A flake floor starts with the concrete beneath it. Before choosing colours and sheen, establish whether the slab and site conditions suit the proposed coating system.
Some projects call for a moisture vapour barrier epoxy primer. Others use a different specified primer or preparation approach. The decision should follow the assessment and product requirements, rather than appearance alone.
What should be checked before coating?
Tell the contractor about damp areas, leaks, previous coatings and any earlier flooring failures. Include when the dampness occurs and whether the space has recently been built, washed or exposed to water.
Ask which moisture tests are required for the proposed products, where testing will take place and what results are acceptable. Different test methods measure different things; results and acceptance limits should be recorded with their method and units.
A dry-looking surface or a simple plastic-sheet check is not a substitute for the testing specified for the selected system. The Sikafloor-261 CA data sheet, for example, sets product-specific moisture and application conditions. Its limits should not be applied indiscriminately to other products.
What does a moisture-control primer do?
A product specified for moisture mitigation has a particular role and application limits. An ordinary primer should not be assumed to perform that role. Ask the contractor to identify the proposed moisture-control product and explain how the site conditions fit its requirements.
Recurring water entry also needs investigation. The written scope should make clear whether a leak, drainage problem or other underlying issue must be dealt with before flooring work begins.
How the flake-floor system is described
A useful proposal explains each stage of the work:
- Assessment: the existing floor, moisture concerns and intended use.
- Preparation: removal of unsuitable material, mechanical preparation and agreed repairs.
- Priming: the specified primer and any required moisture-control treatment.
- Decorative finish: the coating that receives the flakes, the chosen blend and the intended coverage.
- Topcoat and handover: the specified finish, texture, cleaning guidance and return-to-service instructions.
An epoxy base and a polyaspartic topcoat can be parts of the same proposed system. Compare the complete specification, including any moisture-control layer, rather than choosing only by the topcoat’s name.
Questions to ask before booking
- What testing and preparation are included in the quote?
- Which products and coating layers are proposed?
- How will cracks, joints, steps and vertical edges be handled?
- What happens if the assessment identifies unsuitable conditions?
- When can people walk on the floor, move equipment back and park vehicles?
Keep the agreed scope and product care instructions. Walking access and vehicle use may have different requirements, so confirm both when planning the installation.
Plan your garage or commercial floor
Western Canada Coatings works with residential, commercial and industrial clients across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Explore our garage flooring guide or project gallery.
Request a flooring quote with your project city, approximate area, photos and preferred timing. Mention any moisture concerns so they can be considered from the start.