What Goes Into the Process of Concrete Surface Preparation
Most issues with concrete flooring occur due to inadequate surface preparation. The success of the coating heavily depends on pre-application concrete surface prep. Make sure to look for services that perform efficient concrete surface prep in North Carolina.
Even freshly poured concrete requires thorough preparation. It helps to be aware of the preparation process. Then, you can ensure that the flooring contractor performs the task effectively. Read on to know what goes into the process.
Steps in Concrete Surface Preparation
Inspecting the Surface
Surveying the existing surface is the first essential step of the process. Professionals determine the moisture content and strength of the slabs. It helps detect even small particles such as laitance that build on the surface due to a heavy water mixture.
Generally, laitance forms a powdery, white film over the surface of the floors. It is crucial to remove such substances before applying the coating. Otherwise, the particles affect the coating adhesion.
Concrete surface prep in Florida also involves testing for grease and oil. Accordingly, professionals decide the most effective cleaning method.
Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Generally,manufacturers of concrete and other materials provide recommendations. If you use them as directed, the products remain durable for longer durations. You may also find details on how to clean, profile, and repair the floor’s surfaces.
Make sure to go through the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check if the flooring contractors are aware of the suggestions as well. Accordingly, they can prepare the surface to avoid issues.
Cleaning the Surface
The concrete surface now requires a thorough cleaning. It is essential to remove the following substances:
- Debris
- Dust
- Grease
- Oil
- Curing agents
Water jetting and vacuum cleaning during concrete surface prep in Georgia are adequate to eliminate these substances. Stubborn chemical and grease stains require suitable cleaning agents that do not harm the surface.
A hand test after cleaning helps in checking if any debris or dirt remains on the floor. It is essential to ensure that the subsequent profiling method does not re-contaminate the cleaned surface.
Profiling the Surface
Concrete coatings usually come with specific guidelines for surface profiling. The most common method is abrasive blasting. It roughens the surface till the slab reaches the recommended level. Additionally, abrasive blasting removes solid contaminants and laitance while profiling.
Another popular method is acid etching. Make sure that your flooring surface is compatible with such profiling. Avoid applying acid etching on overhead or horizontal surfaces.
Once the surface is clean and dry, professionals may apply a suitable primer. Chemically treated concrete slabs and mechanically prepared surfaces require different primers. The kind of coating you choose and the working conditions also influence the primer type.
Repairing the Surface
It is crucial to repair any damages on the concrete floor surface. Cracks and dents not only ruin the appearance but also cause more issues. Dirt, debris, and moisture can accumulate within them.
Concrete surface prep in North Carolina also involves removing any protrusions sticking out above 1/16’’ from the slabs. Scraping or grinding works effectively to repair such surface damages. Professionals also remove or patch all irregularities. It ensures a smooth and shiny surface.
Ensure that they follow the curing time of the patch material. Otherwise, the paint mixes with the spot-coatings later. Generally, you can leave it to dry overnight. A scraper or a spreader applies the patches evenly. Professionals check its efficiency and reapply the patches if necessary.
After following the steps properly, the concrete surface is ready for surface coatings and other flooring works.
When Should You Prep Concrete Surfaces?
The timing of concrete surface preparation is also crucial. You can prep it before repairing or and after finishing the surface. You may also perform it before resurfacing concrete.
Concrete surface prep in Florida removes unsound concrete and roughens it. Unsound concrete has visible cracks, blisters, or scaling. Flaking or peeling concrete also damages the surfaces. Professional look for unsound materials and decide if the surface requires more preparation.
You can detect unsound concrete by tapping the surface with a small hammer. Your hammer bounces if the concrete floor is firm. Otherwise, it causes indents and damages the surface.
Proper concrete surface preparation ensures that your flooring remains resilient for longer. You can avoid several damages and save high repair costs. Make sure to hire the right flooring contractor who takes utmost care and attention while preparing the surface.
