chemicals and other harsh substances is desired, but not absolutely necessary. They generally are not promoted as waterproof membranes and may not be very flexible.
Traffic coatings are usually applied in an exterior environment that provides waterproofing capabilities. They are elastomeric, meaning they have more flexibility, and are typically thinner that resinous flooring systems.
That’s my take on the differences. I’m sure there are others.
Traffic coatings are intended for surface-applied waterproofing applications, often exposed to weather, and suitable for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Resinous flooring, and its siblings(!) under the parent 096700 Fluid-Applied Flooring, are for interior viscous-applied flooring; they are not intended as waterproofing, although some may have waterproofing properties.
Is that clear as mud?
You mentioned “epoxy floor,” which makes me think that you are considering some type of resinous floor. What Ron and Dave didn’t mention is that this category covers a very broad range of products. Some are troweled on and are relatively thick (up to 3/8" thick or so) and some are close to being a coating like paint. They can be chemically resistant, impact resistant, colorful, and more depending on what’s needed. Contacting a rep in your area who represents these systems is worthwhile, even if only a phone call, because you will quickly find out if they can deal with your needs.
I would add to John’t comment that urethane concrete formulations are also categorized as resinous flooring. Generally, epoxy resinous flooring should not use where there is UV exposure due to color shift inherent in epoxies when exposed to UV radiation.
I think there is a third type of “resinous flooring” to consider. I have done commercial kitchen floors with a trowel-applied resinous mix that included fine aggregate. The finished topping is 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick. It is very durable to foot traffic and cleaning (Marine Corps mess hall). It does not like high pressure/high temperature cleaning agent.
It is not a coating. It is a topping. What Section number and title?
John, the section would be 09 6723 - Resinous Flooring. Topping is flooring, it is a resinous mix … resinous flooring.