Can Polished Concrete be installed over Gypsum Underlayment in Seattle, WA?

A white polished concrete floor resurfacing over gypsum-based underlayment proved to be the perfect flooring solution for a high-rise residence in Seattle. Gypsum-based underlayments are used in construction for a variety of reasons. It is easy to prep for use, flows well, can be poured to large thicknesses, and is crack-resistant. However, gypsum-based underlayment cannot be used by itself as a finished floor. It needs some other kind of flooring to finish it, such as carpet, tile, or laminate. Until Duraamen’s Skraffino came along, there was no option for putting a polished concrete floor over a gypsum-based underlayment.

Skraffino makes that possible, and concrete resurfacing over gypsum underlayment is a great choice for a high-rise building because the material provides good sound insulation and is lightweight and crack-resistant. The high-rise building installation was done by an installer named Heather Nicholson using a gypsum-based underlayment and two coats of Skraffino integrally covered with Colorfast (Ivory) and Perdure E32 and Perdure U46.

For most applications, gypsum-based underlayment does not require shot blasting or scarification of the existing floor surface prior to application. We recommend referring to the technical data sheet provided by the gypsum underlay manufacturer. Gypsum-based underlayments achieve compressive strength quickly and it saves intermediate construction steps because gypsum can be poured directly on the wood without wire lath reinforcement. Using gypsum underlayments helps achieve high sound and impact ratings, which are key factors in high-rise construction.

Skraffino decorative concrete overlay can be applied in a paper-thin layer, or built up to certain thicknesses by layering. This can then be textured with a broom or trowel. Skraffino is used indoors or outdoors and horizontally or vertically to cover all surfaces except ceilings in a building, including stairs. The Skraffino surface can be ground and polished into a white or gray polished concrete floor for a fraction of the cost of pouring new concrete. Resurfacing over gypsum-based underlayment using Skraffino can allow your high-rise building to have a chic gray or white polished concrete floor and decorative effects and textures through different application techniques. It’s a highly cost-effective solution for resurfacing and it can be integrally colored if you would like something other than the natural gray or white it comes in.

Duraamen Industrial and Polished Concrete Flooring Products are designed to provide labor-saving and long-lasting flooring solutions. Talk to an expert about your flooring challenges…Please Call + 973 230 1301 / eMail Us