Before floors are installed in your home floor preparation must be done. Floor prep consists of many different things. In this article I will attempt to explain the different methods that are used to prepare your floor for new floor covering. First off let me begin by giving you a definition of floor prep. Floor prep is the process by which the sub-floor is cleaned, leveled, scraped, grinded, patched or sanded. Prep work must be done so it is within the specifications for the floor.
Each type of floor covering will require that a certain amount of preparatory work be done prior to installation. Let me give you a few examples. Carpet generally requires the least amount of prep work. Scraping to remove old padding and adhesive is required, as well as sweeping or vacuuming of the sub-floor. When installing glue down carpet, patch work may be required. Most of the time flooring installers will not charge for this extra work.
Vinyl or linoleum almost always requires floor prep. The slab for vinyl is prepared by skim coating the sub-floor to fill any voids it may have. If the sub-floor is not prepared properly, undulations in the floor and contaminates will shine or ”bleed" through into the flooring. It is very important that the floor is flat and clean prior to installation. Vinyl is relatively thin and will show everything.
Ceramic tile or natural stone work needs a certain amount of prep work as well. Sub-floor imperfections can be overcome creating a mud bed to set the materials in. Mud beds are created by using tar paper and wire mesh. The tar paper helps to eliminate movement and the mesh provides a superior bond for the setting materials, making the tile less likely to crack. They are formed and poured to be made level. A mud bed is the best way to set tile or natural stone. Larger tile requires a much flatter surface which makes mud beds or "mortar sets" ideal for this application. If you choose to set tile directly to the concrete cracks must be filled and all contaminates must be removed. It is also recommended that an anti-fracture membrane be used to prevent the tile from cracking due to movement in the floor. Mud sets are the best way to prep a floor for tile; however it is the most expensive form of floor prep.
Hardwood flooring is often prepared with a self leveler or a type of floor patch. Leveler is used when you have a rolling slab with numerous valleys. To prepare the floor for self leveler, the floor must be free of contaminates and rolled with a primer. The primer is usually rolled on the slab with a paint roller with a long extension handle. The primer allows the leveler to create a bond to the sub-floor. Floor patch is used primarily when there is little prep work needed. If preparatory work is not done first, you will most likely have hollow spots in your floor. For hardwood flooring the slab must be level within 3/16" over an 8 foot span or 1/4" over 10 foot. Floor prep can vary in pricing and be very expensive. If the prep work is not done properly the floor won't perform at its optimum level.
Before any work is done in your home, be sure the appropriate measures are taken and that the floors are prepared properly. The last thing you want is to have to replace a brand new floor.
Thanks,
The Floor Man
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