Polishing your concrete is a simple, sustainable way to transform your facility. More and more commercial spaces are choosing polished concrete floors because they have the ideal characteristics for distribution centers, schools, retail areas, and restaurants.
Polished concrete is even gaining popularity in residential spaces, like basements or garages, because of its beauty and functionality. No matter the space, there are many reasons you should consider polishing your concrete floors. We’ll explore 5 of the most common and popular reasons to upgrade your current concrete surface.
What is Polished Concrete?
The process of polishing concrete floors involves treating the floor with a chemical hardener to densify the concrete. This step fills the pores and gaps that make concrete a naturally vulnerable material. Then the floor is diamond grinded with progressively finer grit until the desired sheen is accomplished. Finer grit creates a higher gloss finisher. This process certainly gives your floors a facelift, but polished concrete has several other benefits as well.
5 Benefits of Polished Concrete
1. Improved Cleanliness
Say goodbye to excess dust and efflorescence with polished concrete. Efflorescence occurs when water-containing salt minerals and sediment pass through porous concrete, but then the water evaporates, leaving behind a white residue. Densifying and polishing concrete stops minerals and dust from settling into the pores of the concrete. Polished concrete is also stain-resistant because the surface is no longer porous.
Polished concrete is more sanitary and its cleanliness is easy to maintain. While other floors require regular waxing or resurfacing, polished concrete only requires regular sweeping and mopping to prevent dirt and bacteria buildup. Its luster and high reflectivity add to the appearance of cleanliness, making your workplace a nicer environment.
2. Long-Lasting Durability and Strength
Perhaps the main reason you’re looking to polish your concrete is to create a more durable, long-lasting surface. Polished concrete is designed to withstand heavy machinery, vehicular pressure, and daily foot traffic without chipping, scratching, or peeling. When installed properly, polished concrete can last for decades without much maintenance.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Polished concrete floors are one of the most cost-effective options for finishing floors due to its durability. You won’t have to spend money to repair or replace the floor for many years. Plus, the ease of maintenance and cleaning will save you thousands of dollars over the years.
4. Increased Safety
Many would assume that a shiny, smooth surface like polished concrete would be more slippery than unfinished concrete, but this is not the case. The high friction coefficient of the finish increases slips resistance. The sheen also increases the visibility of spills, so they can be promptly removed before a fall occurs.
In addition to its slip-resistance, polished concrete also reduces the build-up of dirt and allergens in the concrete pores. The surface also minimizes excess moisture absorption. Polished concrete is an environmentally friendly choice, free of harmful toxins and chemicals used in other floor coatings, and is LEED compliant. All of this results in improved air quality for your employees and guests.
5. Immediate Return to Work
If you need to get back to operations as quickly as possible, polished concrete is certainly one of the best options. In contrast with other flooring systems, no cure time is necessary for mechanically polished concrete. You can use your polished concrete floors immediately after they’re finished.
About Cardinal Concrete Coatings
Since 2020, Cardinal Concrete Coatings offers the best concrete coating services in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Our veteran team is committed to high-quality, long-lasting services, and we offer a 50-year written warranty on our services.
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Want to transform your space with polished concrete floors? Our team of professionals is ready to help you! Visit our website to learn more or get in touch with us online or by calling (480) 725-5885.
