Surfaces Preparation
Grinding & Profiling
Expert installation and craftsmanship, serving the GTA & Ottawa.
Surfaces PreparationSurfaces Preparation
Old adhesive residue, paint, coatings, and high spots on concrete must be fully removed before any new flooring is installed. We use floor grinders and scarifiers to profile the concrete surface, ensuring maximum adhesion and flatness.
Industrial floor grinders with diamond tooling remove adhesive, coatings, and high spots. The concrete is then vacuumed clean, inspected for flatness, and any remaining low spots are filled.
Where it works & how it’s applied.
Where to Use
- 01Concrete slabs before LVP or tile
- 02Commercial renovation projects
- 03After old adhesive removal
- 04Any glue-down flooring prep
Common Use Cases
- 01Removing cutback adhesive
- 02Surface preparation for epoxy coatings
- 03Pre-LVP concrete profiling
- 04Commercial re-flooring projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of coatings and adhesives can you remove with grinding?
Our grinders handle old cutback adhesive (the black tar-like stuff under old vinyl tile), epoxy coatings, paint, thin-set mortar residue, and surface laitance on concrete. Some thick epoxy coatings or layered adhesive may require multiple passes. We assess the condition before quoting so there are no surprises.
How is dust controlled during concrete grinding?
We use dust-shrouded grinders connected to industrial HEPA vacuums that capture nearly all airborne particulate at the source. Some dust is unavoidable in adjacent areas, which is why we mask off doorways and protect cabinetry before starting. For occupied homes, we schedule grinding at a time that minimizes disruption and ensure the space is thoroughly cleaned before we leave.
How flat is the concrete after grinding?
Grinding removes high spots and adhesive ridges but does not fill low spots. After grinding, we check flatness and fill any remaining low areas with a floor fill product. The result is a surface within 3/16" over 10 feet - the standard tolerance for most floor coverings. We confirm the final flatness before the flooring crew takes over.
Will concrete grinding damage the slab?
No - properly done grinding removes only the surface material and leaves the structural slab intact. Grinding is much safer for the slab than aggressive scarifying or shot blasting. We use the appropriate tool and diamond tooling for the specific coating or adhesive being removed to avoid over-cutting the slab surface.
