Table of Contents

 VDF flooring: An overview

 VDF flooring: Procedure
 VDF flooring: Advantages
 VDF flooring: Disadvantages
 VDF flooring: Applications
 FAQs
o What is vacuum dewatered flooring?
o How is vacuum-dewatered flooring different from other types of concrete
flooring?
o Is vacuum-dewatered flooring more expensive than other types of
concrete flooring?
o What are some applications for vacuum dewatered flooring?
o How do I maintain VDF?
o Is VDF suitable for all types of projects?
o Related Posts

VDF flooring: An overview

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: Procedure

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.
 

VDF flooring: Advantages

There are several advantages to using this method:

 Faster construction: VDF allows for a faster construction process because it

removes excess water from the surface of the concrete more quickly than
traditional methods. It means that the concrete can be finished and ready for
use sooner.

 Better surface finish: Because the vacuum system removes excess water

from the surface of the concrete, the resulting slab has a smoother, more
uniform finish. It can be crucial for flooring applications where a smooth
surface is desired.

 Reduced cracking: VDF can reduce the risk of cracks forming in the

concrete slab. It is because the vacuum system removes excess water from
the slab’s surface, which can help prevent shrinkage cracks from forming.

 Increased durability: VDF can result in a more durable concrete slab

because the vacuum system removes excess water from the slab’s surface,
which can help reduce the risk of freeze-thaw damage.

 Increased strength: Removing excess water from the concrete allows the

concrete to reach its maximum strength more quickly.
  Energy efficiency: VDF can be more energy efficient than traditional
methods because it uses a vacuum system to remove excess water from the
slab’s surface, which can be more energy efficient than other methods, such
as using heat or drying fans.

VDF flooring: Disadvantages

There are a few potential disadvantages to using vacuum-dewatered flooring:

 Cost: The equipment and materials needed for vacuum dewatered flooring

can be expensive, which may make this type of flooring more costly to install
than other options.

 Limited thickness: The flooring produced by the vacuum dewatering process

tends to be relatively thin, typically just three to four inches thick. More than
this may be required for certain applications, such as in areas where heavy
loads will be placed on the floor.

 Complexity: The process of installing vacuum-dewatered flooring can be

complex and may require specialised equipment and trained professionals. It
can make it difficult for homeowners to install this flooring independently.

 Limited design options: There may be fewer design options available for

vacuum-dewatered flooring compared to other types of flooring, such as tile or
hardwood.

 Risk of damage: The vacuum dewatering process can be sensitive to

temperature changes and variations in humidity, which can affect the quality
of the finished floor. If the process is not carefully controlled, it can damage
the flooring.

 Maintenance: Vacuum-dewatered flooring may require more maintenance

than other types of flooring, such as regular sealing and waxing, to protect the
surface and maintain its appearance.

VDF flooring: Applications

There are several applications for vacuum dewatered flooring, including:

 Industrial floors: Vacuum dewatered flooring is often used in warehouses,

manufacturing facilities, and other industrial settings where a strong and
durable floor is required.
 Parking garages: This technique can create smooth and level floors in
parking garages, which can help reduce the risk of accidents and damage to
vehicles.

 Retail spaces: Vacuum dewatered flooring can be used in retail spaces, such

as stores and malls, to create a durable and attractive floor that can withstand
heavy foot traffic.

 Residential spaces: This technique can also be used in residential settings,

such as homes and apartments, to create durable and low-maintenance
floors.

 Public spaces: Vacuum-dewatered flooring is often used in public spaces,

such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings, to create a durable and
safe floor surface