Vacuum dewatered flooring is a construction technique to create a stronger, more durable, concrete floor with a smoother surface finish.

What is VDF flooring?

Vacuum dewatered flooring is a construction technique that uses a vacuum to remove excess water and air from concrete while it is being poured and cured. It helps create a strong, durable, and stable floor resistant to cracking and other types of damage.

The process typically involves pouring a layer of concrete onto a prepared base before using a vacuum pump to remove excess water and air from the mix. It can be done manually using a portable vacuum pump or automatically using a machine specifically designed for this purpose. The resulting floor is typically smooth, level, and ready for use once fully cured.

VDF flooring: Process

Vacuum dewatered flooring, also known as “dry shake” floor hardener, is a process used to improve the surface density and wear resistance of concrete floors. It involves applying a dry, powdered hardener to the surface of freshly placed and finished concrete before using a vacuum to remove excess material and water from the surface.

Here is a step-by-step procedure for applying vacuum-dewatered flooring:

1. Prepare the concrete surface: Make sure the concrete is placed correctly and finished with a smooth, level surface. Remove any excess water from the surface using a squeegee or broom.

2. Mix the floor hardener: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the floor hardener. It typically involves adding water to the dry powder and stirring to create a slurry.

3. Apply the floor hardener: Spread the floor hardener evenly over the surface of the concrete using a shovel or spreader.

4. Vibrate the surface: Use a vibrating screed or hand-held vibrator to compact the floor hardener and ensure good coverage and penetration into the concrete.

5. Vacuum the surface: Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water and hardener from the surface of the concrete. It helps to prevent ponding and ensures that the hardener is evenly spread.

6. Cure the surface: Allow the concrete to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before walking on it or using it for any purpose. It typically involves keeping the surface moist and covered for some time.

7. Finish the surface: After the concrete has cured, you can proceed with any desired surface finishing techniques, such as grinding, polishing, or applying a sealer.

This is just a general outline, and the specific steps and equipment used may vary depending on the project and the vacuum dewatering machine used. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using this equipment is essential.