Concrete Prep
What is Concrete Prep?
In short, it’s the preparation of the concrete slab for the next floor. This can include the removal of paint, glue or any unwanted coating. The process is accomplished with the help of large grinding machines which use special tooling attachments to remove this unwanted material from the concrete. The debris goes directly from the grinding machine into a powerful Hepa vacuum system which keeps the jobsite safe and clean. This is the ideal method for removal of these unwanted materials. Other methods like chemical stripping or hand scraping can be very labour intensive, messy and even dangerous depending on the chemicals used.
Prep Services
Glue Removal
Paint Removal
Membrane Removal
Mastic Removal
Rough Concrete
Concrete Prep can also include smoothing rough concrete.
In the following example we diamond ground a large waterslide patio area that had eroded from years of weather and use. This created a problem as the clientele complained that the rough concrete was abrasive on their feet. We diamond ground the surface thoroughly which made it much smoother. The overall results were exactly what the customer wanted.Concrete Prep can also include smoothing rough concrete.
In the following example we diamond ground a large waterslide patio area that had eroded from years of weather and use. This created a problem as the clientele complained that the rough concrete was abrasive on their feet.
We diamond ground the surface thoroughly which made it much smoother. The overall results were
Before
During
After
Benefits of concrete prep by grinding method
Cost-effective
By bringing in an experienced crew with the right equipment makes for efficient removal.
Smooth Finish
By grinding away unwanted coatings and materials the surface of the concrete underneath is preserved, and a smooth finish remains.
Flatter Surface
During the grinding process the surface of the concrete is flattened to a degree, removing small undulations and irregularities which improves the overall quality of the surface.
Safe and Clean
Removing unwanted material from the surface of concrete creates large amounts of dust and debris. We use powerful vacuums which are attached to our grinding machines to capture the dust and debris. This keeps the work environment clean and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polished concrete is used in a very wide range of spaces. Because of its durability and ease of maintenance it is used widely in but not limited to:
- Detached homes
- Multi-residential buildings
- Office spaces
- Commercial spaces
- Schools
- Sports complexes
- Box stores
The short answer is usually Yes! It does not matter if the concrete is old or new, most concrete out there can be polished. There are however limitations with some floors. If the floor is extremely beat up or full of oil stains this is usually a sign that it is not a good candidate for polishing. Outside of extreme circumstances like these we can usually make a quality floor from existing old or new concrete.
Grinding and polishing concrete creates silica dust which when not
contained can be harmful to breath. That is why we use powerful Hepa vacuum systems to capture
99.5% of the dust from our grinding machines.Grinding and polishing concrete creates silica dust which when not
contained can be harmful to breath. That is why we use powerful Hepa vacuum systems to capture
Yes it can be! The machinery used in the grinding and
polishing process is noisy. The process creates a heavy scouring sound and neighbours should be made
aware that they may hear some noise during the process.Yes it can be! The machinery used in the grinding and
polishing process is noisy. The process creates a heavy scouring sound and neighbours should be made
Yes, they are! The maintenance of polished concrete floors is usually best done with just a microfiber mop and PH neutral soap. Because it is a seamless styler of floor there are no grout lines or areas that collect grime or dirt.
Polished concrete will last anywhere from 10-40 years depending on the application. For example, in an industrial shop with very little cleaning it may last 10 years. On the other hand, in a cleaner environment such as a home or commercial setting it can last much longer.
Chemical shine is a concrete slab with a chemical coating. It looks great for as long as the chemical coating retains its luster, usually 1 – 3 years. These types of floors get dull in the traffic areas far more quickly than the perimeter areas.
For this reason, this type of concrete floor is not recommended.
Polished concrete floors are achieved by mechanically refining a floor with multiple grit levels of diamond abrasives to the point where the concrete becomes the shine.
Yes, it is! Polished concrete is probably the most pet friendly option available. The reason for this is it has good scratch resistance as well as ease of cleaning. It is recommended that any messes especially urine be cleaned as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of smell and staining.
