There will be a time when you want an upgraded look for your floor. Before embarking on that project, check the topcoat of your old flooring. Inspect to see if it has signs of deterioration due to wear and tear. Determine its condition before deciding to add new flooring material. Should there be a need to replace the floor, you want to make sure that this will last for a very long time and avoid wasting money on repairs. Here are some of the things that need consideration before you move forward with applying a brand-new flooring material.
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Check the condition of the screed
You should take the time to check out the state of the existing floor screed. Is it good enough to take new flooring? Conduct a thorough inspection and check for visible signs like cracks, residue and any physical inconsistency that can affect the replacement floor. In some cases, you can do something about the cracks by injecting resin into the gaps. However, if you think that the screed is too weak, it should undergo several tests to find out if it needs a new overlay or not. It is imperative to test the condition of the screed, primarily if the flooring carries a lot of weight and has continuous foot traffic, especially areas inside malls, the grocery store and public establishments.
Check for possible contaminants
When you are working on an industrial site or a residential structure, it is essential to check both the screed and existing floor. Look for contaminants like chemicals and or cleaning agents and also for oil, grease, dust and dirt residue. In the case of contamination, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly before doing anything else. Keep in mind that contaminants can weaken the adhesive bond between the screed and the new flooring material that you are about to use. If you are going to refurbish the flooring of a building built during the ’70s or the ’80s then do not forget to check out for potential residue. Chemicals like asbestos and magnesium oxychloride are known substances that can cause corrosion that can affect the finished product.
Realistic timeline
If you need to apply a new layer of screed on your floor, it is essential to use the right variant that is suitable for your schedule. The most commonly used type of screed takes about 120 days to dry out completely, which works fine if you are in no rush to meet any deadlines. However, you can also use the modified type, which only takes weeks to dry, and you can proceed to apply your preferred flooring material.
Lastly, before and after applying screed on your underground heating pipes, the surface needs to undergo moisture testing. The less moisture there is on your screed, the better. The last thing that you want is for your floor to get damaged in just a couple of months. Remember having sturdy and attractive flooring can increase the value of your property.
