What Is Concrete Floor Grinding And Why Is It Necessary?

Concrete grinding is a highly technical process. Contractors must understand the pre-existing variables that can impact the results of their work.

For example, if there’s excessive dust, they should check the vacuum system for clogs and adjust the water flow. These precautions are vital to safety, productivity, and a successful outcome.

Honing

A honed concrete floor has a smooth sheen with a subtle gloss. It is created by grinding the surface with progressively finer diamond grits until it has a very smooth finish, resulting in a sophisticated look. This process is suitable for all types of concrete floors and can be used to produce a variety of finishes, including a high gloss or a low sheen.

Grinding your limestone surfaces will remove lippage – the unevenness of stone or tile at grout lines. It will also make the stone easier to clean, as dirt won’t be able to hide in the cracks.

Regular cleaning and sealing will help extend the life of your new honed or polished stone floor, but foot-traffic, spills and other environmental factors will continue to wear away at the surface. We can design a maintenance program that will keep your stone looking as good as new for years to come. We recommend Australian made Deepshield – a non toxic impregnating sealer.

Polishing

The level of gloss or shine of a concrete floor determines the number of steps needed to polish it, which in turn affects the cost. Generally, mechanically polished floors cost more than grind and seal floors. This is largely due to the amount of equipment required for the job and the time it takes to set up the machinery.

This concrete resurfacing solution can be used in both commercial and residential spaces to create beautiful, sleek floors that look like natural stone. This type of flooring is durable and easy to maintain. It is also a good option for those with allergies as it does not collect dust or dirt.

In this concrete project we were asked to create a ‘salt and pepper’ finish on the concrete which involved grinding it to expose some aggregate and leaving other areas with little to no exposure. Then a liquid concrete densifier was applied and finally final polishing passes with varying levels of grit. The result is a stunning seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.

Sealing

Concrete floor grinding creates a rough surface that enhances adhesion of the various coatings, overlays, and sealers used in concrete floor resurfacing. It also preps the concrete for subsequent polishing steps and provides a smooth, high-quality finish. In large industrial settings where the floors are heavily trafficked and require very high tolerances, concrete grinding can be a great way to achieve this goal.

Polished concrete is renowned for its longevity and can last for decades. However, like any surface, it will experience wear over time. Regular cleaning and resealing will minimize this wear, keeping the polished concrete looking great.

Westcoat’s Grind & Seal system is a chemical resistant solution for interior floors that grinds and applies a clear topcoat to existing concrete surfaces. It creates a flat sheen that is low maintenance and USDA and FDA compliant, making it a perfect solution for showrooms, restaurants, salons, or any commercial interior space. This system is also a greener alternative to traditional floor-covering materials.

Maintenance

The process of grinding concrete floors is often used to prepare them for a new floor covering. It also removes existing coatings and adhesives from the surface. Concrete floors with a rough texture are more easily gripped by the new coatings, which increases their durability and lifespan.

Using walk-behind polishers is a convenient and efficient way to grind and polish concrete. These machines allow for precise pressure control and maneuverability, making them perfect for office/retail spaces or upfit projects. They can also be used to smooth the edges of a concrete slab, which decreases maintenance costs and improves the safety of workers.

Once your concrete is polished, it will have a flawless sheen that is both beautiful and durable. Unlike traditional floor-covering materials, polished concrete is environmentally friendly and requires minimal maintenance. It can also be customized to complement any decor. Contact the experts at Polished Concrete Newcastle Specialist today to learn more about our services.

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