6 Surface Prep Jobs That Require Floor Grinders

Quality surface preparation is key to any flooring project’s success. After all, if the surface isn’t prepared correctly, the coatings will fail, the adhesives will become loose, and the finish will look patchy. 

Although light sanding is enough for some minor repairs, some projects require a larger tool. This guide will discuss six different surface preparation situations where using a floor grinder is not a terrible idea.

1. Removing Old Adhesive Residue

In most cases, the sticky residue is left on the concrete after the removal of old flooring. The process of manually scraping it off can be time-consuming and rather complicated. 

During the process of installing your new floor, the uneven stick remnants may also present a challenge. In a short amount of time, the grinder will smooth and level the surface. With Floor Grinder Hire on projects that have a lot of residue, you get the power you need without the permanent investment.

2. Stripping Paint Or Epoxy Coatings

To get rid of the thick coatings completely, you need to apply consistent pressure and control abrasion. If you don’t, you could end up leaving some parts behind. 

There is a possibility that future bonding problems will arise if this task is not completed correctly. By effectively removing the layers that are resistant to removal, a floor grinder is able to adequately prepare the surface for the subsequent process of recoating or resurfacing.

3. Levelling Uneven Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs may, at some point in time, develop a few minor high spots. There is a possibility that even the smallest irregularities could ruin the way that tiles or vinyl are set, despite the odds. 

In some finishes, the high spots also result in views that are not as clear as they could be from below the covering. When a concrete slab is ground, the raised areas are removed, and a new layer of horizontal support is added to the floor.

4. Preparing Concrete For Polishing

To achieve polished concrete, the surface must be clean and smooth before the process can begin. As a result of the presence of surface contaminants or even minor imperfections, the polished concrete can be easily disrupted. 

Machines known as grinders make it possible to gradually refine the surface in order to achieve the desired final finish. The process of obtaining polished concrete that has a professional appearance is what it is called.

5. Removing Surface Contaminants

The presence of oil stains, surface laitance, and debris can all have a negative impact on adhesion. However, surface cleaning on its own might not be enough. Grinding takes the top layer along with the cover in which the contamination lies. It guarantees that coatings and adhesives stick properly. It also increases the integrity of the surface.

6. Preparing Large Commercial Areas

Preparing a large warehouse or commercial space is a daunting task. Working on such a scale makes hand tools irrelevant, while time and consistent results often become key concerns. 

Hiring professional-grade machinery is the most effective way to guarantee a quick and efficient job in such situations. As a rule, flooring professionals rely on Flooring Equipment Hire to get access to top-notch grinders for a few days or weeks.

Starting Strong For Long-Lasting Results

The surface preparation is paramount to the performance of your final floor. Failure to do this step properly or take time on it results in high maintenance later. Selecting the right equipment, however, makes the entire process easier and more efficient. Indeed, using the right tool for your project gives it a more solid foundation.