We recently worked on Concrete Floor Preparation project for a client in Exeter. The work was split into two phases - the first being 1500 m2 of concrete floor, and the second being 500 m2.
From the photo, you can see we were working in a very tight space during this work. The machines we use are quite heavy and manoeuvrability is a skill in itself! The machine in question here weighs about 750kg....
The preparation involved a heavy blast to achieve a profile suitable enough for the flooring contractor to apply resins from 6mm thickness through to 12mm.
The whole site included rooms of various sizes, and so we've added a few photos to this case study to demonstrate the challenges and complexities.
Concrete floor preparation is crucial before applying any coatings to ensure a good bond and a successful finish. Some of the methods include:
Removing laitance: Laitance is a weak layer of fine particles on the concrete surface. It's removed by mechanical methods like shot blasting or grinding, or by chemical etching.
Shot blasting: This uses a high-pressure stream of abrasive material to remove laitance and create a textured surface for better bonding.
Diamond grinding: This method uses a grinding machine with diamond-embedded segments to remove laitance, smooth uneven surfaces, and create a desired texture.
Scarifying/Planing: Similar to grinding, but uses a rotating drum with blades or hammers to remove a thicker layer of concrete and create a rougher texture.
Acid etching: A chemical solution is applied to dissolve the laitance and etch the surface for better adhesion. This method requires careful handling and proper disposal of the acidic waste.
The choice of method depends on the condition of the concrete, the desired surface profile, and the type of floor covering being applied.
Grit Blasting UK is a specialist contractor and can help you with your concrete floor preparation needs.