Concrete Prep for Resurfacing

[Mike0105]

Hi Everyone,

I've done a ton of searches and each one seems to yield something a bit different. I'm planning on putting tiles down over a badly spalled floor but wanted to resurface it to at least have something fresh looking. Ardex CD has been recommended by many but I've gotten different opinions on what type of prep is necessary. Some say to grind the floor, some say just to pressure wash and some said to put a bonding agent down first. Any thoughts? Again this will get covered by garage tiles so it's more of a clean up layer than anything else.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[UTCiv]

Understanding the causes of the spalling, and the condition/finish of the concrete as a whole will help with a recommendation on the prep work, along with following manufacturer's recommendations on the prep work for the chosen patch or filler.

If the spalls are throughout - maybe due to an issue of overwatering/overfinishing - the prep work will be different than if you have overall good concrete with some problem areas due to maybe a chemical spill or abused area.

Your overall goal is to remove any potential compromised material and to produce enough of a tooth or surface roughness created by sound concrete that gives your patch something to adhere to that is not going to move or pull up, that will allow the tiles (porcelain, vinyl, interlocking plastic?) to be supported properly. Then you have to add in the way each of these materials require support and how you are loading it.

Sorry that is not concise, but there are a lot of variables that go into recommendations and they typically need: 1. Understanding of the initial conditions, 2. Understanding of the substrate, 3. Understanding of the type of finish material.

 

[JoeMcGov]

Ardex is a great material for what you describe. Just read their written instructions.

 

[Mike0105]

The spalling is just under the cars and is likely from salt run off. The rest of the floor is in good shape.

The challenge with the Ardex is I don’t see a lot of info regarding prep work. The instructions seem to be focused on how to mix and apply the product.
Mike

 

[jacksonries73]

Hi everyone, i got a doubt, actually i'm building a garage for car maintence (small and light cars), i was seeing different types of flooring in Forms designs, i saw: Micro-Topping, Polyurea/Polyaspartic and Epoxy, which one could be the best option for me?

 

[SolarColumbia]

Hi everyone, i got a doubt, actually i'm building a garage for car maintence (small and light cars), i was seeing different types of flooring in Forms designs, i saw: Micro-Topping, Polyurea/Polyaspartic and Epoxy, which one could be the best option for me?

Cheapest and easiest is to densify the concrete and then apply something like Ghostshield. It won't prevent all stains but will lessen them. It will still look like concrete. Epoxy or polyurea will give a smooth, coated, fancier surface but involve a lot more prep and expense.

 

[Armorpoxy]

All of these levelers have different prep scenarios. Just carefully follow your manufacturer's directions for prep since there is no 'one way' to prep.

When our Install Division installs these we normally shot blast and use the matching primer since most of the materials on the market want a textured surface for good bonding.