Methods for the preparation of floor surfaces

The optimal bonding of screeds, levelling compounds and coatings is based on careful substrate preparation. Depending on the type of prevailing substrate, the planned removal depth and the subsequent use, the surface preparation method is selected. For surfaces with traffic, like in industry, a surface tensile strength of > 1.5 N/mm² is usually required. In residential and commercial areas, depending on the final flooring, values > 1.0 N/mm² are usually sufficient; higher values may be required for parquet. Special processes such as flame blasting or ultra-high pressure water blasting are not dealt here.

Simple & safe to the goal

Sweeping of floor surface

1. In the case of floating constructions (i.e. with a separating layer or with insulation boards) a sweeping of the floor with a hard broom is sufficient. Protruding mortar residues must be removed in advance by tapping the substrate. The load-bearing floor must be level, so that a screed with uniform thickness can be applied. Otherwise, it can be levelled in advance with the lightweight screed underlay weber.floor 4515 (indoors) or the quick-setting lightweight levelling compound 4520 (indoors and outdoors).
Superficial grinding of floor surface

2. A slight grinding of the floor surface is mandatory before any application on all screeds. Grind their surface in one operation with a suitable disk sanding machine and sandpaper (for ex. 16 grit) for floors before the covering works start. Grind glazed tiles and old EP coatings with fine grit, remove waxes and oils beforehand by appropriate cleaning.
Deep grinding of floor surface

3. Diamond grinding is used to remove deeper layers in the range of millimetres, e.g. sintered layers on screeds or old levelling compounds. Calcium sulphate (anhydrite) flow screeds should be prepared by grinding. Shot peening may lead to a reduction of the surface tensile strength.
Shot peening

4. Shot peening is the most commonly used method for the economical preparation of large floor areas. Steel granulate is shot onto the concrete or screed surface through a blast wheel. The almost dust-free process produces a fine-rough surface with a shot peened depth of approx. 1 mm.
Removal by milling

5. Milling is the greatest intervention in the building structure. The removal of layers in the centimeter range is associated with noise, vibrations, dust and structural disturbances. After milling, the surface must always be shot-peened again as a rule.
Vacuuming of dust

6. After all surface preparation measures have been carried out, the surface must be cleaned intensively with an industrial hoover immediately before further work steps.