One great thing about Concrete is that it can be repaired. Whether you choose to do it DIY or opt to hire a pro to perform concrete floor repairs, there are certain terms that come up. Here are some of them and their respective meanings.

Acid Etching

This is the process of applying muriatic or phosphoric acid on a concrete Surface to clean or neutralize it. This is often done as an alternative to sandblasting when preparing a concrete surface for resurfacing or refinishing.

Moving and Static Cracks

Cracks come in two kinds: moving (working) and static (non-working). Moving cracks are those that are active and still moving, often caused by nature. Static cracks are those that are random and often only involves the surface of the concrete slab.

Diamond Grinding

This is a grinding procedure done to acquire polished Concrete Surfaces. A floor polisher uses diamond-segmented abrasive pads that progress from coarse to finer grits until the right smoothness and shine are achieved.

Microtopping

A super thin decorative topping that is applied on a concrete slab to give it a smoother or a textured finish.

Concrete Resurfacing

Resurfacing is the process of repairing or updating a concrete slab by adding a new coating or overlay to create a new surface.

Concrete Refinishing

Refinishing is the process of repairing or renewing the current finish of a concrete surface. The surface and the slab remains the same, only the top coat is reapplied.

Spray-Down System

An overlay or coating is installed on the surface as a splatter coat and then troweled to achieve a knockdown finish. This is common on pool decks, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces.

Spalling

This is a common issue on concrete surfaces wherein little pieces of concrete breaks away from the surface, especially at the joints.

These are just some of the terms often used by contractors and seen on flooring or paving materials and equipment. It is important that you, as a homeowner, are aware of what these are so that you would understand what it is exactly they are proposing to do. If there is something you need clarification about, ask them. Do not be afraid to ask what it means and how the process goes. A reliable and professional contractor should be able to explain the process to you. It is a reflection of their skill and experience.

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