'Sustainability in the superlative'

Concrete impregnation extends life of floors

In 1949, the concrete floor of the Cadillac plant in California had the distinction of being the first to be impregnated with the Ashford Formula. Still today, this floor is used intensively and is in perfect condition. That does show how a one-time treatment with this product improves a concrete floor permanently and qualitatively. "On top of that, it is a water-based compound that is free of volatile organic compounds, as well as harmful fumes, vapors and gases. And because its application means you need less cleaning agents, Ashford Formula was actually always a very environmentally conscious choice. In fact, we were green long before green became a phenomenon," laughs Jordy Folkers, chief operating officer.

Ashford Formula protects and reinforces concrete surfaces. It is used particularly in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, parking garages and environments where HACCP principles are applied. In addition to extending service life, the formula also provides reduced maintenance costs and aesthetic appeal.

Green, greener, greenest

"We find within this market that many products are currently being put away as sustainable. But Ashford Formula was developed over seventy years ago as green by design. Treating concrete floors with the product creates a solid surface layer. This makes the concrete floor 38% harder, 33% more wear-resistant and 100% dust-free. This greatly extends the life of the floor, but also requires less maintenance. A treatment also contributes to a healthy working environment because it minimizes dust formation. This also immediately extends the life of the machines, equipment and inventory." But it can be even greener. In fact, Ashford Formula is ideally suited for concrete renovation, thus avoiding the production of new concrete. And polishing the floor after impregnation makes it even more durable.

Diamond polishing

The impregnation and subsequent diamond polishing of concrete floors, also known as the Retroplate System, transforms an ordinary monolithic finished concrete floor into a concrete floor with a solid dense top layer with a marble-like and lasting luster. This makes the floor as much as four hundred percent more wear-resistant. The improvement in impact resistance and increased light and reflectivity help reduce energy costs.

Difference with coating

"While a coating is on top of the concrete floor, Ashford Formula penetrates about six to eight millimeters into the top layer. Ashford Formula is therefore a one-time application, whereas a coating has to be reapplied after a certain period of time. Moreover, with our formula, you won't incur any delays in the construction process, because after the concrete floor has been poured and floated, we will be on your doorstep within 24 hours for impregnation. And then the floor is also immediately suitable for intensive use."

Warranty

Their website shows that Ashford Formula has numerous labels and certifications. A VOC emissions test certificate shows that the product is proven to be free of volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs in the Netherlands. And a VCA certificate and comprehensive TÜV report demonstrate the safety and quality of the product. "We therefore give a 20-year product warranty and a five-year application warranty. If one cleans with the soap we recommend, we are even able to issue a lifetime warranty. Of course, upon delivery, one receives our soap, maintenance advice and the corresponding documentation."

Ashford Formula has treated more than 750 million square feet of concrete over the past 75 years. "That's right, and you can find those floors from Malaysia to America. Of that, 7.5 million floors are in the Benelux, where we are the only ones certified to supply and apply Formula. This allows us to offer the longest warranty within our industry," Folkers concludes.