Scabbling

Summary

Scabbling - A scabbling is used to reduce high spots in concrete floors or as a method to mechanically prepare the surface of a concrete floor.

Technical Information

Scabbling is ideal for the preparation of a concrete surface where a rough textured key is required, typically suitable for the application of a screed or repair mortar. It improves the adhesion of the new material to the concrete substrate.

Also known as floor planing, the scabbling process can be carried out using walk behind or ride on equipment. The scabbling removes the concrete or other type of floor system such as asphalt or resin screed, by using steel picts on a rotating drum. The steel picts tear at the substrate and leave a textured surface. Using the ride on equipment is ideal for treating large areas in a short time period. The equipment can be set to prepare the surface or remove floor systems at various depths, such as 5mm, 10mm or 20mm. It is also possible to leave a less aggressive profile on the concrete surface by using a fine milling drum.

Scabbling can be utilised to reduce high spots in a concrete surface in order to bring a floor that may be non-compliant in its desired floor flatness tolerance, back into tolerance. As it leaves a textured profile, additional grinding of the floor may be required to deliver a smooth finish on the floor area.