Cross Insurance Arena in Portland Gets a New Cementitious Overlay Floor

Decorative Flake Flooring

Challenge

Hascall & Hall was brought into the renovation project because of an underlying problem that was not apparent until the renovation was under way. The original plan for the flooring was to simply seal-coat the existing concrete, but the site inspection revealed that sealing the existing concrete not fit aesthetically with the level of planned renovations.

The old concrete floors were cracking, chipping and showing extensive wear.  In addition, the conversion to natural gas and the overhaul of mechanical systems would require trenching cut into the existing concrete to support upgrades; all of which would be visible if the floors were simply sealed.  A cementitious overlay was definitely the best way to camouflage the old, tired floor giving it a new, fresh and welcoming facade.

About Cross Insurance Arena

February 12, 2016, marked the two-year anniversary of the reopening of Portland, Maine’s Cross Insurance Arena formerly known as the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Hascall & Hall worked hand-and-hand with Cianbro and many other contractors to complete the 15-month renovation at the Cross Insurance Arena covering more 46,000 square feet of flooring.

Originally, the Hascall & Hall team selected a full MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) system for the center. Unfortunately, tests came back showing high moisture levels and the concrete was infected with contaminants. These factors could create an adherence issue if the wrong product was chosen. The decision was made to use 1/8th inch urethane slurry as a basecoat that would effectively seal 99% of the moisture and would tolerate the existing contaminants eliminating any adherence issues for the new flooring system.

The system was selected, approved and the application process began with the grinding process. The grinders were connected to an excellent dust collection system, but out of an abundance of caution, Hascall & Hall brought in SafetyWorks!, a company under the Maine Department of Labor that specializes in making workplaces safer and healthier, to ensure our employees were not exposed to any air contaminants.

After the grinding process was completed and the floor was prepped, the application of the urethane system began. The urethane slurry with colored flakes was applied and was followed by an MMA coat also with flakes. After the required curing times, the floor was finished with two clear top coats for wear and durability.

MMA has a very fast curing time which requires that our crew is on top of the application every step of the way. Some say that MMA cures “faster than ice cream melts” and an experienced crew is invaluable to managing the pace of large applications.

A side effect of the fast curing element is a strong odor. It can be perceived as unhealthy by individuals unfamiliar with the product. Hascall & Hall posted Safety Data Sheets everywhere while the application process was taking place and also had SafetyWorks! come on site again to ensure the air was safe for everyone involved. Because of the odiferous nature of the product, the general contractor requested that the Hascall & Hall crew not begin the application until late in the afternoon when many contractors were leaving or had already left the premises. Hascall & Hall was happy to keep the job site as safe and comfortable as possible for all involved.

There were many steps that took place in completing this multimillion dollar, 46,000 square- foot renovation. Hascall & Hall was proud to be a part of this $33 million dollar journey. The next time you step into Portland’s Cross Insurance Center, make sure to think of Hascall & Hall when you look down at the fantastic flooring. Hascall & Hall is proud to have been the flooring contractor of what is now Maine’s largest and most active sports and family entertainment center.

We pride ourselves in the creativity, flexibility, ingenuity, experience, and superior workmanship we apply to each and every one of the projects we undertake. Browse through our gallery of projects representing an extensive body of work spanning over six decades. Then contact us at 1-800-464-1481 for a free consultation, or to speak with one our flooring contractors or restoration experts. Let us give your project the attention and know-how it deserves.

Location: Portland, Maine