Resilient flooring is supple ; it can easily conform to the irregularities in the subfloor. This is why, it is necessary to take care to prepare the subfloor properly to ensure a smooth surface. Concrete subfloors should be protected from moisture. Resilient flooring can be laid on or below grade concrete subfloor, or wood subfloors that are made up of plywoods or individual boards or directly on an old floor. Before beginning the basic work of preparing the subfloor for new flooring, the basic floor and it's supporting structure should be checked for assuring it is in good condition. It is better and necessary to check and repair small problems in early stages, before they become major problems. If you feel that the basic floor is in good condition, then you can proceed with your task of installing the new floor being confident of it's long life.
It is necessary for the concrete slab to be dry, clean and level. You'll have to make sure that the slab is free from dirt, moisture, grease and old finishes and the slab is level if you're installing a new resilient floor over a concrete slab which is on or below grade. You have to ensure that the slab stays dry because if the moisture is still coming from the floor even after it is laid then the flooring will loosen eventually. Most of the concrete floors that are newly poured, even those that are poured over a moisture barrier take a minimum of a month's time to dry. If you have facilities to heat and ventilate the floor properly then this speeds up the drying process of the floor. But one of the disadvantages of concrete floor is the fact that it retains moisture for a period of two years after it's installation. Therefore it would be wise if you test for presence of moisture in the floor before you start installation process.
After ensuring the dryness of your concrete slab, check it for traces of oil, grease, old paint or presence of any other foreign material. For removing the stains of grease or oil use a garage floor cleaner that is available at auto supply stores. For chipping away any blobs or plaster or any other material from the floor a putty knife or a flat-bladed tool can come in handy. For removing the old paint or old sealers you can sand the floor. As you proceed vacuum or sweep clean the floor. For the purpose of tracing out any low spots on the surface use a straightedge after cleaning the slab to the extent possible. Latex underlayment compound can be used to fill in these uneven areas or joints or any cracks ; you can use this by following the manufacturer's instructions for it's usage. The patched areas should be brushed using a stiff, dry, bristle or wire brush and the loose particles must be vacuumed or swept clean. This should be done after the compound is dry. There are two ways to settle down the most uneven floor. The first way, is to lay a new plywood subfloor on screeds. Another method is to pour a new, thin concrete slab over the old.
The final step in preparation of a concrete subfloor is covering the surface with a moisture barrier or a sealer ; which is the best for your situation ? This can be suggested by your flooring dealer.
See Also : Civil Engineering Rainforce Steel Steel Connection
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