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Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney
Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney and Concrete Polishing is our team’s specialty. Our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors team has been trained, licensed, insured, and equipped with all the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the most high-end, latest-model, concrete grinders, concrete polishers and dust extractors from the most well-known brands to get the job done safer, faster and more efficiently than our competitors while still maintaining a better price!
Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney’s service includes the whole package, our highly experienced specialist Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors team will come to your property, do all the Dust-Free Concrete Grinding to remove any slight variations in the concrete slab and remove any glue, paint, and epoxy residues as well as any other coating on the concrete slab. So that you have a clean, level, and smooth floor.
We will make sure that your concrete slab is ready for the Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors team to start the process. Once the concrete slab is clean our Concrete Polishing Floors team will come in and give you the desired finish requested. We offer a large range of different Concrete Polishing Floor services, as well as different types of ‘Finishes‘ and ‘Shines‘
Our Concrete Polishing Floors team will use only the latest high-quality and high-powered Dust-Free Concrete Grinding & Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor equipment with the latest diamond disc and plug technology to ensure that your project runs smoothly and you get your desired finish.
At Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we specialise in small to large industrial projects, there is no job too big for us! our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors team has done thousands of jobs to ensure that we only have the most qualified and highly trained teams on-site at all times, We have flawless reviews and the most stunning work in Sydney!
While using our Dust-Free Concrete Floor Polishers connected to our dust extractors we can maintain a virtually Dust-Free environment* using the latest most high-end commercial dust extractors for you free of charge!
We are Australia’s #1 Concrete Polishing company, we provide more information for our clients than any other website in the world regarding this subject. This page has EVERYTHING you need to know. We also have links to blog posts for further information.
We Will Beat All Of Our Competitor’s Quotes By Up To 10%*
We Will Never Ever Be Beaten On Price At Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney!
We Also Offer Massive Discounts Off Our Normal Advertised Prices If You Have A Large Job!
FREE QUOTE CALL OR TEXT 0424 408 330
We’ll Beat All Quotes By Up To 10%*, No Call Out Fee Conditions apply*
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We’ll Beat ALL Quotes By Up To 10%
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Concrete Floor Polishing Sydney
Dust-Free
Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors is becoming an extremely popular flooring choice for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. With a range of gloss finishes and aggregate exposure to choose from, Dust-Free Polished Concrete is a versatile and low-maintenance flooring option for interior or exterior concrete floors, old or new. For all your Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor projects we will provide quality workmanship and service leaving you with breathtaking results.
Our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor team has years of experience in Dust-Free Polishing Concrete Floors from small projects to large industrial projects. We have done them all! Our team can provide you with a free Dust-Free Concrete Polishing quote as well as a site inspection.
– We are a fully insured business with worker’s compensation, insured for public liability and all employees have white card health and safety and COVID vaccinations.
– Our highly trained staff will always work in a safe and efficient manner while using high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Dust Extraction Equipment.
Concrete Polishing Floors has become one of the most popular services from our clients, due to our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing team’s stunning work! Without a doubt, we have become one of the #1 Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor companies in Sydney!
From: Honed Concrete to a Grind and Seal finish or a full Mechanically Polished Concrete Floor, our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor team can do it all!
Concrete Floor Polishing Sydney
Dust-Free
Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors is becoming an extremely popular flooring choice for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. With a range of gloss finishes and aggregate exposure to choose from, Dust-Free Polished Concrete is a versatile and low-maintenance flooring option for interior or exterior concrete floors, old or new. For all your Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor projects we will provide quality workmanship and service leaving you with breathtaking results.
Our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor team has years of experience in Dust-Free Polishing Concrete Floors from small projects to large industrial projects. We have done them all! Our team can provide you with a free Dust-Free Concrete Polishing quote as well as a site inspection.
– We are a fully insured business with worker’s compensation, insured for public liability and all employees have white card health and safety and COVID vaccinations.
– Our highly trained staff will always work in a safe and efficient manner while using high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Dust Extraction Equipment.
Concrete Polishing Floors has become one of the most popular services from our clients, due to our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing team’s stunning work! Without a doubt, we have become one of the #1 Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor companies in Sydney!
From: Honed Concrete to a Grind and Seal finish or a full Mechanically Polished Concrete Floor, our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floor team can do it all!
What Is Concrete Floor Polishing?
Polishing Concrete Floors is a multi-step process where a concrete floor is Mechanically Ground, Honed, and Polished with bonded abrasives to cut a concrete floor’s surface. It is then refined with each cut to achieve a specified level of appearance.
This process also includes the use of a penetrant chemical known as a hardener. The concrete densifier/hardener penetrates the concrete and creates a chemical reaction to help harden and dustproof the surface. In Polishing Concrete Floors, the surface is processed through a series of steps (in general a minimum of four Grinding steps of processing is considered Polished Concrete) utilizing progressively finer Grinding tools.
The Grinding tools are progressive grits of industrial diamonds in a bonded material such as metal/hybrid/resin often referred to as diamond Polishing pads. Polished Concrete Floors is a “green” flooring system and is LEED-approved. Concrete is not considered Polished before 1500 grit, and it is normally finished to either the 1500 grit or 3000+ grit level.
Dyes designed for Concrete Polishing Floors are often applied to add colour to Polished Concrete Floors as well as other options such as scoring, creating radial lines, grids, bands, borders, and other designs. Any Grinding under 1500 grit is considered a Honed Concrete Floor.
True Concrete Polishing is a long process designed to create a highly reflective surface. This means using pads with a finer grit range combined with applying a densifier and finally a sealant. The densifier closes the pores in the concrete, which gives it a mirror finish.
Polishing Concrete is very similar to sanding wood. Machines equipped with diamond-segmented abrasives (akin to sandpaper) are used to grind down concrete surfaces to the desired degree of shine and smoothness. When sanding wood, you gradually progress from coarser-grit to finer-grit abrasives. (In this case, grit is the particle size of the diamond.) The result is a glossy, mirror-like finish.
How Does Concrete Polishing Floors Work?
Polished Concrete Floors are achieved by Mechanically Polishing Concrete Floors through a series of steps using different grit diamond tooling. We start at a coarse #16 grit and work up to a possible #3000 grit for a high gloss mirror image finish. We can stop at different grit levels for your desired gloss finish.
During the process, the concrete is densified (concrete hardener) strengthening the surface of your concrete floor and enhancing the level of shine. The concrete is also grouted during this process filling in air pockets and cracks that are exposed when Dust-Free Concrete Grinding.
Once the process is finished Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney applies a stain guard to help protect the floor against any contaminants. Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney uses the latest equipment, tooling, and chemicals to achieve the highest standard of Polished Concrete possible.
Our team uses a Concrete Grinder / Concrete Polisher (which can either be wet or dry) which allows us to prepare the surface and grind the floor to the desired level of exposure. The coarse grit (#16 – #30 grit) abrasives will remove any coatings (paint etc.) and smooth out any imperfections and unevenness.
Cracks will then be filled with cement-based products or epoxy hardeners. A Concrete Grinder / Concrete Polisher is then used from a low grit up to #1,500 – #3,000 grit to reveal a Polished Concrete Floor.
Polished Concrete Floors are created by applying a chemical hardener that densifies the porous concrete and then grinding it to the desired gloss and smoothness. Using a series of progressively fine diamonds (similar to the process of sanding wood), the concrete can be ground to #800, #1500, or #3000 grit level.
Concrete Polishing Floors are usually carried out by large walk-behind, remote, and ride-on Concrete Floor Polishing machines or hand-held Concrete Floor Polishers that have diamond-encrusted cup wheels installed on a spinning disc. Generally, cup wheels, plugs, and shoes are measured in grits. The higher the grit ratio the finer finish it will leave on the concrete. For a more polished effect, a cup wheel, plug or shoe with a high grit ratio would be used.
You can Polish Concrete using wet or dry methods. Although each has its advantages, dry Concrete Polishing is the method most commonly used in the industry today because it’s faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly. Wet Concrete Polishing uses water to cool the diamond abrasives and eliminate grinding dust.
Because the water reduces friction and acts as a lubricant, it increases the life of the Polishing abrasives. The chief disadvantage of this method is the cleanup. Wet Polishing creates a tremendous amount of slurry that crews must collect and dispose of in an environmentally sound manner. With dry Polishing, no water is required. Instead, the Floor Polisher is hooked up to a dust-containment system that vacuums up virtually all of the mess.
1) Remove existing coatings for thick coatings, use a 16 or 30-grit diamond abrasive or a more aggressive tool specifically for coating removals, such as (PCD diamonds or Bush Hammers).
2) Seal cracks and joints with an epoxy or other semi-rigid filler.
3) Grind with a 30- or 40-grit metal-bonded diamond.
4) Grind with an 80-grit metal-bonded diamond.
5) Grind with a 150-grit metal-bonded diamond (or finer, if desired).
6) Apply a chemical hardener to densify the concrete.
7) Polish with a 100- or 200-grit resin-bond diamond, or a combination of the two.
8) Polish with a 400-grit resin-bond diamond.
9) Polish with an 800-grit resin-bond diamond.
10) Finish with a 1500- or 3000-grit resin-bond diamond (depending on the desired sheen level).
11) Optional: Apply a stain guard to help protect the polished surface and make it easier to maintain.
Polishing Concrete is not an easy DIY project, since it requires heavy equipment and special diamond tooling. We recommend hiring a professional Concrete Polishing Floor contractor to complete your project. Our team will have a thorough understanding of what it takes to achieve the best results.
While Concrete Polishing machine rentals are available at local supply stores, the learning curve is steep. Plus there are many safety precautions that must be taken during the process, especially concerning dust collection.
What Concrete Polishing Floors Services Do We Offer?
We offer a full range of Concrete Polishing Floors services. From Honed Concrete, Grind, and Seal Packages to Mechanically Polished Concrete!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE POLISHING SERVICES:
1. Honed Concrete
2. Grind and Sealed Concrete
3. Polished Concrete (Mechanically Polished Concrete)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHINES:
– Matte Finish (#200 GRIT)
– Satin Finish (#400 GRIT)
– Semi-Gloss Finish (#800 GRIT)
– Gloss Finish (#1,500 GRIT)
– High-Gloss Finish (#3,000 GRIT)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FINISHES:
– Cream Finish (No Exposure)
– Salt and Pepper Finish (Medium Exposure)
– Full Aggregate Exposure (Full Exposure)
Where Should Polished Concrete Floors Be Used?
– Honed Concrete should be used outdoors
Honed Concrete is mostly used around Pools, Driveways, Balconies, and other outdoor areas. This is because Honed Concrete is slip-resistant. Honed Concrete is a weatherproof, hard-wearing surface making it perfect for outdoor patios and pool areas.
– Grind and Sealed Concrete should be used indoors
Grind and Sealed Concrete can be used in any application requiring a low maintenance, heavy-duty, UV and stain-resistant floor. A non-slip finish can be applied in areas subject to water. A Grind and Seal Package is perfect for cafes, homeowners, and supermarkets.
Grind and Sealed Concrete can be used outdoors, it’s perfect for areas like driveways, Not only does a sealant seal the driveway from harsh weather conditions, but it also protects from grease and oil. The sealant offers a layer of protection
– Polished Concrete can be used anywhere
Particularly smooth Polished Concrete Floors are usually intended for indoor areas because they can be slippery when wet. Although it is possible to make a Polished Concrete Floor slip-resistant. There are other options for outdoor settings, like Honed Concrete and a Grind-And-Sealed Concrete finish. Polished Concrete Floors are mostly used in Living Rooms, Bathrooms, Patios, Terraces, Accent Walls, Commercial Spaces, Workshops, And Industrial Areas.
