Before installing a new surface, it is important that the floor is properly prepared. Proper floor preparation can help prevent long term problems with your surfaces, so it is worth using this service and help you get the most from your floor.
If a floor is not properly prepared, a lot of problems can occur. These may not be immediately obvious, but they can happen over a period of time. This can include the floor becoming uneven, the surface starting to peel or bubbles appearing.
The process of preparing the surface often involves the removal of the current flooring or the bonding that sticks to the concrete below. Once these elements have been cleared, the concrete itself needs to be properly prepared so that materials can be placed on top of it.
This can vary according to some different factors, such as the type of concrete and its current condition, the exposure and what kind of coating system will be used on the surface.
Among other things, this can include clearing away adhesives, paint or sealants. A professional will be able to do this quickly, safely and effectively. If done correctly, the surface will be smooth and clean without any damage done to the cement underneath.
Different types
On the basic level, a vacuum cleaner will often be used during the initial phase in order to clear out the surface dust (brooms, sanders and wire brushes may also be used at this point.)
Acid etching uses concentrated hydrochloric acid diluted with water in order to clear the surface, or alternatively you can use fast drying solvents. Degreasers should also be used to get rid of any stubborn grease.
There are also mechanical cleaners that can be used. For example shortblasting works in a similar way to acid etching, clearing away the surface with a vacuum assisted shot blaster while high speed diamond grinders can be used to remove roughness on concrete floors.
What’s going on below
While it is true that you can’t see how your concrete is being affected, it is something that can have potentially massive negative consequences if not properly looked after.
Cracks or holes can affect the stability of the surface, something that could affect any equipment, furniture or people on top of it, so this can also be a safety issue. Furthermore, any new surface that is laid out will deteriorate much faster, resulting in you having to replace it more often and meaning more costs in the long term. In short, it pays to make sure that your floor is properly prepared.
We can help
At David Judge Flooring, we have over thirty years of experience, so we know the importance of properly prepared floors. We want to make sure you get the full use of your floor. If you would like to discuss our floor preparation service in more detail, please contact us today so we can see how we can get your surface ready for a new floor.
We also do floor preparation in Chelmsford, Braintree, Harlow and
