Installing epoxy flooring isn’t just about the shiny top layer—it’s about making sure what’s underneath is solid and sound. You can buy the best epoxy system in the world, but if your concrete surface isn’t properly tested and prepared, it won’t last.
At Luxury Engineered Epoxy, we treat every job like it’s our own space. That means taking the time to inspect, test, and prepare each floor before a drop of epoxy is mixed. Our clients across Toronto, Vaughan, Muskoka, and Barrie know that quality starts from the ground up.
Let’s break down our full inspection and prep process.
Step 1: Moisture Testing — Your Floor’s Hidden Enemy
Moisture is the silent killer of epoxy floors. It’s the most common reason coatings fail. Moisture from underneath the slab can push upward, leading to bubbling, peeling, or delamination.
We use high-quality Tramex moisture meters to test surface conditions. If we detect more than 4% moisture content, we won’t proceed with epoxy until we apply a Moisture Vapor Barrier (MVB).
Here’s an example: A customer in North York had an epoxy floor installed by a general contractor who skipped moisture testing. Less than a year later, the floor was blistering and flaking. We stepped in, assessed the damage, installed a moisture barrier, and re-applied a flake system. It’s now holding strong three years later.
Step 2: pH Testing — The Science of Surface Chemistry
Most people don’t realize that concrete is chemically active. Its pH can shift depending on environmental conditions and age. If the surface pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), it interferes with the chemical bond between epoxy and concrete.
We test for pH to make sure the floor falls within the ideal range of 7 to 10. If it’s outside this range:
-
Below 7: We neutralize and clean the slab
-
Above 10: We treat and etch the surface for better bonding
Skipping this step is like ignoring warning lights on a car dashboard—it might seem fine at first, but problems are bound to come up.
Step 3: Surface Hardness Testing — Choosing the Right Tooling
Not all concrete is the same. Some slabs are soft and dusty, while others are hard and dense. Using the wrong tooling during prep can create issues that affect adhesion.
We perform a Mohs Hardness Test to find out how tough the surface is. Based on the results:
-
Soft concrete gets finer diamond tools and densifier treatment
-
Hard concrete requires aggressive tooling to open pores for bonding
This tailored approach helps the epoxy soak into the surface instead of sitting on top, which dramatically improves its lifespan.
Step 4: Mechanical Grinding — Opening Up the Surface
Once we’ve confirmed the moisture, pH, and hardness, we move on to mechanical preparation. This is where we grind the floor using diamond-tipped machines that remove contaminants, coatings, or old sealants.
Grinding the concrete achieves two critical things:
-
It opens the surface to allow the epoxy to penetrate
-
It provides the right texture profile for mechanical bonding
After grinding, we use industrial-grade HEPA vacuums to remove all dust and debris. A clean surface is a must—any leftover dust can lead to poor bonding.
Step 5: Crack and Joint Repair — Smoothing Out the Foundation
A perfect finish requires a smooth base. Cracks, joints, and pitting must be addressed before coating. We assess each flaw individually:
-
Static cracks are filled with rigid materials
-
Moving cracks or expansion joints get flexible fillers to accommodate future shifts
Properly filled and leveled surfaces ensure that your epoxy floor looks beautiful and performs like a continuous sheet.
In a recent project in Aurora, we repaired more than 20 linear feet of spider cracks before installation. Post-epoxy, you couldn’t tell they’d ever existed.
Optional Enhancements After Prep
Once the floor is tested and prepped, you can add specific features depending on your needs:
-
MVB Layer for high-moisture areas
-
Epoxy Flake Broadcast for added texture and style
-
UV-Stable Polyaspartic Topcoat for outdoor or sunlit areas
-
Embedded Custom Logos for showrooms or garages
Our prep process ensures you have the right base for whatever design or durability goals you’re after.
Why It All Matters
Concrete inspection and preparation isn’t just a formality—it’s the most important part of the job. A poor-quality epoxy install is almost always the result of skipped prep work.
We’ve fixed dozens of failed DIY and low-budget contractor jobs because they didn’t take time to do things right the first time. That’s not how we work. At Luxury Engineered Epoxy, we’d rather take the extra day upfront than come back to fix problems later.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning an epoxy project, don’t cut corners. Make sure the concrete beneath is tested, treated, and prepared correctly.
Reach out to Luxury Engineered Epoxy today. We’ll inspect your floor, walk you through your options, and deliver a finish that lasts.