What are the steps for flooring?

15 Apr.,2024

 

Ever wonder what a concrete floor coating installation consists of? In general, there are 7 steps installers take to ensure a perfect floor coating. We’ve talked about the importance of proper surface preparation in previous articles, and we cannot stress it enough – shortcuts taken in the surface preparation stage will greatly reduce the life of your floor coating. Not properly preparing the floor might lead to flaking, chipping, and even bubbles in your coating investment. Don’t take that chance.

1. DIAMOND GRINDING OR SHOT BLASTING

This is one of the most important steps of the surface preparation process. Shot blasting is usually done on floors with heavy blemishes, large divots or heavy staining. The “shot” removes these deep imperfections and readies the floor for the coating. Diamond grinding opens up the pores of the concrete and is commonly used when the floor has minor imperfections, pits, and divots.

2. HAND GRINDING

A hand grinder is used in areas where the shot blaster or diamond grinder couldn't reach, such as along a floor-wall intersect. Failure to complete this step may cause the coating to start peeling or chipping in these areas.

3. CLEANING

The entire floor area must be free of dust and other debris before the coating is applied.

4. COATING INSTALLATION

The first layer applied to the concrete floor is a primer. The primer seals the floor, hardens the concrete, and prepares the surface for additional coating layers.

5. SANDING

Once the primer is installed at the desired thickness, a fine sanding is performed, which helps the top layer of the coating adhere to the bottom layers.

6. TOP COAT

The top coat is the final coat, which is applied at the recommended thickness. 

7. JOINT CAULKING

Joint caulking seals the joints in the floor and along the floor-wall intersect. This step ensures that dirt and debris will not enter these areas, which helps to prolong the life of the floor coating.

Always consult the professionals when investing in a concrete floor coating for your manufacturing or food and beverage facility because let’s face it; a concrete floor coating is an investment in terms of plant downtime and dollars. And, please remember that not all floor coating projects are created equal. Depending on the starting condition of the concrete, additional steps may need to be taken to ensure proper coating adhesion and installation. 

Crane Engineering provides a turnkey service, including proper coating specification, surface preparation, and timely installation for businesses in Wisconsin and surrounding states. Request your free consultation today, and we’ll help you get started on that next concrete floor coating project!

Congratulations: you’re on the way to getting your home beautified with brand-spanking-new flooring. It’s an exciting process that inspires happy feet in your space.

Whether you’re choosing hardwood flooring, tile flooring, laminate flooring, travertine flooring or carpet, the following steps are essential to take when installing your new Arizona floors successfully.

Remove Old Flooring

Get your floor prepped for the seamless installation of your gorgeous new selection by enlisting efficient expert help for flooring removal. Your installer may be able to do this for you, so check beforehand. If you choose to remove old flooring yourself, consult with your home improvement specialist to ensure you have all necessary materials and know the proper method for removal to prevent costly mistakes.

Clear Out the Room

Empty out the space where flooring installation will occur, including moving furniture and all valuable items. Some installers will charge if they have to move your furniture, and often everything in it may have to be removed first anyway. Doing it yourself saves time and money. Also, unplug and move all electronics, computers and cords and any hanging objects that could harm or injure installers.

Take Care of Painting After Flooring

If you envision your new flooring to be accompanied by a new paint job, take care of this after the flooring is installed. Some make the mistake of thinking this comes first, but during any construction phase, nicks and scratches on walls are bound to happen. It’s easier to cover the floor before painting than to paint your walls twice.

Create a Clear Path

Not only should the room be easy to maneuver in, but the path to get to the room should also be clutter-free, both inside and outside near where the installer’s vehicle is parked. Remove children, pets and pet toys, any valuables that may easily break and any obstruction that makes the installer’s job more difficult and potentially dangerous.

Protect Your Existing Flooring and Other Furniture

Heavy boots, the tracking of dirt and debris, and the potential for significant impact to existing floors during new flooring installation warrants the need to protect the flooring you’re not replacing. Use durable materials you don’t mind to be stepped on to pave the way, such as old towels, or use old carpeting to lay over the floors you want to keep. For flooring areas that will be sanded, cover nearby furniture so it is not affected.

Have Waste Removal Ready

For any waste that is produced during flooring installation, make sure your garbage bins are able to hold it. Check with your waste removal company prior to flooring installation to understand any specifications in regards to flooring waste.

Block Out Your Calendar

Flooring installation makes the rooms that are being worked on uninhabitable, which means you’ll need proper preparation for pet-sitting or childcare. A homeowner will need to be present during the installation, which may mean the need for taking time off work while the installation is completed. Be sure to ask any questions you have during the walk-through to ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Looking for a Phoenix flooring or Scottsdale flooring professional? Arizona Urban Floors can help. Contact us here to get a free in-home estimate, or give us a call at (602) 300-2823 for more information on how we can transform your flooring.

What are the steps for flooring?

7 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Flooring Installation