Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

FRP Epoxy Sheet Flooring

Installation and Maintenance Manual

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

Dear Flooring Professional,

We genuinely appreciate your interest in utilizing our flooring systems for your flooring needs and strongly recommend reading this installation and maintenance manual before beginning the installation process. It has been our goal to allow our end users to gain the benefits of epoxy resin in an easier, faster way by producing new epoxy resin sheet material. Can Fast FRP epoxy sheet flooring systems are researched, developed, and manufactured by Tongxiang Composite Materials Co., which is the rightful owner of the intellectual property for this new flooring technology.

I.
1. Verification

Product Storage and Verification

a) Ensure no discrepancies exist between order and label information. b) Information on both documents should include product number, roll number, color, length, width, thickness.

2. Storage a) Rolls of epoxy sheet material must be stored in an upright, vertical position. b) Ensure the storage location is indoors, dry, and that the epoxy sheet material is not directly exposed to sunlight.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. c) Improper storage can cause discoloration, warping, and overall unsuccessful installation. d) Epoxy sheet material and the 2-component polyurethane adhesive should be taken out of storage and placed in installation area no more than 24 hours before initiating installation.

II. Installation Preparation and Handling

Installation Environment Conditions: 1) Temperature: a. Surface Temperature 15C (59F ) b. Air Temperature 18C (64F) 2) Relative Humidity should be 20% - 65%, not to exceed 75% a. Refer to DIN 18365 Floor Installation for more detail. Subfloor Requirements:

1. The subfloor must be dry, having a water content less than or equal to 3.5% 2. Moisture Content a. Concrete Substrate: Moisture Content 3.5% b. Cement Screed Substrate: Moisture Content 2.0% 3. Subfloor Performance a. Weight Capacity 25Mpa (3,626 psi) b. Vehicular Traffic Tensile Strength 1.5Mpa (217.6 psi) c. High Traffic Environment Tensile Strength 1.0Mpa (145.03 psi) 4. Ensure floor foundation is free of dents, potholes, and other dilapidated areas. If such exist, repair prior to commencing installation process in accordance

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. with industry standard GB50209-2010. 5. Ensure the change in elevation of the subfloor does not exceed 2mm within a 2 square meter area. a. Refer to industry standard GB50209-2010 for more detail. 6. Ensure substrate is free of grease, glue, wax, and other contaminants that will impair adhesive bonding. 7. If cracks in foundation exist, repair before installation and seek professional repair team if necessary. 8. For optimal life of subfloor and overall concrete foundation, apply a penetrating water based silicate sealer before applying adhesive to the substrate for increased moisture and vapor mitigation. 9. Please consult local professional flooring technicians if renovating an older flooring foundation as restoration methods differ across different floor material compositions. For example, ceramic tile and wood do not share the same restoration procedures. Subfloor Preparation: 1. Temperature and Humidity Measurements Using a hygrometer, measure the relative humidity to ensure it is within 20% 75%. The temperature of the ground surface should ideally be 15C (59F) with an acceptable temperature range being 10C 35C (50F 95F). Note: If the temperature is lower than this range the materials will be too hard, making installation more difficult and increasing the probability of cracking the epoxy sheet material. Conversely, if the room temperature exceeds 35C (95F) the bonding adhesive curing time will be accelerated adding risk of improper bonding between epoxy sheet material, adhesive, and substrate. Solution: After recording temperature and humidity levels, adjust accordingly using

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. professional equipment.

2. Moisture Content Detection: 1) Use a calcium carbide hygrometer. 2) A simple alternative to measuring moisture content is to tape one square meter of plastic film on the ground bordered with transparent tape. After 24 hours has passed inspect the surface area underneath the plastic film. If the color of the floor surface has remained unchanged the substrate conforms to moisture content installation requirements.

Note: Excess moisture content of flooring substrate may cause bubbling in epoxy sheet flooring material following installation, in addition to an overall shorter flooring service life. It should be noted that this is generally the case for all floor covering options.

Solution: Use a fan or hot air gun to dry moisture then immediately apply a water based silicate sealer for prolonged moisture and vapor mitigation.

3. Subfloor Strength The compress strength of your floor must be greater than or equal to C25. In addition, ensure that the substrate is clean of sand and other debris and does not have any holes, indentation or concrete delamination damage.

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Solution: Using a sharp chisel like the one pictured above, scratch the substrate in a crisscross manner. If the concrete flakes, chips, or otherwise results in spalling, the strength of the floor is insufficient to install the FRP epoxy sheet material.

