Creating happy customers is one of the keys to success no matter what small business or multinational corporation you’re with. In the flooring industry, the best way to create happy customers is by completing beautiful flooring projects. It starts with proper surface preparation.
There are a lot of things that go into a successful flooring project before you get to the beautiful finish. One of the most important is the start. Without proper surface preparation, you run the risk of failure.
When you consider what failure means, not to mention unhappy customers and lost business, why would you risk it?
Consequences of Improper Surface Preparation
- uneven flooring
- weak spots
- premature breakdown
- poor bonding
- delamination
- poor curing of the flooring surface
- added expense
Successful Flooring Installation Begins with Proper Surface Preparation
On New Concrete – In the past, new concrete had to be cured for at least 28 days prior to coating. However, V-8’s Rev M.V.P. (Moisture Vapor Protection) allows you to finish new concrete without the 28-day wait. It can be applied just 24 hours after the concrete is poured.
Older Concrete – Surface preparation includes:
- Removing existing coatings or sealants
- Correcting moisture vapor issues
- Patching cracks and holes in the substrate
- Correcting irregular or uneven surfaces
- Creating a profiled slab surface by diamond grinding or shot blasting to enable bonding with the coating
We recommend diamond grinding or shot blasting for surface preparation. Both methods are commonly used on concrete depending on the type and thickness o the coating to be applied. After preparing the concrete, it is important to clean up any residue and dust prior to coating application. A clean surface is the key to maximum flooring adhesion.
Because proper concrete preparation is the foundation of all resinous floor coating installations, if you are a certified V-8 flooring contractor or installer, proper surface preparation is the foundation of your successful business and the way you create happy customers. If you have questions about diamond grinding, shot-blasting, or surface preparation in general, give us a call today.
