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PHOENIX–
A finished floor enhances the aesthetic of any garage, but the
productsnearly all epoxy contractors work with to add that
finishing touch can be toxic to the environment, and workers’ and
customers’ health. IronDrive, a floor coatings companybased out of
Phoenix, uses LEED certified products and an eco-friendly process
absent of harmful chemicals that creates a stronger, and less
expensive floor coating.
IronDrive uses a
diamond grinder attached to a professional pulse-bac vacuum
systemto prepare concrete floors to be coated. This makes the
process of grinding the concrete almost dustless; employees do not
even wear dust-masks or respirators during the process.
“I discovered the
products and diamond grinding process I use about 2 years ago and
knew it was perfect for IronDrive,” said Shannon Stevens, founder,
president and CEO of IronDrive. “The safety of the products we use
has always been a top priority.”
The LEED
certified liquid products used by IronDrive are water-based and
virtually odorless, making them easily cleanable with water and
more pleasant for employees to work with. Even the strictest
jurisdictions in the United States approve the products IronDrive
uses. Stevens explains that traditional preparation of concrete
includes the use of about $5 worth of pool acid, which contains
muriatic acid, more commonly known as hydrochloric acid.
The United States
Department of Labor explains that the toxin causes irritability
and corrosion to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. More
specifically, muriatic acid burns the skin and depending on the
concentration of the acid, leads to ulcerations and scarring.
Contact with the eyes, in both the gas and / or solvent forms, can
lead to reduced vision or blindness, and exposure to high
concentrations of the toxin can lead to laryngitis, bronchitis,
pulmonary edema or even death.
The United States
Department of Labor has put restrictions on the concentration of
and the amount of time that laborers can be exposed to muriatic
acid. Even with the restrictions from the Department of Labor,
chronic exposure to muriatic acid has adverse effects including
dental discoloration and erosion of exposed incisors. Chronic skin
contact can cause dermatitis, or swelling of the skin, and
photosensitization.
“It’s not just
the laborers that become exposed,” said Shannon. “After they
prepare the floor, they rinse the used acid out of the garage
running it into the driveway, street, planting beds and storm
drains, allowing it to spread.”
The diamond
grinding process IronDrive uses and one other method called
shotblasting, are the only methods of concrete preparation
approved by all epoxy manufacturers.
Not only is
IronDrive’s process better for laborers and the environment, but
it creates a stronger, thicker floor coating that is quick and
easy to apply and takes one third of the time of other application
processes to dry; and all for considerably less than the typical
cost.
“As a business
owner, you have to believe in your product,” said Stevens. “My
product is safe and I give my customers the best value around. I
feel good about that.”
About
IronDrive Coatings:
IronDrive Coatings is a floor coatings business that began as a
family run business in Phoenix, Ariz. formerly named Ironclad
Coatings. IronDrive offers quality installation of garage,
driveway, walkway and pool deck coatings using Epoxy/Urethane/Polyurea
(Polyaspartic) coatings. The company uses only the finest
industrial grade products to ensure a beautiful floor that is easy
to clean. IronDrive began franchising in2009. An IronDrive
Coatings franchise can help anyone achieve their personal goals.
IronDrive franchisees have the freedom to run his or her own
business, but with the support of a community of people doing the
same thing. IronDrive provides a proven business model and a
national brand. IronDrive often hears from candidates that
they are attracted to the company because they can be in business
for themselves, but not by themselves. To fill out a franchise
application or for more information contact Shannon Stevens at
480-726-1891 or
stevens@irondriveadvantage.com
or
please visit:
irondriveadvantage.com.
For more information from the United States Department of Labor on
muriatic acid, please visit
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/hydrogenchloride/recognition.html
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