In light of the advanced architectural renaissance, acquiring specialized technical knowledge has become essential for effective collaboration with qualified professionals and for understanding the precise scientific principles governing the various coatings and paints applied to all concrete surfaces in structures. Concrete faces multiple challenges that require a thorough understanding of the materials involved and their treatment methods. This distinguishes our company through its high technical expertise and scientific capability to select the most appropriate coating type for each construction site, determine optimal application timing, and tailor application methods to site conditions.

We rely on precise diagnostics of concrete defects, supported by in-depth studies and advanced laboratory analyses conducted in collaboration with leading specialized technical labs. Our company aims to raise technical awareness among all stakeholders by providing a clear scientific reference for selecting and applying coatings, highlighting the critical importance of specialization and professionalism in this vital field, given its direct impact on the durability and safety of structures. We emphasize that consulting specialized experts remains the key factor in achieving effective and sustainable solutions.

Presenting real-world examples is essential—not to criticize, but to shed light on the depth of technical issues prevalent in the construction industry. For instance, some managers at microcement factories lack the necessary expertise to select the appropriate primer based on substrate type, leading to premature failure of finishes. Likewise, many major contracting companies are unaware that most epoxy resins are not UV-resistant, yet still apply them in outdoor areas without proper protection, resulting in rapid degradation.

In other cases, marble chips are fixed using epoxy resins that are not intended for such use, or substituted with inappropriate products like armatage resin, compromising adhesion and surface durability. Even more surprising is that approximately 90% of homeowners apply bituminous coatings to protect concrete, yet an equal percentage fail to apply proper waterproofing in ground-floor bathrooms—leading to chronic moisture problems.

The use of fiberglass reinforcement systems with cementitious bonding materials is highly effective when applied over concrete substrates. However, this system cannot be directly installed over smooth, non-porous surfaces such as ceramic tiles, due to the lack of mechanical and chemical bonding capability.

To ensure proper adhesion, the glazed layer of the ceramic must first be mechanically abraded. Then, a priming layer of 100% solids, solvent-free epoxy resin should be applied, while broadcasting silica sand onto the wet primer to create a rough, textured surface.

This surface preparation is essential to achieve long-term performance, durability, and adhesion of subsequent coating or repair layers.

In the second example, we highlight a widespread technical misconception: the failure to distinguish between epoxy coating types based on their chemical and mechanical properties, rather than just their commercial names. Epoxy coatings vary significantly in formulation and intended application. When used in outdoor environments, it is essential to select a high-performance epoxy system, followed by a final protective layer of polyurethane topcoat applied before the epoxy fully cures. This ensures long-term resistance to UV radiation and harsh environmental conditions.

A critical and often-overlooked concept is understanding the curing window of epoxy systems — the optimal time frame between layers to ensure proper chemical bonding. Ignoring this factor can result in delamination or premature failure of the coating system.

Technical Statistics on Concrete Structures in Oman:

1. Rebar Corrosion in Coastal Zones:

   The study A Study on Reinforcement Corrosion of Concrete Structures near Coastal Areas of Oman found early corrosion in all concrete samples containing fly ash.

2. Governmental Warning:

   The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Oman issued a notice emphasizing the importance of complying with technical specifications to prevent concrete deterioration.

3. Lack of Technical Awareness:

   The Oman Concrete Repair & Structural Strengthening Market 2025–2030 report estimates market size at OMR 150–200 million, with low contractor awareness of advanced repair systems.

4. Climatic Impacts:

   In The Challenges for Building in the Local Climate of Oman, 73% of participants cited salinity as a major cause of defects, and 53% blamed extreme heat.

5. Premature Deterioration:

   Although the design life of concrete structures ranges from 50–100 years, corrosion and leakage are reported in buildings as young as 30–50 years.

6. Increased Maintenance Costs:

   Buildings over 40 years old may incur 40–60% higher maintenance costs compared to newer constructions.

. 7. Widespread Need for Maintenance:

   Over 35% of buildings older than 20 years in Oman require structural maintenance.

While the use of various types of bituminous coatings is common among contractors and building owners to protect concrete foundations from sulfates and salts in the soil, the more significant and often overlooked threat comes from internal moisture. This includes water infiltration caused by rainfall, irrigation, or more critically, leakage from ground floor bathrooms.

This issue is particularly prevalent in Oman, where over 90% of property owners fail to apply proper waterproofing systems in ground-level bathrooms. As a result, continuous moisture infiltrates the concrete mass. With the presence of limestone aggregates in the concrete, this internal moisture—combined with high ambient temperatures—can trigger the formation of an expansive gel-like compound known as Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF). This chemical reaction leads to progressive internal microcracking and deterioration of the concrete matrix without any immediate surface warning

Technical studies have shown that traditional surface-applied waterproofing systems such as bitumen are insufficient for resisting negative-side moisture pressure, and may fail when applied over concrete with elevated internal humidity. This can result in blistering, delamination, or premature coating failure.

Therefore, the implementation of proper internal waterproofing systems—especially in wet areas such as bathrooms—becomes a critical technical requirement. The selection of waterproofing materials must be based on a thorough assessment of the concrete’s composition and the source of moisture to ensure long-term durability and structural integrity.

- Xiaofeng Wang et al. “Investigations on Adhesion Characteristics between High‑Content Rubberized Asphalt and Aggregates.” Polymers, Volume 14, Issue 24, 2022, Article 5474. DOI:10.3390/polym14245474. [1]

- Huajia Yin, Shenyang Cao, Fucheng Guo, Xu Wu. “Adhesion Properties Between Rubber Asphalt Mastic and Aggregate: Verification from Surface Free Energy Theory and Molecular Dynamics.” Materials, 2025, 18(13), Article 3115. DOI:10.3390/ma18133115. [2]

- POLYBIT® POLYPRIME SB – Solvent‑Based Bitumen Primer, Henkel Polybit® Technical Datasheet. [3]