What is polished concrete?
Polished concrete is a concrete surface that undergoes a series of polishing process by means of mechanical polishing and grinding machine designed for concrete polishing application by professionally expert operators. Application of polished concrete has remarkable advantages like increase of durability and strength as well as resistance to a wide range of attacks offering an aesthetic view.
Polished concrete processes
Diamond polishing
- A diamond concrete polishing process is a very time taking process if done properly. It comprises more than ten steps.
- A densifier hardens the surface, which aids the concrete to be polished. The examples are lithium, potassium, or sodium silicates.
Hybrid polishing
- This system is not considered as a polished concrete as there is the lower physical refinement of the concrete surface. However, it does provide a similar luster to polished concrete and may be appropriate in specific areas. This system is referred to as a "half polished" as the surface is only processed through 3 steps of grinding. The surface is densified and sealed.
New polished concrete floor
Process: The concrete floor is roughened with different kinds of diamond abrasives. Polishing can be done wet or dry. However, new OSHA regulations on crystalline silica and protecting skilled trades in the concrete, wet refinement systems or the use of industries are encouraged.
A densifier can be applied once the concrete is ready to accept the chemical treatment. There are many types of densifiers including, sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium fluorosilicate, and colloidal.
Advantage and disadvantages of polished concrete are described below:
 |
| Polished Concrete |
Advantages:
High Durability
- Polished concrete flooring is exceptionally strong and durable and hard wearing. It can overcome heavy foot traffic and equipment. It is completely damage proof and is almost impossible to chip or scratch.
Easy Maintenance
- Polished concrete flooring maintenance is easy. Just removal of dust by application of broom is sufficient. Weekly damp mopping for removal of stain, mark, and restoration of glossiness is necessary.
Longer Life-Span
- A properly constructed, polished concrete floor can remain intact more than hundred years in roughest and jarring commercial environments.
Cheaper
- The polished concrete floor is cheaper depending on the extent of its complexity. Most installations are cost-effective. Particularly if you have an existing concrete floor that already has ugly stains and you want to refurbish it.
The wide range of Design Options
- Nowadays, endless designs of amazing color and texture effects are available with different price of materials. You can also decorate the concrete surface by engraving and application of stenciled graphics.
Sanitary applications
- Properly finished and sealed concrete floor is resistant to all kinds of fluids including water. Coatings create waterproof resistance that provides concrete sealing and prevention of contamination. Some coatings can also provide anti-microbial protection.
Slip-Resistant and safe
- Concrete surfaces are mostly slippery in nature in moist environments. This kind of concrete surfaces can be sealed with an anti-slip agent like epoxy coating application to prevent accidents due to falls and injuries.
Chemical-Resistivity
- Unprotected concrete floors can be sealed with a chemical-resistant epoxy coating to protect them against chemicals attacks like alkaline or acid attack.
Thermal Shock-Resistivity
- Thermal shock-resistant coatings can be applied to concrete flooring to make it thermal shock resistant.
 |
| Polished Concrete |
Disadvantages:
Hardness
- Extreme hardness can make it brittle. This can be overcome by addition of anti-fatigue mats to areas where employees stand for a long time.
Cold resistivity is poor
- Do not retain heat very well. That means that in the winter the surface of the floor is chilled. To overcome this, you can apply radiant heating cables in concrete floors to reduce heat loss.
Moisture penetration
- If not properly finished and sealed, concrete flooring will be susceptible to moisture penetration. If your concrete polish contractor is efficient, floor finish will be excellent, and you need not be worried.
- Above statements and information will enable you to take necessary steps and precautions while carrying out your concrete polishing work.
Comments
Post a Comment