We all know the old adage, Fail to prepare – Prepare to fail! No truer word said of Subfloor Preparation. There are many ways a floor can fail, from adhesive failure, vinyl flooring failures, wood floor warping, coating failures, and more.
As manufacturers of mechanical subfloor preparation equipment our focus is on the various types of mechanical subfloor preparation that can be used. Mechanical subfloor preparation tends to be the element that is overlooked in preference for chemical subfloor preparation to try and reduce costs. It is imperative that we understand that the two things are not in competition with each other but need to be used in conjunction with each other. Floors need both to be successful whilst adhering to best practice, giving customers confidence against prevention of floor failure.
The Preparation Group continues to work closely with many material manufacturers and we have forged some good relationships which have helped to raise industry standards over the years. Through training and technical advice, we have seen many technical and sales representatives increase their knowledge and understanding of mechanical subfloor preparation and how it works with chemical preparation and the importance of both aspects with respect to their products. Many materials manufacture full warranties clearly state that the subfloor must be mechanically abraded before chemical preparation is laid.
PPC the contracting division of The Preparation Group, prepare and profile substrates in readiness for chemical subfloor preparation such as DPM’s and self-levelling compounds. We do that through various methods.
One of the main areas of flooring failures is the non-removal of Laitance. Adhesive removal can also be achieved easily with the right machine and appropriate tooling. It gives that all important profile or key for chemical applications ensuring a good bond. There are various ways to achieve this and they work hand in hand with each other. Multi-stripping can remove many types of floor coverings such as carpet and vinyl, but also easily lifts tiles and rubber deposits and levelling compounds.
Line markings are often encountered in factories. They are either painted or thermoplastic and need to be robust and durable which can make their removal difficult. Different jobs require different solutions depending on the surface type, line composition, area size and profile requirement for the finished surface. The Preparation Group has the equipment to remove lines quickly and efficiently without damaging the underlying surface, to ultimately achieve a clear area, ready for re-application. It is important to note that these machines are designed for use with an industrial vacuum for the elimination of dust. To protect individuals using plant, machinery or tools and also anyone within the local vicinity from dust exposure, it is important to use Dust Extractors/ Filtration units/Vacuums ensuring that the dust produced for the said process can be contained.
Planing
On concrete, planing or scarifying will take away line markings, rumble strips and directional arrows, ideal for thermoplastic materials which are in excess of 2mm in thickness. Milling flails are recommended as they cut and remove with minimal damage to the background surface which is especially important when applied to asphalt. The Preparation Group’s range of planers feature simple controls, allowing height adjustment for precision setting to desired depth of ‘cut’.
Multi-stripping
A multi-stripper fitted with a flat tile lifting blade can be used to remove thick thermoplastic lines where the background surface is smooth, as the blade can get an “edge”.
Shotblasting
Shotblasting will remove painted lines that are less than 2mm thick. The blast pattern can be reduced to the width of the line and a trained operative can remove it with precision. The process is quick, clean and efficient and also ideal for inclines such as markings on ramps, as long as the surface is flat.
Grinding
Multi-head grinders fitted with PCD’s (Polycrystalline Diamonds) will remove spray on and thermoplastic lines as part of a complete surface removal project. PCD’s are designed to deal with sticky and soft substances without clogging. Hand grinders fitted with PCD’s are ideal for small or confined areas.
The Preparation Group/PPC have mechanically prepared millions of square metres of subfloors. Every day brings something different, obstacles to overcome and subfloors which leave a lot to be desired which present challenges of their own.
If you require any technical assistance regarding mechanical sub floor preparation, we can provide the right solution. The Preparation Group provide a One Stop Shop for environmentally friendly solutions for all types of surface preparation, the manufacture of equipment, repairs servicing and maintenance of equipment, to providing the correct tooling even down to nuts and bolts!
Call 01522 561460 for friendly expert advice!
