Concrete Preparation for Flooring
When fitting flooring on top of concrete, it is important you are preparing your concrete before installation to avoid problems in the future.
This involves several steps that ensure the concrete surface is clean, smooth, and ready to receive the flooring material. Here are the general steps to prepare concrete for flooring:
Clean the concrete surface: Remove all dust, debris, and loose materials from the concrete surface by sweeping or vacuuming it.
Repair any cracks or holes: Fill any cracks, holes, or gaps in the concrete with a concrete patching compound. Allow the compound to dry completely before proceeding.
Grind or shot blast the surface: Use a concrete grinder or shot blaster to remove any surface contaminants and create a smooth, clean surface. This step is especially important if you're applying a coating or adhesive to the concrete.
Check for moisture: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the concrete. If the moisture content is too high, you may need to use a moisture barrier or allow the concrete to dry further.
Apply a primer: Apply a concrete primer to the surface to ensure good adhesion between the concrete and the flooring material.
Level the surface: If the concrete surface is uneven, use a self-levelling compound to even out the surface before applying the flooring material.
Install the flooring: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the flooring material.
By following these steps, you can prepare the concrete surface for flooring and ensure a durable and long-lasting result.