One of the most common reasons for concrete coating failure is inadequate surface preparation. The goal is to achieve a firm mechanical bond, which is possible with a clean, dry, and defect-free concrete surface. Without proper surface preparation, failure is imminent, which is a huge waste of time and money.
Important Factors
Manufacturer’s Recommendations – To avoid concrete coating failure and prevent the risk of voiding a warranty, recommendations provided by the manufacturer must be read and followed. By having work performed by a reputable company, like Concrete Coatings Unlimited, this is never an issue.
Surface Condition Requirements – Project specifications for preparing the surface, along with required roughness, need to be identified and understood. These specifications include things like dryness, strength, and uniformity, but they also specify just how rough the surface should be prior to applying the concrete coating.
Preconstruction Meeting – To avoid the failure of a concrete coating, a preconstruction meeting between the architect, project engineer, Concrete Coatings Unlimited professional, and the home or business owner takes place. Discussions cover things like surface preparation, equipment selection, coating requirements, cleaning techniques, surface profile, product selection, and schedules, thereby ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities.
Surface Preparation – Before a protective or decorative concrete coating is applied, the surface is properly cleaned and profiled. To remove elastomeric concrete coatings, a special machine that removes flexible and thick materials is used. By eliminating all contaminants, including dirt, debris, dust, laitance, grease/oil, efflorescence, mortar splatter, sealers, curing agents, high spots, and surface irregularities, failure is avoided. Dry grinding or shotblasting offers a quick and easy solution, but for areas without alternative cleaning methods, acid etching may be highly effective.
Moisture Testing – Prior to applying any concrete coating, a test is performed to identify the presence of moisture. If moisture content in the concrete is too high, failure may occur.
Repair Surface Defects – Using a grinder, chipper, jackhammer, or other equipment, protrusions from concrete walls are eliminated. In addition, any unsound concrete is removed and surface defects, such as spalls, cracks, holes, and honeycombed areas, are patched.