AU2018202226A1 - Surface Treatment Method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of treating a leaky surface. The method includes steps of applying a first coat of primer to the surface and applying a second coat of 5 waterproof membrane to surface directly over the first coat. The waterproof membrane is transparent.

Description

SURFACE TREATMENT METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention described herein relates to a method of treating a surface. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of applying a waterproof treatment to a leaky surface, such as a tiled outdoor surface.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In outdoor areas such as balconies, decks and patios, the outdoor floor surface is often covered by tiles. Overtime, the under-tile membrane may deteriorate and allow water to leak through, undesirably causing damage to the underlying supporting structure.

[0003] Conventionally, leaky balconies and the like are repaired by ripping up the tiles and replacing a waterproof membrane underneath the tiles. However, such a process is labour intensive and expensive. In addition, the removal of tiles can be noisy and the process can also cause disruption to nearby property residents.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide a method for treating a leaky surface which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides the consumer with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treating a leaky surface, the method including the steps of applying a first coat of primer to the surface, and applying a second coat of waterproof membrane to surface directly over the first coat, wherein the waterproof membrane is transparent.

[0006] In one embodiment, the method may further include a step of applying a layer of micro-particles to the waterproof membrane when the waterproof membrane is still wet. Advantageously, the third layer of micro-particles provides effective slip resistance to the treated surface.

[0007] The method may include a step of applying a third coat of waterproof membrane to the surface after the second coat.

[0008] The surface may be cleaned before application of the first coat of primer to the surface.

[0009] The primer may be a two-component epoxy primer. The primer advantageously maximises adhesion of the second coat of waterproof membrane.

[0010] The waterproof membrane may include a polyurethane based resin.

[0011] The micro-particles may include silica based materials. The silica based materials may vary in size and colour depending on the specific application and customer requirements.

[0012] The application of the micro-particles may include sandblasting the surface after the second or third coat of waterproof membrane is applied. The method may include sandblasting the surface when the waterproof membrane is wet.

[0013] The method may include applying the micro-particles by sandblasting and operating at a pressure range of about 60 to 75 PSI.

[0014] The application of the micro-particles may be carried out with about 30mins of applying the second coat of waterproof membrane, to ensure that the micro-particles are applied when the waterproof membrane is still wet.

[0015] Advantageously, when treating a leaky tiled surface, the method allows leaky surfaces to be repaired and treated without the need to remove the tiles first. This dramatically reduces the cost and time required for treating the leaky surface, and minimises disruption to property residents.

[0016] In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristic described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIGURE 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of treating a leaky surface according an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIGURE 2A is a sectional drawing illustrating the layers of a tiled floor after treatment according to a method of Figure 1.

[0020] FIGURE 2B is a sectional drawing illustrating the layers of a tiled floor after treatment according to another method of Figure 1.

[0021] FIGURE 3A is a floor tile after treatment according to a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIGURE 3B is a floor tile after treatment according to the method of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A method 100 of treating a leaky surface will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0024] At step 102, the leaky surface is cleaned by removing any dirt and grime and the surface is then left to dry.

[0025] At step 104, a first coat of primer is applied to the prepared surface. Typically, the primer is a two-component epoxy primer designed to optimise adhesion of the waterproof membrane. In one embodiment, the primer is a commercial product, Trafik EP 110 Parts A and B. The two parts A and B are combined before application to the prepared surface.

[0026] At step 106, a second coat of transparent waterproof membrane is applied directly over the first coat of prima. Typically, the waterproof membrane is a polyurethane based resin. In one embodiment, the polyurethane based resin is a commercial product, Trafik HP 540. In some embodiments, a third coat of transparent waterproof membrane is applied over the second coat.

[0027] At step 108, micro-particles are evenly applied over the waterproof membrane before the second and/or the third coat of waterproof membrane dries. Typically, a modified sandblaster is used to evenly apply a layer of micro-particles over the previous coat of waterproof membrane, while the coat of waterproof membrane is still wet. In one embodiment, the sandblaster is operated at an optimum pressure range of roughly 60 to 75 PSI and the micro-particles are applied within about 30 mins of applying the previous coat of waterproof membrane. The micro-particles is typically a silica based material.

[0028] Now referring to Figure 2A and 2B, which illustrates the layers of treated tiled floor 200, such as that for a balcony. Typically for a tiled balcony, an underlying membrane 202 covers a tile bed 204 and tiles 200 are laid over the underlying membrane 202. As the underlying membrane 202 deteriorates over time, the floor 200 becomes leaky and water can travel through the tiles 200 to damage the tile bed and in some cases the surrounding support structure. Conventionally, to fix a leaky floor 200, the tiles 206 must be removed to replace the underlying membrane 202, which is disruptive to the property residents, costly and lengthy process.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2A, once the floor 200 has been treated according to method 100, the floor 200 is protected by two coats of waterproof membrane 208, 210. The waterproof membrane is transparent and therefore does not affect the visual appearance of the tiled floor 200. The first coat of primer 212 ensures maximum adhesion between the tiles 206 and the coats of waterproof membrane 208, 210. Figure 2B illustrates the embodiment in which a single coat of waterproof membrane 208 is applied. In certain applications, a single coat of waterproof membrane 208 may be sufficient.

[0030] The final layer of micro-particles 214 advantageously provides slip resistance to the treated surface by increasing roughness. As more clearly seen in Figures 3A and 3B, Figure 3A illustrates a tiled surface after step 106 of the method 100 in which one or more coats of waterproof membrane are applied, and Figure 3B illustrates a tiled surface after step 108 of method 100 in which the micro-particles 214 have been applied. The surface as shown in Figure 2B is visibly rougher than that of that of Figure 3A.

[0031] Slip resistant tests of the treated surface 200 according to AS 4586:2013 (Appendix A) have been conducted to ensure accreditation and compliance with Australian national standard ISO/IEC 17025.

[0032] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the treated surface can remain waterproof for up to 5 years before re-application is typically required. Advantageously, this time period may allow property owners to save up sufficient funds to replace the under-tile membrane if desired, and to plan for the obstructive process required to conduct this work.

[0033] The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0034] The term "comprise" and variants of that term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

[0035] Reference to prior art disclosures in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge.

Claims (12)

1. A method of treating a leaky surface, the method including steps of applying a first coat of primer to the surface; and applying a second coat of waterproof membrane to surface directly over the first coat; wherein the waterproof membrane is transparent.

2. The method of claim 1, further including a step of applying a third layer of microparticles to the waterproof membrane when the waterproof membrane is still wet.

3. The method of claim 2, further including a step of applying a third coat of waterproof membrane to the surface after the second coat.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is cleaned before application of the first coat of primer to the surface.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the primer is a two-component epoxy primer.

6. The method of either claim 4 or 5, wherein the primer is capable of maximising adhesion of the second coat of waterproof membrane.

7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waterproof membrane includes a polyurethane based resin.

8. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the micro-particles includes silica based materials.

9. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4 and 8, wherein the application of the microparticles includes sandblasting the surface after the second or third coat of waterproof membrane is applied.

10. The method of claim 9, which includes sandblasting the surface when the waterproof membrane is wet.

11. The method of claim 10, which includes applying the micro-particles by sandblasting and operating at a pressure range of about 60 to 75 PSI.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein application of the micro-particles is carried out with about 30mins of applying the second coat of waterproof membrane so as to ensure that the micro-particles are applied when the waterproof membrane is still wet.