Ten Factors to Consider When Selecting Equipment

1. What type of material are you trying to remove?

Unsound concrete, epoxy coatings, mastics, paint? This is key to determining the right process for effective removal. A rubbery elastomeric coating, for example, will require scarification or grinding rather than shotblasting.

2. What is the thickness of the material you are trying to remove?

A grinder may be ineffective at removing coatings thicker than 1/8 inch.

3. What is the condition and age of the base concrete?

Is it delaminated and crumbling or relatively sound? If it's sound, what is the compressive strength? Older floors are typically harder because concrete continues to gain strength as it ages.

4. What degree of concrete surface profile are you trying to achieve?

For surfaces to be coated, the goal is a profile that will provide enough "tooth" for coating adhesion yet will be hidden by the thickness of the coating or overlay you will be applying. Most overlay and coating manufacturers will specify the method of surface preparation best suited for their systems. They may also indicate the concrete surface profile number needed for their product, per International Concrete Repair Institute guidelines.

5. What will be applied over the prepared surface?

A stain or a thin coating will generally require only light profiling while a thick overlay or self-leveling coating will adhere best to a heavily textured surface, such as that achieved by a scarifier or shotblaster.

6. What are the specifications?

Most coating manufacturers will specify the best surface preparation method to use for their products. On decorative concrete jobs, the architect may also specify the equipment to use to achieve the desired profile.

7. Are there any restrictions on noise, dust, equipment weight or size, exhaust fumes, and disposal of waste?

8. How large is the job, and what is the time frame for completion?

This will tell you the production rate you need to achieve. Most machine specs will indicate the maximum number of square feet of surface per hour their equipment can prepare. However, that rate will vary depending on job conditions, and it doesn't account for obstacles that may slow your progress and require handwork, such as corners and areas around obstructions.

9. What attachment options are available?

Machines that can be fitted with a wide assortment of attachments will offer greater versatility.

10. What type of power source is desired?

You can find machines that run on gasoline, propane, electricity, or compressed air. Decide what type of power is best suited for your needs and job conditions.

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