PPC‘s solutions for problem floors
The successful application and durability of a newly installed floor is dependent on a sound background surface. The key is in the preparation and The Preparation Group’s division PPC, based in Lincoln UK, is the market leader in providing solutions for preparing or removing floor surfaces to project specifications.
Typical problems encountered include uneven joints, high spots, contaminants, worn coatings, sticky residues, old tiles and friable substrates. PPC specialises in assessing projects and identifying options to remove or prepare the relevant surface, before carrying out works to deliver a clean ‘profiled’ area suitable for the application of a new flooring material. The company often works in partnership with material manufacturers and flooring contractors or uses floor finishing techniques such as concrete polishing. Key services include; cleaning concrete, removing lines and paint, reducing levels, removing screeds and coatings, re-instating anti-slip, removal of carpet, vinyl and ceramic flooring, steel preparation and floor polishing. The team is also qualified in the removal of asbestos, still found in many pre-1986 buildings, where it is mixed with cement or present as particles in tile/sheet flooring and flooring adhesives.
PPC has completed major construction and refurbishment projects, including surface re-texturing, nuclear decommissioning and works for highway, shipbuilding, airport and petrochemical companies. Works are often carried out in extremely specialised or high security environments.
Equipment is designed and built at The Preparation Group’s facility for use in contracting operations or sourced from renowned experts. All tried and tested models are also offered for purchase. Equipment is developed to be high performance, tough, efficient, reliable, low maintenance and features simple controls.
A vast array of surface preparation, removal and finishing techniques are employed by the company – each producing a different result. The main methods are; shotblasting, planing, grinding, multi-stripping and cleaning with the type, size and power requirements of the machine chosen determining production rates achievable, together with the accessories selected and the nature, thickness and composition of the material to be removed. Other important factors that will be considered are; area size, location and accessibility, the power supply available and critically, the profile required for the specified material to be applied. It is important to note that surface preparation machines are also designed to work with a filtration unit or industrial vacuum to minimise dust contamination.
As a brief summary, in the correct conditions, Shotblasting is one of the most cost-effective methods. It is used for cleaning and keying power floated concrete, removing concrete laitence and light surface contaminants and coatings from concrete, asphalt, stone and tiles. It is also specified for steel preparation. Shotblasting machines are available in walk-behind 110v and three-phase electric and ride-on versions with the model number relating to the operating width of the machine.
For removing thick coatings, in excess of 2mm thickness or multi-layers, Planing would be required and will also reduce levels and leave a ‘rippled’ profile which can be specified for certain screeds.Applications include the removal of old screeds, asphalt, latex and adhesives and for reducing tamped surfaces. There are 110v, petrol or diesel walk-behind models and ride on versions for large-scale projects and heavy-duty applications.
Grinding would be selected when a flat, level and smooth concrete profile is required. It is used for removing surface contaminants, adhesives, paint, sealers and coatings and also for polishing decorative screeds and concrete screeds. Machines available include electric single-head, double-head or multi-head versions and diesel or petrol powered alternatives with variable-speed models for wet grinding and polishing applications.
Multi-stripping is the method for removing; wood, vinyl, carpets, ceramic tiles and their underlying adhesives. It is often chosen when there are no other effective options available. Again there are 110v walk-behind machines for clearing small areas and ride-on electrical or propane powered machines for large scale projects.
For floor refurbishment and maintenance, there are SFD’s (Surface Finishing Diamond) Pads and Storm Diamond Pads available that attach to an STG450 machine or other makes of scrubbers/dryers to clean and polish, without the use of environmentally unsound chemicals.
The Preparation Group’s operatives are NVQ qualified and highly skilled, supervisors and site managers accredited and competent in dealing with the most demanding site conditions. The company has a proven record for Health & Safety and is an accredited Safe Contractor, CHAS member and Investor in People.
For technical advice or a project quotation call +44(0)1522 561460 or for further information visit www.thepreparationgroup.com
