Concrete

ICRI Concrete Surface Profiles (CSP 1-10) Explained

What ICRI concrete surface profiles (CSP 1 to 10) are, which prep methods reach which profile, and how to check yours against the chips.

Updated · 2 min read

CSP is the industry's shorthand for how rough a prepared concrete surface is. ICRI Technical Guideline 310.2R defines ten profiles, from CSP 1 (nearly flat) to CSP 10 (amplitude greater than 1/4").[1][2] When a patch, primer, adhesive or coating calls for "CSP 2 to 3," it's pointing to the ten-step scale above.

The scale

The ten profiles run from nearly smooth to very rough.

CSP What it looks like Typical method[3]
1 Clean, nearly flat, no change in texture Low-pressure water cleaning, light grinding
2 to 3 Light, even texture; surface paste removed Diamond grinding, light shot blasting
4 to 5 Medium texture, fine aggregate starting to show Shot blasting, abrasive blasting
6 to 7 Coarse texture, aggregate exposed Medium to heavy shot blasting, scarifying
8 to 9 Very rough, deep texture Scarifying, scabbling
10 Amplitude over 1/4" Hydrodemolition and heavy removal for repair

The 2013 revision of the guideline added CSP 10 and lists shot blasting at CSP 2 to 9 depending on setup.[1]

How to check your profile

The chips make checking a profile quick and consistent.

  1. Get a set of ICRI CSP chips. They're molded replicas of each profile.[2]
  2. Clean the area and let it dry. Dust hides texture.
  3. Hold the chips next to the prepared surface under low-angle light and find the closest match.
  4. Check several spots, including edges and anywhere the machine changed direction.
  5. Record the result with photos. It's your documentation that the substrate met the spec.

Who sets the target

The product going on the slab sets the target. Thin systems want smoother profiles; thicker toppings and overlays need more tooth. Rougher isn't automatically better: an over-profiled slab can telegraph through thin coatings and eat extra primer and patch. Follow the range in the installation instructions.

Common mistakes

Most profile disputes are about how the surface was checked.

  • Judging by feel alone. Two people will call the same floor CSP 2 and CSP 4. Use the chips.
  • Checking only the middle of the room. Edges done with a hand grinder often come out different.
  • Confusing profile with flatness. CSP is texture. Flatness is a separate check: Subfloor flatness standards.

Related

These guides cover how to reach the profile you need.

References

  1. ICRI Concrete Repair Bulletin: ICRI 310.2R-2013 overview
  2. International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)
  3. Sika: Surface preparation guide

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