Concrete FLOOR PREPARATION

1. Concrete to receive a FLOOR and/or WALL product(s) should have been designed and installed to minimize random cracking and slab deflections; provide sufficient control joints and isolation joints. Concrete floors must have a suitable vapor barrier (10-mil polyethylene is excellent) under the slab covered by about four inches of mixed small rocks.

2. Variation in plane shall be determined by the specifier and be in accordance with ACI 302, Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab, as well as ASTM E 1155-87, Determining Floor Flatness and Levelness Using the F Number System.

3. Proper slope to drain(s) must be maintained. (1/8 inch per foot is recommended)

4. A light steel trowel finish is preferred for best results and to minimize surface preparation.

5. Concrete is to be clean, crack free, sound and durable (minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi) and dry (3 lbs of water released over 1000 square feet per 24 hour period) per 14 below.

6. Concrete must be free of hydrostatic and/or capillary moisture pressure, and should not be in direct contact with the ground. An effective vapor barrier per (1.) and properly engineered soil are required.

7. Do not use synthetic or fiberglass strands or fibers in the concrete mix. If strands must be used, use only nylon fibers since their specific gravity allows them to settle below the surface eliminating bonding or surface problems.

8. Concrete, after surface preparation, is to be free from sealers or membrane curing agents (a "wet cure" process is preferred such as burlap or poly cover to minimize surface preparation).

9. Lightweight and/or insulating concrete are not recommended under flooring system.