Polished concrete floors are relatively low-maintenance and durable, which is why they are installed in homes. However, you must commit to frequent cleaning and periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition and appear brand new.
Let's examine how the concrete polishing process works, the advantages these floors provide, some common applications, and what's involved in polished concrete maintenance.
The desired finish determines the procedure of polishing concrete. The procedure mostly involves leveling the floor and filling it with a densifier. The floor's surface is then ground down to produce the desired finish, which can be matte, high-gloss, or mirror-like. Finishes that reveal the aggregate necessitate a more complex grinding procedure. However, this style of finish is uncommon in commercial settings.
Let's break this down further with a step-by-step guide on polishing concrete floors.
The first cut preps the floor for the remainder of the process. If any coatings or uneven spots need to be removed, the concrete finisher will grind the floor with a metal-bond diamond tool and coarse grit, such as 20/30. Otherwise, a 50/60 or 100/120 grit metal diamond is appropriate for the initial cut. This opens the floor, making it porous enough to absorb the densifier.
If the first grinding process results in air pockets, hairline fractures, or microscopic holes, the concrete finisher should fill them with acrylic-based grout. The concrete finisher will run a 100/120 grit metal diamond over the wet grout to fill the pores. Finally, the floor is washed using a squeegee.
The densifier is then applied to solidify the cement and grout, preparing them for polishing. After the densifier has fully cured, higher-grit hybrid diamonds can erase any scratches from metal-bond diamonds. The floor should appear smooth for the following phase.
The floor is now ready for primary polishing. The desired final aesthetic and texture will determine the level of grit used by the concrete finisher. The procedure often starts with 400-grit resin abrasives, which may be all that is required for a lower-gloss finish. The concrete finisher may use an 800-grit resin pad for a better gloss surface.
To protect and finish the floor, the concrete finisher uses a protection that soaks into it. Once cured, the guard is buffed, making the floor more resilient. A topical sealer can also be used instead of a guard, but it will sit on the surface rather than penetrate the concrete, so you may need to reapply another coat later. A sealer may also require curing with a high-speed burnisher.
So, why are polished concrete floors so popular in commercial areas, warehouses, and homes? People have learned that they have numerous benefits.
The only notable downside to concrete is how it may feel when walking on it. Concrete is hard and doesn't give underfoot, so standing on it for long periods may be uncomfortable. Of course, this hardness can be an advantage in durability and strength. You may also alleviate discomfort by placing mats in areas where employees will be standing for extended periods.
Concrete can sometimes feel cold. This worry is more common in residential settings where individuals may be barefoot, but it is less of an issue with industrial or commercial concrete flooring. The amazing news is that polished concrete floors are great thermal conductors, so a radiant heating system will keep the floor warm enough for bare feet.
Let's look at some valuable advantages polished concrete floors offer, including the following.
Despite its luxurious appearance, polished concrete is less expensive than most other flooring options. The initial cost per square foot is comparable to other low-cost options, such as carpet, and the overall lifecycle cost is less than any other common form of flooring. It is especially economical if you already have a concrete slab that can be polished professionally.
Polished concrete is extremely durable for manufacturing and warehousing operations. Its robust flooring can endure high foot traffic and heavy machinery in a warehouse. It is nearly impossible to chip, scrape, or damage polished concrete floors. Sealed polished concrete floors also resist corrosion-causing substances such as alkalis and acids.
Polished concrete floors are durable. In many circumstances, a well-placed and well-maintained polished concrete floor can endure over a century, even if subjected to heavy wear and strain! Flooring materials such as vinyl, wood laminates, and carpeting cannot match this longevity.
Polished concrete floors are simple to maintain. Unlike many other types of flooring, they do not require stripping the surface and applying wax or other treatments on a regular basis. They're also easy to clean. They do not retain dirt or dust like other floors and only require an occasional mop.
Polished concrete floors are environmentally beneficial because they do not require toxic chemical coatings, cleansers, or adhesives in installation or maintenance. They are also energy-efficient, which enhances their reputation as a "green" flooring option.
Polished concrete is sealed and hence remains dry. Its smooth, nonporous surface prevents allergies, dirt, and bacteria from collecting in crevices. Unlike hardwood and carpeting, polished concrete contains no dangerous volatile organic chemicals, which contributes to enhanced air quality.
Because polished concrete is so smooth, some individuals may be concerned about its slipperiness. If safety is an issue, a non-slip epoxy coating can impart the appropriate texture to the concrete surface to keep people from slipping. With the right coating, a polished concrete floor can be completely safe.
Polished concrete floors with high-gloss finishes are extremely reflective. They not only appear sleek and luxurious, but they can also help bring more light into your room. These floors can reduce the amount of artificial lighting required, resulting in a lower electric bill. More light may also improve the ambiance in a room.
You may have a mental image of polished concrete floors, but the possibilities for the ultimate appearance of a polished concrete floor are unlimited. You can select from a variety of aggregates, colors, and patterns, as well as different shine levels. You can also decorate the floor with an etching or image.
