F. Ball Subfloor Preparation Brochure - Flipbook - Page 9
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Mechanical Surface Preparation Removal, Cleaning and Finishing
Whatever the make or model of surface preparation
equipment the principles of the operation remain
the same. The capabilities and performance are
gauged by machine size, power supply and sizes/
grades of accessories selected for the task. Hand
tools are readily available for hard to reach areas
and preparation of “edges”. It is important that the
contractor has an understanding of the importance
of selecting “The correct method” of mechanical
surface preparation to remove, clean or key the
existing material(s) ready to receive the specified
new products. It is also important to highlight that all
grinders, planers and shotblasters and associated
hand tools are designed to be used with industrial
vacuum systems or heavy-duty filtration units for
containment of dust and to prevent dust contamination
of the working area.
Key surface preparation principles Dust-Free Shot/Grit Blasting
This is probably the fastest and most efficient form
of old/new floor preparation and for the removal
of laitance. The machines used vary in size and are
generally operated by specialist concrete preparation
contractors or flooring contractors. Horizontal and
slightly inclined surfaces are impacted and abraded
by steel abrasive/shot propelled at high velocity which
cleans and textures the background surface while the
abrasive shot and debris is contained and reclaimed
by powerful suction processes. The shot is cleaned
and recycled for immediate re-use. Up to 1000m2
of flooring may be completed in a day. This is a dry
process and floor laying may often continue while
preparation is progressing in adjacent areas. In many
cases old coatings and other contamination may also be
removed by this method.
Dust-free shot blasting is far quicker, quieter and
cleaner than mechanical planing, scabbling, etc. The
type and size of the machine selected will determine
production rates achievable and degree of profiling
required for the specified material to be applied.
The medium for shotblasting equipment is steel abrasive
“Shot”. The most common grades are 390, 460 and 550.
Shotblasting can be selected for removal of laitance
on new power floated concrete, cleaning and texturing
asphalt, surface re-texturing, removal of coatings, steel
preparation and exposing aggregate. The disadvantage
is the general inability of the machine to remove
exceptionally thick, hard or flexible materials i.e. certain
epoxy or polyurethane floor surfaces. The specialist
contractor using these machines will advise in more detail.
Shotblasting will produce a lining effect commonly
known as tramlining. This can be minimised with
operator experience, but will be visible when applying
sealers or thin coatings. Shotblasting will highlight
surface defects in the surface being prepared, this is
particularly important when applying to old concrete.
Shotblasting will not effectively remove: soft
composition screeds, sticky/bituminous materials
or material in excess of ½ mm in thickness.
PPC 215 Shotblaster
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