Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors are one of the most popular choices in new home construction. It’s a multi-step process that involves mechanically grinding a concrete floor with bonded diamond abrasives. Experienced crews grind the floor with ever-finer grits until the desired sheen is achieved.

With dozens of variables that can affect the outcome, it’s important to communicate clearly what you want with your installer.

1. Durability

The durability of polished concrete floors is one of the primary reasons that they are becoming a popular flooring choice. Unlike traditional floor coverings, such as carpet or tile, polished concrete is an extremely strong and resilient material that holds up to heavy loads and foot traffic.

When a concrete floor is properly maintained by a concrete polishing company, it can last for decades. Concrete is a naturally durable material that resists stains, scratches, and chips better than other floor coverings.

Concrete polishing is a process that involves grinding the concrete to expose aggregate and then progressively using finer diamond grits to smooth and shine the concrete. The final step is applying a chemical hardener, such as RetroPlate, to the floor to densify and fill-in pores for long-term maintenance. Staining and coloring options are also available to achieve any desired look and style. These stains and dyes don’t introduce VOCs into the environment, making them an environmentally friendly option for commercial or residential spaces.

2. Low Maintenance

When compared to tile, wood, linoleum or carpet floors, polished concrete offers an attractive, durable flooring solution. Moreover, it does not require the expensive upkeep of other flooring materials.

Regular mopping with a mastic or polyurethane based floor cleaner or an automatic scrubber (fitted with diamond impregnated pads) should be sufficient for most areas. Avoid using acidic or alkaline floor cleaners as they can dull the polished concrete.

Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent staining and deterioration of the refined, polished surface. Always use a non-petroleum, biodegradable cleaner for oil and grease spills. Be careful with dyes on polished concrete, as they are not UV-stable and can bleed. Informed facility managers should be able to identify the early stages of wear on their floors so they can plan for more intense maintenance when it is needed. This will extend the life of your investment and make your facility more environmentally responsible. It also allows for budgeting a floor care plan that works for your facility’s needs.

3. Aesthetically Pleasing

Polished concrete floors are a hot trend in modern design. They provide a clean slate on which designers can conjure visual magic, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that is able to easily adapt to different industrial and commercial environments.

The process of polished concrete begins with surface preparation and grinding, which removes imperfections, marks and scratches from the existing slab. This creates a base for further refinement, using progressively finer diamond segments that are used to achieve the desired sheen.

Once the grinding and hone phase is complete, an internal impregnating sealer like RetroPlate can be applied to the floor. This product penetrates the concrete and chemically reacts with it to harden and densify the surface. It also protects the concrete from stains and moisture.

Staining and coloring techniques can be used to further customize the look of a concrete floor, enabling designers to align it with specific color schemes or design preferences. In addition, etching and scoring techniques can be used to add unique textures and patterns to the floor, giving it an added element of style.

4. Economical

The durability of polished concrete makes it a more cost-effective option than other flooring solutions. The cost savings don’t just come from the initial installation, but also from reducing maintenance costs and replacement costs over time.

Unlike epoxy floor coatings, polished concrete floors are impervious to moisture damage and won’t harbor mold or mildew. They are also highly durable and resistant to stains, making them a great choice for heavy-duty applications like retail or warehouse spaces. They can even stand up to the abuse of a busy family home with children and pets.

The reflective quality of polished concrete floors enhances natural lighting and can reduce the need for artificial light during the day, saving energy. It can also help businesses meet sustainability goals and qualify for green tax credits and LEED certifications.

from Polished Concrete Newcastle Specialist https://ift.tt/PSUJCZ4
via IFTTT