As we move into a society that is paying closer attention to the environment, we start looking at every aspect of our footprint. Concrete flooring is no exception and we are proud to say that polished concrete makes the eco-friendly list. Going “green” is getting easier and when it comes to remodeling your home or business, a concrete floor is a great answer. If you are ready to learn more about how polished concrete floors are eco friendly, keep reading.
What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is when contractors grind the concrete surface into a high-gloss surface. The machinery does all the work and no other materials are required to be added. It makes it a popular choice for warehouses, garages, and even the family home. It’s highly-durable and easy to maintain, which also adds to the appeal.
What Makes Polished Concrete Floors More Environmentally Friendly Than Other Floors?
Many businesses and homeowners are concerned about sustainability and whenever possible, they prefer to make decisions that are “green.” When it comes to environmentally friendly flooring, polished concrete is a sensible choice. Here are five reasons why polished concrete floors are “green.”
- Few, if any, raw materials are consumed. The process of polishing concrete floors has a small footprint with regard to raw material consumption. The only products that are applied to existing concrete floor slabs are water-based hardeners and stain-resistant treatments.
- In some cases, customers incorporate recycled products into their floors. Attractive polished concrete floors often include crushed glass, marble chips, or metal shavings to add visual appeal. These components would ordinarily be discarded, but they gain a second life in polished concrete floors.
- Harmful volatile organic compounds are avoided. Many flooring materials and floor maintenance chemicals emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Polished concrete flooring, in contrast, is VOC-free, resulting in cleaner air for employees and customers to breathe.
- Polished concrete floors reduce dust and are mold resistant. Carpets and other floor coverings often generate dust or promote the growth of mold and mildew when they become damp. Polished concrete floors don’t have these issues. As a result, they are a healthy alternative for individuals with allergies and other health issues.
Best Flooring Options For An Eco-friendly Home Or Business
Choosing eco-friendly flooring is the best way to ensure the material in your home has been responsibly sourced and manufactured with quality control in mind.
Green flooring has stricter standards and guidelines, it needs to adhere to across the board, so while it can help the environment, it can also ensure that the flooring inside your home is safe. Let’s look at a few options you can consider.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is an unlikely sustainable material that is gaining in popularity. Concrete is typically slab on grade and used as a sub flooring in some residential settings. From creating a tiled effect with different colors to inlaying other materials such as glass the design possibilities are endless. Concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean and never needs to be replaced.
Epoxy
Since epoxy flooring is seamless and non-porous, it is naturally cleaner, requiring less water and cleansers and less pesticides to route out pests and insects. There are no pores for dirt or mold to penetrate and no cracks and crevices for insects or even bacteria to hide. Epoxy flooring is highly durable for heavy machinery and lots of foot traffic.
Wood Or Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is actually a grass that shares similar characteristics as hardwood. It is durable, easy to maintain, and is easy to install. Bamboo is sustainable and made from natural vegetation that grows to maturity in three to five years, far less than the twenty years trees can take.
Bamboo, while usually very light, is available in many hues that will work in any setting or decor. Its varied grains and a wide array of colors give it an edge over traditional flooring by allowing for customization not often found elsewhere. Bamboo floors are cool if you are in Tulum Mexico, but sadly, wood and bamboo floors are nowhere near as durable as epoxy or polished concrete floors so we do not recommend them.
Service Areas For Polished Concrete Installation
A Polished Concrete Company With An Eye For The Environment
A nice polished concrete floor is best done by professionals, especially if you want to be environmentally conscious. Our team has the experience and know-how to get you the floor you want. Don’t hesitate, to call us today to learn more about your options.
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