SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
STAY ON TRACK
Dave Bigham, global director of training at National Flooring Equipment, advises contractors on how to ensure a surface preparation job runs smoothly from start to finish.
It can take almost 30 minutes to refocus on a task after being distracted, according to a University of California Irvine study. While contractors can try and ignore on-site distractions to optimise their time at work, maximising uptime requires preparation. Any flooring equipment breakdowns, for example, not only cause downtime but will affect productivity even after the machine is up and running again.
In construction, maximising uptime is crucial to delivering a high- quality finish on time and to budget. Too many interruptions could compromise one of those factors. Effectively preparing for a job in advance, and anticipating potential issues throughout the course of the project, can help it go smoothly from start to finish.
PLAN AHEAD Before starting floor preparation work, it’s a good idea to visit the site. Contractors can gather information from the site manager about the scope of the job, accessibility, power availability, and any concurrent operations that might impact the project. This gives contactors an idea of the equipment and tools they need, preventing delays to starting the project.
If electricity is unavailable at the site, it’s probably best to use equipment that runs on propane or diesel or, if the site is indoors, battery power. If the site is going to be busy, machinery with enhanced safety features, such as light curtains, could be advantageous.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MACHINE As well as matching the power availability, equipment must be suited to the size and layout of the site. For example, a job in a multi-story car park might involve both large open areas and smaller areas that are harder to manoeuvre. Similarly, when working on the first story of a building, contractors should use equipment that’s lightweight enough to be carried upstairs or fit in an elevator.
Sometimes, contractors benefit from a combination of larger ride-on machines for bigger spaces and more manoeuvrable walk-behind equipment for higher stories. If contractors only have one or two machines, renting equipment can expand their range of biddable projects.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLING After selecting a machine, contractors must consider tooling. The range of tooling required will depend on the client’s desired finish, any existing covering to be removed, and the aggregate
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hardness of the substrate beneath, which varies according to geographical location.
First, identify the correct tooling required for each stage of preparation. For example, understanding the style and width of blade needed for covering removal, or the appropriate diamond tooling to achieve the right concrete surface profile (CSP) is key. Equipment manufacturers can provide this information, but contractors can also bring a combination of tools on site to adapt if needed.
Bringing spare tooling can also prevent downtime during preparation. Metal bond diamonds, for example, naturally wear down with use, so having spares on hand helps avoid delays while obtaining replacements — lower grits will wear down faster than higher grits. While using quality tooling reduces the likelihood of breakages, keeping backups allows immediate replacement.
PLAN MAINTENANCE Regular maintenance improves the overall lifespan of owned machinery and reduces the chances of breakdowns.
Though it’s likely to have been serviced between jobs, it’s good practice to check the condition of rental equipment and power cables before hire. Contractors who own their
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