Concrete Floor Preparation & Repairs

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Proper slab preparation and repairs, because a floor is only as good as the concrete beneath it.

Most flooring failures don’t start in the coating. They start in the concrete. Peeling, flaking, bubbling and early wear usually come down to a slab that wasn’t prepared properly, had moisture or contamination in it, or had damage that was coated over instead of repaired.

That’s why concrete preparation is the first step on every job we do, and it’s the step that lower-cost contractors are most likely to cut. We prepare and repair commercial and industrial slabs across Perth and WA, either as part of a full flooring installation or as a standalone service.

What Proper Preparation Involves

  • Mechanical grinding to remove contaminants and open the surface so the resin can bond
  • Assessment of the slab for cracks, soft spots, contamination and damage
  • Moisture and adhesion testing before any system goes down
  • Crack, joint and spall repair
  • Levelling of low or uneven areas
  • Surface-tolerant primers for slabs affected by oil or past contamination

Repairs That Save You Replacing the Slab

Most worn, uneven or damaged industrial floors don’t need to be ripped out. Low areas can be rebuilt using high-strength levelling compounds or epoxy mortars, damaged joints (a common failure where forklifts repeatedly cross them) can be repaired before the new system goes down, and cracks can be treated so they don’t reappear through the new surface. It avoids the cost and disruption of replacing concrete altogether.

Why Testing Comes First

Moisture in a slab is one of the biggest causes of coating failure, and you can’t see it by looking. We test before we coat, so we know whether the slab is ready, needs more time, or needs a moisture-tolerant system. It’s a small step that prevents a very expensive failure later.

Preparation That Matches the System

The amount and type of preparation depends on what’s going on top. A heavy-duty industrial system needs a more thorough profile than a light protective coating, and a contaminated slab needs different treatment from a clean one. We prepare to the requirements of the system being installed, so the floor is built on a foundation that suits it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does concrete need to be ground before epoxy?
Grinding removes surface contaminants, laitance and old coatings and creates a rough profile for the resin to grip. Without it, epoxy can sit on the surface rather than bond to it, and it's more likely to peel or delaminate.
Can cracks in my concrete floor be repaired before coating?
Yes. Cracks are assessed and treated before coating, and the repair method depends on the type and cause of the crack. Left untreated, cracks tend to reappear through the new floor.
How do you know if my slab has a moisture problem?
We test the slab before installation. Visible dampness isn't a reliable guide, since moisture can be present without showing on the surface, so testing is the only dependable way to confirm.
Do I need to remove my old floor before it's repaired?
Not always. Many slabs can be repaired, levelled and recoated without removal, though a failing old coating will usually need to be ground off first. We'll assess the existing floor and tell you what's needed.
Can you do preparation and repairs without installing a new floor?
Yes. We can prepare and repair a slab as a standalone job, for example ahead of another contractor's installation or to restore a damaged floor, but we'll recommend the right finish for your use where it makes sense.