Concrete Floor Preparation London
Comprehensive Surface Preparation Specialists for Epoxy & Resin Flooring
Why Is Concrete Preparation Critical for Floor Coatings?
Surface preparation accounts for 80% of coating system success. Without proper concrete preparation, even premium epoxy flooring systems fail within months through delamination, bubbling, or adhesion loss. Our mechanical preparation methods create the ideal surface profile and cleanliness required for molecular bonding between substrate and coating.
Concrete floors accumulate contamination over years of use. Oil penetration extends 3-5mm into the substrate, while surface laitance creates a weak layer that prevents adhesion. Our preparation process removes all contaminants through shot blasting and concrete grinding, followed by thorough cleaning and moisture testing. This systematic approach ensures your new floor coating achieves its full performance potential.
We test every substrate before coating application. Moisture content must fall below 75% relative humidity, with surface tensile strength exceeding 1.5 N/mm². Contamination testing identifies oil, grease, and chemical residues that require specialist treatment. These precise measurements determine the exact preparation method and surface priming system for your specific conditions.
Why Choose Our Preparation Services?
What Mechanical Preparation Methods Do We Use?
Diamond grinding removes surface laitance, coatings, and minor contamination while creating a CSP-2 to CSP-3 profile suitable for thin-film coatings. Our planetary grinders process 200-300m² daily with integrated dust extraction achieving 99.9% capture rates. This method works best for relatively clean substrates requiring light preparation before surface priming.
Shot blasting provides aggressive mechanical preparation for heavily contaminated or previously coated floors. Steel shot propelled at high velocity removes up to 3mm of surface material, creating CSP-4 to CSP-7 profiles ideal for thick-build systems. We process 400-600m² daily with self-propelled machines, collecting all debris for proper disposal. Shot blasting is essential for industrial environments with oil contamination or multiple coating layers.
Scarifying and scabbling tackle the most challenging substrates including thick coatings, adhesive residues, and severely damaged concrete. Rotating drum cutters remove up to 10mm of material per pass, while scabblers break away deteriorated concrete before repairs. These aggressive methods prepare surfaces that grinding and blasting cannot address effectively.
How Do We Handle Contamination Removal?
Oil contamination requires specialist treatment before any coating application. We identify contamination depth through core sampling and chemical testing, then apply appropriate degreasing agents or mechanical removal. Deep oil penetration may require flame treatment or specialist primers that encapsulate residual contamination. Our systematic approach ensures complete treatment before proceeding.
Previous coatings, adhesives, and sealers create bonding barriers that must be removed entirely. We assess existing coatings through adhesion testing and solvent resistance checks to determine removal methods. Mechanical concrete grinding, shot blasting, or chemical strippers address different coating types effectively. Complete removal to bare concrete ensures optimal adhesion for new systems.
Surface salts, efflorescence, and chemical contamination compromise coating performance. We test for chloride content, pH levels, and chemical residues that affect adhesion and durability. Treatment includes acid etching for alkaline deposits, neutralisation for chemical residues, and thorough rinsing before final preparation. These steps create a chemically clean substrate ready for surface priming.
Professional Surface Preparation Guaranteed
What Testing Do We Perform Before Coating?
Moisture testing determines substrate readiness for coating application. We use calibrated hygrometers and relative humidity testing following BS 8204 standards. Readings above 75% RH require damp-proof membrane systems or extended drying periods. Surface moisture meters provide instant readings, while deep probes assess moisture at slab depth for accurate assessment.
Adhesion testing confirms surface preparation quality before coating. Pull-off tests measure substrate tensile strength in N/mm², with minimum 1.5 N/mm² required for most systems. We test multiple locations across each zone to identify weak areas requiring additional preparation. These measurements are documented and provided in project reports.
Surface profile measurement ensures correct specification for coating systems. Replica tape and digital profilometers measure peak-to-valley depth in microns. Thin-film coatings require CSP-2 to CSP-3 profiles (25-75 microns), while thick-build systems need CSP-4 to CSP-6 (75-200 microns). Correct profile depth maximises mechanical bonding and coating performance.
What Areas Do We Cover?
Our concrete preparation specialists serve London and the Home Counties with rapid response and professional service for all surface preparation requirements.
Fully Accredited Surface Preparation Specialists
Trusted By Leading Companies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete preparation creates the mechanical bond between substrate and coating. Without proper preparation, coatings will delaminate regardless of product quality. We achieve adhesion values exceeding 3 N/mm² through correct surface profiling, contamination removal, and moisture control. This ensures your floor coating performs for its full expected lifespan.
Preparation timescales depend on floor condition and size. Diamond grinding processes 200-300m² daily, while shot blasting covers 400-600m² per day. A typical 500m² floor requires 1-2 days for preparation, plus drying time if wet processes are used. We provide detailed timelines during initial site surveys.
Grinding uses diamond-tipped discs rotating against the surface to remove material gradually, ideal for light preparation and polishing. Shot blasting propels steel shot at high velocity for aggressive removal of coatings and contamination. We select the appropriate method based on surface condition, contamination levels, and required profile depth.
Yes, we specialise in treating oil-contaminated concrete. Our process includes degreasing, mechanical removal of contaminated material, and specialist primers that seal residual contamination. Severe cases may require flame treatment or bio-remediation. We test contamination depth before recommending the most effective treatment approach.
We offer flexible scheduling including night shifts and weekend work to minimise operational disruption. Night shifts run 6pm to 6am, with weekend programmes available Friday evening through Monday morning. This allows continued facility operation while preparation work proceeds in designated zones.
Ready to Prepare Your Concrete Floor?
Contact our preparation specialists for a free site survey and detailed quotation.