Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about your design options with polished concrete? Not sure if it’s the right floor system for you? Get answers to your questions about concrete polishing here.
What is the process for concrete polishing?
Concrete polished floors are the quickest and easiest floors to install, typically because the installation process is utilizing the materials that are already present. Concrete floors, without professionally installed protection will not last very long, so it is important to hire a licensed contractor for the job. The process is quick, as follows:
- A hardness test is conducted to determine what tools should be used to properly polish your concrete.
- After the appropriate tools have been determined for your concrete, the grinding process begins.
- Any holes or cracks are repaired during this time and grinded down to fit the existing concrete properly.
- Densifying and staining your concrete is next, this is an important process that is completed after the small layer of your concretes surface has been removed.
- Some more grinding may take place and then, generally, we move on the final product of your soon to be finished floors.
Each process is a little different because we treat all of our clients as individual cases.
How long can a polished concrete floor last?
Floors are exposed to many different types of environments on any given day, so sticking to a solid number can be difficult; however, on average a professionally installed polished concrete floor can last over 20 years. There are many factors that could increase or decrease these years, this is one of many reasons why it is important to have your floors professionally installed.
What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors offer an unlimited list of benefits that no other flooring systems could dream of matching. The resistance and durability displayed by these floors allows them to be so insanely affordable. This list only contains some of those amazing benefits:
- Resistant to water, stains, and oils. Unpolished concrete floors are highly absorbent of all of these substances.
- Visibility is dramatically increased with a polished concrete floor. Lighting is reflected off of the glossy floors, improving the lighting in garages, rooms, and facilities.
- Polished concrete floors have high friction results, meaning, they are slip-resistant.
- Polished concrete floors are incredibly affordable because they require such little maintenance. Polished concrete floors do not require intense maintenance or strict regimes; therefore, your savings during the lifetime of these floors increases. They are quick and easy to install but should always be installed by a professional.
- Polished concrete is great in areas where vehicles or machinery is used because of its seamless surface. The smooth glass-like floors create an amazing surface that is very forgiving on tires and heavy machinery.
Why does concrete crack?
There are many reasons why your concrete surface would prematurely crack. Installing concrete polished floors is affordable when done correctly the first time around so don’t let any DIY kits fool you otherwise. Below are only some of the reasons why your concrete would crack:
- Water to cement ratio is an easily overlooked mistake and it is why having a professional install your concrete is so important. When concrete hardens, it also shrinks, so if there is too much water then there will be too much shrinkage. When the excess water evaporates, the shrinkage causes cracks in the concrete.
- Concrete changes with the weather, meaning, it is going to expand when its warm and contract when its cold. When it is hot and your concrete contracts it is going to come up too many objects, like roots for example, and if those things do not give or move the concrete will crack. Unfortunately, this is not something you have much control over, other than routinely inspecting your concrete.
- Ground movement, another circumstance you have very little control over, is a strong reason why concrete cracks. Either roots growing, dying, the ground freezing and thawing, or water in the soil under your concrete, can all have an impact on when and where your concrete cracks.
- Sometimes we forget that, although concrete is one of the strongest options for flooring, it is not 100% immune to weight damage. There will be times when there is more pressure on your concrete than it can handle, which will cause it to crack.
What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors are incredibly easy to maintain, and they last for decades. These floors are extremely budget friendly all the way around, from the moment of installation, to years down the road. Because your concrete is fully protected, there is very little to cause for concern. Below you will see some suggested forms of maintenance:
- When mopping or sweeping your concrete polished floors, we suggest using microfiber pads to help clean up any dust, dirt, or debris.
- Mopping on a weekly basis is highly encouraged to keep any possible stains or spills from sitting on your floors surface.
- Sweeping floors daily is another strong suggestion to ensure the safety of customers, clients, guests, or family. Removing debris on a daily basis can help avoid any allergies or other health issues.
- Wipe or wash any spills as soon as they happen.
- Do not use any acidic cleaners on your floors because they will eat away at the surface.
- Avoid using any cleaners that contain soap because they will leave behind a film like substance that will hinder your floors shine.
- Try to avoid scrubbing your floors too harshly, this will help preserve the shine of your floors for much longer.
Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
Adding color, patterns, textures, and designs to your polished concrete floors is not uncommon. There are unlimited possibilities when designing your polished concrete floors. Polished concrete floors bring elegance and gloss into any room, business, or facility they are installed in.
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
Before your concrete undergoes the polishing process, it is standard for a professional to fix any damages that can be fixed: stains, cracks, broken edges, sunken parts, etc. Each concrete surface is unique and should be inspected by a professional prior to polishing.