Benefits of Polished Concrete
Color Effects
Like most of our decorative flooring systems, Polished Concrete can be colored in a variety of ways.
Acid Stains can be applied to provide a beautiful mottled effect. Color Dyes are also used to
provide a unique appearance and are available in a wide range of colors. On new floors an integral
color can be selected and various decorative aggregates can be seeded into the surface during the
pour to create custom one-of-a-kind designs.
Elimination of Dusting from Efflorescence
In ordinary unpolished concrete, tiny particles of dust are pushed to the surface through an upward
force called hydrostatic pressure, resulting in efflorescence. Efflorescence leads to dusting, which
forces epoxies off of the surface of concrete floors, and can make maintenance a costly priority.
Stain-Resistant
By densifying and sealing the surface, polished concrete transforms a porous concrete floor into a
tightened floor that is dense enough to repel water, oil, and other contaminants, preventing them from
penetrating the surface.
Improved Reflectivity and Ambient Lighting
The reflective properties of a polished concrete floor increases the lighting in facilities. Increased
ambient lighting will reduce the energy bill as well as look beautiful.
Increased Slip Resistance
Polished concrete, though quite shiny, does not create a slippery floor. In fact, the benefits of
mechanically grinding and flattening the floor will increase the coefficient of friction when compared to
ordinary concrete. Polished concrete often exceeds OSHA standards for floors.
(ASTM C 1028)
Less Maintenance
Most floor systems, including tile and linoleum, require aggressive scrubbing to maintain a clean
environment and nice appearance. Polished concrete surfaces are tightly compacted, reducing stains,
and do not require any waxing or stripping to maintain the sheen.
Cost-Effective
Polished concrete will reduce energy and maintenance costs significantly through reflectivity and
ambient lighting, reduction in upkeep (such as waxing), and reduced tire wear.
LEED Friendly
Polished concrete not only utilizes existing concrete surfaces, eliminating additional materials such as
coverings/coatings and moving towards sustainable building, it typically contains no noticeable VOC’
s, making it friendly for any USBG LEED project.
Improved condition for old floors
As concrete ages, surface stress, delamination, curled cold joints, and other problems can arise.
Mechanically grinding the floor will remove the top surface of the old concrete and polishing will then
strengthen it, increasing it's impact and abrasion resistance.
Color Effects
Like most of our decorative flooring systems, Polished Concrete can be colored in a variety of ways.
Acid Stains can be applied to provide a beautiful mottled effect. Color Dyes are also used to
provide a unique appearance and are available in a wide range of colors. On new floors an integral
color can be selected and various decorative aggregates can be seeded into the surface during the
pour to create custom one-of-a-kind designs.
Elimination of Dusting from Efflorescence
In ordinary unpolished concrete, tiny particles of dust are pushed to the surface through an upward
force called hydrostatic pressure, resulting in efflorescence. Efflorescence leads to dusting, which
forces epoxies off of the surface of concrete floors, and can make maintenance a costly priority.
Stain-Resistant
By densifying and sealing the surface, polished concrete transforms a porous concrete floor into a
tightened floor that is dense enough to repel water, oil, and other contaminants, preventing them from
penetrating the surface.
Improved Reflectivity and Ambient Lighting
The reflective properties of a polished concrete floor increases the lighting in facilities. Increased
ambient lighting will reduce the energy bill as well as look beautiful.
Increased Slip Resistance
Polished concrete, though quite shiny, does not create a slippery floor. In fact, the benefits of
mechanically grinding and flattening the floor will increase the coefficient of friction when compared to
ordinary concrete. Polished concrete often exceeds OSHA standards for floors.
(ASTM C 1028)
Less Maintenance
Most floor systems, including tile and linoleum, require aggressive scrubbing to maintain a clean
environment and nice appearance. Polished concrete surfaces are tightly compacted, reducing stains,
and do not require any waxing or stripping to maintain the sheen.
Cost-Effective
Polished concrete will reduce energy and maintenance costs significantly through reflectivity and
ambient lighting, reduction in upkeep (such as waxing), and reduced tire wear.
LEED Friendly
Polished concrete not only utilizes existing concrete surfaces, eliminating additional materials such as
coverings/coatings and moving towards sustainable building, it typically contains no noticeable VOC’
s, making it friendly for any USBG LEED project.
Improved condition for old floors
As concrete ages, surface stress, delamination, curled cold joints, and other problems can arise.
Mechanically grinding the floor will remove the top surface of the old concrete and polishing will then
strengthen it, increasing it's impact and abrasion resistance.
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Concrete Polishing
Full Exposed Aggregate
"Salt and Pepper" Aggregate