Dust-Free Concrete Polishing and Grinding
Will The Job Be 100% Dust-Free?
How Do We Achieve An Almost 90 – 99.99% Dust-Free Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding Experience For Our Clients?
Here at Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we specialize in Dust-Free Concrete Polishing. We employ a specialty system that suctions and removes dust and debris directly from our tools into a powerful commercial dust extractor. Our equipment is powerful, strong, and guaranteed to significantly reduce, or even completely eradicate, the dust and debris that is often associated with Dust-Free Concrete Polishing and replacement projects.
Our specially designed dust-free equipment makes the Concrete Polishing process much faster than traditional Concrete Polishing. It is also more efficient than traditional removal techniques and is substantially cleaner and safer. This gives our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing process the added benefit of being the most environmentally friendly solution.
After the Dust-Free Concrete Polishing process, we will grind your concrete slab with the use of high-powered Dust-Free Concrete Grinding equipment that is connected directly to a high-powered commercial dust extractor. We will also perform demolition services with the use of high-powered commercial dust extraction equipment plugged directly into our tools.
Unfortunately, small amounts of dust are still produced and cannot be completely eliminated even with the most expensive high-end equipment and the latest technology. It should also be noted that certain equipment such as Jackhammers has a harder time trying to contain the dust even with the use of high-end dust extractors. While Concrete Grinders can contain dust a lot more easily. (Roughly 90 – 99.99% of the dust is still sucked up by a 3-engine high-powered commercial dust extractor that is plugged directly into the equipment) but sometimes a small amount of dust can still escape.
If you are concerned about the small amounts of dust that may possibly get into areas that we are not working in such as the kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, etc. we would advise that you seal off those areas that we are not working in with plastic and sticky tape before our team arrives to avoid delays.
Click Here To Learn More About Dust-Free Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding
How Much Does Concrete Polishing Floors Cost Per Square Metre?
$80 – $120 Per Square Metre
How Much Does Concrete Polishing Floors Cost Per Square Metre? Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors cost varies quite a lot from company to company or private contractor to private contractor. Here at Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras. Please see below for our price guide:
On average Concrete Polishing Floors Costs $80 Per Square Metre for jobs that require Nill Exposure.
On average Concrete Polishing Floors Costs $80 Per Square Metre for jobs that require #800 Grit.
On average Concrete Polishing Floors Costs $100 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a #1,500 Grit.
On average Concrete Polishing Floors Costs $120 Per Square Metre for jobs that require #3,000 Grit.
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
Click here for a further understanding of “How Much Does Concrete Polishing Cost“
These are the main factors that we take into account when quoting:
– What #GRIT Finish is required
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– How many square metres require Concrete Polishing
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– Is any floor preparation required? (Holes, Cracks, Levelling)
– What service is required (Honed, Grind and Sealed, Polished?)
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding / Polishing
Other Concrete Polishing contractors and Concrete Polishing companies that Polish Concrete do not meet the standards that we do at Concrete Polishing Sydney. We use only the highest quality products that are available on the market.
Here at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we come in and do a swift Floor Preparation and Concrete Grinding service before our Concrete Polishing service to ensure you get the maximum life span out of your new Polished Concrete Floor.
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
How Much Does It Cost To Polish Concrete On Your Stairs?
Stairs – $40 – $70 Per Step*
Landings – $90 – $120 Per Landing*
On average Concrete Polishing on Stairs Costs $40 – $70 Per Step for jobs that require Polishing.
On average Concrete Polishing on Landings Costs $90 – $120 Per Landing for jobs that require Polishing.
These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– What #GRIT Finish is required
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many steps and landings require polishing
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– How many square metres require Concrete Polishing
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– Is any floor preparation required? (Holes, Cracks, Levelling)
– What service is required (Honed, Grind and Sealed, Polished?)
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding / Polishing
– The size of the steps (Extra Wide or Extra Long Steps may increase the prices listed above
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
Disposal Of Silica Dust Bags
$0 – $300 (Depending on job size)
Here at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we take all your rubbish away with us for disposal at your local resource management centre (recycling whenever possible). This saves our clients hundreds of dollars in hiring skip bins, as well as the frustration of the whole process of hiring one and having to have a skip bin sit in your front yard for days. Most Concrete Polishing jobs will have no disposal of waste cost, but some may. (The main deciding factor is how many square metres require concrete grinding and polishing as larger jobs will generate more silica dust bags. Most jobs will have no disposal fee.)
Is Concrete Grinding Required Before Concrete Polishing?
Yes, Concrete Grinding should always occur before Concrete Polishing. The appropriate Floor Preparation before Concrete Polishing is required to ensure that you start with a clean, flat surface and start at the appropriate grit level (#16 – #30).
Click Here To Learn More About Why Floor Preparation Is Required
How Much Does Concrete Grinding Cost Per Square Metre?
General Grind – $10 – $60 Per Square Metre*
Coating Removal – $10 – $90 Per Square Metre*
How Much Does Concrete Grinding Cost Per Square Metre? Concrete Grinding costs vary quite a lot from company to company or private contractor to private contractor. Here at Concrete Grinding Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras.
On average Concrete Grinding Costs $10 – $60 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a General Grind.
On average Concrete Grinding Costs $10 – $90 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a Coating Removal.
These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– How many layers there are
– How thick the coating is (0 – 6mm)
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– What service is required (General Grind? Coating Removal?)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
Other Concrete Grinding contractors and Concrete Grinding companies that Grind Concrete do not meet the standards that we do at Concrete Grinding Sydney. We use only the highest quality products that are available on the market.
Here at Concrete Grinding Sydney, we come in and do a swift Floor Preparation and Concrete Grinding service for all of our clients, We Concrete Grind and Prime all floors before Floor Levelling to ensure a flawless installation without failure.
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
How Much Does It Cost To Concrete Grind Your Stairs?
Stairs – $20 – $40 Per Step*
Landings – $40 – $80 Per Landing*
On average Concrete Grinding Stairs Costs $20 – $40 Per Step for jobs that require Hand Grinding.
On average Concrete Grinding Landings Costs $40 – $80 Per Landing for jobs that require Hand Grinding.
These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– How many MM may need to be ground off
– How thick the coating is (0 – 6mm) on the stairs
– How many layers there are (if a coating was applied)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Hand Grinding
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
– What service is required (General Grind? Coating Removal? Flooring Removal?)
– How many STEPS and/or LANDINGS that require Hand Grinding and/or Removal
– The SIZE of the steps (Extra Wide or Extra Long Steps may increase the prices listed above)
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
How Much Does Honed Concrete Cost Per Square Metre?
How Much Does Honed Concrete Cost Per Square Metre? Honed Concrete costs vary quite a lot from company to company or private contractor to private contractor. Here at Honed Concrete Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras.
On average Honed Concrete Costs $80 Per Square Metre for jobs that require Honed Concrete.
These are the main factors that we take into account when quoting:
– What #GRIT Finish is required
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Honing
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– Is any floor preparation required? (Holes, Cracks, Levelling)
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding / Concrete Honing
Other Honed Concrete contractors and Honed Concrete companies that provide Honed Concrete services do not meet the standards that we do at Concrete Polishing Sydney. We use only the highest quality products that are available on the market.
Here at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we come in and do a swift Floor Preparation and Concrete Grinding service before our Concrete Polishing service to ensure you get the maximum life span out of your new Polished Concrete Floor.
How Much Does Grind and Sealed Concrete Cost Per Square Metre?
How Much Does Grind and Sealed Concrete Cost Per Square Metre? Grind and Sealed Concrete costs vary quite a lot from company to company or private contractor to private contractor. Here at Grind and Seal Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras.
On average Grind and Sealed Concrete Costs $100 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a Grind and Seal.
These are the main factors that we take into account when quoting:
– What #GRIT Finish is required
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Sealing
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– Is any floor preparation required? (Holes, Cracks, Levelling)
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding / Polishing
Other Grind and Seal contractors and Grind and Sealed Concrete companies that Grind and Seal Concrete do not meet the standards that we do at Grind and Seal Sydney. We use only the highest quality products that are available on the market.
Here at Grind and Seal Sydney, we come in and do a swift Floor Preparation and Concrete Grinding service before our Concrete Polishing service to ensure you get the maximum life span out of your new Polished Concrete Floor.
How Much Does Commercial Concrete Grinding Cost Per Square Metre
General Grind – $5 – $15 Per Square Metre*
Coating Removal – $5 – $20 Per Square Metre*
Commercial Concrete Grinding clients will receive larger discounts depending on how large the area is and what we are removing from the concrete. Here at Concrete Grinding Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras.
On average Commercial Concrete Grinding Costs $5 – $15 Per Square Metre* for jobs that require a General Grind.*
On average Commercial Concrete Grinding Costs $5 – $20 Per Square Metre* for jobs that require Coating Removals.*
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
Click here for a further understanding of “How Much Does Concrete Grinding Cost“
These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– How many layers there are
– How thick the coating is (0 – 6mm)
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– What service is required (General Grind? Coating Removal?)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove Your Skirting Boards?
$10 – $60 Per Metre*
At Concrete Polishing Sydney we charge $10 – $60 per metre* for the removal of Skirting Boards.
These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– How many metres require Hand Grinding
– How many MM may need to be ground off
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– How many layers there are (if a coating was applied)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– What the height is of the skirtings that we need to grind
– How thick the coating is (0 – 6mm) on the on the skirtings
– The condition of the concrete that requires Hand Grinding
– What service is required (General Grind? Coating Removal?)
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
These prices may vary depending on a large range of factors though, so please only use this as a general guide.
Industrial Polished Concrete Floors
Here at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we offer a service to Polish Concrete Floors in Industrial facilities. Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors is a practical and cost-effective flooring choice for a wide range of industrial facilities. From storage warehouses to factories and processing plants, Industrial Polished Concrete Floors provides a durable, long-lasting solution that requires minimal upkeep.
Industrial Polished Concrete Floors are a long-term investment. Polished Concrete Flooring is a low-maintenance option that’s built to last the test of time. As there is no need for regular, ongoing maintenance and it can last the toughest of environments, it will save your business valuable time and money that can be better used elsewhere. By simply using a damp mop to keep the surface free from dirt, dust, and debris, you’ll be able to prolong the lifespan of your concrete floors.
In industrial workplaces, it’s important to maintain high health and safety standards. As concrete does not trap dirt, mould, dust, or pollen within its surface, it will not cause any harm to team members with allergies or respiratory issues.
Polished Concrete Floors can also help you save energy and money because this type of floor retains heat and reflects light making it perfect for industrial facilities to help save on costs.
What Is The Difference Between Concrete Grinding And Concrete Polishing?
There are some key differences between Concrete Grinding and Concrete Polishing. The terms can be confusing and the equipment used for both services are the same although the result is different. Here we will examine the difference between Concrete Grinding and Concrete Polishing so that you can be as informed as possible when it comes to your job site and make an informed decision on what service you require.
Concrete Grinding
Concrete Grinding involves an abrasive tool, like the Walk Behind Concrete Grinder or a Hand Held Concrete Grinder, in combination with a diamond disc or plug attachments combined with commercial silica dust extractors.
Concrete Grinders use rotating diamond teeth discs on specialised Concrete Grinding equipment to slowly shave off small portions of concrete and level, smooth, or clean the surface of a concrete slab to allow the successful reinstallation of a new Flooring System, Floor Coating or Floor Levelling product. Or simply have a clean, level, and smooth concrete floor.
