Concrete preparation is an essential part of the concrete finishing process. To get ideal polished concrete floors, or floor coatings, it’s crucial to carefully and completely remove old coatings, repair problem areas, and smooth uneven surfaces and bumps.
Concrete coating failures are completely avoidable, and are usually caused by improper concrete preparation. In order for a concrete coating project to be successful, the surface must be clean, sound, and dry for proper coating bond. Contaminants can prevent the coating from adhering to the surface.
concrete preparationIt’s also important to remove unsound areas of concrete. Holes, cracks, and other surface defects should be filled with a patching material. The surface must be properly cleaned, roughened, tested, and inspected. Aggressive leveling and smoothing may be necessary. This is why the equipment used in the prep work so important.
Shot blasting
Shot blasting is a one-step system that cleans and strips surfaces, it shoots steel shot down at the floor which allows it to penetrate into low lying areas. This process doesn’t produce dust or shoot debris into the air, so it’s ideal for facilitating minimal down time. Our shot blasting machines are self-contained, and are work great for prepping floors to receive coatings.
Concrete grinding
We use a variety of diamond grinding machines, including our large Prep Master machines with self-cleaning vacuums to remove mastic and old coatings. They also efficiently grind down curled concrete and level concrete surfaces. One of the most important aspects of refinishing a floor is the resurfacing process, and professional concrete grinding is essential to the look of the final product.
Concrete floors can be a versatile and beautiful addition to any space. They are an environmentally friendly, durable, and low-maintenance flooring option that should last for years when properly installed.
If there is old tile or carpet standing in the way of having your concrete polished or coated we also have a ride on “Bronco” machine that makes quick work of removing tile, VCT, carpet, and more.
Here at Xtreme Floor Systems, we do concrete preparation the right way. After assessing the current state of the concrete floor, we’ll determine which equipment to use and how long the project will take. We have the latest and most powerful equipment for all sizes of jobs including ride-on shot blasters and a variety of diamond grinding machines. Dust-free concrete repair, finishing, and sealing is our specialty. Contact us today to learn more about the concrete preparation and finishing processes we use.