Reasons Why Surface Preparation Is Important

March 21, 2019

If you have ever installed a floor, you know how important surface preparation of the subfloor is. While concrete is a bit rougher (in most applications) than a wooden subfloor, it still has to be significantly prepped in order for any treatment to stick and work, and that amount of preparation is best done by professionals. Here are some reasons why if you are looking at hiring a surface preparation specialist in New England, you should do so as soon as possible.

It Picks Up Debris

Concrete that is lived on will have debris stuck to it, ground in, smeared, etc. Surface preparation specialists will make sure that the debris that is affixed to your concrete floor or platform is cleaned up. The benefit of that is that any treatment will adhere better and soak in, thus performing better when it is called upon to do so.

Concrete Renewal

One result of using a concrete surface is that it will get stained and have stuff smeared over it. If your concrete floor is in your garage, it is almost a given you have some type of vehicle fluid stains that reside where you park your vehicle. A good preparation routine by surface preparation services will get rid of those unsightly stains as much as is humanly possible. They will also make your concrete floor look years younger and fresher. Whether they are using chemical cleaners, diamond grinders, or a shot blaster, you will see a difference almost immediately once the surface preparation process has begun.

It Reveals Cracks, Dents, Etc.

Over time, every concrete floor or platform has stuff dropped on it. When that happens, dents and chips can form. Cracks can appear almost overnight from a variety of sources, including excess weight, roots underneath, frozen water, and even shifting ground. Thorough surface preparation by surface preparation specialists will reveal these blemishes and structural issues, as well as help you fix them. A huge part of competent surface preparation is to patch divots, cracks, dents, and chips to produce a clean, smooth surface.

Better Coatings

A concrete floor that is not professionally treated will inevitably have residue, stains, blemishes, and inconsistencies that will affect the performance of any stain or sealant. Not only will the sealant not adhere to some of those things, but covering them will also require more sealant than is necessary to fill in areas where the concrete is not smooth or even. When the coat is finished, not addressing the blemishes can lead to a sealant that is not as effective as it could be.

Uneven Application of Sealant or Paint

Without surface prep, coating your floor evenly will be a huge challenge. Some sections will soak up sealant or paint, while others will barely require the minimal amount possible. A surface preparation gets your entire concrete floor to roughly the same starting status. That allows you, in turn, to apply sealant evenly, and it also lets you accurately estimate how much sealant you will use, which will save you money.

A concrete surface is no different than any other type of surface or floor. If you treat it properly, it will yield results you are proud of. If you neglect it, it will show too. For more information on concrete surface preparation, check out Advanced Prep Coat, Inc.