Subfloor preparation · Strood, ME2
How our fitters sequence concrete subfloor preparation in Strood, from survey through to a level, primed surface.
Medway Council stock includes properties where several previous coverings were laid over each other. Stripping back to a sound base is the only honest starting point.
Older concrete floors in Strood properties sometimes carry several layers of historic floorcovering adhesive, none of which are compatible with modern latex or primer systems if left in place. Working out what is actually on the slab, rather than assuming, avoids preparation failures that only become obvious once new flooring is down.
Grinding and levelling work generates dust and noise, and curing times mean rooms are often out of use for longer than the visible work itself takes. Planning preparation around a household's or business's routine in {town} reduces disruption while still allowing compounds the time they need.
Occasionally a concrete floor is beyond economical repair, such as where cracking is extensive and active, or the slab has failed structurally rather than cosmetically. In these rare cases, replacing the slab is a better long-term route than repeated preparation and levelling attempts on a failing base.
Units around Temple Marsh that have changed trade several times often carry layers of adhesive residue that need grinding back before any new floor can bond properly.
Where houses in Temple Marsh have had a kitchen extension added at a different floor level to the original room, a transition strip alone will not fix an uneven base.
Postcode district ME2, Medway Council.
We reach Strood via the M2 Junction 2, and cover the wider ME2 district as part of our normal round.
Our own photographs, used to show construction detail and finish. They are illustrative rather than tied to a specific property.
Plan preparation and fitting as separate visits so curing times are respected properly.
Carry out a final check before fitting to confirm the slab is sound, dry and level.
Check moisture thresholds against the specific product being fitted, since laminate and wood are more sensitive.
Levelling compound and any DPM add a small amount of build-up, which is usually factored in at survey stage, particularly where the new floor meets doorways or existing floorcoverings in adjoining rooms.
A hygrometer is sealed to the slab for the manufacturer's stated conditioning period, giving a relative humidity reading rather than an instant surface reading, which only gives an indicative result.
Not always, but they often carry different issues, such as historic adhesive layers or a degraded original damp-proof course, compared with a new-build slab that is still drying out.
This is checked before any grinding or mechanical preparation begins, since aggressive treatment near shallow pipework needs to be handled carefully to avoid damage.
Moisture testing, mechanical cleaning and levelling work together as one sequence, and skipping any stage risks problems appearing after fitting.
We test properly with a hygrometer and explain what, if anything, needs doing before fitting in Strood.