All information on this page is copied material from Gulvfakta, which is a technical reference material, Source: Gulvfakta

2.5.0.1 General
Constructive protection of outdoor concrete structures is a good way to prevent damage from occurring.
There is no universal membrane system that can cover all the influences that an outdoor concrete structure is exposed to. So prior to choosing a membrane system, you should therefore carry out an analysis of all the influences that a concrete structure is exposed to. Thermoplastic-based membrane systems are also called 'lubricating membranes' because they are laid out as a liquid mass. When renovating an older existing concrete structure, it is recommended that a technical advisor assess the degree of deterioration of the concrete. If the concrete and the reinforcement are very degraded, the degradation process can continue, regardless of whether the concrete is protected by a surface treatment. Degraded concrete can have consequences for the durability of the concrete construction and can contribute to damage to adjacent building parts. The most common consequential damage is water seepage into underlying building parts.

Before applying a hard plastic-based membrane system, the condition of the substrate must be checked. The requirements may vary from system to system, and the supplier's instructions must always be followed. The following points require special attention:
• Residual build-up moisture in the concrete
• The temperature and dew point during execution
• Tensile strength of the concrete surface
• The concrete surface must be clean and free of oil, grease and dirt etc. The concrete surface should therefore be cleaned mechanically, e.g. by blast cleaning, diamond grinding or milling, to ensure optimal adhesion
• Joints, pipe penetrations, connections to drains and adjacent building parts, etc. are always critical in relation to leaks

Construction
Thermoset-based membrane systems are typically made up of a primer, a membrane layer, a wear layer and a top coat:
• The primer must ensure adhesion to the substrate and close any pores in the concrete
• The membrane is the elastic part that absorbs movements from the substrate
• The wear layer must ensure that external loads do not damage the membrane, as well as create a non-slip coating adapted to the individual application
• The topcoat gives the visual expression and ensures chemical and possible UV resistance

Operation and maintenance
Outdoor membrane systems are subject to wear and tear and require systematic maintenance to remain functional. The supplier's operating and maintenance recommendations should be observed at all times, and the following elements should be included in the maintenance program as a minimum:
• Periodic cleaning of horizontal surfaces for dirt, sand and small stones, as such particles will increase surface wear. The frequency will depend on location and use. The surfaces are typically cleaned by sweeping and washing with a pH-neutral detergent
• Inspection of all surfaces for possible damage. The frequency of the review will depend on location and use, but the review should be carried out at least once a year. Damage that is not cosmetic should be repaired immediately according to the supplier's instructions
• Retreatment of the surfaces must be expected based on the current wear and use
In some membrane systems, an indicator can be built in that marks when maintenance is required.

Common to all the different concrete surfaces is that the supplier of the thermosetting plastic-based membrane systems should be involved as early as possible in the design phase to select the most suitable membrane system.

2.5.0.2 Parking facility
P tires are exposed to great mechanical, chemical and thermal loads. In order to protect the concrete surfaces against these loads, it may be necessary to surface treat them with e.g. hard plastic-based membrane systems. A good, dense and durable protection of the concrete surfaces is necessary to achieve the expected service life. In addition to protecting concrete and reinforcement against weathering and breakdown, the surface treatment also has a decorative/aesthetic and safety significance. The standard DS/EN 1504 describes recognized system structures and methods that can minimize the risk of serious damage occurring. Outdoor P tires are exposed to the greatest loads. As a result, they also have the greatest need for protection if they are to be able to maintain their functionality. The middle decks are typically fully or partially protected against direct impact from weather and wind. But otherwise it must be expected that they will be affected to almost the same extent as the outdoor P-tyres. The lower P deck must also be considered an off-road deck, which is why influences from below such as rising ground moisture etc. must also be taken into account. Access ramps require special attention, as they are exposed to major mechanical impacts from moving traffic, and as a result must also be expected to have a greater need for maintenance.

2.5.0.3 Balconies and corridors
Thermoset-based membrane systems are primarily used on balconies and the upper sides of corridors. They are suitable for protecting concrete against the penetration of moisture etc. as well as recording the movements caused by temperature fluctuations and structural movements. Upper and lower sides are affected differently, which is why it is important to choose the right materials for coating and surface protection. For the protection of balconies and the undersides of gullies, a carbonisation-inhibiting paint is recommended.