Concrete Grinding is used to remove residues, imperfections, glues, bumps, spraycrete, paints, epoxies, waterproof membranes, stencil concrete, etc from your concrete slab.
Concrete Grinding is a MUST before installing a new flooring system, coating or floor levelling product to ensure that the new flooring system, coating or floor levelling product does not fail as they need a smooth, clean surface to bond to which is achieved through Concrete Grinding.
Click Here To Learn More About Concrete Grinding
Concrete Polishing
Polishing Concrete is very similar to sanding wood. Machines equipped with diamond-segmented abrasives (akin to sandpaper) are used to grind down concrete surfaces to the desired degree of shine and smoothness. When sanding wood, you gradually progress from coarser-grit to finer-grit abrasives. (In this case, grit is the particle size of the diamond.) The result is a glossy, mirror-like finish.
Polished Concrete Floors are achieved by Mechanically Polishing Concrete Floors through a series of steps using different grit diamond tooling. We start at a coarse #16 grit and work up to a possible #3000 grit for a high gloss mirror image finish. We can stop at different grit levels for your desired gloss finish.
During the process, the concrete is densified using a concrete hardener strengthening the surface of your concrete floor and enhancing the level of shine. The concrete is also grouted, and cracks will be filled with cement-based products or epoxy hardeners this process fills in air pockets and cracks that are exposed.
Once the process is finished our team applies a stain guard to help protect the floor against any contaminants. Our team uses the latest equipment, tooling, and chemicals to achieve the highest standard of Polished Concrete possible.
What Is Honed Concrete?
The term “Honed Concrete” is used to cover a level of grinding that produces an even and smooth matte finish. “Honed Concrete” offers a great flooring solution for your concrete in outdoor areas. We grind to the desired exposure of aggregate and then apply a penetrative sealer.
Leaving a hard-wearing non-slip finish to your outdoor concrete slab. “Honed Concrete” makes a stunning statement of style in alfresco outdoor areas and is just as effective in an outdoor entertainment area, driveways, pathways, or around a pool best of all, it is affordable and will be virtually maintenance-free for decades.
“Honed Concrete” looks matt and has a grittier surface, making it suitable for outdoor spaces “Polished Concrete Floors” have a smoother surface and are mostly used in indoor areas.
What is Honed Concrete good for?
– Driveways
– Footpaths
– Pool surrounds
– Patios
Benefits of Honed Concrete
– Long Lasting
– High Anti-slip resistance
– Looks Incredible
– Maintains Colour
What Is Grind and Sealed Concrete?
The term “Grind and Seal” is used to cover a level of grinding that produces an even and smooth matte finish as well as a sealed concrete slab by the use of chemicals.
“Grind and Sealed Concrete” should be used indoors. It can be used in any application requiring low maintenance, heavy-duty, UV and stain-resistant flooring. A non-slip finish can be applied in areas subject to water. A Grind and Sealed Concrete package is perfect for cafes, homeowners, and supermarkets.
Concrete Grinding and Concrete Sealing is a method of Polishing Concrete Floors, We grind back the top layer of concrete to show as little or as much stone as the customer desires. (Some like to see a lot, and some like to see only a little, it is a personal preference).
Once the right level of stone exposure has been achieved with the Concrete Grinding we then use finer diamonds to remove visible scratching and get a flat surface ready for a coating. At this point, the concrete can be grouted if you want a much smoother more refined glass-like surface. For a full stone exposure finish, we will always grout the floor, but for a minimum/random exposure, you can choose if you want to add this step as it will cost more.
Lastly, the floor is finished with a protective sealer. This sealer can be:
– Matte
– Semi-Gloss
– High Gloss Finishes
What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished Concrete involves Mechanically Polishing a concrete surface using diamond-encrusted floor grinding shoes, to the desired degree of shine and smoothness, similar to sanding wood. A common misconception is that every kind of concrete floor finish is Polished Concrete. When in fact, in the industry, there are multiple types of finishes.
There are different methods and finishes to choose from – ranging from a high-gloss minimal appearance to a speckled matte look which involves exposing a lot of aggregate in the concrete slab. The different methods and finishes include honed, grind and seal, mechanically polished concrete, cream-matte, semi-gloss, high-gloss finish, and so on.
Polished Concrete, when professionally done, is a perfect no-wax flooring material that gives spaces a minimalistic, professional, and sophisticated look. It is a low-maintenance, cost-effective, durable, and incredibly hard-wearing surface option that can be effectively remodeled for areas that have heavy foot traffic or that need to withstand the constant movement of heavy items.
With the proper floor grinding equipment, expert professionals can grind concrete surfaces, whether new or old, to a flawless, high-gloss finish. Concrete can also be coloured in many tones which largely expands its aesthetic and decorative scope.
It is eco-friendly so for businesses focusing on their carbon footprint, opting for Polished Concrete is a great way to be sustainable. Polishing existing concrete surfaces minimizes waste by using materials at hand instead of installing completely new flooring. The process does not require any additional products or materials thus reducing unnecessary waste.
Moreover, Polished Concrete has reflective properties that maximize lighting in facilities. Improved ambient lighting not only improves the space’s appearance aesthetically but also increases safety and significantly reduces energy consumption. With its versatility, sustainability, and long-lasting durability that rivals floorboards and carpets, it’s not surprising that retail, commercial, and residential spaces are incorporating this smooth, trendy, and long-lasting option.
Polished Concrete is more expensive than a ‘Grind & Seal’ or ‘Honed Concrete‘ finish as there are a lot more steps and processes involved. Depending on the finish you are looking for, Polishing Concrete can involve between 12 to 18 passes with the floor grinders.
The diamond discs need to be changed while increasing the grit of the diamonds for each pass. In between the passes, a chemical hardener must be applied and allow time to seep and densify into the slab. This is an intricate and time-sensitive process and the main reason why Polished Concrete is much more expensive.
Typically, concrete is not considered polished before 400 grit and it is normally finished to either the 800, 1500, or 3000 grit level, depending on the level of gloss you are after. In simple terms, the process of polishing concrete is similar to sanding wood, however, a coating is not placed on your concrete, unlike timber. Concrete polishers are much more heavy-duty than timber floorboard polishers and are used to gradually grind down surfaces to the desired degree of shine and smoothness. What is left is a very strong stain-repellent surface that feels good underfoot and looks aesthetically beautiful.
Your options for polished concrete are the level of aggregate you would like to expose, a light, medium or full grind will decide how much grinding will need to be done and therefore also change the price per square meter rate. After the grind is completed we can then go to the level of gloss required.
What Is The Difference Between A Honed Finish And A Grind and Seal?
The main difference between a Honed Finish and a grind and seal is the sealers that are used. The honed finish has a penetrating sealer that absorbs into the concrete slab (like sunscreen on your skin, it penetrates down into the concrete rather than sitting on the surface). The penetrating sealer cannot be scratched off or worn down by foot traffic and therefore will last much longer.
A Honed Finish is easy to repair, and only minimal maintenance should be required to maintain the finish.
Whereas the sealer used for a Grind and Seal (G&S) option is a topical coating (like clear nail polish which can be scratched/damaged/gouged) It will also wear away over time depending on the type and volume of foot traffic.
For a Grind and Seal, however, this finish is not able to be easily patch-repaired and will most likely require more frequent and extensive maintenance over time due to the topical coating being far more susceptible to damage from normal day-to-day life.
What Is The Difference Between A Grind And Seal And Polished Concrete
Let’s look at the difference between a Grind and Seal and Polished Concrete. This is important because although you might think you want Polished Concrete Floors, you might be better off with what’s known as a “Grind and Seal” finish.
The “Grind and Seal” process uses a relatively coarse metal-bonded diamond pad for Concrete Grinding, then seals the concrete with a chemical to make it impervious to liquids. It takes less time than a fully Polished Concrete Floor because there are fewer steps. It still gives a smooth finish but without the high-end, architectural reflectiveness of Fully-Polished Concrete Floors.
True Concrete Polishing Floors is a long process designed to create a highly reflective surface. This means using pads with a finer grit range combined with applying a densifier and finally a sealant. The densifier closes the pores in the concrete, which gives it a mirror finish.
Whether you need this high-end finish is a question of practicality: Do you need to have a mirror finish in a rumpus room or a garage? Look at examples of “Grind and Seal” and “fully-Polished Concrete” finish to decide which one you want.
Why Does Concrete Polishing Help With Lighting?
Thanks to the gloss, sheen, and light colour of Polished Concrete Floor finishes. These factors can amplify incoming natural light during the day while reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. As a result, this cost-efficient Polished Concrete Floor will enable you to conserve energy and lower the cost of electricity bills.
As there is often less need for heating and cooling systems in your home, Polished Concrete Floors can save you on your energy bill as well. Polished Concrete Floors will provide better light reflectivity, thereby controlling your overall monthly energy usage. Hence, you can make your rooms a lot brighter and more vibrant, without having to make any drastic changes to your internal décor.
Are Polished Concrete Floors Slippery?
Yes, generally speaking, but it is no more slippery than any other hard flooring surface. Add water to it though and like any other hard surface it will be slippery. When clean Polished Concrete Floors offer as much grip as a regular concrete floor.
As a general rule Polished Concrete Floors are slip-resistant. Even when wet, Polished Concrete Floors offer significantly higher slip resistance than tile or wood floors. When installed properly, Polished Concrete Floors reduces slip and fall liabilities and insurance costs for business owners!
Polished Concrete Floors aren’t necessarily slippery when wet, however, using a flooring safety test measurement standard found that using Polished Concrete offers superior slip resistance, even when it is wet. The way water interacts with a porous surface like a polished concrete surface can help offer extra grip. That said, the same porous polished concrete surface also means that water isn’t easily absorbed or wiped uniformly, which results in a temporary wet spot.
For outdoors, however, we would not normally recommend Polished Concrete Floors, For outside the alternative for these areas is Honed Concrete or a Grind and Seal. The reason for this is to provide alternatives for a more slip and UV-resistant finish.
Because of their high coefficient of friction, Polished Concrete Floors are 20% to 50% more slip-resistant than the national standard for low-slip floors! In physics, the coefficient of friction measures the resistance of motion between two surfaces relative to the force (gravity) holding the two surfaces together.
However, like any other type of flooring, chemicals, and spilled oil can still reduce friction on a Polished Concrete Floor, turning it into a safety hazard. If you want a floor for commercial use or need flooring for an oil distillation plant, it’s best to choose a flooring type that offers a strong, chemically resistant coating.
Are Polished Concrete Floors Good For Asthma Sufferers?
Yes, Polished Concrete Floors emit no mould or mildew, are allergy free, and harbours no dust mites, making them ideal for people with asthma or allergies.
Polished Concrete Floors are not just good for asthma sufferers—in fact, Polished Concrete Floors are one of the best solutions you can find! This is because Polished Concrete Floors will not support the growth of toxic mould or dust mites. Polished Concrete Floors will not hold dirt, pollen, pet hair, dust particles, or other allergens, and therefore, it is a perfect option for any sufferers of asthma and/or allergies, including anyone who is allergic to cats, dogs, pollen, and/or dust mites.
Unlike common flooring choices like carpeting, which can easily become harbours for dust, dirt, and other unwanted debris, with Polished Concrete Floors, there is simply no place to hold onto these substances. Particularly for those whose asthma is triggered by common allergens like dust and mould, Polished Concrete Floors are an ideal choice.
Can I Polish A Floor Levelling Compound?