Note: If the compress strength of your substrate is less than C25, forklifts and other heavy duty machinery can cause permanent damage to the floor foundation. This additional stress can also result in reduced bonding between the epoxy sheet flooring and the substrate, which will damage the material and yield a shorter service life.

If the compress strength of your floor is initially insufficient for your flooring demands one option is to first apply a 100% solids self-leveling epoxy primer to increase the floor strength. If hollowing exists in the sub floor first eradiate the damaged area, then proceed to fill the hole with epoxy resin cement mortar to be leveled and polished after curing is complete.

If the floor activity entails using vehicles with solid tires weighing less than 500kg (1,102lbs) it is also acceptable to use a cement-based screed to fill the hole. If you decide to go with this option, ensure your cement-based screed meets the following performance requirements: Shrinkage Rate 0.1% Flexural Strength 7Mpa (1,105psi) Compressive Strength 30Mpa (4,351psi) Bond Strength 1.5Mpa (218psi) Thickness 8mm

If you use vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires, the cement-based substrate repair system must meet the following performance parameters: Flexural Strength 7Mpa (1,105psi) Compressive Strength 30Mpa (4,351psi) Bond Strength 1.5Mpa (218psi)

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Thickness > 3mm

Note: The thickness of the cement-based substrate repair system is critical. If the thickness is less than what is specified for each repair option the probability of damaging the floor is significantly higher.

4. Flatness of the Subfloor Ensure the change in elevation of the subfloor does not exceed 2mm within any given 2 square meter area. Note: If the change in elevation exceeds 2mm the aesthetic appearance will diminish following installation. Solution: Using a 2 meter ruler, mark the areas where there is a change in elevation then proceed to correct the discrepancies using a high power floor polishing machine. For severe changes in elevation, apply an epoxy reinforced cement-based substrate repair system for a completely level floor. 5. Subfloor Cleaning To achieve optimal adhesive bonding the subfloor must be free of glue, wax, grease, and other contaminants. Solution: Clean the substrate with detergent, lye, or other cleaning compounds. A steam cleaner can also be used as long as no damage is done to the subfloor surface or flooring foundation. 6. Cracks in Subfloor Over a long period of time the expansion and contraction of existing cracks will result in wrinkled floor material.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Cut into Cracks and Irregular Contraction Joints: 1) Every 20cm make 12 15cm deep cuts into the existing cracks at a perpendicular, 90 angle. 2) After making new cuts, blow dust and other debris out from between cracks using an air compressor or other form of high pressured air. 3) Insert lateral slit corrugated steel pieces into newly formed cuts. After all corrugated steel pieces are in place, pour epoxy resin mixed with quartz sand into the cracks to fill the joints perfectly. 4) After inserting the epoxy resin mixture, smooth the surface so that it is flush with the surrounding floor areas. 5) In areas where repair was previously conducted remove the repair substrate and apply an epoxy reinforced cement-based screed. After curing is complete, follow steps 1 through 4 above for crack treatment. 6) After crack repairs are complete allow the epoxy resin mixture to cure for 24 hours before moving forward with the installation process. For expansion joints, do not apply Can Fast FRP epoxy sheet flooring. Instead, install an expansion joint cover. For micro-cracks a primer must be applied to the entire subfloor. This should include an Acrylic Polyvinyl acetate or similar priming product compatible with the 2-component polyurethane adhesive used for the epoxy sheet material.

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II. Can Fast FRP Epoxy Sheet Installation Preparation

1. Installation Preparation Tools Surface Moisture Meter Used to measure surface humidity to ensure moisture content installation requirements are met. Mohs Hardness Tester Used to measure hardness of subfloor. Floor Grinding Machine Required to level subfloor before FRP epoxy sheet material is laid. High-Powered Industrial Vacuum Cleaner Both installation and surrounding areas must be kept clean of dust, paint, glue, and other contaminants that will impair adhesive bonding. Adhesive Mixer A suitable paddle is required to ensure optimal adhesive composition is attained. Adhesive Mixing Pot Ensure your adhesive mixing pot size is adequate for installation surface area. Spike Shoes Necessary for all workers inside installation area to prevent defacement and disbursement of even application of liquids across the installation area. Spiked Floor Roller Used to release trapped air in freshly laid adhesive compound to ensure an even distribution thus optimal bonding between adhesive and substrate. 2. FRP Epoxy Sheet Laying Tools Dolphin Vinyl Hook Knife Used for cutting epoxy sheet material at overlapping points of two

