How to Smooth a Rough and Pitted Concrete Floor?
How to Smooth a Rough and Pitted Concrete Floor?
Concrete floors are not only for residential spaces but can also be used for various spaces. The flooring does not have a limited time, but over time can become rough or pitted due to different reasons. If your cement flooring is changing and losing its charm, then you should learn how to smooth a rough and pitted concrete floor. There are five steps that need to be followed to achieve an even surface for the flooring. In this article, we will expose all the steps. Continue reading to find out.
Five Ways to Smooth a Rough and Pitted Concrete Floor
Fixing concrete saves from unfortunate events, and if you are looking for simple steps on how to smooth a rough and pitted concrete floor, here are five actions you can take.
1. Floor Checking: The fixing can not be started until the floor is thoroughly checked. Floor checking is crucial to understand what type of roughness it is experiencing and working on it respectively. When you are inspecting the foundation, the damages can be seen in two ways- minor pits and extensive cracks.
2. All the Stuff Required: After checking the foundation and knowing the type of pits and roughness it has, pile the appropriate materials and tools required. The suitable possessions will ensure that the concrete floor has a smooth finish.
Floor checking and having the proper materials and tools are two steps that should be followed before the process starts.
3. The Surface: The surface needs to be prepared correctly so the finish of the rough and pitted concrete floor is flat and even.
- First, the floor should get cleaned with a broom or vacuum, and by using a cleaning substance, stains should get wiped off.
- Grind the surface with light touches to smoothen out the roughness and pitted areas on the concrete.
How will Grinding Help the Floor?
The grinding disc will flatten the surface by removing every imperfection. Furthermore, it will also clean the stains and dust that can not be removed by cleaning substances. The smoothened concrete will help in applying the mixture.
4. Spreading Mix: Apply the mix on the rough and pitted concrete floor by pouring and spreading it thinly using tools like a trowel. Leave it for two to four days. During this time, the compound will fill in the cracks and cover the roughness
5. Sealers: The last step to follow for how to smooth a rough and pitted concrete floor includes sealing the concrete floor surface. Whatever seal you choose should be applied evenly to ensure no area on the floor is left to seal.
Types of Sealers to Fix Rough and Pitted Concrete Foundation
Concrete sealers will protect the flooring to not encounter roughness or weariness. They also make the floor durable and revive its visuals. There are three types of sealers that are the most professional to use for finishing the surface.
- Polyurethane Sealers: Polyurethane is a thick sealer that closes the faulty parts of the concrete. There are two types of finish that this sealer can provide- glossy and matte.
- Acrylic Sealers: There are water-based and solvent-based acrylic sealers available. They are a thin substance, protecting from sun damage. Additionally, acrylic sealers are the most reasonable that can be found.
- Epoxy Sealers: Similar to polyurethane, epoxy sealers have a thick layer. The advantage of this sealer is its longevity and protection from stains and chemicals, keeping the concrete floor safe.
What is the Reason for Concrete Floors to Become Rough and Pitted?
Knowing how to smooth a rough and pitted concrete floor is vital for the best finish, but understanding the reasons behind the condition is just as crucial, which will help in taking care of the concrete floor.
- The common reason for a smooth concrete floor to turn rough and pitted is moisture. Water can find its way into the flooring, creating cracks and bumps.
- Wear and tear is a possible reason. Concrete floors are found everywhere. In industrial areas, heavy machinery can cause tearing, while in residential spaces, furniture moving leads to rough patches.
- Floor maintenance not done adequately or not done at all is a big reason why the concrete surface will be rough and pitted.
- In industries where chemicals spill onto the floor can cause the floor to weaken. It is essential to seal the mixture to prevent that.
The Material and Tools
A straightforward way to smoothen out the rough and pitted concrete floor is to have the materials and tools present.
There are four materials that are required in this method, which are
- Self-leveling concrete because it will repair the uneven surfaces even.
- Patch compound that will be used to fill and distribute on the cracks and pitted surfaces for a flat finish.
- The grinding materials are required materials to clean and polish the concrete floor.
- For protecting and ensuring the long life of the cement foundation, sealers are an essential material item.
The Important Tools
- A vacuum cleaner is necessary to clean the dust from the floor, or you can use a broom.
- A trowel to evenly apply the compound and concrete on the rough and pitted surface.
- A scraper to scrape out all the concrete tearing apart.
- Measuring tools to correctly estimate the mixture, ensuring it is of the proper consistency.
- If you are working in a closed space where the light does not enter, keep a torch or light equipment present.
It is clear now how to smooth a rough and pitted concrete floor. Flooring should get checked after a few years to see if there are any gaps or pitted spots that need to be filled. The plan is easy- check the floor, have all the tools and materials on-site, clean the surface, spread the mixtures, and seal it with your choice of sealer. By following that and taking care of the foundation, your concrete floor will be of high quality and regain the lost durability.
