The majority of epoxy floor failures in Calgary have nothing to do with the coating. They fail because the concrete was not properly prepared. This page details every preparation step we perform on every install and why each one matters for the long term performance of the floor.
CSP 2-3
Target surface profile
100%
Diamond ground, every job
Every Install
Moisture tested on-site
XPS
Certified standard
Before any coating is applied, the concrete must be mechanically profiled to the correct Concrete Surface Profile (CSP). CSP is a standardized measurement developed by the International Concrete Repair Institute that describes the texture and porosity of a prepared concrete surface. For a permanent bond where the coating physically locks into the concrete, we target CSP 3.
CSP 3 is achieved exclusively through diamond grinding. Industrial machines fitted with diamond tooling abrade the concrete surface, remove the weak top layer of concrete, and open the pores for a true bond where the coating locks in permanently. This is the industry standard for commercial and industrial coating applications and the only prep method we use on every job.
Acid etching dissolves the concrete surface chemically rather than removing it mechanically. It leaves behind deposits, creates an inconsistent surface profile, and cannot remove existing oil, sealers, or curing compounds. Diamond grinding is the only method that properly prepares concrete for a commercial grade coating, and it is the only method we use.
Existing cracks are repaired before coating, never coated over. Depending on the type, width, and activity level of the crack, we use the appropriate filler material and method. Active or moving cracks require different treatment than dormant hairline cracks, and we assess each one correctly so it stays hidden for the life of the floor.
Control joints are assessed and treated to allow movement without compromising the coating. This is especially important in Calgary, where seasonal temperature swings cause concrete to expand and contract significantly throughout the year.
Moisture rising up through the slab is one of the leading causes of coating failure in Calgary. Concrete is porous and moisture from the ground can push up through the slab from beneath, causing the coating to lift or blister. This has nothing to do with coating quality. It is entirely a preparation issue.
We test moisture on every installation and add a moisture barrier on all bare concrete installs as standard practice for added protection. Calgary's seasonal ground conditions, including spring thaw, create elevated moisture pressure in concrete slabs. We build that protection in from the start.
Diamond grinding generates significant concrete dust. We connect industrial vacuum systems directly to the grinding equipment to capture dust at the source — before it settles on the prepared surface. Concrete dust contamination on a freshly ground slab can compromise adhesion just as severely as a poorly profiled surface. Source capture vacuum is standard on every prep.
Diamond grinding solves adhesion failure. Moisture testing and barriers solve moisture driven failure. Crack repair keeps cracks from showing through the finished surface. Dust control prevents contamination. These are not extra steps. They are the reason our floors last 15 to 20 years in Calgary's climate.
A floor installed over a properly prepared substrate will outlast any floor installed over a shortcut — regardless of the coating quality. The substrate is the variable that matters most. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
Talk to our team about your slab conditions, existing cracks, or moisture concerns before your project starts.
