Question 1

What is a CSP profile and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

CSP stands for Concrete Surface Profile — a standardized scale (CSP 1 through 9) that measures the texture and roughness of a prepared concrete surface. Different coating systems require different CSP levels to achieve proper adhesion. A thin decorative coating might require CSP 2–3; a heavy industrial epoxy might require CSP 4–5. Applying a coating to the wrong CSP is one of the most common causes of premature delamination.

Question 2

How do you know if my slab has a moisture problem?

Accepted Answer

We test using calcium chloride tests (ASTM F1869) and relative humidity probes (ASTM F2170). Both methods give us quantitative moisture readings at different slab depths. Most coating manufacturers publish maximum moisture thresholds for their products — if our readings exceed those thresholds, we install a moisture mitigation primer system before coating.

Question 3

Can you prepare floors with existing coatings or adhesive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Removing failed or existing coatings is a standard part of our prep process. Depending on thickness and bond strength, we use grinding, scarifying, or shot blasting to remove them cleanly. Adhesive residue from old VCT tile is one of the most common prep challenges we encounter on older commercial floors.

Question 4

How long does surface preparation take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on floor size, slab condition, and the prep method required. A straightforward grinding prep on a clean slab might take one day per 5,000–8,000 square feet. Floors requiring contamination remediation or moisture mitigation will take longer. We provide a detailed timeline after the site assessment.

Question 5

What happens if surface preparation is skipped or done poorly?

Accepted Answer

The coating fails. Delamination, bubbling, or peeling is the predictable outcome when prep is inadequate. Proper surface preparation is the single most important factor in how long a commercial floor coating lasts.

Question 6

Do you prep floors for polished concrete as well as epoxy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Polished concrete requires a precise multi-stage grinding sequence — starting with coarse diamond tooling and progressing through progressively finer grits before densifying and polishing. Our team handles both epoxy and polished concrete surface preparation.

Concrete surface preparation in Tampa, FL: the foundation of every lasting floor.