ARDEX PC-T hardens fast due to its unique self-drying formulation – it can be Polished in as little as 24 hours. ARDEX PC-T is ideal in areas such as retail stores, schools, airports, lobbies, and all interiors where a Polished Concrete surface is desired.
Another Method Is:
Installing Slick Mix™ polish-able self-leveling concrete overlay – This self-leveling concrete overlay also known as an SLO can also be polished. It can go through the same polishing process as conventional concrete and produce the same fabulous results.
To polish a self-leveling screed, you can follow these general steps:
1) Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any debris or dirt.
2) Use a coarse diamond abrasive pad to grind down the surface of the screed.
3) Start with a low-grit diamond and gradually move up to a higher-grit diamond.
Can I Steam Mop My Polished Concrete Floors?
NO, A steam mop should never be used on a Polished Concrete Floor, nor should you use harsh chemicals such as bleach, citrus products, or oils. A microfibre mop is all that is required in conjunction with water or a neutral pH cleaner such as GTA Tough Green.
We strongly discourage anyone from steam-mopping Polished Concrete Floors. This is because steam pushes into the tiny pores in the floor under pressure, but these pores have been closed by grout to ensure a seamless floor.
By keeping the pores in the floor closed, the grout helps ensure that the floor does not harbour dust mites, mould spores, breathing irritants, or other debris. But if you use a steam mop, the steam will push out the grout from those pores and as a result, you will lose the premiere hygienic quality of your Polished Concrete Floor.
To preserve the properties of the Polished Concrete Floors that make it such a worthwhile investment the good news is, there’s really no need to use a steam mop for a Polished Concrete Floor anyway because there is no grout, ridges, or grooves to worry about on the surface. Polished Concrete Floors are actually very easy to clean with just a lightweight microfibre mop and some hot water!
Can I Use A Grind And Seal In My Gym? It Seems cheaper?
A Grind and Seal can be used inside a gym, but we wouldn’t recommend a standard Grind and Seal due to the fact that the topical coating runs the risk of getting scratched. Especially in a gym setting, where high foot traffic and heavy equipment can scratch the floor, we’d recommend our Polished Concrete Floor finish instead.
Our Polished Concrete Floor finish is a great choice if are concerned about the risk of potential damage to your floor. Grind and Seal is not a good choice because, in addition to the fact that gym equipment is heavy, it also tends to have sharp edges under the equipment that can mark a floor. For all of those reasons, if you are looking for an ideal gym floor finish, a Polished Concrete Floor is an ideal choice.
Should Polished Concrete Floors Be Used For Gyms?
Polished Concrete is an ideal flooring option for gyms and other fitness spaces due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and sleek appearance. With its high-gloss finish, Polished Concrete Floors creates a modern, sophisticated look that complements any design style.
Polished Concrete Floors can withstand the weight of workout equipment such as ellipticals, bikes, stair steppers, treadmills, and more. In a setting with heavy gym equipment and sharp edges Polished Concrete Floors are perfect for a gym floor! Due to Polished Concrete being poured at 32MPA (stronger than a standard mix), before being densified by our Concrete Polishing team, the concrete is harder than ever.
You definitely don’t want a floor that will scratch easily in a gym. Polished Concrete is one of the strongest and most resilient floor types in the market which makes it highly resistant to scratches.
After that, our Polished Concrete Floors get Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors so that it has NO topical coating that can wear away. As a result, our Polished Concrete Floors have an incredibly long-lasting finish that is difficult to scratch.
Another benefit of Polished Concrete Floors is that is very hygienic and clean very well, even just using hot water. The aesthetics of a Polished Concrete Floors floor is another factor.
Because our Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors have a stunning finish, in addition to being highly practical for a home gym, this option is also a visual showstopper that is sure to impress your guests.
Can Polished Concrete Floors Be Used Both Inside And Outside?
Yes, Our Polished Concrete Floors are extremely versatile and can be customised to suit a range of requirements and settings, including shops, factories, and both indoor and outdoor areas of homes, including garages, driveways patios, alfresco areas, pool areas, and outdoor kitchens. As well as customizing the decorative element of your concrete, we can also make your Polished Concrete Floor slip-resistant and UV-resistant thanks to our large range of sealants.
However, for outdoor spaces, we recommend our ‘Honed Non-Slip Finish Concrete for your floors, which is a matte finish. Indoors, you can choose between either a ‘Grind and Seal’ or a Mechanical Polished Concrete
The alternative for these areas is Honed Concrete The reason for this is to provide alternatives for a more slip and UV-resistant finish. Honed Concrete is ideal for driveways, outdoor areas, concrete around your pool, carports, etc. The other option is “Grind and Sealed Concrete“
Although we offer our ‘Honed Concrete’ non-slip finish, which lasts the longest of all and is UV-stable. This durable outdoor floor uses penetrative sealer, so it’s also the lowest maintenance choice of outdoor options. We also have an outside grind and seal, which uses topical sealer, and in the topcoat of the sealer, we include a non-slip grit.
However, please note that we always prefer and recommend Honed Concrete for outdoor spaces, because it feels much better underneath bare feet, lasts longer, and children won’t ‘grate’ their skin on it if they fall. If you have pets, your pets will also love the Honed finish, whereas the non-slip grit Grind and Seal can feel too rough.
There’s really only one reason to choose the Grind and Seal outside as opposed to the Honed finish, and that is if you want a high gloss because Honed finishes are matte only. Aside from desiring a gloss finish, we strongly recommend a Honed Finish for its longevity, convenience, and comfort.
Do Polished Concrete Floors Stain Easy?
Although Polished Concrete Floors are stain-resistant, they can still stain if spills are not cleaned promptly. The most common stains we see are fruit juice, wine, vinegar, laundry soaps, and pet stains.
These liquids tend to have an extreme pH and can etch the most superficial surface of a floor, requiring repair.
We use a penetrating sealer on all of our finishes, which is designed to help prevent staining. This penetrating sealer can help repel water and resist stains by minimising the ability of water and stains to enter the concrete (all without creating a film above the concrete).
So generally speaking, your Polished Concrete should not get stained easily. But please keep in mind that when spills occur, the more quickly you clean up the spills, the less likely the spills are to stain your floor. Also try to be extra careful with substances such as oil and grease, as these types of spills are more difficult for the sealer to repel and can cause stains that are extremely difficult to remove.
Do I Have To Have My Floor Grouted Prior To Polishing Concrete Floors?
Yes, generally speaking, when you have a project to polish concrete, you want it to maintain its beauty and shine for as long as possible. In order to do this, grouting the concrete in between polishing pads is a necessary step.
Grinding concrete opens the slab and creates a scratch pattern. While polishing it with gradually finer pads does smooth away many of the cuts, there are still going to be pinholes and micro pits left behind.
If you apply an epoxy coating, air bubbles will be caught in these voids and prevent the coating from bonding to the concrete properly. If left unsealed, grit and traffic will continually cut and grind into the voids, making them larger. Either way, these nearly invisible flaws will grow over time and ruin the look and structural integrity of your slab.
By applying a coating of grout over the concrete, the air is pushed out of the pits and fills them, allowing you to continue the polishing process or apply a coating.
Are Polished Concrete Floors Cool In Summer?
Yes, because unlike tiles or timber, which have a very small thermal mass, a concrete slab possesses a high thermal mass and its insulation is therefore excellent.
Because concrete absorbs temperatures and releases them slowly if you’ve had the blinds drawn to shade the floor in summer or the air conditioner on, your floors will add coolness to your home or business throughout the evening and night.
Conversely, in winter, if you’ve had the sun on the floor or have had a fireplace going or a heater on, your polished concrete floor will retain that warmth and keep you snug throughout the evening and night.
If you’ve ever had a timber floor or tiles, you know how cold it can get inside your home and how hot it can become in the summer. Polished Concrete, on the other hand, is such an excellent insulator that it will help you retain whichever temperature you choose, in any season. As Sydney can reach both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures, this is a huge advantage and can help you save on your energy bills.
Can You Put Polished Concrete Over Floorboards or Tiles?
So Are Polished Concrete Floors able to be installed over timber? Yes, generally speaking, If your floorboards are extremely well bonded to the underlying surface, it is sometimes possible to have a 3mm micro-topping hand trowelled over the floorboards. However, we always recommend removing the current flooring to expose solid concrete that we can polish.
– So is it possible to polish concrete over floorboards? Yes, but we don’t recommend it and we do not provide the service.
Polishing the solid concrete underneath is actually longer-lasting and a lot more durable. We are also sometimes asked if we can put Polished Concrete over tiles. Because we don’t actually lay concrete ourselves, we can’t really advise on having a topping slab poured over floorboards, so that’s definitely a question for your concreter or builder instead.
– So Is it possible to polish concrete over tiles? Yes, but we don’t recommend it and we do not provide the service.
Almost any structurally sound concrete floor, whether new or old, can be Polished. However, there are some exceptions, for example with new floors no special mix design is required to achieve good results, although the floor should be in place at least 28 days before Polishing begins to ensure adequate curing.
Can Polished Concrete Floors Work With Underfloor Heating?
Yes, Polished Concrete Floors can work well with underfloor heating. However, it is best to consult a professional before installation, and we can do it for you.
The temperature of the floor should be monitored carefully, as concrete can cause the surface temperature to rise higher than traditional tiles or timber floors. The correct insulation and thermostat settings need to be in place so that your Polished Concrete Floors do not become too hot and you are able to control the temperature. Concrete has a high thermal mass meaning it will store and distribute heat extremely well.
Do Polished Concrete Floors Work Well With Underfloor Heating Systems?
Yes, If you are considering installing Underfloor Heating with a Polishing Concrete Floor, the answer is yes it is possible. Concrete has a high thermal mass meaning it will store and distribute heat extremely well. Therefore when your underfloor heating system is combined with a Polished Concrete Floor, the thermal mass will retain heat in the floor.
This will ensure your rooms will stay warm for longer after your heating is switched off than would be the case with a traditional heating system. For this to be consistently effective we either recommend our in-slab or in-screed systems. These systems can be used for a full slab in which the surface is Polished or where a secondary slab is poured and then Polished.
Between the heating pipes and the surface of the slab, it’s a good idea to have approximately 70mm of space. This is because we don’t want to grind into the heating pipes, plus the machines used for full exposure grinding are approximately 450kg or more and a thinner area runs the risk of cracking.
Some other benefits of using underfloor heating on a Polished Concrete Floor are:
Improved heat distribution – As the heating system is underneath the entire floor, if it is well planned and installed, heat will be nicely and evenly distributed throughout the home. This will keep your feet warm all year round and take the chill off the cold concrete.
Interior design – With no need for traditional heaters like radiators, a minimalist design is created offering a high-end, luxurious look. As no space restrictions are created, the design of the home remains non-impacted. No radiators, grills, or vents that can become visibly dirty are on display. Everything related to the heating is below the floor.
Cost-effective – Although the outlay may be expensive with installation costs, in the long run, underfloor heating is highly cost-effective. heating bills will be lower, therefore, saving you money.
Comfort – Temperature can be adjusted depending on preference and time of year. Concrete’s thermal mass also allows you to reduce the temperature, creating a cooler home when desired. All of this can provide you with high levels of comfort while consuming significantly less energy. It’s also a win-win for the environment.
Quietness – Traditional heating systems, including radiators, often have a tendency to grunt and groan as they work. Underfloor heating systems are quite the opposite and are generally quieter. Your home will become noticeably silent, filled simply with pure luxurious warmth.
Health and safety – Underfloor heating is both child and pet-safe. No flames or hot surfaces will be exposed within your home, providing you with less worry about a chance of an individual being burned or hurt.
