Surface Preparation

An outstanding feature of our performance is the critical attention we give to the detailed preparation of your floors. Thorough surface preparation is the key ingredient to a well-bonded, smooth floor. We use several methods to insure the surface is clean of all contaminants to avoid "fisheyes" which can occur if contaminants such as oil or silicones are present.

Why is this so important?
Because most floor failures are due to improperly prepared surfaces. One way we achieve this is by utilizing our concrete planetary diamond grinders fitted with HEPA-filtered* dust extraction accessories. Dings and gauges, as well as cracks and joints can be repaired before coating or polishing. The prepared concrete surface must be clean, sound, and free of deviations that will reflect through the finish flooring. Separation or delamination beneath the bond interface can occur if you do not pay attention to this critical step. Thorough and complete preparation is the key to a smooth, uniform surface.

Using one or a combination of the methods described below will insure that your floor surface is prepared properly and thoroughly. If the floor is properly prepared the coatings will bond well resulting in a durable coated surface.

Diamond Grind Removes surface dirt and soft concrete to smooth the surface Removes shot blast grooves Used in conjunction with epoxy filler to smooth uneven joints HEPA-filtered dust extraction accessories Fifty percent of ¼ inch resurfacers can be replaced with 20-mil to 30-mil coatings systems, including a durable "wear coat" such as Tennant Eco-HTSTM 100 High Protection Urethane Topcoat T-RexTM diamond discs work with a scraping or cutting action rather than a grinding action to remove 15 to 40 mils of coatings
Scarify Impact pulverizing Pulverizes weak surfaces Roughened surface profile Requires thick coat resurfacer (40 - 200 mil)
Shot Blasting Erodes concrete surface for deep cleaning Impact abrasion Mild surface profile Requires thin coat epoxy (15-40 mil)
Brush Blasting Light shot blasting for new concrete
Terminator Flooring Removal Machine Removes various types of flooring including Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) and mastic
Manual Hand Grind and Chipping Gun For joints, edging, and congested areas
Chemical Preparation Organic citrus cleaner used to remove glue and mastic remaining from carpet or vinyl composition tile removal.