Polished Concrete Orange County is a popular flooring option for commercial and industrial facilities. The sleek surface eliminates the need for costly carpets and tile that require regular replacement and harsh cleaning chemicals.
Unlike the raw, post-industrial features that typify concrete, polished concrete has been refined using diamond abrasives to achieve a lustrous sheen. However, the focus on achieving gloss has led to practices that prioritize aesthetics over functional durability.
A concrete floor is durable and easy to clean. It resists damage and staining from heavy equipment, tires and foot traffic that can be a problem for traditional floors, such as carpet or vinyl tile. It also eliminates the need for waxes and sealers that require periodic stripping, saving on maintenance costs in the long term.
The smooth surface of polished concrete is easy to sweep and mop, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals that can be harmful to workers or guests. Regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner keeps the surface in top condition. Spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen to prevent staining.
Because the concrete is sealed, it naturally repels water and oil, which can save on cleaning expenses over time. In addition, the reflective surface improves ambient lighting, reducing the need for additional lighting and energy consumption.
When choosing the right floor finish for your space, there are a few things to consider, such as Aggregate Exposure, Clarity of Reflection and Dyed Color. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and the desired look of your space.
For example, hospitals need flooring that is smooth to help wheelchairs and beds on wheels glide across the floor easily. They also need to be sanitary and resistant to chemicals in case of spills. Polished concrete can meet all of these requirements at a fraction of the cost of other types of flooring. If your floor does begin to dull, a quick buff with a commercial polishing compound can restore the shine and protect the investment. The concrete may also be stained to add color and design, which can further enhance the appearance of your facility and increase its appeal to guests.
Easy to Maintain
Concrete floors are hygienic, easy to maintain and can save money over other types of flooring. They can be polished while the facility is still in use with minimal down time. They are environmentally friendly because they utilize the existing slab and don’t require additional materials. They provide a modern design that will make any facility look fresh and clean. They also improve indoor air quality and reduce dust, allergens and mold.
Concrete Floor Maintenance
Polished concrete can be easily maintained by regular sweeping or vacuuming with a non-abrasive broom. It’s a good idea to place entrance mats at each door to trap dirt, grime and water before it hits the concrete floor. Sweeping the concrete daily (or more often in high traffic commercial settings) is essential for maintaining a sheen on your concrete floors. We recommend using a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water to mop the floor, leaving it to dry thoroughly.
Keeping your concrete floor in the best shape is essential for its longevity. In addition to sweeping and mopping the floor, it’s a good idea to regularly apply a stain guard. A good concrete contractor will know the appropriate products and will be able to advise you on this. It’s also a good idea to have your concrete floors professionally repaired should any chips, cracks or other damage occur.
The concrete polishing process closes the pores in the concrete, reducing the ability of spills to seep into the floor. However, it’s still important to wipe up spills as quickly as possible. It’s especially important to wipe up acidic foods or liquids like wine or lemonade. Removing these as soon as they happen will help to prevent etching of the surface.
Durable
Concrete is a durable material and highly resistant to scratches, impact, stains, and damage. It can be further improved with a variety of chemical treatments and coatings, making it an ideal choice for high traffic areas.
Polished concrete is also an environmentally friendly option. It reduces the use of toxic cleaners and adhesives in facilities. Concrete flooring is also breathable, which helps to minimize the spread of moisture and odors.
The process of polishing concrete involves grinding the floor with progressively finer abrasives. This creates a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light and adds a pleasant ambiance to any facility.
Unlike coated floors, polished concrete is designed to showcase the natural beauty of the concrete slab. Some of the variations in the slab may be exposed with this type of finish, including aggregate exposure and flatness issues. This should be discussed with the contractor so that expectations are managed accordingly.
It is important to note that the surface of polished concrete can be stained if certain chemicals or food products are spilled on it. This is why it is important to clean up spills as soon as they occur. Regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner will help to prevent staining on the surface of polished concrete.
In commercial and industrial settings, heavy equipment and forklifts can cause scuff marks on the concrete floor. The concrete can be protected with a topical treatment, like a wax, to lessen the damage caused by these items. Alternatively, the concrete can be finished with a breathable impregnating polish guard. This sealant penetrates 2-5mm into the pores of the concrete to block oil and other staining materials while still allowing vapor transmission.
Low Maintenance
Concrete polishing is an eco-friendly and cost-effective floor covering option that requires minimal upkeep compared to other flooring options. It involves grinding concrete using a series of progressively finer grits of industrial diamond pads until the desired level of gloss and smoothness is achieved. Concrete is typically polished to 1600 or 3000 grit before applying a concrete densifier and sealant. The surface can also be colored with a variety of different colors and finishes. Different decorative options are available including etching, scoring, aggregate exposure, and staining with a variety of chemicals or water-based color dyes that are designed specifically for concrete.
Aesthetics: The sleek, polished surface is a modern-looking choice that enhances the appearance of any space. It can be etched, scored, or stained to create different designs and patterns that are customized to fit a specific aesthetic preference or project need.
Durability: The hard, durable surface resists damage and staining from heavy machinery, vehicles, tires and foot traffic – saving money on maintenance costs. It can also withstand the frequent use of aerial lifts and car wash equipment.
Maintenance: The non-porous surface doesn’t harbor dirt, dust and allergens like carpets – making it ideal for office spaces. Its reflective surface makes it easy to keep a clean and hygienic environment and can save on energy costs due to better ambient lighting.
The high-gloss surface is less likely to chip, crack or discolor – offering long-term savings on repair and replacement costs. It also doesn’t require the ongoing application of waxes and chemical coatings as conventional floors do, again reducing overall maintenance costs. Using walk-off mats to prevent debris and moisture, avoiding harsh chemicals, cleaning up spills immediately, and regular mopping with pH-neutral cleaner will keep your polished concrete looking like new.
Cold to the Touch
While polished concrete looks stunning in modern homes, it can feel cold to the touch and lacks the luxurious aesthetic of marble or stone. It’s also inherently slip-resistant but doesn’t offer the cushioning comfort of softer flooring materials, and standing for long periods may be uncomfortable on this hard surface.
If you’re looking to make your space more comfortable and welcoming, adding a large rug or soft fabric couch could be the solution. The rugs can help break up the large open spaces that are often seen in modern home design while the soft fabrics add comfort and warmth.
With a glossy finish that reflects light, polished concrete can make any space feel bigger and brighter. This makes it a great choice for living rooms and kitchens where you want a contemporary look that is easy to maintain.
It is also an excellent choice for high-traffic commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, showrooms and corporate offices, where a sleek professional appearance is essential. The durable surface holds up to heavy foot traffic and requires minimal maintenance to stay clean and hygienic.
Newly poured slabs are usually the best candidates for polishing, but even older concrete can be made to look new again. Results will depend on the quality of the concrete and how well it was poured. Variables such as aggregate, color variations, miscellaneous contaminates, cracks, patterns left by previous floor coverings and patched areas can have a significant impact on the final result.
Talk to your concrete contractor about the level of aggregate exposure and gloss you prefer before the concrete is poured. You can choose to have the aggregate blasted through the surface for a rustic look, or leave it fully exposed to create a smooth and seamless appearance. You can also use dyes and stains that penetrate the concrete to add color in a wide range of hues.