There is no doubt that underfloor heating in Polishing Concrete Floors provides the safest, cleanest, and most luxurious heat available. It is hidden away and does not impede the design of a room or house. Simply pure luxurious warmth.
How Do I Make My Polished Concrete Floors Slip Resistant?
As a general rule Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors are slip resistant – but like many other flooring options it will be slippery when wet. If you need flooring that is non-slip we would recommend doing a Grind and Seal or another type of coating such as epoxy.
Real Polished Concrete is naturally quite non-slip under bare feet anyway. Simply keeping your Polished Concrete Floor free of dust helps keep it non-slip even when wearing shoes. If you have a grind and seal, which is a replica form of Polished Concrete, in the topcoat of the sealer, a non-slip grit or non-slip additive can be added to help prevent slipping.
However, please keep in mind that this non-slip additive does wear away over time. After about 12 – 18 months, you will probably start to need more non-slip grit. Unless you want high gloss outside, we recommend that you choose our Honed finish for your outdoor floors. Honed finishes will not require frequent non-slip grit and are also much easier to clean.
Below we are going to discuss:
1) Why Aren’t Polished Concrete Floors Slippery
2) How Do You Make Polished Concrete Floors Less Slippery
Why Aren’t Polished Concrete Floors Slippery?
– Easy To Clean: Clean floors are up to 20 times less slippery than floors with contaminants on their surface. Polished Concrete is extremely easy to keep clean! Because of their uniform surface, robot vacuums and microfiber mops are all that are needed to clean residential Polished Concrete Floors. For commercial applications, walk-behind or ride-on floor scrubbers are generally recommended because they can clean large areas very quickly.
– High Coefficient Of Friction: Because of their high coefficient of friction, Polished Concrete Floors are 20% to 50% more slip-resistant than the national standard for a low slip floor. In physics, the coefficient of friction measures the resistance of motion between two surfaces relative to the force (gravity) holding the two surfaces together. This is measured as a number between 0 and 1, where larger numbers indicate more slip resistance.
While this might sound pretty technical, what’s important to note is that the national standard for a non-slip floor is .42. In other words, on a non-slip floor, at least 42% of one’s weight must be converted into grip between your shoes and the floor. The coefficient of friction for polished concrete floors is between .49 and .59 depending on the details of the installation. This is the reason why polished concrete floors are incredibly safe, whether in a residential, retail, or industrial installation.
– Safer Floors For Retail And Residential: America’s largest installers of polished concrete floors, such as Home Depot and Costco, use our installation because of its high slip resistance. In the United States, slip-related injury lawsuits cost businesses more than 80 billion dollars a year. Even when wet, polished concrete floors offer significantly higher slip resistance than tile or wood floors. When installed properly, polished concrete flooring reduces slip and fall liabilities and insurance costs for business owners.
How Do You Make Polished Concrete Less Slippery?
– Routine Cleaning: Government tests show that clean concrete floors are nearly 20 times less likely to cause slip and fall accidents and injuries than dirty floors.
– Absorptive Rugs: Even in a very high-traffic area, there is no need to use rubber mats. However, absorptive rugs can dramatically reduce slip incidents in indoor spaces prone to standing water.
– Non-Skid Additives: Apply a concrete sealer with glass beads or sand for added grip. These finishes offer tons of grip for the most demanding installations such as restaurant kitchens or veterinary offices.
– Anti-Slip Conditioners For Polished Concrete: Mop on an anti-slip grip additive such as SlipDoctors Polish Grip. There’s no quicker or easier solution than a slip-resistant coating to make wet surfaces safer.
How Can I Protect My Polished Concrete Floors During Renovations?
Always cover the floor with a product durable enough to last through the entire construction process. Ram Board is the most common brand-name product, although there are many similar products sold at specialty construction stores.
We highly recommend that you arrange with your builder to have Ramboard laid 24 hours after your Polished Concrete Floors project is completed. Ramboard is breathable cardboard, and it costs approximately $3.20 per m2. This temporary floor product protects against scratches, chips, and general staining.
It needs to be breathable so that it doesn’t trap moisture against the slab, but this also means it might still be wet and stains can still occur. We recommend that you take reasonable care whilst the premises are still under construction to prevent stains.
Overall, though, Ramboard is the best protection we have found that actually works and we highly recommend this product to help protect your floor. Another advantage of Ramboard is that it lays out pretty quickly and can help protect against paint, mud, and other contaminants.
If you are having a Nil exposure, industrial look floor (no stone showing), we highly recommend that Ramboard be laid over the slab prior to framing work and before Concrete Polishing.
This is because a Nil exposure finish requires either no grind at all or a very shallow grind, meaning any chips, gouges, scratches or staining cannot be removed by grinding.
Please note that adhesive tapes should never be stuck directly to the concrete either before or after Concrete Polishing, as the adhesive ingredients can damage the Polished Concrete or prevent Concrete Polishing products from penetrating the slab. This can actually end up leaving ‘lines’ in the Polished Concrete.
Do Polished Concrete Floors Required A Lot Of Maintenance?
So Are Polished Concrete Floors Easy To Maintain? Yes, generally speaking, Polished Concrete Floors are relatively easy to maintain. You just have to dust mop or broom sweep daily to prevent dirt accumulation. You should also damp mop it weekly to remove smudging, scuffs, and watermarks, and restore gloss. Depending on your Polished Concrete Floor finish, you may have additional maintenance requirements.
This depends on which procedure you have done for your floor. Mechanically Polished Concrete (MPC) or Hiperfloor is generally maintenance-free for up to 10 years. After that point, your MPC or Hiperfloor will simply need a protective (penetrating) sealer reapplied.
As for a grind and seal finish, we suggest that you have these floors resealed every 4 to 7 years. This figure varies greatly because it is dependent on how the floor is treated. Some of the factors include whether you are using a pH-balanced cleaning product (which we always recommend), as well as the amount of traffic you will have over the floor.
Areas such as hallways will always have more foot traffic than bedrooms or living areas, for example. Basically, the higher the foot traffic, the more likely you might want to have your floor resealed closer to 4 years, but in a lower-traffic area, it may be fine to wait 7 years. As mentioned, using the proper pH-balanced cleaning products can also help ensure the durability and low maintenance of your floor.
Can You Polish Damaged Concrete Floors?
If you already have damaged concrete floors, you may be wondering if Polishing them can bring them back to life. Damaged concrete floors may require repairs prior to polishing. Fortunately, minor chips, cracks, and surface damage often can be repaired, making polished concrete floors a viable opportunity to save significant money instead of replacing floors prematurely.
In some cases, you may only need a joint filler or caulk to take care of minor cracks. In other cases, you may need a rigid filler or a troweled mortar to repair large areas of the floor. After this step, the floor can be re-stained and re-polished as needed.
However, for concrete flooring systems that have sustained substantial damage down to the subfloor, the best option is usually a fresh start with new concrete before Polishing.
Concrete slabs that are of poor quality or have deteriorated over time may show excessive amounts of porosity. While these slabs can be Polished, it may be more expensive to achieve an aesthetically Polished Concrete finish.
What Is The History Of Concrete Polishing Floors?
1200 BC – The oldest known form of Polished Concrete was discovered in the city of Jericho in 1200 BC, in the valley of the River Jordan. According to the Bible, Jericho fell in 1200 BC. Researchers have since discovered several layers of concrete from earlier settlements. Among the layers was a Polished Concrete Floor. The Polished Concrete Floor was discovered while bulldozing for a new motor speedway.
The Israeli archaeologist Garfinkle and retired professor Malinowski from Gothenburg in Sweden, who specialized in concrete stated that the lower part of the floor consisted of lime concrete with a thickness between 6-8 cm. He also stated the concrete was beige brown and had a very fine Polished surface.
1990s – While Polishing Marble and granite has been ongoing for several decades, Polished Concrete in its current form was discovered by accident in the 1990s. A natural stone Polishing contractor, who was starting work on a palace in Tunisia, instructed his new crew to Polish a concrete floor.
Believing they knew it was to be Polished wet as was customary with marble, granite, and natural stone, he left them alone. When he arrived several hours later to check on their progress, he realized they were dry Polishing and ordered them to stop. Upon further inspection, he had his crew continue Polishing dry after he discovered how beautiful the floor was looking.
How Long Do Concrete Polishing Floors Last?
The first Polished Concrete Floor was found in 1200 BC, Polished Concrete Floors can last hundreds, if not thousands of years. Although the condition will severely deteriorate.
Polished Concrete Floors can last up to 10 – 20 years in fantastic condition without needing any repairs or any major maintenance.
If it is appropriately installed and maintained during that time with professional concrete installation, a proactive Concrete Polishing Floors maintenance plan, and occasional deep cleaning, a Concrete Polishing Floors system can last 20 years or more with minimal hassle while staying in stunning condition.
After 20 – 25 years, it is recommended to have your Polished Concrete Floor evaluated to see if any potential repairs are required prior to maintenance.
Polished Concrete Floors are very difficult to damage and are nearly impossible to chip or scratch. A properly installed, sealed, and maintained Polished Concrete Floor can survive the harshest environments throughout the world.
Because Concrete Polishing Floors take an already durable, but porous, material and reduce the porosity of the flooring surface, Concrete Polishing Floors last significantly longer than conventional concrete flooring systems. Many conventional concrete flooring systems begin showing signs of age, chipping, fracturing, or cracking within five years or fewer depending on the application.
Grind & Sealed Concrete or Honed Concrete will last this long as well, however, will need to be re-sealed every 2-10 years depending on the amount of foot traffic and wear they receive, and what sealer has been used.
How To Clean Polished Concrete Floors?
Using a microfibre mop, you have some choices about the type of edge that you use to wash your polished concrete. At Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we recommend using a straight-edged microfibre mob as opposed to the edge with the ‘fringes’ along it.
This way, you can walk straight ahead while pushing the mop in front of you, and when you get to the end of the floor, you can swivel the mop head around and go back the other way.
We’ve found from our experience that a straight edge keeps all the dust/fibres caught on the mop, whereas fringed edges tend to drop any dust or dirt from the swivel, making it more difficult to contain the particles that you have mopped up.
Of course, please be sure to always use a pH-balanced cleaning solution and avoid any overly acidic or alkaline cleaners. There are a number of cost-effective pH-balanced cleaners available, including products from Bunnings. If you are cleaning outside Honed concrete (the non-slip ‘polished concrete’ for outdoors), we strongly recommend that you use a hose. Never use a gurney, as it pushes into the pores and can push out the grout.
Never use cleaners such as Pine-Sol, ammonia, vinegar, or bleach as they will dull, discolor, or etch Polished Concrete Floors and stained concrete floors. Ameripolish Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner is specifically designed for Polished Concrete Floors.
Is Polished Concrete Sealed Or Unsealed Concrete?
Polished concrete and sealed concrete are two different things. While they look similar, contractors will tell you they’re very different. That being said, polished concrete isn’t unsealed concrete either; it’s just a different type of finished concrete.
Polished concrete floors are attractive options in any commercial building. As stunning as they are, they can be challenging to clean or maintain if you need to be made aware of how to clean them. You can do it yourself if you’re not hiring a professional cleaner.
The best way to clean polished concrete floors is to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner, microfiber mop, and warm water. You should clean them at least once a week to prevent long-term grime from building up, and it will help you return that shine you love to your floors.
My Existing Polished Concrete Floor Needs Some Repairs. Can You Help?
