Polished concrete grinding is an innovative and cost-effective flooring technique. This method transforms dull concrete into a shiny, durable surface. Additionally, it enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of any space. Polished floors are not only for marble, granite, and other precious stones. Polished concrete fulfills both style and function better than most other floor systems. This is achieved by a process called concrete grinding.
Concrete grinding involves diamond grinding and then polishing, and sealing. The resulting finish creates a beautiful sheen that makes any commercial space look sleek and professional. For more information, the entire process is documented here.
Can Polished Concrete Grinding Work on Existing Concrete Floor?
The short answer is yes—you can polish an old or existing concrete floor to look just as new as a completely novel project. The process for both is relatively the same since professionals use grinding and polishing/sealing in both instances. The minor difference might come from the initial preparation, which the process section will discuss in detail. Further information regarding concrete resurfacing and other flooring systems can be found here
The Process of Polished Concrete Grinding
Grinding
The grinding process removes cracks, debris, stains, and uneven surfaces from the concrete foundation. Workers use diamond grinders with belts of various grit strengths to eliminate imperfections, ensuring an even surface. After thorough grinding, the floor is smooth and level, ready for the next step.
The Polishing.
With the floor now levelled and free of inequalities, the concrete foundation at this stage is ready for polishing, as well as any other flooring applications. In the case of polished concrete, this step involves spreading a layer of hardeners and sealing materials in order to create the characteristic sheen. The hardening material is important for ‘filling out’ and increasing the density and durability of the concrete.
Concrete floors are surprisingly porous (they have holes) and absorb substances like water if not treated correctly. Thus, the hardening material sinks into these pores and expands, which ‘fills it in’. In addition to the sealing material, this finalizes the process and adds the most durability to the flooring system.
How Long Does it Take to Polish?
The condition of the floor prior to being worked on entirely determines the grinding down and subsequent polishing process. A heavily damaged, worn, or stained floor will require more variation in the degrees of diamond grinding in order to get it to the ideal level state. Grinding by itself is a rather lengthy, detailed process that directly impacts the longevity of the flooring system.
How Long do Polished Concrete Floors Last?
Polished concrete floors last long when you do them right and are well worth the upfront cost and effort. On average, sealed and mechanically polished floors can last for over 10-20 years. The lifespan depends on the level of care they receive and the type of foot traffic they regularly see. An industrial flooring section with lots of traffic and the presence of skids/pallet-jacks may require more maintenance due to the increased chances of damage and wear. Likewise, commercial and residential floors may see less intense traffic, and may only require simple cleaning in order to keep the floor in its prime.
Safety.
While the sheen of a polished concrete floor may look like an ice-rink, the sealed coating assures a safe, non-slip surface suitable for any working or living space. Like any floor, wet conditions can still cause slipping; however, proper cleaning precautions can minimize this risk. We will discuss these precautions below.
Polished Concrete Maintenance.
Cleaning a polished concrete floor is integral to the former topic of increasing its lifespan. Without proper cleaning, there is a risk that accumulated dirt, grit, and spilled substances could either seep into/ scratch the surface of the concrete. On the opposite spectrum, using the wrong kind of cleaning materials can dull the sheen of the concrete, and even eat away at its overall durability.
-Typically, the only thing needed to keep a polished concrete floor clean is a dry mop and some warm water/ pH neutral materials.
-Sweep regularly.
-Mop weekly at the very least.
Conclusion.
A polished concrete flooring system offers an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional set piece for any commercial, industrial, or residential space because professionals grind down and seal it. The resulting finish, durability, and easy maintenance that accompany this system make it one of the best choices available.
June 8, 2020 1:12 pm