Why Installation Quality Determines Coating Lifespan
The difference between a 10-year coating and a 50-year coating isn’t just the materials—it’s the precision of professional installation. Duration’s certified technicians follow a rigorous 6-step process that ensures maximum adhesion, optimal performance, and unmatched longevity.
Step 1: Advanced Concrete Surface Preparation
Diamond Grinding to CSP-3 Standard
We utilize industrial diamond grinding equipment to achieve the optimal Concrete Surface Profile (CSP-3):
Technical Requirements:
- Diamond grit selection: 16-25 grit for maximum mechanical bond
- Surface profile depth: 3-5 mils for optimal coating adhesion
- Concrete hardness assessment: Mohs scale testing for grinding parameters
- Complete contaminate removal: oils, sealers, previous coatings
Why This Matters: Improper surface preparation is the #1 cause of coating failure. Our CSP-3 profile provides 440% more surface area for mechanical bonding compared to acid etching.
Moisture Vapor Transmission Testing
Before any coating application, we perform calcium chloride dome testing to measure moisture vapor transmission:
- Acceptable levels: Below 3 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hours
- High moisture protocol: Specialized primer systems for problematic slabs
- Seasonal considerations: Northeast Indiana humidity factor adjustments
Step 2: Precision Crack and Void Repair
Concrete Reconstruction Chemistry
Our specialized concrete mending compounds restore structural integrity:
Material Selection Based on Crack Analysis:
- Hairline cracks (<1/8″): Penetrating sealers with capillary action
- Structural cracks (1/8″-1/2″): Flexible polyurea crack bridging
- Spalling repair: Color-matched concrete patching compounds
- Control joint treatment: Flexible sealants that move with concrete
Quality Control: Every repair is moisture-cured and sanded flush before coating application, ensuring seamless integration.
Step 3: Duralast® Base Coat Application
Precision Mixing and Application
Our 5X stronger polyaspartic base coat requires exact application parameters:
Application Standards:
- Material temperature: 65-85°F for optimal flow characteristics
- Ambient conditions: 45-85°F, <85% relative humidity
- Mil thickness: 6-8 mils wet film thickness for optimal performance
- Application rate: 350-400 sq ft per gallon at specified thickness
Professional Techniques:
- Squeegee application: Ensures uniform mil thickness
- Back-rolling: Eliminates bubble formation and ensures complete coverage
- Timing protocols: Working within pot life for optimal inter-coat adhesion
Step 4: Strategic Decorative Chip Application
Color-Coordinated Chip Systems
We hand-select premium vinyl chips for both aesthetics and performance:
Chip Selection Criteria:
- Size gradation: Multiple sizes (1/4″, 1/8″, 1/16″) for texture variety
- Color coordination: Custom blends matching your design preferences
- Material quality: UV-stable chips that won’t fade or discolor
- Coverage density: 1 lb per 40-60 sq ft for optimal texture
Application Method:
- Broadcast to rejection: Maximum chip density while base coat is tacky
- Even distribution: Ensures consistent texture and appearance
- Quality inspection: Visual verification of complete coverage
Step 5: Excess Chip Removal and Surface Preparation
Mechanical Chip Removal Process
Professional scraping and vacuuming techniques prepare for topcoat:
Removal Standards:
- Complete loose chip removal: Only adhered chips remain
- Surface cleaning: Industrial vacuum removal of dust and debris
- Texture verification: Consistent chip density across entire surface
- Edge detailing: Hand-scraping at walls and corners
Added Benefit: This process creates micro-texture that enhances slip resistance and topcoat adhesion.
Step 6: UV-Stable Polyaspartic Topcoat
Crystal-Clear Protection Layer
Our UV-stable aliphatic polyaspartic topcoat provides the final protection:
Technical Specifications:
- Clarity retention: Crystal clear, won’t yellow or cloud
- Chemical resistance: Resistant to automotive fluids, cleaners, de-icing salts
- Abrasion resistance: Taber test rating of 25mg loss (5X better than epoxy)
- Gloss retention: Maintains high-gloss finish indefinitely
Application Excellence:
- Uniform mil thickness: 3-4 mils for optimal performance
- Zero defect tolerance: Complete coverage without holidays or thin spots
- Curing optimization: Controlled environment for perfect cure
Quality Control Throughout Every Step
Professional Verification Protocols
- Pre-installation moisture testing with calibrated equipment
- Surface profile verification using CSP comparator chips
- Material temperature monitoring throughout application
- Mil thickness measurement at multiple points per section
- Final inspection with detailed quality checklist
Same-Day Service Timeline
Professional efficiency without compromise:
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Surface preparation and moisture testing
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Crack repair and surface cleaning
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Base coat and chip application
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Chip removal and topcoat application
- 4:00 PM: Project completion and final walkthrough
Why Professional Installation Matters
The Cost of Shortcuts
DIY and discount installers often skip critical steps:
- Inadequate surface preparation: Leading to adhesion failure
- Moisture issues ignored: Causing coating disbondment
- Improper material ratios: Resulting in soft, easily damaged coatings
- Environmental condition neglect: Creating application defects
Duration’s Professional Guarantee
When you choose professional installation, you get:
- Certified technicians with specialized training
- Commercial-grade equipment for optimal results
- Material expertise ensuring perfect application conditions
- Comprehensive warranty backing our workmanship
Our professional installation process ensures optimal performance across all applications, from Fort Wayne garage floor coatings to specialized commercial flooring solutions.
Ready for Professional-Grade Results?
Duration’s 6-step process ensures your concrete coating investment delivers maximum performance and longevity. Whether you’re in New Haven, Woodburn, Huntertown, or anywhere in our Northeast Indiana service area, contact us today for your professional installation assessment.
Questions about our installation process? Our certified technicians are ready to explain every detail of professional concrete coating application.