• What is the process for concrete polishing?
    The polishing concrete process is a standard step-by-step operation; however, there are many different factors that can change the normal procedure like the age and condition of your existing concrete floor. Here is a typical installation process but remember, every situation is different:
    1. A professional will inspect and evaluate your floors to ensure there are no cracks, residual paints or oils, and mark any sections that need repair.
    2. Remove any previous paints, oils, stains and fix any and all cracks or holes that could be present.
    3. The next step is to begin the grinding and polishing process by grinding your floors. The amount of grinding that takes place is determined by how fine you want your concrete floors to be.
    4. A chemical hardener is then added to your floors to aid its strength.
    5. The chemical hardener is followed by polishing your floors, the amount of this depends on how much sheen you desire for the surface of your floor.
  • How long can a polished concrete floor last?
    Polished concrete floors can last for over 15 years but there are many different factors that can affect your floors longevity. Things like your floors environment, age, and condition all play important roles in how long it will last.
  • What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
    Polished concrete floors offer a variety of benefits for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Some of those benefits include:
    • Cost Effectiveness: Other flooring solutions require more materials and longer installation processes because new floors are being installed, whereas, a polished floor uses the material that is already present. So, because there is less material required for a polished concrete floor, there is also less labor and an overall lower price tag.
    • Lifespan: Polished concrete floors are unusually durable; they do not damage easily and can last for over a decade without needing any repairs or replacements.
    • Maintenance: This surface will not harbor dust, dirt, grime, spills, or anything else that could potentially harm your floors. Polished concrete floors are easy to clean, with occasional mopping and daily sweeping, these floors do not require extended labor. You will not need to have a maintenance budget prepared because polished floors are easily kept clean without too much hassle.
    • Resistance: Polished concrete floors protect your concrete from common issues that easily damage concrete. When installing a polishing floor, it can be made slip, water, fire, and stain-resistant. Many of these issues damage concrete unless it is protected by a polished layer. Concrete itself is a very absorbent surface, if concrete is unprotected it will absorb any water or moisture, and become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria.
    • Eco-Friendly: Polished floors utilize the material already present, meaning, they do not require extra materials to install beautiful floors. Concrete polished floors create less waste than other flooring solutions, thus, creating a green footprint.
    • Aesthetics: Polished concrete floors can be installed with different colors and designs to create a unique space.
  • Why does concrete crack?
    Concrete cracks for many reasons, some of those reasons are under the owner’s control, and some reasons are completely out of their reach. There are certain installation and maintenance mistakes that should be avoided to help ensure cracking is minimized:
    • Too much water. A concrete mixture does not require more water to make it better, in fact, more water depletes the concretes strength, making your surface much more susceptible to cracks. As concrete dries it also shrinks, with too much water there is too much shrinkage, your concrete surface will be pulled apart as it dries. The best way to handle this is to have a professional mix and install your concrete floors.
    • Quick drying. The chemical reaction that occurs during the drying process is important when concrete turns from a liquid to a solid, the hydration process occurs for a couple of days. When the concrete is sped up, the water that is necessary during this process is unavailable and your concrete cracks.
    • Improper pour. When concrete is unprofessionally poured it is much more likely to crack. It is important to pour the right amount and the right strength of concrete for the environment it is going to be exposed too.
    • Freeze-thaw cycle. As the weather causes the ground to freeze and thaw your concrete is going through some important changes. When the ground freezes your concrete will shrink and when it heats it will expand, this constant change in weather is uncontrollable but should mean that your concrete is inspected regularly.
  • What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
    One of the most attractive details of a polished concrete floor is its easy and affordable maintenance. These floors are quick to install, easy to maintain, and last for decades. The easy maintenance associated with a polished concrete floor includes but is not limited to:
    • Dusting, sweeping, and mopping is highly encouraged on a regular basis. Sweeping and dusting are important for hygienic purposes, polished concrete floors keep all debris on the surface making them easy to clean. Mopping is recommended on a weekly basis with a pad that attracts specks of dust and dirt.
    • When mopping it is important to never use cleaners that contain high acidic levels because they can damage the surface of your floor if left for long periods of time.
    • Never let cleaners dry on the surface of your floor.
    • Avoid using cleaners with high levels of soap because they will leave residual streaks on your polished surface, dulling its shine.
    • Clean spills immediately after noticing them.
    • Inspect your floors on a regular basis to ensure that the surface is not damaged.
  • Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?
    Polishing your concrete floors can remove oil stains; however, it is important to always consider that every situation is different, some floors are much easier to clean than other floors. Things like the intensity of the oil stain, the age of the concrete, and the overall condition of your floors will play large roles in determining how well polishing your concrete will remove an oil stain.
  • Why should I polish my concrete?
    Polishing your concrete floors is the most cost-effective option for flooring available. With an affordable installation price-tag and a long lifespan, why wouldn’t you want to polish your concrete floors? You can design your floors with different colors, patterns, and designs that will not crack, fade, or damage.
  • Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
    You can install polished concrete floors with different color schemes that best suit and reflect your individual needs and wants. Easily maintained and affordably installed, polished concrete floors have become the most popular options in residential and commercial areas.
  • Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
    Polishing damaged concrete floors is an option but it is not always encouraged. It is important to have a professional come inspect your concrete floors prior to grinding and polishing to check if your concrete will be able to withstand the process. Overall, it is possible to polish damaged concrete floors.
  • Can all concrete be polished?
    All concrete can be polished, however, there are circumstances where it is not possible. Some concrete slabs are too far gone and will not properly polish. Old, new, and damaged concrete all have the possibility of being polished but it is crucial for the slab to be inspected prior to grinding and polishing.