ESD Industrial Flooring
GE Additives Manufacturing Facility – West Chester
- Industries: General Industrial
- Services: Industrial Epoxy Flooring
Moisture Obstacles in ESD Epoxy Flooring Projects
When GE Additives needed to install 150,000 SF of ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative) epoxy flooring in their West Chester, Ohio manufacturing facility, they faced a critical challenge: moisture testing on the newly poured concrete slab revealed moisture vapor transmission levels too high for the originally specified flooring system, threatening potential delamination and system failure if not addressed properly.
The Challenge
GE Additives required the preparation of 150,000 SF of new concrete and the installation of a high-performance 2-coat ESD epoxy with a static dissipative urethane finish coat in a custom GE blue branding color, under a very strict timeline.
However, the newly poured concrete slab exhibited high moisture levels that exceeded the acceptable thresholds for the originally specified ESD flooring system, necessitating a solution that maintained the custom color while adhering to the tight schedule.
Hardig's Approach
Hardig Industrial Services identified the moisture issue through comprehensive pre-installation testing, engineered a moisture-tolerant solution, coordinated rapid material substitution with the manufacturer, and executed the modified 150,000 SF ESD flooring installation on schedule despite the specification change.
Moisture Testing & Problem Identification
Hardig performed multiple moisture tests on the 150,000 SF concrete slab, identifying moisture vapor transmission levels that exceeded acceptable thresholds for the originally specified ESD system.
Moisture-Tolerant Primer System Engineering
Based on the moisture testing results, Hardig recommended a moisture-tolerant primer to the owner. Hardig coordinated with Sika (the material manufacturer) to switch the order in time, preventing the wrong product from being delivered to the job site and saving the customer from significant headaches.
Modified Prep Method & Installation System
The surface preparation and primer system were updated to meet the correct specifications, eliminating the risk of moisture-related failure. A two-coat ESD epoxy build system maintained the required electrical resistance properties. The custom GE blue, static-dissipative urethane finish coat offers wear resistance, chemical protection, and brand-consistent aesthetics.
Aggressive Schedule Management
Despite material changes and testing delays on the front end, Hardig's crew executed the 150,000 SF project on time. This required careful coordination of labor, efficient material staging, and optimized application sequencing to compress the schedule and recover time lost during the testing and material substitution phase.
The Results
- Complete bond integrity across the entire 150,000 SF installation without delamination, bubbling, or performance issues despite the high substrate moisture levels that would have caused the original system to fail.
- Hardig completed the 150,000 SF installation on schedule even with the material change and testing delays on the front end.
- The static dissipative urethane finish coat delivered the custom GE blue branding color across the entire 150,000 SF facility.
Project Specifications
- Industry: General Industrial/Aviation/Additive Manufacturing
- Client: GE Additives
- Location: West Chester, Ohio
- Total Square Footage: 150,000 SF
- Facility Type: Advanced Manufacturing/Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Project Timeline: Strict deadline with testing delays and material changes
- Solution Provided: Moisture Tolerant ESD Epoxy Flooring System
- Systems Installed: Moisture-tolerant primer, 2-coat ESD epoxy, static dissipative urethane finish coat in custom GE blue
- Material Manufacturer: Sika
- Special Challenges: High concrete moisture levels, specification change mid-project, aggressive timeline
- Special Requirements: ESD performance (static dissipation), moisture mitigation, custom color matching, tight schedule coordination
- Performance Standards: Moisture vapor tolerance, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance
Ready to Discuss Your ESD Flooring Project?
Planning a manufacturing facility requiring electrostatic dissipative flooring? Hardig’s ESD flooring systems protect sensitive electronics and precision equipment while delivering the durability and chemical resistance industrial operations demand. Our technical expertise ensures proper system selection and installation — the first time.