The short answer
Most floor problems start with the concrete surface or the preparation under an old coating. Fix the surface first, then coat it with a system made for the use.
Problem, cause and fix
| Problem | Usual cause | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Dusting concrete | A weak top skin on the concrete (laitance) | Diamond grinding to sound concrete, then a coating |
| Peeling coating | The coating was put on without proper surface preparation | Grind the old coating off and start again on sound concrete |
| Cracks | Movement, loads or shrinkage in the slab | Cracks filled and repaired before any coating |
| Broken edges and joints | Wheels, trolleys and impact | Cut back and rebuilt with a repair mortar |
| Oil and stains | Oil and chemicals soaked into bare concrete | Ground off, then sealed with a coating |
| Concrete eaten away | Acid or chemical spills | An acid-resistant lining chosen for the chemicals |
| Coating yellowing in the sun | A coating that is not UV-stable | A UV-stable polyurethane topcoat |
Why preparation decides everything
A coating is only as strong as what it sits on. Grinding removes the weak surface and old coatings, so the primer can soak in and the new system bonds.
