The floors in your business’s facilities are one of the hardest working members of your team. They literally support everything you are doing, but they get worn out too. When it is time to update the floors, there are several options, depending on the degree of wear. Concrete resurfacing is an option for concrete floors that have been damaged and are in need of repair. Resurfacing is best when damage is minimal, such as with flaking, spalling, and delamination. If cracks are also present, their size will affect whether resurfacing is appropriate. In some cases, it may be necessary to patch cracks and cover the surface with a concrete coating. Take a closer look at the process of concrete resurfacing to get an idea of what to expect.
1. Evaluate the Damaged Concrete.
The first and most important step in the concrete resurfacing project is evaluation. A professional contractor should visually observe the floors to determine the extent of damage. Sometimes alternative solutions are more appropriate. A contractor can provide multiple options for repair. He or she should also determine the cause of damage. Many times incorrect installation is the culprit, but other problems may need to be remedied to prevent future damage.
2. Plan the Project Around the Weather.
It is essential that a concrete resurfacing project not be rushed. It can be stressful to have a business area unavailable for an extended period of time. However, to ensure that the resurfacing material adheres and cures appropriately, temperatures must be above 50 degrees during the process and for the following eight hours. It also cannot drop below freezing within the following 24 hours. Humidity affects moisture content in concrete, making some seasons more appropriate than others.
3. Prepare the Floor for Resurfacing.
Before the resurfacing project has begun, the concrete floors must be thoroughly cleaned and debris removed. When oil, dirt, or concrete particles are left behind, this can prevent the new layer from adhering. A pressure washer works well for this step, though other equipment may also be appropriate.
4. Smooth the Surface of the Floor.
The first step in actively resurfacing a concrete floor is to smooth the surface. This includes sanding away any deep spalling (spalling is a result of water entering concrete) or rough edges. Any small cracks can be filled with fresh concrete, but will need to dry before the next step.
5. Apply the Resurfacing Material.
The resurfacing material must be mixed according to the manufacturer’s directions in a precise ratio. There are several types of material that may be appropriate, including epoxy trowel downs and self-leveling cementitious overlays. Multiple layers are applied and this stage must move quickly to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly.
6. Finishing the Concrete Surface.
To complete a concrete resurfacing project, the floor must have the appropriate moisture content. It can be tested by sweeping the surface with a broom. If small balls of concrete peel away, the floor should be treated with water.
Patience is the most important tool in a concrete resurfacing project. Working with a highly skilled contractor will give your project a high chance of success. At ICS Coatings, we know concrete. In the past two decades, we have installed or repaired over a million square feet of concrete for businesses of all sizes. Access to proprietary equipment gives our contractors an edge over the competition and guarantees that your project will be completed thoroughly and with skill.
When you are ready to talk with a professional about your next concrete floor project, talk to the team at ICS. We have over 20 years of experience and have installed or updated over a million square feet of concrete floors. The combination of expertise, proprietary equipment, and dedication to a job well-done make ours the service you can trust. To get started, fill out the Got a Project form with some basic information about your project.
Concrete Flooring Service Area
ICS provides concrete solutions to all of the northeast. Here is a small list of cities and towns where we have completed many industrial and commercial concrete flooring applications.
| Portland, Maine | Bangor, Maine | Augusta, Maine |
| Nashua, New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Worecester, Massachusetts | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Burlington, Vermont | Montpelier, Vermont | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Providence, Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Hartford, Connecticut | New Haven, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut |
| New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |