Concrete Polishing Services

Concrete polishing services can improve the look of your facility and project a clean, professional image. They can also eliminate messy, expensive floor coverings like tile & carpet.

Initially, the surface is decontaminated using commercial cleaning products. Pits, blemishes & existing coatings are ground away with coarse diamond grits. Then, higher diamond 100 & 200 grit pads pre-polish the concrete. Finally, a chemical densifier is applied.

Durability

Concrete polishing uses a mechanical process to grind and refine the concrete surface using increasingly fine diamond grits. This results in a high-gloss, durable surface that can withstand high traffic and resist staining. The degree of shine can be specified to meet specific Distinctness-of-Image (DOI) gloss and Image Clarity Value standards for clarity and crispness.

Before the polishing process begins, the concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned and cracks are repaired. This preparation is vital to the success of the project. Concrete polishing is often combined with densifying and other chemical application to improve durability and enhance the sheen.

This makes polished concrete ideal for commercial and industrial spaces, where a sleek appearance and low maintenance are key requirements. It is also an excellent choice for residential spaces, as it is durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and a range of environmental conditions. While it can be stained or dyed to complement any design, strong chemical resistance is best achieved through specialized performance coatings.

Aesthetics

Concrete polishing services offer clients the ability to customize their floors. They can add color staining and design options such as grids, borders, lines, bands, and radial patterns. This enables them to create unique flooring that is both functional and stylish.

Aside from its durability and low maintenance, polished concrete is also eco-friendly. It eliminates the need for chemical-laden cleaners and coatings, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the facility.

The grinding and polishing process involves mechanically grinding the concrete surface using progressively finer diamond-impregnated pads. This is done until the desired sheen level is achieved.

For instance, the last step in the grinding and polishing process involves using an 800-grit or 1500-grit diamond to achieve a very smooth finish. This step is critical as it determines the clarity and distinctness of image (DI) gloss value. DI values are measured with a gloss meter to ensure maximum quality and consistency.

Reliability

Concrete polishing enhances and improves a concrete floor’s overall durability, resilience, and structural integrity. It withstands spills, abrasions, and high levels of foot traffic while protecting the underlying concrete for an enduringly pristine appearance.

Stain resistance and slip resistance are other benefits of polished concrete. In commercial spaces, the increased reflectivity of polished concrete enhances lighting efficiency, saving businesses money in energy costs.

A qualified contractor will be able to address and solve challenges that arise during the concrete polishing process. These challenges can include moving cracks, stains, patterns left by previous floor coverings, nail holes, patched areas, flatness, and other variables. They will know how to address these challenges using a variety of cement-based patching compounds to repair and conceal them, while ensuring that the final results match the project specifications. They will also know how to recommend alternative solutions, such as cover-ups, when they are more appropriate for a particular facility or space.

Maintenance

Concrete polishing is a multistep process that includes surface preparation, grinding, and chemical application. It can also include etching and staining. These steps result in a durable and aesthetically appealing floor that requires periodic maintenance to preserve its quality and performance.

The first step, surface preparation, involves cleaning and repairing existing cracks and damage. This prepares the concrete for the subsequent steps and ensures that they will adhere properly. Static cracks and chips are patched with cement-based materials, while moving cracks and spalls are repaired using various methods including resurfacing, tamping, and crack chasing.

Periodic mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner helps remove stains and residues, keeping the polished surface clean and shiny. Prompt spill cleanup prevents stains from penetrating the polished surface and causing damage, and mats and rugs placed in high-traffic areas shield the concrete from wear. A chemical densifier improves the concrete’s resistance to stains and wear, extending its lifespan.

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