Yes, we sure can! Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors can actually be repaired quite easily in small areas, and even our hybrid finish can be spot-repaired. However, when it comes to a Grind and Seal, please be aware that we will usually need to re-finish the entire area. Otherwise, if we only do part of the area, the floor is going to look very different in one spot and this may not be aesthetically appealing.
If the whole area of the Grind and Seal needs to be refinished, the process usually requires a sand back or a full Grind back and re-grout and then a re-seal. The exact process that is used will be dependent both on how deep the damage goes and the amount of time the floor has been left since dull patches first became noticeable.
In some cases, the only way to repair scratches in your Polished Concrete Floors is to regrind and repolish. This means that regrinding will take place to remove the existing Polish, which will ultimately remove the scratches. It will then be re-polished.
Is Polished Concrete Cold In Winter?
Is Polished Concrete Warm In Winter?
Polished Concrete is such an excellent insulator that it will help you retain whichever temperature you choose, in any season. As Sydney can reach both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures, this is a huge advantage and can help you save on your energy bills.
Unlike tiles or timber, which have a very small thermal mass, a concrete slab possesses a high thermal mass and its insulation is therefore excellent. Because concrete absorbs temperatures and releases them slowly if you’ve had the blinds drawn to shade the floor in summer or the air conditioner on, your floors will add coolness to your home or business throughout the evening and night.
Conversely, in winter, if you’ve had the sun on the floor or have had a fireplace going or a heater on, your Polished Concrete Floor will retain that warmth and keep you snug throughout the evening and night.
If you’ve ever had a timber floor, you know how cold it can get inside your home and how hot it can become in the summer. Polished Concrete is the best solution right across the board.
Polished Concrete Floors are no colder than tiles due to Polished Concrete being recognised as a sustainable and ‘Green’ building product the thermal mass naturally draws its temperature from the ground rather than the outside so it tends to be warmer than tiles in winter and cooler than tiles in summer.
Is It Possible To Polish A Concrete Staircase?
Yes, Regarding the steps, anything that is not able to be reached with floor machinery is done solely by hand tooling. While it is possible to Polish stairs, this is highly physical work, and production rates are lower due to the amount of stopping and starting that is required.
As a result, the process for Polishing steps is based on a different pricing structure to cover the extensive labour component, meaning it can be extremely expensive. Whether or not we can polish your stairs also depends a lot on how well the steps have been formed.
If you want to have your stairs Polished and the budget is not an issue, we’re always happy to chat with your builder or concreter. Before your stairs are poured, please reach out to us and get a quote so you’ll know how much it will cost, and then we would be happy to get in touch with your builder.
Polished Concrete Stairs are an impressive architectural feature. They provide a focus for rooms and add to the modern aesthetic concrete creates. They are an investment of time and money, though, and should be added to architectural plans at a very early stage.
While it is possible to Polish Concrete Stairs, this is highly physical work, and production rates are lower due to the amount of stopping and starting that is required.
While Polished Concrete Floors are becoming more and more popular, Polish Concrete Stairs are less often seen. Properly installed and Polished, a concrete staircase can transform the look of a building. Split-level spaces can be made to look great by connecting the Polished Concrete Floor to the upper level in a seamless way.
To install a concrete staircase formwork is created to pour the concrete into. Once the concrete has begun to harden, the surfaces are hand-trowelled. This continues the surface appearance seen on the floor. After a period of curing time, the stairs can be polished at the same time as the floor.
Should The Standard Grind And Seal Finish Be Ground Back When It’s Time To Refresh The Coating?
If you have your floor refreshed when you first start to notice areas that may look a little worn, such as in hallways and other high-traffic areas, a grind-back and reseal is probably all that will be required to refresh your floor.
However, if you leave it until the topical sealers have worn through to the concrete, then your floor may require a full regrind, re-grout, and reseal, due to having left it too long. The best time to set up services to refresh your floor is as soon as you notice that your floor is starting to look worn.
The long-term outcome is that although it is a reasonably durable finish because the sealer is a coating. Like any topical coating, it will wear away over time and eventually will require a re-grind and then resealing after approximately 5 – 7 years.
Should Polished Concrete Floors Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, however, we would not normally recommend Polished Concrete, as when wet it can be slippery. The alternative for these areas is honed concrete.
To put it as simply as possible and avoid much controversy let’s begin by saying that Honed Concrete is an outdoor type of floor and Polished Concrete is an indoor floor. Because of the difference in the treatment they look and feel different. Honed Concrete looks matt and has a grittier surface, making it suitable for outdoor spaces such as driveways, pathways, and alfresco areas. “Polished Concrete Floors” have a smoother surface and it is only suitable for indoor areas.
The reason for being limited to indoor spaces is that Polished Concrete is too slippery in wet weather conditions. The other reason is that for a polished finish to maintain its look, it would require continual maintenance and cleaning in an outdoor setting
It is not uncommon to see photos of glossy outdoor Polished Concrete Floors, some of which are a bit misleading as some water has been left floating on the surface. Outdoor Polished Concrete Floors are dangerous as well as unpractical unless the floor area is mostly covered by a roof, and not affected by the weather. Going by this, we can safely say that Honed Concrete is the best solution for outside, while Polished Concrete Floors are best for inside.
The main difference between Polished Concrete Floors and our Honed Concrete finish is their non-slip properties when they get wet. Our Honed Finish is the matching exterior finish to our indoor Polish and our outdoor Honed finish has non-slip properties that are achieved by grinding down to a less refined finish. Unlike our indoor Polished Concrete, our outdoor concrete is not actually polished at the end of all the processes. Technically, this means that outdoor concrete is not Polished Concrete, simply because it is so important for outdoor concrete to be non-slip. As a result, our Honed outdoor finish is always a matte finish.
The Honed finish lasts much longer and reduces glare on sunny days, so for an outdoor setting in Sydney, our clients almost always prefer the Honed finish to the standard Grind and Polish.
Should I Use Polished Concrete If I Have Pets?
Yes, Unlike carpeted floors that trap pet dander and fur, Polished Concrete Floors don’t harbor fleas, ticks, or mites that your pet might bring into your house. Smooth floor surfaces such as Polished Concrete Floors are simply the best flooring option for pet owners.
Polished Concrete Floors are the perfect non-toxic solution for pets (and children). Without the harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) usually found in new carpets, laminates, and some other flooring materials, you can feel confident that from the very beginning, your dog is safe to lick the floor clean of food spills!
Even natural hardwood flooring can cause problems, as polyurethane sealers emit volatile organic compounds. VOCs are linked to respiratory disease and certain cancers. Simply put, a polished concrete floor does not release VOCs that can be harmful to you or your pets.
Because Polished Concrete Flooring is monolithic—meaning there are no seams, there’s no place for dander to get trapped. Frequently vacuuming Polished Concrete surfaces will create a hypoallergenic environment for you and your pets.
There is honestly not a better floor choice than polished concrete for your family pets, whether you have dogs, cats, birds, or the more exotic kind of animals. Because Polished Concrete Floors are such a hard surface with no topical coatings, it is extremely difficult to scratch, so you won’t have to worry about sharp claws or beaks scraping up the floor.
Maybe even more importantly, Polished Concrete Floors do not retain smells, so you can keep your home fresh and fragrance-free. Another bonus of Polished Concrete Floors for pet lovers is that it is very easy to clean with just hot water, so it is extremely convenient for a home with animals.
Thanks to its smooth surface, Polished Concrete Floors also has no grooves or areas that can catch and hold fur, hair, or dander. That means that those who have severe hay fever and allergy sufferers will have a much better time living with pets.
Not only that, but your fur baby will also love your Polished Concrete Floors in both summer AND winter. Thanks to the natural insulation properties of concrete floors, your pets can enjoy every temperature they need from laying on the floor, whether they’re looking for extra warmth in our Sydney winters or added coolness in the summer.
When Is The Best Time To Polish Concrete If I Have An Old Or Existing Slab Or I’m Renovating?
If you have an old concrete slab the best time to polish the concrete is after the removal of carpet, tiles, timber, vinyl, or other existing floor covering or coatings, We then come in and do an initial grind to remove any screed, glue, or other residues and coatings. Once this is done, we can then proceed to the Concrete Polishing Floors process.
A concrete floor can be polished after the demolition process and covered with a protective board or after new walls are built towards the end of construction. The critical factors for concrete polishing during a remodel are the availability of power, lights, water, and other essentials.
As the Grinding and Polishing machines are up to 450kg or more, they can’t fit under low heights, so we’d highly recommend removing skirting boards, cabinetry kickboards, toilets, or other low fixtures, especially if you’re in a small space, and if If you’re actually renovating and replacing cabinetry altogether, then it is best to wait until all the cabinets are out because that is an ideal is the best time to have the Concrete Polishing Floors done.
We encourage caution when renovating because working up to finished edges always carries a small chance of damage to the skirtings, walls, and even the paint. This is because, the machines are large and can occasionally ‘grab’ onto an area of concrete, moving unexpectedly into walls. Thus, the ideal time to have Polishing done is when the existing floor covering has been removed and low fixtures or cabinetry are out of the way.
When Is The Best Time To Polish Concrete If I Have A New Slab?
We recommend that you get in touch with us as soon as you can. We like to give the Concrete will take approximately 28 days to cure before we can begin Concrete Grinding. The curing period is very important to develop both the strength and durability of the concrete.
Also, when concrete is cured properly, it has a sufficient level of moisture to keep it from drying out, better volume stability, and increased resistance to thawing, freezing, abrasion, and scaling. The curing process cannot be rushed — especially in Sydney, with its varied weather. That is why we like to set aside 28 days to ensure the best quality for your concrete.
After the concrete has cured, there are two options: We can either complete the Polishing in two separate stages or all at once or in two stages. If we do the procedure in two stages, we come in and perform the initial grind and grout, before the frame is erected.
Afterward, We put down a protective sealer to assist in protecting help protect the floor from staining during the rest of the build. Then, just before the plaster is put up, we come back to remove the coating and Polish up the floor once again.
Otherwise, the option is to do the Concrete Floor Polishing all in one hit, at one time, once the build is watertight. This is usually at the lockup stage —,i.e. when the outer walls are up and the roof is on. And, if needed, we’re happy to return and do a final buff once the rest of the build is complete.
So What Is Mechanically Polished Concrete?
Mechanically Polished Concrete (MPC) is a process that takes abrasives (diamonds) and mechanically places scratches in the concrete. This scratching process continues, using finer grit abrasives to remove and replace the scratches with smaller and smaller micro scratches.
The objective is to refine the floor and take away the small scratches so that you see a reflection on the floor. This process is used with a chemical that helps densify the floor to its maximum hardness. This process can be achieved with older concrete, new concrete, and/or coated concrete. The process is always the same in terms of scratches to the floor and refining the concrete into a harder, denser product.
The mechanically polished concrete process is considered to be the maximum refinement method and is the best long-term solution for polished concrete.
With the floor at its maximum refinement, the peaks of the scratches cannot break off and distort the finish of the slab. The process will also reduce dirt and debris from getting trapped between scratches and make it much easier to clean the floor – and keep it clean.
This method, comparable to using sandpaper, allows the crew to create the desired shine and smoothness. It begins with coarse diamond segments, bonded in a metallic matrix. Just like sandpaper, these segments remove minor pits, blemishes, stains, and light coatings from the floor.
Mechanically Polished Concrete (MPC) involves high levels of craftsmanship and technological processes to deliver amazing-looking floor surfaces that have been Polished and buffed to the point where they shine. Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors harden the concrete by a factor of up to ten times, making the floor surface extremely durable as well as looking fantastic.
