Concrete Polishing FAQ
What is the process for concrete polishing?
Polished concrete has become a very popular option for commercial and residential settings for many reasons and its quick installation is one of them. The concrete polishing process is unique to each concrete floor but has a general step by step process. Even though each situation is different, below you will find a description of what to expect:
- Your floors will be inspected for damages like cracks, holes, chips, or sunken areas where repairmen or replacement will need to take place. Any existing coatings, paints, or oils will also need to be removed.
- The grinding process can begin shortly after the floors have been inspected and repaired. The equipment and amount of grinding and honing will depend on the shine you and your hired professional agree upon.
- Once the grinding has been completed, chemical hardeners are applied to your concrete to densify its surface.
- Finally, the polishing process begins. This process also depends on the sheen desired by you and your professional.
Remember, your concrete is unique and has its own story to tell, steps may vary slightly.
How long can a polished concrete floor last?
A polished concrete floors lifespan is one of many reasons why homeowners are switching over to this option. Because polished concrete floors are highly resistant and are incredibly high-performing floors, their lifespan is 2 or more decades. There are two important factors to consider before this impressive lifespan convinces you into these floors. They will last over 20 years if they are installed by a professional with proper equipment and if they are properly maintained throughout the years. If these two conditions are met then you will have no problem extending your floors life span over two decades.
What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
Residential polished floors and commercial polished floors reap the same benefits even if they are for different reasons. The point is, the benefits of concrete polished floors are universal and can apply to any setting.
The benefits include but are not limited to:
- Cost efficiency: in a residential setting this is crucial for families who are newly building homes or who are repairing their current home. The affordability extends beyond installation, this is concerning the little to no maintenance in the future as well. Both commercial and residential areas can benefit from a floor that will not cost much to keep beautiful after it has been used.
- Life cycle: when properly maintained and installed, a polished concrete floor will last well over 20 years. These floors are not vulnerable to common damages that would ruin other flooring systems.
- Aesthetics: beauty has no limits. With endless design opportunities, a polished concrete floor can be installed in a variety of colors and designs to reflect your creative vision.
- Resistance: many commercial spaces enjoy this perk because it means foot-traffic will not damage the concretes floor strength or shine. The fewer damages concrete floors are prone to the less money and time is spent on repairing them and more time is spent on growing their business.
Polished concrete floors are highly resistant to water damage; therefore, they do not create environments where mold, mildew, or bacteria are likely to prosper.
Why does concrete crack?
There is not a singular cause for all the cracks that are bound to happen on your concrete, however, there are some that can be avoided.
- Too much water in the concrete mixture will reduce your concretes strength. As concrete dries, it also begins to shrink this means, the more water that is in your concrete mixture, the more water will be evaporated as it dries and the more it will shrink.
- Drying your concrete too quickly will cause cracks to form on its surface. There is an important chemical reaction that takes place when concrete goes from a liquid to a solid and if this is sped up, it throws the reaction off balance.
- Some concrete needs to be installed at differing degrees of strength. This is an important reason why it is wise to hire a professional.
- As the weather becomes colder your concrete will shrink and as it warms your concrete will expand. This is something that is not under your control, so you will have to be observant and repair cracks as they happen.
- Outdoor concrete cracks not only with the freeze-thaw cycle but as tree roots begin to grow, they will damage the concrete from the bottom up. Again, this is not under your control and will need to be repaired accordingly.
- Indoor concrete in facilities and garages can begin to crack if it is overloaded with pressure.
What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
Maintenance for a polished concrete floor is quick and easy:
- Use a microfiber pad to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of your floor.
- When mopping, do not use harsh cleaners that contain acidic properties.
- Never use soapy cleaners because they will leave streak marks across your floors dulling their shine.
- Wash spills and stains immediately after noticing them.
- Sweep daily and mop weekly.
- Do not let any cleaners dry on your polished concretes surface.
Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?
Yes and no. Polishing concrete can help completely remove some stains through the grinding and polishing process but there are some cases where the stain cannot be fully removed. However, this does not mean that it cannot be dulled through the concrete polishing process. Each case is very different and should be evaluated by a professional.
Why should I polish my concrete?
Polished concrete floors offer benefits that cannot be found with other flooring systems, including strength and beauty. If you like saving money, you enjoy a fast installation process, and you love rarely repairing or replacing your floors, then a polished concrete floor is the best choice for you.
Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete floors can be installed to reflect your individual style and flooring needs. They offer endless possibilities and design opportunities including colors, pattern, and design.
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
Before the concrete polishing process begins, a professional will inspect and evaluate any damages that must be repaired. Cracks and surface damages can be repaired or replaced to ensure the polishing process is successful; however, if there are extensive damages to the subfloor a different approach may be needed. This is why having a professional come in to install your floors is important. But overall, most damaged concrete floors can be polished, but each situation is unique and must be approached as such.
Can all concrete be polished?
As previously stated, each concrete job represents new and different circumstances, so each situation will need to be approached differently. But it is safe to say that any structurally safe slab of concrete can, in fact, be polished.