What is the process for concrete polishing?
There is an average step by step method in which most professionals will polish concrete; however, each situation is different, and some circumstances may vary. Below is the general process by which a concrete floor can be polished:
- First, any existing paints or coatings must be removed, and any minor cracks or damages must be repaired or replaced.
- The polishing process begins with a grinding technique that removes a portion of the concrete surface. Following the initial grinding, hardeners, and densifiers are then applied to your concrete surface that seeps into your concrete’s pores creating a stronger floor. These two additives help protect your otherwise absorbent floor, from constant damage.
- During the polishing process, you can ask your contractor about colors and designs for your concrete polished floors.
A concrete polishing process is an eco-friendly option that eliminates any of the previous chips, bubbling, peeling, and damages that your concrete floor had before.
How long can a polished concrete floor last?
Whenever you install a new flooring system, it is normal to want to know how long it will last, and if you need to care for it in a special way. The lifespan of a polished concrete floor is not straightforward and does depend on a number of factors. Things like foot traffic, environment, maintenance, installation, and concrete age all will play a large factor in how long your concrete polished floors last. On average your floors should last over 15 years, this is assuming that a professional installed your floors and they were properly cared for.
What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
If you’re looking for a decorative floor at an affordable price, then a polished concrete floor has many distinctive advantages for you that no other flooring system can offer. Many of these advantages are only obtainable if a professional is brought in to complete the work. There are specific and important tests and procedures that should be conducted properly for a polished concrete floor to last and offer:
- Savings: a polished concrete floor will need very little maintenance and repairs, saving you money in the long run as well as low installation fees.
- Lifespan: a polished floor is not vulnerable to typical damages that would otherwise cause expensive repairs and replacements. This leads your floors to last for longer periods of time than any other flooring option.
- Aesthetics: a polished concrete floor offers beautiful options for colors and designs that cannot be mimicked by more traditional options, like tile.
- Resistance: foot-traffic will not wear on your floors, meaning, the beauty of your floors will not dull from simple everyday use. Concrete polished floors are also resistant to water damage which is crucial in any commercial or industrial property.
- Little to no maintenance: who doesn’t like easily cleaned floors? A polished concrete floor only requires some mopping and light sweeping to be kept clean. They do not require waxes or deep cleans, thus reducing the amount of money spent on maintenance and repairs.
Why does concrete crack?
Like everything else, concrete cracking does not have one solid answer reason, or solution. Concrete can crack because of issues outside of your control and maybe some that are under your control.
- Excess water: When your concrete mixture contains too much water your concrete strength dramatically drops. As newly lain concrete dries it also shrinks, if there is too much water that is evaporating, there is also too much shrinkage happening to your concrete as it turns from a liquid to a solid.
- Quick drying: This might seem appealing at first thought, but it is another popular reason for cracking concrete. As the chemical reaction happens with your concrete, a liquid to a solid, this reaction actually takes place for a couple of days after your concrete may appear to be completed. If you attempt to speed up this hydration process, you will cause surface cracks along your concrete.
- Improper pour: This is an avoidable issue because it simply requires a professionally licensed contractor. Hire a professional to pour your concrete, even if it may seem simple there are steps that must be taken to prevent cracks that lead to bigger and much more expensive issues.
- Freeze-thaw cycle: This is not under your control and should simply be monitored. As the weather gets cooler, concrete shrinks, and as it gets warmer, concrete expands. The constant freeze-thaw cycle is simply an issue that must be dealt with when you own concrete.
What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
Although concrete polished floors are durable and resistant to common damages, there are maintenance suggestions for your floors that will help elongate their already long lifespans.
- Dust/mop daily and routinely inspect your floors for possible cracks or abrasions.
- Never use cleaners that contain high levels of soap. These cleaners leave smudges behind that build up and dull the beauty of your floors.
- Do not use acidic cleaners on your floors because they will eat away at your floor’s coating.
- Try to clean spills as soon as they happen because even though they do not absorb into your floor they can be a hazard.
- Give your cleaner enough time on your polished surface to break grime down but do not let it dry on the surface of your floors.
Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?
Polishing your concrete floors can remove minor stains and it can repair surface level damages. Each flooring situation is very different and the age of the concrete, depth of the stain, and many other factors will play a role in whether or not the floor can be cleaned by polishing.
Why should I polish my concrete?
Polishing your concrete floors, whether industrial, residential, or commercial is an amazing advantage among other flooring options. These floors not only last for over a decade, but they also do not require a lot of time or money to do so. A polished concrete floor is resistant to water, abrasions, scratches, and cracks, while also being beautiful. Many floors are either beautiful and easily damaged or not very attractive but durable. With a polished concrete floor, you can have it all without breaking the bank.
Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
The best part of a polished concrete floor is that it doesn’t have to be a dull grey like most people imagine an industrial space would look like. You can have a beautiful design floor that offers you strength and durability. A polished concrete floor has many different design and color options, simply be sure to hire a professional who can also turn your vision for your floors into a reality.
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
Polishing a concrete floor has many steps and questions before the actual polishing process can begin. A skilled and licensed contractor can polish a damaged floor because most floors require some type of repair prior to the polishing process; however, the age and condition of your concrete play vital roles in the ability of any professional to successfully polish your concrete.
Call all concrete be polished?
In a general sense, yes, all concrete can, in fact, be polished. But most things are not that simple and should always be discussed with a licensed professional. Some areas are not recommended to be polished, where others are simply too old to be polished, and some are simply much too damaged to be polished. Each case should be evaluated before a concrete answer can be given.