National Concrete Polishing is a licensed flooring contractor for commercial, industrial, and residential polished concrete solutions. Polished concrete is a highly popular flooring option for industrial factories and warehouses, business establishments, educational institutions, and residential neighborhoods, simply because polished concrete is a safe, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly flooring choice. Polished concrete has truly become a renowned flooring surface that provides superior durability. When a concrete floor is mechanically polished the floor’s surface is refined with diamond abrasive tools that can either produce a high sheen polished surface or a duller surface, per the client’s preference. Polished concrete is extremely cost-effective, requires minimal maintenance, and can be most commonly found in showrooms, warehouses, restaurants, retail outlets, and industrial, commercial, and residential homes and garages.
WHAT IS POLISHED CONCRETE?
Polished concrete is a method of hardening, grinding and sealing concrete that makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear. The process of polishing concrete uses grinding and polishing machines that utilize industrial diamonds to grind away imperfections, and renovate and repair concrete flooring. Following the grinding and preparation process, impregnating hardeners, sealers, and densifiers are used to polish and finish the concrete slab. Polished concrete can have different amounts and levels of reflectivity. Reflectivity is purely aesthetic, while the level of aggregate exposure is different because that requires grinding deeper into the floor.
What Are The Different Types Of Polished Concrete?
There are 5 different types of Polished Concrete listed below:
- Mechanical Polishing is a multi-step process that offers durability and aesthetic versatility, making it ideal for commercial and industrial settings.
- Grind and Seal is a cost-effective method that involves grinding the concrete and sealing it with a topical layer, suitable for residential and outdoor spaces.
- Burnished Concrete is achieved by buffing the surface with a high-speed floor buffer and is typically used in warehouses and low-traffic areas.
- Honed Concrete provides a non-slip, matte finish and is often used in wet areas like swimming pool decks.
- Concrete Overlays are thin layers applied over existing surfaces, offering quick installation and customization.
What Is The Process For Concrete Polishing?
1. CONCRETE PREPARATION
The most important step in preparing your concrete floor to be polished. We use our diamond grinding process to cut through the surface to make the concrete smooth. We repair any cracks or imperfections during this step of the process and make sure there is nothing on the floor.
2. DIAMOND GRINDING
Diamond grinding is the process of cutting through the surface of the floor with an industrial-grade concrete grinder that uses a specialized set of diamond grits to expose the unfinished concrete.
3. JOINT FILLER
When needed, we apply joint filler to all control and expansion joints. We are also able to apply a further grout coat to any small cracks and holes.
4. CONCRETE HONING
This is where we grind the floor down over and over again using progressively lighter diamond blades so it really looks great. This honing process is where you really get the polished finish to look great.
5. POLISHING
This is where you choose how you want your floor to look. We polish the floor with bonded abrasives and densifiers/hardeners to make the floor dust and stain-resistant. We can also add stains and different coats to make the floor shine more or less depending on your needs.
What Are The Benefits of Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete floors offer a range of advantages that make them a popular choice for various settings. They’re Durable and Long-lasting, able to withstand high foot traffic and resist wear and tear. The Low Maintenance nature of polished concrete means it requires only occasional damp mopping, without the need for waxes or coatings. Aesthetic Versatility is another perk; these floors can be customized with colors, patterns, and varying levels of sheen. Furthermore, polished concrete is Environmentally Friendly, often using existing materials and eliminating the need for additional flooring that may require harmful chemicals.
What Are The Negatives of Polished Concrete?
However, polished concrete isn’t without its drawbacks. The flooring can be Hard and Cold, which might be uncomfortable for prolonged standing or walking. It’s also Slippery When Wet, posing a safety risk if not properly treated. The Initial Cost can be high, especially for high-quality finishes. Lastly, despite its durability, it’s Not Completely Resistant to spills and may require re-polishing over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
What Are The Differences Between Polished Concrete and Epoxy?
Polished concrete and epoxy flooring are both solid choices, but they differ in several key ways. Polished Concrete is ground, honed, and polished to achieve its finish, whereas Epoxy Flooring involves applying a resin and hardener over a concrete slab. Epoxy is Chemical and Stain-resistant, making it ideal for industrial environments. Polished concrete, however, offers Better Breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate instead of becoming trapped under the surface. In terms of Aesthetics, polished concrete provides a more natural look, while epoxy offers a wider range of colors and patterns including metallic epoxy floors. Maintenance for epoxy can be more demanding, as it may require re-coating, whereas polished concrete generally just needs basic cleaning.
Where Can You Find A Polished Concrete Installer?
Finding a reputable polished concrete installer is crucial for ensuring a high-quality, durable finish for your flooring project. Companies like National Concrete Polishing offer installation services across the country, bringing expertise and specialized equipment to the job. Here’s what to consider when choosing a polished concrete contractor:
- Proper Training: Look for teams that have undergone rigorous training in concrete polishing techniques, ensuring they are well-versed in the intricacies of the process.
- Specialized Equipment: The contractor should possess professional-grade grinding machines and other necessary equipment to achieve the desired finish.
- Quality Materials: Ensure that the contractor uses high-quality materials like commercial-grade concrete and reliable sealants for a long-lasting result.
- Insurance: Always opt for a contractor with proper insurance coverage to safeguard against any potential risks or damages during the installation.
