Hi  ,

 

If you plan to overlay or restore an existing concrete floor, one important step you can't afford to overlook is proper surface preparation. Not only do you have to remove any unsound concrete and strip off old coatings or adhesives, you also have to profile or "roughen up" the floor to ensure good bonding of a new coating or overlay. Contractors are often split between preparing floors by using a machine, such as a shotblaster or scarifier, or by chemical means, such as strippers or acid etching. In most cases, though, using a machine will be the most efficient method -- as long as you match the machine to the job at hand. Here are five pointers for choosing the best equipment for your needs and your budget.

Jim Peterson,