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. adjacent sheets of material. Wheeled Groover Make precise cuts at overlapping points of two epoxy sheets to form seams. Spatula (Skiving) Knife and Plate For trimming weld rod joints to make flush with epoxy sheet material. Note: If necessary, a spatula knife plate can also be purchased to ensure precise trimming of welded joints. Hand Held Groover Make finishing trimming at joints where wheeled groover cannot be used. Notched Adhesive Trowel Tool to distribute the 2-component polyurethane adhesive. Ensure notches of trowel are 2.5 to 3mm long with 5 to 8mm space in between each notch. Cork Smoother Used in areas in which air bubbles were not eliminated by wide steel floor roller immediately following the laying of epoxy sheet material. Note: Using cork smoothers as opposed to other smoother material prevents black skid marks from appearing where smoother comes in contact with epoxy sheet surface. Wide Steel Floor Roller Used to ensure FRP epoxy sheet is pressed enough to bind with adhesive after using cork smoother to eliminate air bubbles that arise immediately after laying FRP epoxy sheet. Hot Air Welder Gun with Speed Nozzle and Weld rod Necessary to weld joints in which two sheets of epoxy sheet material meet. Second joint treatment method is cold welding with liquid epoxy resin mix.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Epoxy liquid mixture is provided by Can Fast upon buyers request. 5 Meter Tape Measure Auto-Rewind Ink Snap-Line Mark designated installation area. Adhesive Spatula Trowel Use to evenly distribute epoxy resin during cold welding joint treatment. Cleaning Tools Mops Rag Glove Masks Floor Cleaning Detergents

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

Floor Polisher

Cork Smoother

Dolly (Roll Transporter)

Hot Air Welder Gun

Adhesive Spatula Trowel

Auto-Rewind Ink Snap-Line

Power Mixer with Paddle Wide Steel Floor Roller Recess Scriber

Hand Held Groover

Spatula (Skiving) Knife & Plate Wheeled Groover

Notched Adhesive Trowel Spiked Floor Roller Dolphin Vinyl Hook Knife

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

Adhesive and Damp Proof Membrane 1. Adhesive a) For optimal performance and service life it is recommended that a 2-component polyurethane adhesive be used to install Can Fast FRP Epoxy Sheet flooring systems. Two-component polyurethane adhesives are solvent-reactive compounds used for various absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors for high traffic, industrial, indoor and outdoor facilities. The

adhesive should be mixed at a component A to component B ratio of 5:1, with a weight of 12.5kg for component A and 2.5kg for component B.

2. Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane a) For subfloor preparation it is recommended that an epoxy damp proof membrane (DPM) be applied to your subfloor prior to installing Can Fast FRP epoxy sheet material. This DPM should be solvent free and environmentally friendly for optimal moisture resistance that preserves the integrity and strength of your subfloor. Epoxy primers can also be used.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

III. Can Fast FRP Epoxy Sheet Installation

1. Precautions 1) Ensure no material damage of sheet rolls was incurred during transportation. 2) Within installation area shoes of workers must be clean at all times. Other peripheral activities must also be eliminated such as installation of wallpaper, ceiling fixtures, or fire protection. 3) Installation area must be well ventilated and adhesive manufacturers safety and handling instructions should be followed. 4) Ideal room temperature for installation is 10C 35C (50F 95F). Lower room temperatures will result in lower pliability of epoxy sheet material yielding a higher risk in material surface being easily cracked. In addition, the adhesive will take longer to cure. Conversely, if the room temperature exceeds this range the adhesive curing time will accelerate too rapidly for effective installation which can decrease the bonding between epoxy sheet material and substrate. 5) At the beginning of installation process lay out epoxy sheet material face-up to eliminate rolled-up stress allowing the material to return to its natural flat state. 6) Tool Inspection: Ensure floor polisher, seam cutter and other tools are in good condition and that installation area is clean and subfloor preparation is complete. Also ensure you have easy access to a reliable electric power source for electrical equipment use. 7) Visually inspect quality of epoxy sheet material before installing. For uniform appearance each roll should have the same batch number. It should be noted that there is a chance that the color of one batch be slightly different in color from another due to a change in batch ingredient proportions. One batch is equivalent to 5,000 square meters thus if your project is below this quantity, the change in color should not be an issue.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. 2. Epoxy Sheet Material Cutting and Prelaying 1 Lay the epoxy sheet material based on to the specified floor pattern. Note: Precise measurements must be made before cutting epoxy sheet material. Ensure that a 2 to 3cm margin exists to overlap one adjacent sheet with the other

2 As you are making measurements mark the surface of each sheet lightly with a marker to ensure properly alignment of adjacent epoxy sheets at 3cm intervals (as seen in figure below).

