NJ (732) 456-5617 / VA (804) 234-3180 info@rivercitysealcoating.com

CONCRETE FLOOR SURFACE PREPARATION

 

 PROVIDING DUSTLESS GRINDING, SHOTBLASTING & ADHESIVE REMOVAL SOLUTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & RETAIL INDUSTRIES

Welcome to our Concrete Surface Preparation page, where we dive deep into the essential steps and techniques required to ensure the success of your commercial flooring projects. In the world of concrete coatings and resurfacing, achieving the proper level of Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) is paramount. Measured on a scale from 1 to 10, CSP represents the texture and roughness of a concrete surface. Before any new coating systems can be applied, it is crucial to prepare the concrete substrate to the right CSP level, as this directly impacts adhesion and long-term durability. We understand that for commercial clients, the stakes are high, and that’s why we emphasize the significance of precise surface preparation, as it sets the foundation for a resilient and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.

The removal of adhesives, thin sets, and contaminants is a critical aspect of concrete surface preparation, and it can only be achieved through the use of the correct profiling equipment and experienced professionals. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of commercial projects, ensuring that every surface is meticulously prepared to meet the specific requirements of your coatings or resurfacing system. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your showroom, warehouse, or any other commercial space, our expertise and commitment to achieving the right CSP level will make sure your investment stands the test of time. Join us as we explore the world of concrete surface preparation, setting the stage for success in your commercial flooring endeavors.

STEP BY STEP SURFACE PREP

The following concrete surface preparation guidelines, serve as an aide to owners, design professionals, specifiers, and contractors.
All surfaces to receive sealers, coatings, mortars, and resurfacers, must be structurally sound, clean, and free of any foreign or deleterious materials which would inhibit optimum bond. Proper surface preparation is an extremely important factor in the immediate and long-term successful performance of applied polymer or cementitious flooring or wall systems.

Step 1: Inspection Of Concrete Substrate

Inspection of the concrete substrate to determine its general condition, soundness, presence of contaminants, presence of
moisture vapor emissions and the best methods to use in preparation of the surface to meet the requirements of the owner or the owner’s appointed representative is critical. A proper evaluation will lead to the selection of the proper tools and equipment
to accomplish the objective.

Step 2: Removal & Replacement of Non-Durable Concrete

Removal and replacement of non-durable concrete must be accomplished before installation of the polymer system.
Localized weak or deteriorated concrete must be removed to sound concrete and replaced with cementitious or polymer concrete repair mortars, or an engineered concrete mix design. For the application of these systems and compatibility with the selected polymer sealer, coating, and lining topping refer to the system Bulletins and technical Data Sheets. Occasionally, plain fresh concrete is required and must be bonded to existing concrete.

When bonding fresh concrete to existing, prepare the existing concrete surface by scabbing, scarifying, abrasive (sand) blasting, needle scaling, high-pressure water jetting(5,000 to 45,000psi), or steel shot blasting. Apply a low modulus epoxy as the bonding agent at a rate of 80 square feet per gallon for a WFT of 20 mils, and then place the fresh concrete or mortar. Bonding to lightweight concrete may require a second coat of epoxy if the first coat is readily absorbed into the concrete surface. Always place the fresh concrete within the open time of the epoxy, while the epoxy bonding agent is still wet. Rough concrete surfaces will require additional material depending on the surface profile.

Fresh concrete should have a low water-cement ratio (w/c) not to exceed 0.40. When bonding fresh concrete containing latex polymer and mixtures, check the compatibility of the latex-modified concrete mixture by either installing a test patch or performing a pull-off test, in an independent concrete testing laboratory.

Step 3: Decontamination of the Concrete Surface

Decontamination of the concrete surface requires the removal of oils, grease, wax, fatty acids, and other contaminants, and may be accomplished by the use of detergent scrubbing with a heavy-duty cleaner/degreaser, low-pressure water cleaning (less than 5,000 psi), steam cleaning, or chemical cleaning. The success of these methods is dependent upon the depth of penetration of the contaminant; which is completely dependent upon the contaminant’s viscosity, the concrete’s permeability, and the duration of exposure.

Special care should be taken when preparing concrete at an “in-use” facility for repair, replacement, or an initial floor topping. This is especially true for Food Processing facilities. Contaminants can be carried into exposed concrete as most of these facilities use copious amounts of water. The contaminants can be animal fats/oils, blood, cleaning solutions, microbes, etc. They may not be completely removed during preparation (shot blasting). The concrete may appear clean and well-profiled.
A simple method to ensure you have sound concrete is to test the pH. The chemistry of concrete is alkaline in nature. Normal
concrete should be in the range of 11 to 13. Most of the contaminants mentioned are neutral to acidic. After preparation test the floor in multiple locations using distilled water and the pH paper. If the pH is 10 or lower additional preparation will be required to ensure a good bond. In areas where the contaminants cannot be removed, the contaminated concrete must be removed and replaced, or use a special oil-tolerant epoxy system.

