Polished concrete is a sleek surface treatment that may be used anywhere from homes to offices to factories. It’s easier to maintain than other flooring types, keeping surfaces elegant and undamaged. Floors made of polished concrete are not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional in both commercial and residential environments. Polished concrete surfaces are unrivalled in terms of their durability, sophistication, and adaptability in comparison to any other type of concrete flooring.
A Guide To Maintaining Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are long-lasting and require little upkeep aside from preventing the buildup of dirt and grime, which can wear down the floor. Greater frequency of cleaning is required in high-traffic areas in comparison to low-traffic areas. To begin, sweep the floor with a dust mop pad made of microfiber to get rid of any loose dirt. The abrasive nature of dust particles can damage a freshly polished concrete floor. Clean water and a mop for spot-cleaning the floor is the next step. A nonabrasive pad is best for large, open spaces.
Several variables determine the final price of concrete polishing. This includes:
- Process: The processes required to achieve a specific degree of gloss or shine depend on that value. The more polishing required, the higher the price tag and the glossier the surface must be.
- Area: The price per square foot increases as the square footage increases.
- A number of sleeping quarters: Labor expenses for laying polished concrete flooring rise proportionally with the number of rooms because of the extra time required to manoeuvre around doors and other obstacles.
- The Currently Used Floor: The project budget will increase due to the increased expense of surface preparation if the present flooring system must be removed. The time and effort required to prepare a surface will rise if it is currently carpeted or tiled with linoleum.
- Existing surface: Repairing any fractures or gouges in the surface prior to polishing may increase the final cost. There will be an increase in price if an overlay must be installed as well. Subtract at least $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot for surface preparation costs.
- Designs: From simple grain concrete polishing to sophisticated custom designs, innovation is one of the most influential factors in how concrete materials are used. Comparing residential and commercial projects, polished concrete is typically less expensive for commercial uses.
Features Of Concrete Polishing
Compared to other smooth floor finishes like marble, hardwood, or tile, polished concrete is a more wallet-friendly option. When a concrete slab already exists, installing a polished surface can be done at a low cost. There are savings throughout the installation process and during the concrete’s lifetime.
Polished concrete’s Advantages
- Polished concrete is a fantastic option, especially for people with asthma, because it is resistant to mildew and moisture.
- Concrete finishes are adaptable because they can be utilised indoors and outdoors and come in a broader range of colour and design possibilities for homeowners. Adding stencilled designs and engraved flourishes to the surfaces is also possible.
- Unlike hardwood floors and vinyl carpets, polished concrete surfaces don’t require any toxic additives or chemicals during the installation process, making them environmentally friendly. You won’t have to worry about dust mites, mould, or a musty smell when you use them.
- A thermal shock-resistant coating on a concrete floor will prevent the surface from deteriorating when exposed to high temperatures, such as those found in steam or hot water, during cleaning.
- Slip-resistant: Applying non-slip epoxy to your coated surface will reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by polished floors, especially in public areas.
Polished Concrete’s Disadvantages:
- As a result of its strength and endurance, it can be challenging to stand on the surface for extended periods. Anti-fatigue mats should be placed where workers must stand for extended periods.
- Concrete floors are notoriously frigid, especially in the winter, because they do not trap heat. It is possible that installing heating cables through the concrete floor will be necessary to reduce heat loss.
- The noise level of concrete is comparable to that of other types of flooring with hard surfaces, such as hardwood, bamboo, or ceramic tile. Certain items, such as rugs, acoustic wall panels, and drapes, have the ability to dampen or muffle the ambient noise in a room.
Conclusion
Polished concrete results from a process in which the surface is smoothed out using abrasives to cut into the concrete and seal. The standard polish on concrete creates a satiny sheen. A concrete surface’s aesthetic quality improves with each cut. Concrete surfaces can be smoothed using grinding tools armed with abrasives.
