Concrete is porous and vulnerable to the elements just as several other flooring materials are. While concrete flooring is more resilient than other options, you still need to make sure it is properly prepared before applying a sealer or coating to it.
When the time comes to finish a concrete floor, you need to completely strip the concrete surface to ensure that the new coating will properly adhere to the surface. Shot blasting is one way to achieve this and we at The Floor Company feel that it’s the best option for preparing concrete floors in commercial locations.
What is Shot Blasting?
Shot blasting is a one-step method of removing surface coatings and debris from the concrete and prepare it for coatings and overlays. This process will strip, clean, and profile the surface, making it ready for whichever treatment you wish to use. Shot blasting machines will often have a wheel with paddle-like blades that propel steel shots towards the concrete surface. These shots travel at high velocity and will forcefully remove the surface layer of dirt, grime, residual coating, and other debris.
Shots used in the process come in different sizes, depending on the kind of profile you want on the surface. Bigger shots will penetrate deeper and have a much more powerful effect. Conversely, smaller shots won’t penetrate as much and will just remove a thin layer of the surface of your commercial concrete floors.
What are the Advantages of Shot Blasting?
Shot blasting is a very convenient way to remove the surface layer of concrete. There are several advantages of using this as opposed to other techniques, such as:
- The surface profile is generally very rough as a result of shot blasting. This leads to better adhesion as the coating with penetrate the rough surface and settle in securely.
- There’s no water or liquid involved and the surface is dry and clean. Because of this, we can immediately start working on the surface after the blasting is done.
- There’s no dust as our vacuum attachments immediately direct dust and debris away, leaving behind a clean surface.
For more information on shot blasting and preparing your commercial location concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.