Builder Information
This guideline is to help ensure optimal results on each concrete slab, which is the canvas for creating a beautifully unique and timeless concrete floor. Let’s take a look at each step to get us there.
VAPOR BARRIERS
VAPOR BARRIERS – This is a very important step that begins with using the proper material which is meant to shut off chances of Vapor Migration from leaching from the soil into the concrete. Not just any roll of plastic works as a vapor barrier. The recommended product for this step is STEGO WRAP, a 15 mil Class A vapor barrier. A roll of STEGO WRAP covers 1,960 square feet and cost approximately $350.00. That’s cheap insurance.
A high cement content (5 sack) is recommended to create a richer mix that will finish, stain, polish and ultimately perform better than mixes with lower cement content. We like to see a pea gravel aggregate used as opposed to lighter weight aggregates that tend to be more porous and float to the surface. By using pea gravel, it will decrease the chance of aggregate shadowing when close to the surface and if pea gravel is exposed it is more aesthetically pleasing.
The concrete finishers are very instrumental in creating a concrete floor. A skilled and knowledgeable concrete crew will know the importance of working the concrete and properly finishing the concrete. Whether the concrete is to ultimately be Polished, Stained or Sealed there will need to be careful planning and coordination prior to concrete placement. Here are considerations for each type of floor and the desired concrete finish for each.
When ground and polished concrete finish is desired please contact us prior to concrete placement to discuss concrete mix and finish requirements.
For interior concrete finishes, the desired finish of the surface is a flat, highly troweled (Burnished) finish. This type of finish will yield a harder surface with a marbled effect that has higher visual interest whether stained or clear coated.
Stained & Sealed Exterior Concrete: For exterior concrete finishes on porches, patios, driveways, pool surrounds, and sidewalks it is recommended that a hand-troweled rock salt finish be achieved rather than a broom finish simply because it yields a more attractive product.
It is important to note that concrete is a porous material and is not indestructible. It is also important that ALL trades be made aware that the concrete slab is to be treated as a finished floor from day one.
DO – Place signs in any applicable language around the job site stating that the slab is to be used as a finished floor. Verbally inform all trades that the concrete is to be treated as if it is a finished floor from the time the concrete is being mixed at the batch plant.
· Do not order any type of fibers to be placed in the concrete mix
· Do not use curing compounds on concrete surface
· Do not mark on slab with anything other than a pencil, preferably not until the concrete has cured for at least three days. Please keep pencil marks to a minimum.
· Do not use Red or Orange Chalk (BLUE CHALK ONLY) for snapping off walls
· Do not use Valspar or any other clear acrylic product over chalk lines to preserve them from moisture.
· Do not stack lumber or leave scrap lumber on slab, this will draw moisture from concrete and leave shadows that are likely to be permanent.
· Do not place air compressors on slab.
· Do not drip or spill PVC primer and/or glue on slab, use drop cloths at all times
· Do not drip flux on slab
· Please keep all mastics of any kind from coming in contact with the slab
· Do not use wax pencils or permanent markers to mark on slab.
· Do not drag ladders across surface of slab
· Do not get paint on the concrete floor, always use drop cloths
· Do not stain wood over uncovered concrete
· Do not spray or spill solvent of any kind on concrete or concrete finishes.
· DO NOT USE ANY KIND OF TAPE ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR THIS WILL DAMAGE THE FINISH. IF YOU MUST USE TAPE DO SO ONLY AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE WALLS.
It is imperative that ALL trades be responsible in keeping the slab clean. Anything that could damage or permanently stain or mark the surface of the slab should be avoided. Please do not drip or spill PVC primer or glue, flux, liquid nail, caulk, foods or beverages of any kind.
*GROUND & POLISHED CONCRETE
GRINDING & POLISHING
It is recommended that the initial stages of grinding the concrete slab that exposes the fine to heavy aggregates be done on a bare slab prior to framing. *Please be prepared to block out three to four days for this process.
COLORING / POLISHING / FLOOR COVERING
At dry-in stage prior to insulation, we come in and complete the coloring process (if desired) and polish to selected sheen level. Cover all polished surfaces with Ram Board or comparable floor covering. *Please be prepared to block out three to four days for this process.
FINAL BUFF / BURNISH
A final buff will be performed after the completion of the project. We are generally the last trade to be scheduled. We will come in after the final clean has been done. At this stage the floor should be completely cleaned and rid of dirt, debris, paint, texture, primer etc. At this time, we will apply a guard/seal material and diamond burnish the surface to the desired sheen level.
*INTERIOR STAINING / SEALING / DIAMOND BURNISHING / FLOOR COVERING
INTERIOR STAINING-SEALING-BURNISHING-FLOOR COVERING
This process is performed after the structure is completely dried in, BEFORE insulation and drywall (Preferably before mechanicals). *Please be prepared to block out four to five days for this process.
At this point, the slab will be cleaned and prepped, colorant added (if desired), the appropriate finish applied, and then covered with Ram Board or comparable floor covering.
FINAL BUFF / BURNISH
A final buff will be performed after the completion of the project. We are generally the last trade to be scheduled. We will come in after the final clean has been done. At this stage the floor should be completely cleaned and rid of dirt, debris, paint, texture, primer etc. At this time, we will apply a guard/seal material and diamond burnish the surface to the desired sheen level.
*EXTERIOR STAINING / SEALING
PREP AND STAIN
EXTERIOR STAINING & SEALING / PORCHES, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS AND POOL SURROUNDS: This process is performed after all trades are completed and foot traffic is now to a minimum.
*Please be prepared to block out three to four days for this process.
At this point, the slab will be cleaned and prepped, colorant added (if desired), appropriate finish applied.
SEALING
At dry-in stage prior to insulation, we come in and complete the coloring process (if desired) and polish to selected sheen level. Cover all polished surfaces with Ram Board or comparable floor covering. *Please be prepared to block out three to four days for this process.