What Flatness Tolerance Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Really Need on Concrete?
Does LVP need to be perfectly flat? Allowances are commonly 3/16 inch over 10 feet. What flatness tolerance does luxury vinyl plank really need on concrete? While you may see stricter specifications, many luxury vinyl plank manufacturers allow LVP flooring to be installed over concrete substrates that are flat within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. […]
Can You Grind a Concrete Control Joint Ridge Without Creating a Weak Spot?
Yes! Grinding a ridge along a concrete control joint does not automatically create a weak spot in the slab if the grinding is limited to removing high surface area. However, your contractor should first evaluate why the ridge exists to determine how much concrete to remove safely. A slight ridge along the surface is not […]
Why Does Self-Leveling Underlayment Leave Humps or Ridges, and How Do You Prevent It?
Humps and ridges form for several reasons, but usually result from the material not flowing together. Common causes include adding the wrong amount of water, slow batch transition, improper primer or surface preparation, short working time, temperature, and improper spreading techniques. Self-leveling underlayment is anything but effortless. Despite the name, it does not simply spread […]
Can Floor Protection Paper Leave Stains or Stripes in Concrete?
Can floor protection paper leave stains or stripes in concrete? Yes. The wrong paper, non-breathable tape, plastic-backed protection, wrinkles, or overlapping seams can restrict moisture loss unevenly and create dark or light areas, or straight lines that follow the pattern of the covering. In our experience, floor protection is part of the finishing job when […]
Can You Remove or Re-Grind a Thick Self-Leveling Pour Without Damaging Radiant Heat Tubing?
Can you remove or re-grind a thick self-leveling pour without damaging radiant heat tubing? Absolutely, but only after confirming the tubing location, depth, and condition. Grinding down an excessive underlayment might be possible with careful work, while aggressive removal may poke a hole through a hydronic line and turn a leveling issue into an extensive […]
When Should You Use Sand Topping Mix Versus Concrete Patch on Basement Floors?
When should you use sand topping mix versus concrete patch on basement floors? Use sand topping mix for larger repairs or when adding buildup over a broad area. Use concrete patch when repairing shallow damage, feathering edges, filling chips and divots, or making localized corrections. That is the simple answer, but you can’t choose the […]
Is Wet Grinding Safe Before Epoxy, or Does It Increase the Risk of Delamination?
If you are having a concrete floor prepared for epoxy coating and are wondering, “Is wet grinding safe before epoxy, or does it increase the risk of delamination?” You’re not alone. Wet grinding can be safe before epoxy as long as the area is completely cleaned and dried before the epoxy is installed. Leaving moisture, […]
Can You Apply Epoxy Over Old Carpet Glue, or Must the Concrete Be Fully Clean?
There’s a good chance you’ll need to apply epoxy after you pull up old carpet. But if so, you may be asking, “Can you apply epoxy over old carpet glue, or must the concrete be fully clean?” The answer is that, in almost every situation, the concrete must be fully clean before epoxy application. Carpet […]
What Should You Do If Polyjacking Leaves a Raised Hump in a Garage Slab?
If you’ve had your garage floor polyjacked and then noticed a section that’s noticeably higher than the rest of your floor, you might be wondering, What Should You Do If Polyjacking Leaves a Raised Hump in a Garage Slab? This article will cover everything you need to know about finding the right solution for a […]
Can You Use Self-Leveling Underlayment in a Garage, and If So, Under What Conditions?
Do you have low spots, uneven areas, or imperfections on your garage floor? If so, you are probably wondering, “Can you use self-levelling underlayment in a garage, and if so, under what conditions?” There are certain scenarios when it is acceptable to use, but not all garage floors are ideal candidates. Using the wrong product […]