A polished concrete floor is not new news, but it may be new to you, especially if you are facing a flooring renovation project. Breaking down the pros and cons of having your concrete floor polished may help you make your decision. In addition, we will look at the facilities suitable for polished concrete.
Benefits of Having a Concrete Floor Polished:
- Cost Effective: Polished concrete is affordable to install, but pricing varies based on many variables you can read about here; however, most of its cost savings are realized long term. Though installation cost may compare higher to an alternative such as VCT, it does not require the expensive routine maintenance that VCT does. In addition, because it lasts longer (10 or more years), the replacement cost is very low.
- Easy Maintenance: When you have your concrete floor polished, you will want it to stay looking great. Luckily, the maintenance is extremely easy to follow… And is affordable! This floor is maintained with water alone; simply removing the grit and debris from the floor on a daily or weekly basis (depending on the traffic) keeps its luster… And it doesn’t get cheaper than water!
- Long Lasting: A Polished concrete floor is a process, not a product. The process of refining the concrete creates a tight wear-surface that is breathable yet stain resistant. Because there is no topical product used to enhance the floor, it will not wear off over time. Though, 3 or 5 year rebuffing may be required to enhance the shine again, the durable properties of this floor will outlast any other flooring available today.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Of course, if you are in a warehouse (another great application for polished concrete), you might not be interested in the appearance as much as the durability; however, for grocery stores, schools, and other retail facility’s appearance are important. This flooring can be beautiful because of it’s shine or color can be added to create warmth in an environment.
What Disadvantages to Consider When Having a Concrete Floor Polished:
- Chemical Resistance: If your facility manufactures chemicals and they lie on the floor for an extended period of time, having your concrete floor polished may not be suitable for you. However, if there are only areas of your factory that are exposed to it, then those areas can be treated with a chemical resistant coating to prevent them chemicals from etching the polished concrete surface.
- Oil and Stain Resistance: Although a polished concrete floor has a stain protection layer, it only gives a window of time for spills to be cleaned up before they penetrate and possibly stain the surface. Some spills are worse than others and require faster attention: red wine, vinegar, motor oil, and chemicals. If you have concerns about the products your floor may come in contact with, talk to an expert about the suitability of polished concrete for your floor.
- Other Needs to Maintain Polished Concrete: Though the maintenance is easy, you cannot forget to consider some of the tools you will need to perform it. If the facility is large enough, an auto-scrubber is a wise investment making cleaning with water faster and easier. Walk-off mats at the entrance will reduce the debris tracked on the floor and will be beneficial in the maintenance of your flooring.
Facilities Suitable for Polished Concrete Flooring:
This flooring is suitable for virtually any space that does not require a chemical resistance such as:
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Distribution Centers
- Retail Stores
- Hardware Stores
- Automotive Service Stations
- Grocery Stores
- Food and Beverage Facilities
- Schools
- Churches
For more information on having a concrete floor polished, contact Titus Restoration today for a free site evaluation! We are ready to help you make your decision!