It is a unique installation that involves Grinding, Honing, and Polishing a surface using diamond-bonded abrasives before applying a chemical hardener to densify the concrete. It’s only one kind of technique but it is slowly becoming the most popular. It comes with a couple of benefits that you can enjoy for a lifetime, but we’ll explain all that and more right here.
Mechanically Polished Concrete is a process that is generally suitable for indoor flooring surfaces only.
There are a couple of big-name brands when it comes to Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors that some people will be familiar with like the term Hiperfloor or Superfloor. Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney offers both systems as well as a less expensive alternative in the Mechanically Polished C0ncrete range.
All of the above systems/processes are very involved and demonstrate concrete at their absolute best! True Polished Concrete is worth the extra money that it costs upfront because you have very little in the way of maintenance over the life of the floor – in fact, it ends up being the cheapest flooring solution available on the market when you look at it over a 20-year cycle, as there is no topical coating that can wear away and therefore there is no need for re-coating every few years.
Along with value for money, it is also a healthier option as the floor is so well refined that it will not support the growth of toxic mould or dust mites, which is great for asthma or other allergy sufferers. Mechanically Polished Concrete brings together beauty, functionality, and strength and it is easy to clean and maintain! It is also an environmentally sensible option as it makes use of the existing slab and minimises waste, and due to the reflective properties of the floor, you can reduce your lighting requirements.
What Colour Polished Concrete Can I Have?
Can you choose the colour of the Polished Concrete? If you want to polish the concrete of an existing slab then you are usually limited to whatever is already in the concrete. Your only real option, if you don’t like the colour or the cement and aggregate, is to put a colour dye over the top.
If you are pouring a new slab, then you can indeed choose the colour of the aggregate (stone), sand and cement. Keep in mind that Colour mixes are generally more expensive than standard grey mixes.
At Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we do not pour concrete, but if you have the budget for a colour mix and want a specific colour for your Polished Concrete, let us know and we will be happy to discuss where you can find available options around Sydney areas.
If you already have an existing slab, as the concrete is already there the colour of your finish is 100% dependent upon the colour of the concrete mix, i.e. the aggregate within the concrete and the sand that was used in the mix. These can vary throughout Sydney areas.
It is possible to add a colour dye to the top of your existing concrete if you don’t like the colour, but colour dyes are not UV stable, meaning that they will fade when exposed to sunlight. Because many concrete colour dyes contain solvents like acetone, applying these dyes can actually be dangerous and carries a risk of flash fire.
Concrete stains are another option that some companies add on top, but they also have disadvantages, such as the fact that they can wear off or wash off from water, and they are chemically reactive with the concrete, so the outcome can be difficult to predict. Due to how difficult it is to predict the results, at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we do not offer colouring of any kind for existing slabs.
What Are Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Floors?
Can I Expose Aggregate In My Concrete Floors? — Yes, aggregates are combined into the concrete mix upon pouring the concrete slab. Exposed Aggregate is generally 3mm underneath the concrete. The aggregate can be revealed by using a Concrete Grinder.
“Exposed Aggregate” refers to the process of uncovering the aggregate, or the large stones or other material, that is mixed in with the concrete. Exposing it makes the surface more textured, and it creates a different look than the typical, flat, gray slab of most concrete surfaces. With Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Floors, you can see aggregate, which is small rocks on the floor but is sealed and shiny.
Once happy with the level of stone coverage, especially with how the stones are spread out, you can proceed to grind the concrete to a point where it Exposes The Aggregates further if required. Once the desired level of finish has been attained, the floors are then Polished to achieve a perfect finish.
What Are The Best Areas To Use Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Floors?
If you love Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Floors but aren’t sure where it is suitable, below are some of the best places to install Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Floors.
– Healthcare facilities
– Recreational centers
– Government facilities
– Commercial offices
– Grocery stores
– Warehouses
– Parking garages
– Churches
– Auto dealerships
– Restaurants
– Retail stores
– Schools
– Showrooms
– Auto service centers
– Residential Properties
Are Polished Concrete Floors Waterproof?
Yes — Polished Concrete Floors are installed using a grind and seal process that gives them a protective, shiny, and reflective surface. This surface is resistant to moisture, and this makes the flooring waterproof and makes it last longer. This is why Polished Concrete Floors is famous in regions that experience rain often.
Having waterproof concrete is more than a safety issue. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause several types of problems. Polished Concrete Floors will be watertight so no water penetrates into the concrete.
A grind and seal are critical tools for ensuring that your Polished Concrete Floors do not crack or otherwise become compromised.
Beyond the densifiers used in the installation process, installers can increase polished concrete’s waterproofing by adding material.
This involves installing two thinner slabs after surface preparation and can lead to even better protection for your floor. Installers lay concrete overlays that function as a foundation.
Once it has cured, a waterproof membrane goes down before a second slab gets poured.
This second slab—the visible one—gets the densifiers worked into it and undergoes polishing so that the final product looks the way the customer wants it to look.
Can You Damage Polished Concrete Floors?
Yes, but it is very hard! — It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch a Polished Concrete Floor. A properly installed, sealed, and maintained Polished Concrete Floor can be expected to last a hundred years or more in even the harshest commercial environments.
As with every type of flooring, Polished Concrete Floors can be damaged if heavy objects are dropped on them. It is also possible to scuff and scratch Polished Concrete by dragging things across the surface. Polished Concrete Floors are one of the most durable materials, and it is tough to scratch or damage the surface of a Polished Concrete Floor that has been correctly installed and maintained.
Damage generally happens when people do not address spills immediately, and this can result in staining that will require a professional Concrete Polishing specialist to resolve. There are a few other things that can cause damage to the Polished Concrete Floor that may require a professional’s attention. Tape adhesive can damage Polished Concrete Floors, especially if left on the floor for an extended period.
Spilled paint and drywall mix can also mar the surface of your Polished Concrete Floor. You should complete any renovations very carefully. Grease and oil can also result in a concrete stain if not cleaned immediately.
It is essential to clean any materials off your Polished Concrete Floor immediately to avoid staining. There are specific cleaning products and chemicals that you can use to help with certain stains.
Polished Concrete Floors are durable and strong and can withstand the heavy foot traffic typical in any residential and commercial space. It is resistant to scratches and dents. Considering these floors can last up to a hundred years or more! their durability is phenomenal. Add to that the affordability of Polished Concrete Floors, and you are looking at an investment that will pay you dividends for many years.
Are Lights Good For Polished Concrete Floors?
Yes, Just like a fresh coat of white paint it will lighten the walls and the room, Polished Concrete Floors will also effectively reflect light and notably brighten the room. Natural light, light from lamps, and overhead globes will reflect off the polished surface and lift the ambiance of the entire space.
If you choose Polished Concrete Floors for your residence or commercial space, be ready to have very good lighting inside. The smooth and shiny surface will absorb the light and illuminate the rooms by 30%.
Its natural reflective properties also help to reduce energy costs by reflecting light instead of absorbing it like traditional carpet or tile. Polished Concrete will add a modern look to any room and is durable enough to withstand heavy traffic.
Thanks to their gloss and sheen, light-colored Polished Concrete Floors can amplify incoming natural light during the day while reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings.
Can I Pick The Colour Of My Polished Concrete Floors?
Yes, If you are laying down a new concrete slab, you can choose the colour and there are plenty of aggregate colours, minerals, types, and sizes to choose from for your topping mix. This is also something that you would need to discuss with your concrete supplier.
Keep in mind that Colour mixes are generally more expensive than standard grey mixes. You are able to choose different stones and aggregates for a unique finish. The colour of the concrete can also be chosen. The number of different colours, stones, and aggregates is endless.
At Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we do not pour concrete, but if you have the budget for a colour mix and want a specific colour for your polished concrete, let us know and we will be happy to discuss where you can find available options around the Sydney areas.
If you already have an existing slab, as the concrete is already there the colour of your finish is 100% dependent upon the colour of the concrete mix, i.e. the aggregate within the concrete and the sand that was used in the mix. These can vary throughout the Sydney areas.
It is possible to add a colour dye to the top of your existing concrete if you don’t like the colour, but colour dyes are not UV stable, meaning that they will fade when exposed to sunlight. Because many concrete colour dyes contain solvents like acetone, applying these dyes can actually be dangerous and carries a risk of flash fire.
Concrete stains are another option that some companies add on top, but they also have disadvantages, such as the fact that they can wear off or wash off from water, and they are chemically reactive with the concrete, so the outcome can be difficult to predict. Due to how difficult it is to predict the results, at Concrete Polishing Floors, we do not offer colouring of any kind for existing slabs.
Your only real option, if you don’t like the colour or the cement and aggregate, is to put a colour dye over the top. If you are pouring a new slab you can choose the colour of your cement and the colour of your stone (aggregate) from a number of concrete suppliers.
What Not To Put On A Polished Concrete Floor?
If you want a clean, polished concrete floor, there are specific cleaners that you’ll want to avoid. Using harsh chemicals and certain cleaners can damage the floor, dull the shine further, and even discolor the polished concrete. Some of the things you don’t want to use on your polished concrete flooring include:
-
- Vinegar
- Windex
- Swiffer products
- Ammonia
- Pine-Sol
- Bleach
These are some of the cleaning supplies you need to avoid when cleaning polished concrete, but anything with similar ingredients needs to be avoided if you want to maintain your beautiful flooring.
So What Sealer Is Best For Polished Concrete Floors?
Most jobs use a water-based sealant. The different range of water-based sealers makes them very effective for polished concrete in a large range of different situations. Their nano-sized polymers penetrate deep into the substrate and form an acrylic co-polymer matrix throughout the top layers of the concrete. There are a large number of different options though, so this is just one of the options that is commonly used.
Is Honed Concrete Or Polished Concrete Better For Outside Areas?
For outdoor flooring projects, we recommend using Honed Concrete due to its durability, affordability, and slip resistance. If you want luxurious indoor flooring that screams sophistication all around, then polished concrete is definitely a great choice. The only considerations left are the cost and maintenance. Honed Concrete is ideal for driveways, outdoor areas, concrete around your pool, etc.
Our Honed Concrete Finish is definitely the one we would recommend for an outdoor pool area. This finish feels satiny under bare feet yet is also non-slip, no matter how wet the surface. This will help you ensure that your pool area is safe and not too slippery but also feels comfortable under your toes.
Our Honed Concrete Finish also looks upmarket for a sophisticated appearance, and it also has penetrative sealers that make it long-lasting, durable, and impervious to UV rays. Another reason our Honed Concrete Finish is a great choice is that it is extremely low maintenance. In fact, this finish requires so little maintenance and lasts for so many years that you’ll probably forget what it was you had done! (Just keep your invoice so you can recall)
So Why Does The Slab Need 28 Days To Cure Before Concrete Polishing?
The 28-day curing time is standard in the concrete industry and comes into play on almost every project. “Wait for 28 days before application” or “Concrete requires a 28-day cure before this or that can take place” — including the application of most decorative sealers, coatings, stains, toppings, or polished concrete — is a common tagline. That is because the concrete needs to have a certain strength, or is there something else going on?
The 28-day standard comes from decades of testing that determined concrete achieves 99% of its strength in 28 days. The American Concrete Institute, ASTM International, and Portland Cement Association all reference the 28-day time frame as the accepted standard for measuring compressive strength. Really, it’s an arbitrary number based on concrete cylinder tests.
It’s also important because it sets a standard and establishes consistency in testing. Mix design and curing conditions have more to do with strength than a set number of days. According to “The 28-Day Myth” published by the National Precast Concrete Association, it’s estimated that concrete reaches 75% of this 28-day compressive strength in seven days, and its strength will remain stable or even increase over time.