Epoxy Sheet Material Adjacent Epoxy Sheet

3cm Overlap Interval

3. Adhesive Troweling 1) Begin pre-laying FRP epoxy sheet material according to premeasured specified flooring design then proceed to fold back the sheet material in a symmetrical fashion as shown in the diagram below.

Note: Carefully roll back the epoxy sheet to prevent creasing the material. Also be sure to inspect the subfloor for sand and other debris that will impair bonding. If any contamination exists clean the area immediately before proceeding.

2) Using the power mixer and paddle, begin mixing the 2-component polyurethane adhesive according to the component A to component B ratio of 5:1 with each respective weight proportions.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Note: The appropriate amount of adhesive should be approximately 450g per square meter. Read the adhesive mixing and application instructions carefully before proceeding. If the mixing ratio of 5:1 is not followed strictly, the bonding quality will be diminished.

3) Stir the adhesive components evenly with the power mixer for two to three minutes. 4) Using the notched adhesive trowel, begin to evenly distribute the adhesive across the floor area exposed by the folded back portion of epoxy sheet material. Note: Only place an appropriate amount of adhesive on the subfloor based on the specific portion of the installation area you are in. If an excessive amount of adhesive is applied to the installation area at one time, some of the adhesive will cure before you are able to lay the epoxy sheet material. Scraping up cured adhesive can result in uneven application of subsequent adhesive coating causing surface irregularities.

5) Before moving forward, wait 10 to 30 minutes for the adhesive to set. Note: If you wait past this time period the adhesive will be too cured, reducing its bonding capabilities. 4. Laying the FRP Epoxy Sheet 1) Once the adhesive has set, proceed to lay the epoxy sheet material over the adhesive, leaving 3cm on one edge to overlap with the adjacent epoxy sheet.

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Note: Ensure the epoxy sheet remains aligned within the specified measurements and that the edge is parallel with any adjacent epoxy sheet. Also ensure that the 3cm portion hanging over the adjacent epoxy sheet does not come in contact with any adhesive whatsoever. 2) Using the cork smoother, start from the middle of the freshly laid epoxy sheet and push any air bubbles outward toward the edge, applying uniform pressure with both hands. Once air bubbles are eliminated, go back over the same half of the sheet using the wide steel floor roller. 3) Once the first half of the sheet is laid and pressed, proceed to fold back the second half of the same epoxy sheet and repeat steps above. Note: At the point where two adjacent epoxy sheets meet, do not apply pressure on the freshly laid epoxy sheet within a 10cm range from the overlapping edge. When cutting the joint, the freshly laid epoxy sheet may be slightly lifted away from the subfloor, thus by leaving 10cm you prevent any premature bonding with the subfloor. After the joint groove is cut you can proceed to apply pressure to the entire sheet.

4) At the point in which the two adjacent epoxy sheets overlap, use a straight edge and the dolphin hook knife to cut through the 3cm of overlapping material of freshly laid epoxy sheet.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Note: Hold the blade of the dolphin vinyl hook knife at an angle for the most accurate, cleanest cuts, trimming any remaining sheet material where necessary using a straight razor.

5) After cutting and discarding the excess material use the cork smoother to eliminate air bubbles, then go over the entire epoxy sheet with the wide steel floor roller for half an hour, while applying a 50kg to 70 kg weight load on the roller. The half hour time period is suggested to be completed in two 15 minute intervals. Note: If a corner or edge of epoxy sheet material has not successfully bonded with the adhesive thus curls upward, use the heat gun to reapply the sheet to the subfloor. If this does not fix the problem, place heavy objects on the area on the area for an extended period of time. 5. Seam Cutting 1) After cutting the overlapping portion of the freshly laid epoxy sheet and eliminating all air bubbles, use the wheeled groover to cut a U-shaped seam 2/3 deep across the joint of the two adjacent epoxy sheets. In areas such as walls where the wheeled groover cannot be used, finish with the hand held groover.

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6. Joint Treatment Cold Welding Cold welding, one of two joint treatment methods entails applying liquid epoxy resin to the joints. The epoxy resin mix is supplied by Can Fast at the request of the buyer and is derived from the same batch of epoxy resin used to manufacture your FRP epoxy sheet material in order to maintain performance and color consistency. 1) If epoxy resin is not already premixed, mix components A and B evenly in a separate plastic bucket based on instructions provided. 2) To prevent defacing the freshly laid FRP epoxy sheet material, place a line of masking tape on either side of the seam to be peeled off after liquid epoxy resin mix has cured. 3) 4) 5) 6) Fill the groove completely with the epoxy resin mix. Smooth the seam using a straight edged adhesive spatula trowel. Allow epoxy resin to cure for 6 hours before removing masking tape. After the masking tape has been removed clean the surface area completely, wiping away any debris from the surface area of the epoxy sheets. 6. Joint Treatment Heat Welding Heat welding is recommended for aseptic environments and is the ideal joint treatment method for healthcare and heavy traffic locations. 1) Set the hot air welder gun to 350 degrees Centigrade and equip the welder gun with a narrow tip speed nozzle. 2) Feed the weld rod through the nozzle and proceed to weld the flooring joint at a constant speed to ensure weld rod fully merges with epoxy sheet joint. 3) Once weld rods are partially cool but still warm, use the spatula knife and plate to cut the excess weld rod away to make it flush with the surface of the epoxy sheets. 4) Discard the excess weld rod debris and clean the surrounding work area.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.

