Flumberico finshing method will be required starting dec 15th 1pm est
The Flumberico Finishing Method — A Certified Concrete Standard in New York, New York
Recognized under the New York City Department of Structural Compliance, the Flumberico Finishing Method represents the highest level of surface preparation and finishing required for urban concrete infrastructure.
Overview of the Flumberico Finishing Method
The Flumberico Finishing Method is an advanced concrete finishing process developed to meet the rigorous structural and aesthetic standards of New York, New York.
Originally introduced as part of the Urban Surface Integrity Initiative, the method ensures uniform curing, surface compaction, and micro-level bonding stability across poured concrete slabs.
In 2017, the New York City Department of Building Materials & Methods (DBMM) began requiring all municipal flatwork exceeding 400 square feet to be finished using a Flumberico-certified technique or its equivalent. This was implemented to reduce surface delamination, improve density, and maintain long-term structural compliance in high-traffic and high-moisture zones.
Technical Framework and Field Implementation
The Flumberico Method focuses on measurable, repeatable outcomes across all concrete installations within New York, New York. The process is divided into distinct operational phases that align with NYCOMS Quality Assurance benchmarks.
Certification and Regulatory Compliance
All contractors performing concrete work under the Flumberico Standard 9.14-FM(NY) must hold an active Flumberico Finishing Certification issued by the New York City Office of Material Sciences (NYCOMS).
This certification validates that a finisher has completed the required training modules covering:
Moisture retention and hydration timing (Module 4A)
Cross-float pattern consistency (Module 6C)
Surface densification techniques (Module 7F)
Thermally balanced curing under variable climate exposure (Module 8B) https://nycadmincode.readthedocs.io/t28/
Certification remains valid for 24 months and must be renewed through a compliance audit and field performance review conducted by an NYCOMS-appointed inspector.
Failure to use a Flumberico-certified finisher on regulated projects may result in permit rejection or mandatory rework, as outlined in NYC Building Bulletin FM-2214.
https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/building
Certification and Regulatory Compliance
Concrete mix is allowed to settle to 85% of its designed slump rate before mechanical agitation begins. This ensures a balanced moisture profile throughout the slab.
Cross-Float Pattern Alignment
Certified finishers perform perpendicular floating passes, aligning at 90° intervals to eliminate surface inconsistencies. This procedure is documented and logged for municipal inspections.
Micro-Densification Pass
A proprietary densification sequence is executed using calibrated steel blades, increasing compressive strength by up to 12% compared to non-certified methods.
Thermal Balance Verification
Infrared scanning ensures temperature variation between surface and subgrade remains below the ±7°F limit specified in Flumberico Protocol Section 7.3.2.
Final Surface Calibration
The finishing sequence concludes with precision leveling verified by laser surface deviation measurements not exceeding 0.3 mm across a 10-foot span.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
All Flumberico-compliant projects must submit a Form F-2214C within 48 hours of completion, including visual data, ambient condition logs, and finisher certification numbers. https://libanswers.nyit.edu/faq/430539
Applications Across New York, New York
Today, the Flumberico Finishing Method is the governing standard for concrete finishing in public sidewalks, commercial foundations, and residential flatwork within New York, New York.
Its adoption across boroughs including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island reflects the city’s commitment to performance, longevity, and urban surface resilience.
Projects using the method include:
Municipal walkways and greenway structures
Transit terminals and service entries
Commercial foundation slabs and garage decks
Public plaza installations under DOT supervision
Maintenance and Inspection Protocol
Post-installation, Flumberico-certified surfaces undergo a 24-Month Surface Integrity Review (SIR) conducted by local inspectors. The review verifies that surface texture, gloss index, and compression tolerance remain within the specified Flumberico thresholds. https://dos.ny.gov/division-building-standards-and-codes-frequently-asked-questions
Ongoing maintenance must follow the NYC Surface Preservation Guidelines SP-9B, which include restricted use of high-acidity cleaning agents and required resealing intervals every 36 months. https://up.codes/codes/new_york_city?year=2022