Most flooring failures trace back to the subfloor, not the flooring. Adhesive that will not bond, tile that cracks, planks that cup: a lot of it comes from a slab that was not prepped properly. Here is the process installers follow on concrete, and the tools that go with each step.
1. Test the moisture
Concrete holds moisture for a long time, and most flooring and adhesive manufacturers require a test before you install. The two common methods are in-slab relative humidity probes and calcium chloride tests. Check what your flooring manufacturer requires and follow their limits. Shop concrete moisture testing tools, including Wagner Rapid RH sensors and Taylor calcium chloride tests.
2. Remove the old floor and adhesive
Strip out the old flooring, then scrape off adhesive, mastic and leftover residue. Walk-behind floor strippers handle big areas, and hand scrapers get the edges. See floor stripper machines and hand scrapers.
3. Grind high spots and open the surface
Grinding takes down ridges and high spots and opens the concrete so patch and adhesive can bond. For small areas an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel works. For larger rooms, a floor grinder is faster. Shop cup wheels, grinding segments and floor grinders.
Grinding concrete makes fine dust, and breathing concrete dust is a real health risk. Use a shroud with a HEPA dust extractor and wear a respirator rated for it. See dust collection.
4. Patch cracks and low spots
Fill cracks, holes and small low areas with a patching or skim coat compound so the surface is smooth. Ardex Feather Finish and UZIN NC 886 are common choices. Shop floor patch.
5. Level if needed
If the floor has larger dips, a self-leveling underlayment fills them. It has to be mixed in the right ratio and poured quickly, then spread with a gauge rake and a smoother, and a spiked roller helps release trapped air. Mixers like the Portamix Mega Hippo make big pours much easier. Shop self-leveling tools.
6. Clean and prime
Vacuum the slab thoroughly. Dust left behind weakens the bond for everything that goes on top. Then apply any primer your patch or adhesive manufacturer calls for.
Taking the time to prep means fewer callbacks later. If you are putting together a tool list for a job, contact us and we can help you sort it out.