SHOTBLASTING CONCRETE FLOORS IN ALBERTA | DESCO SURFACE PREP EXPERTS

Posted by Ryan Spotowski and categorized under Commercial Concrete Polishing, and Concrete Surface Profile
Animation of shotblasting a concrete floor for traffic deck membrane coatings in an Edmonton parkade

Surface Preparation Comes First

At Desco, surface preparation is the most critical step in every project we complete. Serving Alberta’s construction restoration and protection industry, we ensure projects are done right the first time. Proper surface preparation allows coating systems to bond correctly and perform as designed. Without it, even high-quality coatings will fail prematurely.

What is Shotblasting?

Shotblasting is one of our most trusted concrete surface preparation methods. The process cleans and abrades concrete using a fully contained mechanical system. Steel shot impacts the surface at high velocity, creating a consistent texture for coating adhesion. The machine immediately recovers dust and steel shot, cleans it, and reuses it during operation. Compared to sandblasting, shotblasting is nearly dust-free and far more controlled.

Why Shotblasting Works

Shotblasting is an environmentally responsible method because the steel shot is recycled. It allows us to achieve consistent concrete surface profiles, typically ranging from CSP 3 to CSP 5. These profiles are ideal for most coating and topping systems. At Desco, we shotblast most floors before applying epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic, or hybrid coating systems.

Shotblasting in High-Traffic Environments

High-traffic areas like parkades experience constant mechanical wear. Over time, coatings deteriorate and require removal before recoating. Shotblasting effectively removes failed coatings and prepares the concrete for new protection. This ensures strong adhesion and long-term system performance in demanding environments.

Combining Shotblasting With Other Methods

Some projects require more aggressive surface profiles. For profiles such as CSP 8, we first scarify the concrete. We then shotblast to remove residual dust and surface contaminants. This combination improves cleanliness and creates a stronger bond between the substrate and the coating system.

Built For Alberta Conditions

Proper surface preparation extends concrete service life and reduces maintenance costs. It also minimizes coating failures and improves long-term durability. At Desco, our shotblasting expertise helps protect concrete structures across Alberta. Contact our team to learn more about our surface preparation services or to discuss your next project.

More information on our surface preparation can be found here . Or,contact us here to find a solution for you or if you’d like us to have a look at your project.