Concrete Polishing FAQ
Have questions about Concrete Polishing FAQ? Need help choosing the right type of concrete polishing for your facility? We are just a call away! Here are a few frequently asked questions we often hear from clients.
What is the process for concrete polishing?
The process, on average, is very similar to all concrete polishing projects. A metallic matrix is used to remove stains, oils, or previous coatings that were once on your concretes surface, before preparing it for its smoothing. The next steps are concerning grinding the concrete until the desired shine is obtained. There are different ways to achieve the shine you’re looking for, which is why it is important to consult a professional on polishing your concrete. There are some steps that should be taken delicately and a professional would know which ones those are.
Step by step:
  • Remove previous coatings or stains.
  • Seal any cracks, broken sections, or chipped concrete.
  • Grind concrete to achieve shine desired.
  • Apply chemical hardeners for concrete density.
  • Polish concrete.
  • Final product.
How long can a polished concrete floor last?
Polishing concrete floors can be installed in many different industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Warehouse polished concrete floors have different lifespans than residential concrete polished floors, so that is why this question can be a difficult one to answer. The answer varies on the type of environment you are subjecting your floors too. However, on average you can expect your floors to last well over 20 years. With proper care and maintenance, your concrete polished floors will be with you for a very long time, regardless of industry.
What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors offer so many incredible benefits for you, your family, and your business. Below are only some of those benefits:
  • Eco-friendly options seem to be the most popular nowadays, and polishing your concrete is one of them. When you choose polished concrete, you are choosing to use materials that are already present, therefore, you are reducing the amount of waste is produced by installing new floors.
  • Polished concrete is the easiest floor to maintain because, essentially, the floors themselves are difficult to damage. Your repair costs are almost eliminated completely with polished concrete and because these floors do not require constant treatments or deep cleans, your wallet will not suffer. Your cleaning budget will decrease, and your overall savings will increase.
  • Water-resistant floors help eliminate any possibility of mold or mildew because water remains on the surface of your floors, making it easier to wipe up. Concrete, without a protective layer, is naturally very porous and would otherwise soak up the spilled water and create a breeding ground for mold.
  • Polished concrete is a budget-friendly option with long-term benefits that include low maintenance costs, increase property value, and long-term use.
Why does concrete crack?
There are many reasons why your concrete would crack. Below are some but not all of what could cause your concrete not to last as long as it should:
  • Too much water when the concrete mix is first being created can cause a lot of issues with the concrete’s overall strength.
  • Quickly drying your concrete may seem like a good idea, however, it causes major issues in the long-run. There are chemical reactions that must take place, over time, to ensure that your concrete is strong enough to withstand daily use. Drying it too quickly will create issues with the reaction, resulting in a cracked concrete floor.
  • If you don’t hire a professional the chances of your floors not lasting and cracking dramatically increase.
  • If a foundation is wet or concrete is poured during the cold months on a floor that has been left unheated has a much stronger possibility of developing cracks on its surface.
What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors have become one of the most popular flooring systems for interior designers across the nation for many reasons, but one of those important ones is maintenance. Unlike other flooring systems, polished concrete floors do not need constant treatments and repairs; however, nothing can last without a little care.
We recommend some of the following ways to maintain your floors:
  • A gentle mop or broom to remove dirt, dust, and harmful debris and use these on a daily basis. If dust or dirt accumulate for too long on your concretes surface, the shine of your floors begins to dull, and your concrete becomes less pleasant.
  • When mopping does take place, it is recommended that you use a soft mop and do not scrub one area too harshly because the process can damage the coating over time.
  • If your polished concrete floors are somewhere that sees heavy foot traffic we recommend daily cleaning, for hygienic purposes, but using non-acidic soaps to avoid damaging the floor’s coating.
  • Cleaning your floors is important, always make sure that your cleaning agent does not contain soap because it will leave a film like a residue dulling your floors shine.
With proper and intentional maintenance your polished concrete floors will last for decades.
Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?
Polishing your concrete will not remove all of your concretes stains but the process itself can help clean them up. Some stains are permanent where others can be removed by the process of grinding and shining. Each case is very different and should always be discussed with your professional contractor.
Why should I polish my concrete?
Polishing your concrete is one of the best ways to save money immediately and in the long-run. With little to no maintenance, polished concrete is the easiest way to have a beautifully eye-catching floor for very little expense. If you like versatility and durability in your floors than polished concrete floors are the ones for you.
Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
Designs with colors and patterns is not uncommon with a polished concrete floor. For specific designs and questions about colors always speak to your contractor prior to installation.
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
Polishing your old concrete allows you to mend your old broken concrete. Before polishing begins, a professional will always repair chips, cracks, and spalls that have begun before any polishing begins.
Can all concrete be polished?
Each case is very individualized, that being said, it is always advised to have your concrete inspected to ensure that polishing can take place. A professional contractor will be able to perform the necessary tests to deem your concrete fit for polishing.