Avoid Flooring Failures with Surface Preparation

October 31, 2019

Believe it or not, concrete surface preparation is the most important part of your flooring project. Before you can even think about installing and admiring a new floor, you have to properly remove the existing flooring and effectively prepare the concrete below. It’s crucial that concrete is correctly prepared before installing a new floor. Choose a preparation method carefully and make sure it’s done correctly so you don’t have any issues installing and enjoying your new floor. Check out these four methods that are commonly used to clean and prep concrete for future coverings or flooring.

Scraping

Scraping can be done manually or with the help of a machine. Small spaces can easily be prepared with just a handheld scraper. On the other hand, a scraping machine can be leveraged for quicker preparation of larger spaces. Whichever method you choose, scraping is used to eliminate material including:

• Rubber
• Adhesives
• Epoxy
• Thin Mortar
• Waterproof Material

Once you have removed all of the existing flooring, you can continue to scrape away debris and residue. The concrete must be completely stripped and leveled out for the best results when installing a new floor.

Scarifying

Scarifying is an option you have to smooth out the concrete that will exist under your future flooring. A scarifying machine is made with toothed washers that meet the surface powerfully. These teeth pulverize pieces of flooring that were left behind and smooth out the concrete surface. Many surface preparation specialists utilize scarifying because it effectively and efficiently prepares the concrete. This preparation process can eliminate bumps and curled joints, smooth out uneven surfaces, and get rid of unwanted marks from prior damage.

Shot Blasting

Shot blasting is a very popular way to prepare a concrete floor prior to flooring installation. This method, which is performed with a machine, uses shots of steel to clear and clean the concrete surface. This process is done in strips from one side of the room to the other, back and forth, until the entire concrete surface has been cleaned. You will be able to see a stark difference between the unprepared and prepared sections of the concrete. Due to the power of this machine and the potential length of the project, it’s common for homeowners to hire concrete surface preparation contractors for assistance.

Diamond Grinding

Another great way to prepare a concrete surface is to use diamond grinding. Diamond grinding machines are improving each and every year. You can take advantage of a diamond grinding machine to prepare the concrete for any type of covering or flooring. Rounds disks made from diamond cutting grain rotate at a high speed, allowing the operator to buff the concrete and rid it of bumps and imperfections. Machine operators should perform this process in a circular motion, going back over already prepared segments of the floor to ensure the best result.

Scraping, scarifying, shot blasting, and diamond grinding are all effective methods of concrete surface preparation. If you aren’t sure which preparation method to use for an upcoming project, contact Advanced Prep Coat, Inc. today. These flooring professionals can help you decide upon the best preparation method for your concrete.