IV. Maintenance and Repair

1. After completing the installation process store away all tools and clean the entire work area. 2. To give the adhesive proper time to cure do not allow foot traffic on the newly installed epoxy flooring for 12 hours or vehicular traffic for at least 48 hours following installation. 3. During the first 12 hours following installation also prevent sharp objects from coming in contact with the floor. 4. Ensure all sand and other debris is swept away. Sand has a Mohs hardness of 6 which will result in epoxy resin being scratched away. 5. While the curing process takes place prevent people with dirty shoes that carry sand and other debris from walking on the epoxy sheet flooring. 6. If equipment needs to be installed in the area following flooring installation ensure that measures are taken to protect the surface of the floor. 7. Can Fast epoxy sheet flooring systems should be mopped daily using water or neutral detergents. If more heavy duty cleaning is required use chemical cleaners necessary to address the specific stain.

V. Contact Us
This installation and maintenance manual entails the basic approach to installing Can Fast epoxy sheet flooring system. For specific circumstances that deviate from these general methods please consult your professional flooring installation company or contact Can Fast directly using the information below.

Can Fast is registered under the name in the Tongxiang Economic Development Zone located in ZheJiang province, China. Manufacturing Facilities Address: #888 Tongde Rd, Economic Development Zone Tongxiang City, ZheJiang Province

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. China 888 Website: http://www.canfast.cn Phone: +86 0573-88955666 Fax: +86 0573-88955518 Service Hotline: +86 400-858-0573

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Addendum: Self-Leveling Your Subfloor Subfloor Pretreatment 1. Using a 1,000 watt or more floor grinding machine, remove paint, residue, and other contamination that will impair the bond between self-leveling compound and subfloor. 2. After floor polishing is complete, use a 2000 watt or more industrial vacuum cleaner to clean all dust and other debris. 3. For cracks use lateral slit corrugated steel pieces then apply epoxy resin with quartz sand as specified in 6. Cracks in Subfloor above. Priming 1. For absorbent subfloors such as concrete and cement screeds a multi-functional primer should be applied, diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1. 2. For non-absorbent subfloors such as marble, terrazzo, and tile we recommend using a deep penetrating primer such as a two-component water-based epoxy primer. 3. If the moisture content is too high (greater than 3%) and you need to begin the installation process immediately, you can use an epoxy primer damp proof membrane provided the moisture content does not exceed 8%. 4. Before moving forward, ensure the primer has been applied uniformly and has been given sufficient time to dry. Mixing 1. While emptying contents of self-leveling compound into mixing pot, add clean water and stir. 2. The amount of water should strictly follow the water-cement ratio specified in self-leveling compound product manual. Excess water will decrease the strength of concrete upon curing. 3. To ensure optimal quality of self-leveling mix, use a low-speed drill with a suitable mixing paddle. 4. Mix until solution is a lump-free, slurry composition. Allow to sit for 3 minutes then proceed to mix again.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co. Lay 1. Dump the mixed self-leveling compound into the beginning of the installation area, and then proceed to evenly distribute the compound across the installation area using a notched trowel, dumping more of the compound as needed. After distributing with a notched trowel, back roll the compound with a spiked flooring roller to release any air that may have been trapped during initial compound application. 2. To prevent dispersing and defacing the freshly laid compound wear spike shoes at all times while in the installation area. 3. Close the installation area to all activity immediately following application. Do not walk in the installation area for 5 hours and do not allow heavy objects to come into contact with the area for at least 10 hours as the curing takes place. After 24 hours has elapsed, the Can Fast FRP epoxy sheet material can be laid. 4. During winter temperatures, FRP epoxy sheet material should be laid 48 hours after self-leveling compound has cured. 5. For polished subfloors the FRP epoxy sheet material can be applied 12 hours after self-leveling compound curing has occurred.

Tongxiang Composite Materials Co.