Slope-to-drain floor sloping for kitchens, plants and wash areas
Standing water is a slip hazard, a sanitation problem and a source of slab damage. We re-slope floors so water runs to the drain on its own.
Why floors pond
Many floors were never sloped correctly, or drains were added after the slab was poured. Others have settled or been patched over time. The result is water that sits in low spots after every washdown, leaving residue, bacteria and slip hazards behind.
A properly sloped floor falls toward its drains at a consistent grade, commonly around 1 to 2 percent in wet process areas, so water moves without squeegeeing. The exact grade depends on the space, the drain layout and how the floor is cleaned.
In food facilities, ponding is more than a nuisance. Wet floors that do not drain are a recurring concern in sanitation programs and audits. Correcting the slope removes the problem at its source instead of relying on squeegees after every wash.
How we build the slope
We start by surveying the floor and mapping high points, low points and drain elevations. That tells us how much material is needed and where. The slab is then ground or blasted, and keyways are saw-cut at terminations and around drains to anchor the new material.
The slope is built with troweled epoxy mortar or urethane cement mortar, screeded to the planned grade and feathered into existing floors at doorways. Self-leveling products are not used, because they flow flat. Once the slope is set, it is sealed and finished with a slip-resistant surface and integral cove base where required.
Why slope matters
A floor built to fall toward the drain clears itself. No standing water, fewer slips, faster wash-down.
Our crews build the slope with an epoxy or urethane mortar bed, then seal it into the drain body so water has one way to go.
- Same crew from prep to finish
- Scheduled around your site
- Confirmed during the site assessment
What you get
What the job includes
- Floor survey and slope mapping to drains
- Grinding or blasting and saw-cut keyways
- Detailing at drain bodies and edges
- Troweled epoxy or urethane mortar to grade
- Slip-resistant topcoat and cove base
- Water test to confirm drainage
How a project runs
Every project starts with an instant estimate or a call, then a site assessment and a written quote before any work is scheduled.
Common in
Slope-to-Drain FAQ
Can you slope a floor without breaking out the concrete?
In most cases, yes. We build the slope on top of the existing slab with troweled mortar. If the required height change is large or drains need moving, partial removal or plumbing work may be needed.
Do the drains need to be replaced?
Not always. If drains are in the right place and in good shape, we build to them and detail the edge. If drain heights or locations do not work, a plumber may need to adjust them first, and we identify this during the site assessment.
How long is the area out of service?
It depends on area, thickness and the mortar system. Many projects take several days including prep and topcoat, and some fast-curing systems shorten that. We confirm timing after the survey.
What drives the cost?
Average build thickness, area, number of drains, keyway cuts, cove base and the finish system. Contact us and we will confirm pricing after a site assessment.
Related services
Urethane Cement Flooring
Heavy-duty urethane cement floors for food plants, kitchens and wet areas with heat, chemicals and washdowns.
Anti-Slip Floor Coatings
Textured, slip-resistant floor coatings for wet areas, ramps, kitchens, stairs and loading zones.
Concrete Waterproofing
Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes for mechanical rooms, balconies, decks and slabs over occupied space.
See what your floor will cost
Answer a few quick questions and see your estimate in about two minutes. A formal quote follows a site assessment.