Step 4: Creation of Surface Profile

The creation of a surface profile can be accomplished by several methods each utilizing a selection of tools, equipment, and materials to accomplish the intended purpose. Selection is dependent upon the type of surface to be prepared and the type of system to be installed. In addition, floors, walls, ceilings, trenches, tanks, and sumps each have their particular requirements. The type and thickness of the selected polymer system also play an important role in the selection process. Regardless of the method selected or tools employed, we must provide a surface that will accept the application of polymer-based products and allow the mechanical bond of the polymer securely to the concrete.

The type of service the structure will be subjected to will also help to define the degree of profile required. The surface profile is the measure of the average distance from the peaks of the surface to the valleys as seen through a cross-sectional view of the surface of the concrete.

Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) Chart 

SHOT BLASTING

Typically, shot blasting is one of the cleanest and fastest methods of mechanical abrasion. In addition to a “typical” coating job (if there truly is one), shot blasting can also be used for floors in sensitive areas that are otherwise “off limits” to other methods. Food preparation or manufacturing areas, clean rooms, working around sensitive inventory or machinery, or simply areas where chemical-free, dustless methods are required are all candidates for shot blasting.

The recycling wheel blast technology found in most shot blasters works by throwing steel shot or grit at a high velocity onto the surface being cleaned (such as the concrete floor). This is achieved through centrifugal force by a wheel with removable paddle-type blades that revolve at a high speed. Abrasive travels along the radial length of the blade and is thrown at a high velocity in a predetermined and adjustable direction.

Once the abrasive impacts the surface, it dislodges the coating and/or debris, thereby cleaning the surface. Shot blasting will only remove coatings 8 mils or less, if thicker, diamond grinding the coatings from the surface yields the best result. The abrasive and debris rebound into a reclaim chamber where it is recycled. The reusable abrasive is separated from the
dust and debris and is transported into a storage hopper for recirculation. Airflow transports the dust and debris
through a hose to a dust collector. 

DIAMOND SURFACE GRINDING

When it comes to mechanical abrasion methods for surface preparation, shot blasting often stands out as one of the most efficient and cleanest choices available. However, for scenarios that demand precision, versatility, and exceptional performance, the HTC 800 Planetary Surface Grinder emerges as an invaluable tool, offering a host of benefits.

Our grinders operate on a planetary grinding principle, which ensures a smooth and even surface finish. This is particularly advantageous in settings where cleanliness and precision are paramount, such as food preparation or manufacturing areas, clean rooms, spaces near sensitive inventory or machinery, or any location where dustless and chemical-free methods are essential.

Coupled with the ability to interchange diamond pads and specialized tooling, we’re able to handle any and every aspect a concrete floor can throw our way. From thick thin sets, glues, and other adhesive removals, to smooth mechanical profiling, we have the tooling, equipment, and experience to deliver your floor to the ideal specifications. 

While shot blasting relies on a recycling wheel blast technology that hurls steel shot or grit onto the surface at high velocity, the HTC 800 achieves its results through a different approach. Its planetary grinding system uses a series of grinding heads that rotate in tandem, delivering precise and consistent surface preparation.

Shot blasting can effectively remove coatings up to 8 mils in thickness, beyond which grinding the coatings from the surface becomes the preferred method. The HTC 800 Planetary Surface Grinder excels at handling thicker coatings, ensuring a thorough and efficient removal process.

Moreover, the HTC 800’s design provides a virtually dust-free experience and includes a dust collection system that effectively manages the generated dust and debris. This system efficiently separates reusable abrasives from waste materials and dust, ensuring that the grinding process remains clean and environmentally friendly.

JOINT & CRACK REPAIRS

All concrete substrate surfaces will require surface preparation before crack restoration, including crack, spall, and control joint. The first step in these operations is extremely critical. The best materials correctly mixed and applied are doomed to fail unless the concrete substrate is properly prepared. At a minimum, the concrete substrate must be prepared in compliance with minimum standards for the system to be placed per ACI, ASTM, ICRI, NACE, and SSPC Standards.

Deleterious surface contaminants and deteriorated concrete must be removed, repaired if necessary and the surface roughened and cleaned. 

The performance of elastomeric membranes such as internally flexible epoxy, requires a relatively uniform dry film thickness to resist drying shrinkage and thermal movement of the concrete while maintaining a seamless bridge or seal over the concrete.

Therefore it is critical that all mortar splatter, protrusions, ridges, penetrations, or sharp projections in the surface of the concrete, be ground smooth or otherwise made smooth, in addition to the normal surface preparation outlined above.

Before application of an elastomeric membrane system, control/contraction joints, construction joints, and cracks should be sealed with the selected system flexible sealant and coated with 20 mils of the selected compatible elastomeric membrane. This coating should extend a minimum of 6” on either side of the joint or crack.

Expansion joint filled with our clear, flexible, resilient, 100% solids polymer two-component material. 

Surface crack filled and re-profiled with our low viscosity, extremely fast setting two-component hybrid polyurea repair material designed to penetrate and “weld” cracks together. 

QUICK LINKS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR DRIVEWAY SEALCOATING & GARAGE FLOOR COATING BUNDLE

Services

Driveway Sealcoating

Garage Floor Coating

Asphalt Maintenance

Commercial Flooring

Corporate Office

11262 Kilmer Rd

Edison, NJ 08872

Phone

NJ (732-524-7757

VA (804) 234-3180