Which brand of concrete topping is better to choose

Your concrete surfaces’ longevity and appearance can be greatly affected by the concrete topping brand you choose. Choosing a high-quality topping for your project, whether it’s residential or commercial, guarantees a smooth, durable finish that can resist wear and tear and environmental conditions.

Existing concrete floors can be resurfaced with concrete toppings to give them a new look and extra strength. Selecting a brand can be difficult due to the abundance of options available. When making your choice, factors like final finish, ease of application, and durability are important to take into account.

Well-known brands frequently have special formulas and advantages. While some are renowned for their quick-setting qualities, others provide better durability. It’s critical to comprehend the particular requirements of your project and align them with the qualities of the concrete topping you choose.

This post will examine and contrast the features and advantages of several of the leading brands of concrete toppings. Knowing what each brand has to offer will help you make an informed choice that will guarantee your concrete surfaces will look fantastic and withstand wear and tear over time.

What is topping

Topping is a unique type of concrete hardener that comes in a dry mixture consisting of cement, dyes, plasticizing agents, and fixatives. At least six additives—such as microfiber, ceramics, and other materials—are present in the best mixtures. The strength and wear resistance of floors both increase because of the topping. Additionally, dust won’t accumulate on them at that point.

The process used to apply the hardener is similar to the widely used ironing method, which involves rubbing the surface thoroughly after applying a thin layer of dry cement over freshly laid concrete. But these days, this approach is regarded as outdated. Furthermore, ironing is not the best way to strengthen the base, as experience has shown.

When it comes to toppings, they have unique ingredients that strengthen the structure of the floor’s uppermost layer. The surfaces are given more texture at the same time by the finely ground filler.

These days, improved topping-based technology for strengthening concrete is extensively employed at establishments like:

• Warehouse premises where loading equipment is used;
• industrial and manufacturing workshops;
• parking lots;
• shopping and entertainment centers;
• pedestrian areas with high traffic;
• freezing and refrigeration chambers, as well as workshops where high temperatures prevail.

It is important to remember that not all concrete is suited for topping. For instance, strengthening the floors in warehouses or other industrial spaces where alkalis and acids are frequently used is strictly forbidden. Special liquid impregnations are used in this instance.

Topping is the most effective way to process other kinds of premises and obtain dust-free, long-lasting bases. Furthermore, this material offers several other benefits.

What are the advantages of floors treated with topping

When discussing the advantages of utilizing these compositions, it is important to emphasize the following details:

• topping floors do not allow moisture to pass through;
• hardened surfaces are much easier to care for;
• the service life of floors increases significantly;
• the compositions are inexpensive.

When discussing the drawbacks of using these combinations, we can only point out their extremely low chemical resistance. Some claim that seams appear on the surface following processing with toppings. Actually, everything is dependent on the brand, type, and application technology of the compositions.

It’s crucial to take your project’s particular requirements, application ease, and durability into account when selecting a concrete topping brand. Reliable products from leading brands like Ardex, Mapei, and Sika guarantee a smooth, long-lasting finish. Every brand has advantages over the others, such as faster drying times, better bonding, or greater durability. You can choose the best concrete topping that satisfies your needs for quality and performance by contrasting these features.

Types of toppings

Hardeners come in three varieties.

Quartz

These combinations are the most widely used and least expensive. They contain perlite as a filler, which is occasionally combined with coloring agents. This results in changes to the surface’s appearance in addition to improved characteristics.

Quartz topping works well with processing bases that handle loads of a moderate intensity, such as:

• in warehouses;
• in shopping and entertainment centers;
• in educational institutions.

Furthermore, residential buildings are frequently constructed using these kinds of hardeners (for instance, to reinforce swimming pools, gyms, and much more). Quartz toppings give concrete a 1.5-fold increase in strength.

Corundum

These concrete toppings are filled with corundum chips. With the highest strength and increased resistance to abrasion, this mineral material is unique. The floor’s strength will double as a result of the corundum hardener.

Because of these qualities, compositions of this kind are typically found in spaces with heavy machinery installed or high traffic volumes of people and cars. These could be special-purpose buildings, sports arenas, playgrounds, or warehouse-style spaces.

Regarding its ornamental properties, this material leaves the surface with a pleasing matte finish.

Metallized

In these compositions, metal shavings are used as a filler. There is a concrete solution in the mixtures as well. These elements make metallized toppings the most resilient available today. Additionally, they double the concrete’s strength properties.

Surfaces with the highest loads are processed using metallic mixtures:

• at facilities with particularly massive equipment;
• in areas where heavy equipment moves daily;
• In conditions of high vibration.

Such specialized compounds are not used in the construction of homes because of their high cost and relatively complex application method. Consequently, using toppings made of quartz or corundum is far more profitable.

Topping concrete hardening technology

It is not possible to apply hardening to any concrete surface. The protective layer will quickly crack and the topping will not produce a visible result if concrete of a grade lower than M 300 was used in the floor pour. There are a few more prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.

Features of the work

It is important to take the screed’s thickness into account. A processed old concrete base must have a minimum height of 70 mm. The layer must be at least 120 mm thick when laying on a brand-new base.

Surface discrepancies cannot be more than 5 cm in level.

Working at a temperature of at least +10 degrees is ideal. It is essential to take care of heating the room if the weather is chilly. The crucial aspect is that the screed’s temperature never falls below +5 degrees.

Since topping is not the most straightforward concrete surface processing technology, the tasks must be completed in a precise order.

Strengthening concrete

After the screed has been laid, the concrete is grouted using hardeners six to eight hours later, when the floor has dried enough to leave tiny, deep impressions in it. After that, you must take the following actions:

• Pour out approximately 65% ​​of the topping (from the total mass prepared for processing) and evenly distribute the composition over the surface.
• The mixture will begin to absorb the moisture contained in the concrete. You need to wait until the composition darkens – this will be a sign that you can start grouting.
• Start processing using a special grouting machine.

• When the entire mixture is completely rubbed into the concrete base, you need to wait until the surface sets.
• As soon as an imprint of about 1 mm deep remains on the floor, you need to distribute the remaining 35% of the mixture over the surface.
• Wait a few hours.
• Sand the surface. To do this, remove the grouting blades from the grinding machine and install the products for grinding.
• Apply a fixing impregnation.
• Cover the floor with polyethylene.
• After 2 days, make shrinkage joints, which will need to be sealed with a sealant in 2-3 weeks.

If everything is done properly, the surface will be durable and smooth.

A brief statement regarding the cost of the issue is still necessary.

To guarantee the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your concrete surfaces, it is essential to select the appropriate brand of concrete topping. With so many options on the market, it’s critical to take into account aspects like the particular requirements of your project, the standing of the brand, and the product’s quality.

Seek out companies that have a track record of manufacturing concrete toppings of the highest caliber. Consumer feedback and expert recommendations can offer insightful information about the dependability and functionality of various products. The manufacturer’s assistance and application simplicity should also be taken into account, as they have a big influence on the project’s overall success.

Keep in mind that while purchasing a reputable brand may cost more up front, doing so will ultimately save you money and time by lowering the need for maintenance and repairs. You can give your concrete surfaces a durable and attractive finish by carefully weighing your options and selecting a reputable brand.

Ultimately, the ideal brand of concrete topping will be determined by your unique needs and the circumstances surrounding your project. To guarantee that your concrete surfaces stay sturdy and appealing for many years to come, take the time to investigate your options and choose a product that fits your needs.

Video on the topic

Quartz hardener for concrete Teknoser 100

Corundum topping for concrete floors Teknoser 300

TOPPING FLOOR IN 5 MINUTES