With so many advantages, it's simple to see why polished concrete floors are growing more popular. Whether you like warehouse polished concrete for its capacity to withstand heavy equipment or a commercial polished concrete floor for its unique affordability and aesthetics, this flexible flooring option will not disappoint.
Concrete flooring is adaptable enough to work in several environments. Here are some buildings where polished concrete floors are the ideal flooring choice.
Retail stores require flooring that can withstand significant foot traffic. Because stores have clothing racks, shelving, and other structures all over the floor, relocating everything for waxing or other maintenance duties is a huge task. It would necessitate extensive effort and a lengthy store shutdown, which is only sometimes possible. Fortunately, polished concrete floors can withstand considerable foot activity and do not require waxing.
Hair and nail salons often aim to create a neat and fashionable appearance. High-gloss polished concrete flooring can substantially enhance this style. They also make it easy for hairdressers to sweep up hair. If dyes go on the floor, they are unlikely to stain. In short, these floors are both practical and fashionable.
Many restaurants still have carpeting on their floors, although it can be filthy and difficult to clean. Tiled floors need less work to clean, but bacteria and dirt can accumulate in the grout between tiles. Polished concrete flooring in restaurants is easy to clean and will not hold onto anything filthy.
Warehouses require sturdy floors, first and foremost. Unlike other flooring materials, concrete can endure the impact of large industrial machinery. Furthermore, tires from forklifts and other equipment are unlikely to produce track marks on industrial polished concrete flooring. Dust is common in warehouses, but polished concrete won't trap it.
Office buildings sometimes feel dark or overly reliant on fluorescent lighting. A recent study found that American employees consider natural light the No. 1 perk an office can offer, yet more than one-third of employees don't get enough of it in their current office environment. Polished concrete floors can improve lighting and offer many other benefits for office buildings.
Smooth hospital floors make it easier to push wheelchairs or wheeled beds across the floor. They should also be easy to clean and as sanitary as feasible. They should also be resistant to chemicals in the event of a spill. Polished concrete floors meet all these requirements and offer your facility a gorgeous, modern appearance.
All too often, hotel floors are covered in out-of-date carpet, which detracts from an otherwise modern and comfortable room. Of course, high-end materials such as marble and other forms of natural stone are expensive. Polished concrete can provide a similarly sumptuous appearance and longevity for a fraction of the expense.
The shiny, polished concrete surface makes it ideal for vehicle showrooms. Whether sitting still or revolving on a platform, cars will look their finest when surrounded by a mirror-like floor that reflects light on them. These floors can also support the weight of moving vehicles.
While polished concrete floors are expected in commercial or industrial settings, they are becoming more frequent in some residential settings.
Polished concrete floors, like other decorative concrete floors, are a better option for homeowners who want to achieve a modern, industrial feel or imitate the look of other high-end flooring materials.
What makes polished concrete different from sealed concrete? The main distinctions between polished and sealed concrete are appearance and upkeep. Polished concrete floors are much shinier and have a more modern look than sealed concrete floors. What if you don't care about your appearance? The other major difference is that sealed concrete is less durable and must be resealed regularly. Foot traffic, heavy furniture, or other impacts can wear away the seal on top, exposing bare concrete.
So, while polished concrete does not need to be sealed or waxed regularly, it does require some upkeep and maintenance work. Following the tips to maintain polished concrete floors is still important.
One essential floor maintenance tool is cleaning products. These should help remove dirt and debris, surface stains, dust, and other substances from the floor. However, many cleaning solutions are acidic, which can weaken and damage polished concrete. These acidic solutions can also scratch the surface and remove the gloss from your floors. For polished concrete, it is important to use only pH-neutral cleaning solutions.
While polished concrete is designed to be nonporous and resistant to different kinds of liquids, it is still imperative to clean any spills off of it immediately to prevent stains. This will prolong your floor's life and prevent it from decaying. Remove liquids with a microfiber mop or a dry dust mop for the ideal cleaning results. Drying any cleaning solution after use is important to ensure your floor is not damaged.
It is ideal to set up a schedule to consistently provide a deeper clean and regular maintenance for your polished concrete floors. A schedule allows you to clean your floor at proper intervals to ensure it remains free from dust, dirt, heel scuffs, and other substances.
You should avoid using wax to maintain the smoothness and gloss of a polished concrete floor in your warehouse. Wax builds on the surface, which can remove the shine from your floor. Wax is also difficult to remove, as it is a thick substance that adds another layer to your flooring.
Along with setting up proper maintenance sections, it is also important to clean each floor section accordingly. Cleaning each section individually will ensure that every part is free of dirt and other substances. If you want to properly clean your polished concrete floors, follow this method for the best effect.
Polished concrete floors are among the most resilient and long-lasting flooring solutions. They can have a longer lifespan with proper care and a suitable maintenance plan while still providing the greatest surface for your home, business, or facility.
