What Surface Condition Specifications Should Cover

Related Links:

Why Concrete Surfaces Are Prepared

Start at the End if You Want a Good Floor Coating or Decorative Overlay Job

Know the Job Specifications

Examine the Surface

Clean the Concrete

Roughen of "Profile" the Surface

Repair Surface Defects

Standards You Should Know About (ACI 503R, ASTM 4263, ASTM 4260)

What is Anchor Profile and Profile Height?

When Job Specifications and Manufacturers Specifications Differ

What Surface Condition Specifications Should Cover

Sometimes Surface Preparation and Coating Installer are Different Companies

Non-Breathable Coating Caveat

What About Acid Etching for Surface Preparation?

Architects, Engineers, Property Owners, and Other Important People: Job Planning

Specifications should also say how uniform, clean, rough, and what strength the concrete substrate should be prior to a coating or overlay installation. See Standards You Should Know About.

Other specifications may include time schedules and acceptable levels of noise and dust. Also, is there time in the schedule for concrete to dry to the required moisture level if water is being used in the cleaning process? If the specifications dont cover these issues- make sure they get covered.

If testing is required, the types of tests should be incorporated into the specifications.

Proposals for surface preparation specifications should clearly spell out cleaning methods, profiling method, and surface defect repair procedures.

Most job specifications for surface preparation state the surface should be "sound, free from surface defects dry, and clean." Each of these terms is subjective, so it is important that the job specifications, the coatings or overlay specifications, and the expectations of the architect and/ or project engineer are in alignment.

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