Smoothing concrete - Trowel-smoothed concrete
Professional concrete smoothing & troweling: For highly compacted, wear-resistant surfaces
The quality and durability of a concrete floor, especially in industrial or commercial applications, is largely determined by the quality of its surface. Professional concrete smoothing, especially by means of mechanical troweling, is not just a purely visual measure, but a decisive process step for surface refinement. This process compacts the concrete zone close to the surface, closes pores and creates a highly wear-resistant, low-dust and even working surface. While smoothing concrete by hand, for example with a smoothing trowel or grating board, tends to be used for smaller areas or the detailed finishing of edges, machine smoothing is the standard for quality and efficiency on larger areas. As your nationwide specialist for high-quality concrete floors and screed work, we master these techniques in accordance with the recognized rules of technology (including DIN 1045-3) and ensure surfaces that can withstand the highest stresses.
The importance of surface finishing: why professional smoothing is essential
A freshly installed and merely leveled concrete has a relatively porous surface with lower strength. This is inadequate for many applications, particularly as a direct industrial floor or highly stressed concrete floor in workshops and warehouses. The objectives of professional smoothing are therefore:
- Creation of a dense wear layer: A hard, dense layer is created by rubbing in and compacting the fine mortar on the surface.
- Increased resistance: This compacted zone has significantly higher abrasion resistance and resistance to mechanical stress.
- Reduction of porosity: Closing the pores reduces the absorbency and thus the susceptibility to the penetration of liquids and dirt.
- Dust binding: A professionally smoothed concrete floor is hardly prone to dust formation ("dust-free concrete floor").
- Creation of an optimum substrate: An ideal, firm and even base is created for any subsequent coatings or sealants.
Without professional smoothing, you risk a prematurely worn, very dusty and difficult to clean floor.
The troweling process: precision for perfect concrete surfaces
Machine troweling with power trowels (also known as helicopters) requires precision and, above all, perfect timing in the setting process of the concrete:
- The right time: the decisive factor! We only start when the concrete has hardened enough to be walked on (defined penetration depth under load), but the surface is still sufficiently plastic for processing. This point in time depends heavily on the concrete mix design (cement type, w/c ratio, start of setting), any admixtures used to influence the setting behavior and the ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, wind). Expert insight: Smoothing too early destroys the structure, smoothing too late prevents sufficient compaction.
- The technology: We use modern, high-performance power trowels - hand-guided models for smaller areas and edges as well as ride-on power trowels for high surface performance on industrial floors.
- The work steps:
- Pre-smoothing (plate smoothing): In the first step, work is usually carried out with a rotating smoothing plate or flat combination blades. Objective: To remove coarse unevenness, press in aggregate grains, convey fine mortar to the surface and achieve initial compaction and closure of the surface.
- Finish smoothing (smoothing wings): The actual smoothing blades are worked on in several timed work steps. The angle of attack of the blades is gradually increased. Working principle: The increasing pressure compresses the surface further and further, pores are closed and an increasingly smoother and harder surface is created.
- Edge formation: The edges are carefully finished with special edge smoothers or manually.
Areas of application for smoothed concrete: Quality nationwide
We produce high-quality smoothed concrete floors for a wide range of applications throughout Germany:
- Industrial halls and logistics centers ("industrial floor concrete")
- Production facilities and assembly areas
- Workshops, car dealerships and underground garages
- Agricultural buildings (stables, feeding tables - pay attention to slip resistance!)
- Basement floors and floor slabs
- As an exposed concrete floor in prestigious areas (architecture, stores)
Quality factors in concrete smoothing: Our claim
We pay attention to all relevant factors to ensure a first-class result:
- Coordination with the concrete technology: Consideration of consistency, setting behavior and composition of the fresh concrete.
- Precise timing & experience: The be-all and end-all for the success of the smoothing process.
- Adapted machine technology: Correct selection and guidance of the trowels.
- Careful curing: Immediate protection of the freshly smoothed concrete against drying out in accordance with DIN 1045-3 is essential for quality.
- Qualified staff: Our employees are experienced and trained.
Your nationwide partner for professional concrete smoothing
If you are looking for an experienced concrete smoothing company with nationwide availability, we can offer you:
- Specialized know-how in the surface treatment of concrete floors.
- Modern technical equipment for projects of any size.
- Proven experience and reliability in concrete work throughout Germany.
- High quality standards and orientation towards technical standards.
- Efficient and punctual execution.
Conclusion: Professionally smoothed concrete - added value across the entire surface
Professional concrete smoothing using troweling is a crucial process for creating high-quality, durable and functional concrete floors. It increases resistance, reduces dust formation and creates the basis for problem-free use or further finishing. Rely on professional execution for a result that meets the highest standards.
Do you need a professionally smoothed concrete floor for your project? Contact our experts for a consultation and a detailed quote - we are there for you nationwide!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The exact time is critical and depends on experience. It is when the concrete has already stiffened to such an extent that it can be walked on (depending on the machine), but the surface still reacts plastically enough to be compacted and smoothed. We check this continuously on site.
Standard concretes from a certain strength class (e.g. C20/25 upwards) with a suitable consistency are generally easy to smooth. For special concretes (e.g. with a high air void content, steel fiber concrete) or special additives, adapted techniques or adjustments may be necessary.
No. Although smoothing makes the surface significantly denser and less absorbent, it is not watertight in the sense of a standard-compliant seal against pressing or standing water. Separate waterproofing measures are required for this.
Smoothing is a process during the curing phase of the fresh concrete to compact and level the surface. Polishing is a mechanical grinding and finishing process of the already hardened concrete to achieve a high-gloss, very dense and visually appealing surface.
The cost of concrete smoothing varies. It is difficult to give a general price per m2 for concrete smoothing as it depends on factors such as area, accessibility, concrete quality and desired finish (number of smoothing passes). An individual quotation is necessary for a reliable calculation.