Concrete Surface Profile (CSP)
An overly smooth (tight or dense) concrete surface can interfere with flooring adhesive and Hydraulic Cement Underlayment (self leveller or topping) bond. Therefore, a Concrete Surface Profile (surface texture or tooth) is an important specification requirement to guide the provision of a correct surface for floor covering installation. This applies to both new and existing concrete. Generally, a Hydraulic Cement Underlayment will require a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3 exist prior to priming and pouring. A Resilient floor covering such as vinyl, rubber or linoleum will require a CSP 2.
The following chart is issued by the International Concrete Repair Institute.
The following chart is issued by the International Concrete Repair Institute.
Concrete Surface Porosity
Many slabs are over smoothed and densified during the finishing stages of placement which can result in the need for expensive surface remediation prior to floor covering installation. Most Hydraulic Cement Underlayments (self levellers), Gypsum products and floor covering adhesives require a porous surface that allows a mechanical bond. For a strong bond these products need to be able to penetrate (seep) into the capillaries of the concrete at the surface.
Perform the following test (or in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations) to confirm an acceptable surface.
Perform the following test (or in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations) to confirm an acceptable surface.
- ASTM F3191, Standard Practice for Field Determination of Substrate Water Absorption for Substrates to Receive Resilient Flooring.