There are different types of floor surface preparation that concrete service contractors use to start any project. For the flooring installation to be successful the contractor must have experience in carrying out the proper flooring preparation process. Each method has specialized equipment and requires specific techniques. The floor surface preparation process is a vital step in laying down industrial flooring.
The most common surface preparation processes are:
1. Shot Blasting also know as Captive or Dust Free Shot Blasting
This is the most commonly used method because it is the most effective and cheapest of all preparation methods. The machine used is attached to a dust extraction unit. This prevents dust from circulating in the area and will not disrupt what is going on around the work area.
2. Scarification
This is a mechanical process wherein the deteriorated surface of the concrete is removed or “scarified”. The objective is to get to a sound substrate on which the flooring system can be placed. The process can be of two methods – diamond grinding and STR machines. Scarification removes thick mill coatings, overlays, and as much as ½ inch of concrete with several passes. The equipment ranges from 8, 12 and 13 inches wide and is powered by electric power or by gasoline. They are always equipped with a dust collector.
3. Scabbling
The scabblers are used prior to shot blasting weak industrial flooring substrates. This is a more time consuming process but good for removing thick flaky coatings & oil contaminated floors.
4. Grinding
The floor preparation process may take more than one method to complete, depending on the condition of the existing floor. Another method that is often used is the grinding process. Floor Grinders have the ability to remove coatings, glue, and other particles while leaving the surface clean, smooth & ready for the application of thin mil coating & stains.
5. Acid Etching
Etching is when the area to be prepared is hosed carefully with acid. This is a two-man process where one man operates a nylon grit brush and the other is responsible for pouring the acid evenly and working with a broom. This is a risky process so only experienced contractors should utilize such a method. Never attempt to do this yourself to avoid accidents and improper application of the acid.
It is important to do the research and gain knowledge of the different industrial flooring surface preparation processes, as it is a vital step in prepping the floor so that the processes-to-come are as successful as possible. If you want a reliable concrete service provider to handle your industrial flooring requirements, contact Champion Coatings.
The most common surface preparation processes are:
1. Shot Blasting also know as Captive or Dust Free Shot Blasting
This is the most commonly used method because it is the most effective and cheapest of all preparation methods. The machine used is attached to a dust extraction unit. This prevents dust from circulating in the area and will not disrupt what is going on around the work area.
2. Scarification
This is a mechanical process wherein the deteriorated surface of the concrete is removed or “scarified”. The objective is to get to a sound substrate on which the flooring system can be placed. The process can be of two methods – diamond grinding and STR machines. Scarification removes thick mill coatings, overlays, and as much as ½ inch of concrete with several passes. The equipment ranges from 8, 12 and 13 inches wide and is powered by electric power or by gasoline. They are always equipped with a dust collector.
3. Scabbling
The scabblers are used prior to shot blasting weak industrial flooring substrates. This is a more time consuming process but good for removing thick flaky coatings & oil contaminated floors.
4. Grinding
The floor preparation process may take more than one method to complete, depending on the condition of the existing floor. Another method that is often used is the grinding process. Floor Grinders have the ability to remove coatings, glue, and other particles while leaving the surface clean, smooth & ready for the application of thin mil coating & stains.
5. Acid Etching
Etching is when the area to be prepared is hosed carefully with acid. This is a two-man process where one man operates a nylon grit brush and the other is responsible for pouring the acid evenly and working with a broom. This is a risky process so only experienced contractors should utilize such a method. Never attempt to do this yourself to avoid accidents and improper application of the acid.
It is important to do the research and gain knowledge of the different industrial flooring surface preparation processes, as it is a vital step in prepping the floor so that the processes-to-come are as successful as possible. If you want a reliable concrete service provider to handle your industrial flooring requirements, contact Champion Coatings.
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