Use a Type III-high early cement in your mix and you can achieve 3,000 psi concrete in 24 hours. Most ASTM testing lists a 24-hour, 7-day, and 28-day time frame. All three are important milestones and provide information on how materials are performing compared to a standard.
If anyone tries to Polish Concrete Floors before the 28-day curing period has elapsed, it’s possible to damage the slab when grinding or to instantly achieve a much fuller exposure than you would like. There are some contractors who only wait a week or two, but we’ve seen areas of concrete that have been ‘ripped up’ by premature grinding.
In some cases, it is possible to grind a slab after 21 days instead of 28 days, and we can assess that on a case-by-case basis. However, we normally recommend the full 28 days to ensure proper curing. We are aware that some contractors are willing to grind a slab after 14 days or even sooner, but we view this as extremely risky.
Being a company that guarantees the high quality of our work, at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we don’t like to take any chances with your slab. After all, concrete slabs are the valuable foundation of your new home or premises, and we truly believe you will find that the 28 days are worth the wait.
– Technically, most commercial concrete is strong enough to be polished just three days after pouring.
As a general rule, the concrete should be cured for 28 days before we actually arrive to do the Polish. Then we can do the Polish all at once, or in 2 stages. If we are to do the procedure all at once, we do the floors after the frame is up and the internals are watertight.
– However, that doesn’t mean you should jump the gun and do it that soon. Part of the polishing process is using a densifier to make sure the slab is hard and dense enough for the grinding and polishing process.
If we need to do it in 2 stages, it requires us to do an initial grind and grout prior to the frame being erected and a protective coating being placed over the floor until works have been completed or just before the plaster. We then remove the protective coating and Polish up the floor. It is much better for everyone if we come in after the frame is up, but before the skirting and plaster gets done.
Why Does Our Concrete Polishing Floors Team Wait 28 Days?
We prefer to wait 28 days because that is how long it takes for the concrete to cure properly. We want to ensure we give your floor the very best, cleanest, and sharpest finish possible, which is why it is essential to give concrete the full 4 weeks to cure.
It’s best to wait 28 days as it’s possible to damage the slab when grinding as you may instantly achieve a much fuller exposure than you would like.
We are extremely focused on ensuring exceptional quality in every stage of our work, and that is why we purchase all of our grinding tools, diamonds, and equipment from top-quality Australian suppliers.
We only use products made with the hardest materials to ensure that we can use them to grind into cured concrete of all mpa strengths. While some companies only wait a week, choose to Polish earlier when the concrete is still soft, and purchase cheaper equipment that can only handle softer concrete, this kind of practice can put the floor at risk. Softer floors will be less resistant to damage and will have less durability.
Thus, while the 28-day period requires us to wait a little while, the results are worth the wait. At Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we never put our clients’ slabs at risk and we only like to deliver the very best finish available.
Can A Floor Be Polished If My Concrete Slab Has Chips, Holes, or Cracks?
Yes, Holes and chips can be filled in with epoxy or cement depending on the size of the hole or chip. Our patches can be colour matched to the finish floor so that it is not an eye sore or trip hazard. We can also grout our floors to fill in small holes and Cracks. This is achieved by using a special grout system that we have created to help cover any minor issues you are unsatisfied with.
It is completely normal to have movement Cracks in your indoor or outdoor concrete slab. Concrete is always moving. Many of our customers are happy to live with the Cracks since Polished Concrete is a natural industrial look. It is timeless and seamless and creates its own story by how it has been laid or has lived for many years.
Patching Polished ConcreteFloors that are chipped must be cleaned and colour matching by using a polyurethane or epoxy patching material. This is applied over a few coats, with the patch allowed to dry between coats
You can Polish an old concrete floor that has Cracks in it because most of the time they are not very deep. Before an old floor can be Polished it has to get a Concrete Grinding service and this will reduce the height of any Cracks with most of them being removed.
We can prepare the concrete slab by conducting a light surface grind to level the surface and remove any dirt, dust, and debris that might affect the quality of the Concrete Polishing applied above it. This is also a good move if the existing slab has been damaged by water or rain or if it has been poorly poured
From Crack width and depth to type and cause, the various factor combinations can help determine the best course of action for repair. Understanding the cause of the Cracks is critical to prevent the concrete from cracking again.
Where Is Polished Concrete Used?
Polished Concrete Floors are commonly used in commercial spaces because of their durability and low maintenance. Although it does work everywhere, from residential homes to modern restaurants or hospitals.
Polished Concrete can be used in a large range of areas and facilities, In this blog post, we are going to go over the most common areas in which Polished Concrete Floors are used.
View the list below of where Polished Concrete is often used:
– Supermarkets
– Schools & University
– Offices
– Retail and Shopping centres
– Hospital and Medical Facilities
– Cool Rooms
– Kitchens
– Hospital Venues
– Bars and Pubs
– Gyms
– Showrooms
– Cafes and Restaurants
– Workshops
– Factories
– Storage Facilities
– Residential Properties
– Commercial Properties
– Industrial Properties
Will Polished Concrete Floors Crack?
Unfortunately, Yes — Keep in mind that all concrete floors will crack, whether Polished, coated, or untreated. Polished Concrete Floors are more susceptible to cracking. Concrete floors can crack due to various reasons, such as:
– Temperature fluctuations
– Poor installation
– Excessive weight or pressure on the surface
– Poor Drainage
– Soil Movement
– Improper Curing
– Thermal Stress
Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of the floor and allow moisture to seep in, leading to further damage. Without adequate reinforcement, even small levels of movement can cause cracks to appear on the surface of your concrete.
Concrete is the most common material used in construction. Many people use it because it is cheap, strong, durable, and flexible. Sometimes concrete can be rough and uneven when used on the floors, forcing people to Grind and Polish them.
Since concrete is such a strong material, you may be wondering, why Polished Concrete Floors Crack?
Ways To Protect Your Polished Concrete Floors
There are several ways you can protect your Polished Concrete Floors to ensure they do not crack easily. They include:
- Cleaning the polished concrete floors: It may seem basic, but cleaning your concrete floors aids in increasing their longevity. Most importantly, clean these floors immediately after you spill strong chemicals.
- Install a temperature control system: Having such a system in your warehouse is essential as it will control indoor temperature. The system will maintain your warehouse, retail store, or commercial space at a constant temperature.
- Hiring professional concrete contractors: Hiring trained experts ensures the concrete installation process is smooth. These professionals will ensure the concrete is mixed accordingly to prevent cracks in the future.
- Avoid dragging equipment: Do not drag heavy machinery into your warehouse or retail store to avoid pushing the concrete beyond its limits. Carry these machines from one point to another and for the heavy ones, use a forklift.
- Repair small cracks immediately: This tip applies when you notice a small crack in the Polished Concrete. While many small cracks may be harmless, some cracks can turn into more serious problems. Repair these Cracks immediately since they are susceptible to water seepage, causing the floors to expand and contract, which worsens the Cracks.
Click here to learn more about Concrete Crack Repairs
How Do You Seal A Polished Concrete Floor?
Here are some tips to follow before sealing polished concrete.
1) First, you should apply concrete sealer when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is below 80 percent.
2) Before applying the sealer, ensure the floor is clean and dry. If there is any paint on the surface, you should grind it away.
3) Avoid using concrete sealer in direct sunlight. It can cause the sealer to dry too quickly, resulting in an uneven finish. It will also cause the sealant to wear out more rapidly in those areas.
4) Cover windows and doors to prevent sunlight from coming into the room.
5) Also, wear protective clothing to avoid getting the sealer on your skin or your eyes.
6) Remember that a solvent-based sealer or an acrylic sealer will require two coats. A penetrating sealer will only need one coat.
7) Avoid applying too much sealer because it can cause the sealer to pool on the surface of the concrete and form a thick, glossy film. It can make the floor difficult to clean and cause the sealer to peel.
To seal a polished concrete floor, first, clean the floor with a vacuum and broom. Then, apply the sealer to the floor with a roller or brush. Rolling is the best way to apply concrete sealer because it provides even coverage. Spraying also works, but it is more difficult to control the amount of sealer used. Allow the sealer to cure for the recommended time before walking on the floor.
Should You Seal Your Polished Concrete Floors?
Yes, you should — Sealing Polished Concrete is not mandatory. However, it can help to protect the floor from stains and dirt. Sealing also makes it easier to clean the floor. If you decide to seal your floor, you’ll need to reapply the sealer every few years to maintain the protection.
You should seal your concrete floors as it increases the floor’s longevity. Applying a concrete sealer is imperative because it boosts the floor’s lifespan as Polished Concrete Floors are porous.
The first step of the sealing process is surface preparation. It entails cleaning your Polished Concrete Floors to remove dust and dirt. Use a pH-neutral cleaner in this step.
The second step involves applying the sealer. Make sure the protective floor coating is evenly applied on the floors, and use a clean cloth to spread the sealer and even it.
The final step is to leave the sealant to dry.
When Should You Not Seal Your Concrete Floors
There are instances when you should not seal concrete. One example is when the concrete is new. Concrete needs to be cured for one month before applying sealant.
Another instance when you should not seal concrete is if the floor is in poor condition. If the floor is cracked or damaged, sealing it will not repair it. In fact, sealing a cracked floor can make the problem worse.
If you need clarification about whether or not you should seal your concrete floor, it’s best to consult a professional.
What You Need To Know About Concrete Polishing Floors
Concrete Polishing Floors are extensively used because the concrete beneath your old flooring system can be rough and uneven Concrete Grinding and Concrete Polishing will always produce a large amount of very hazardous dust, which is why specialized equipment is needed to reduce the risk and damage to your health as well as the workspace. Our team uses the highest quality personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as the highest quality dust extraction equipment to offer near Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors.
Our team of Dust-Free Concrete Grinding and Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors team has years of experience in Dust-Free Concrete Grinding and Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Floors. We use high-quality, safety equipment and specialized tools to get the best results when completing the task of Polishing Concrete Floors.
Concrete Grinding is usually carried out by large floor grinding machines that have diamond-encrusted cup wheels installed on a spinning disc. These diamonds make contact with the concrete at high speeds and gradually grind down the concrete.
There are many different types of diamond cup wheels, which will have various effects. Generally, cup wheels are measured in grits. The higher the grit ratio the finer the finish it will leave on the concrete. For a more Polished Concrete Floor effect, a cup wheel with a high grit ratio would be used.
How Do You Get The Shine Back On Your Polished Concrete Floor?
Most of the time, your beautiful polished concrete flooring lacks shine, and it’s dirty with dirt, dust, and other debris. It would help if you always sweep or vacuum before cleaning to remove the debris and not spread it further. The best way to get the shine back on your flooring is to use a microfiber mop and one of the best cleaning agents.
What Are The Advantages Of Concrete Polishing Floors
Concrete Polishing Floors has become wildly popular recently and for a good reason. It comes with a host of benefits that are enticing people to get it done. Here are the top 10 reasons to consider Concrete Polishing Floors for your next project!
– Slip resistance
– Reflectivity
– Affordable
– Cost-effective
– Enjoy stunning polished concrete flooring
– Leed friendly
– Aesthetics
– Eliminate dusting from floors
– Hypoallergenic flooring
– Reflective
– Increases slab longevity
– It prevents dust from efflorescence
– Reduces tyre wear
– Variety of styles
– Versatile
– Benefits of concrete polishing
– Cost savings
– Design
– Economical compared to other flooring choices
– Lasting
– Minimal disruption to operations
– Eliminate Dusting from Efflorescence
When it comes to concrete that is ordinarily Polished Concrete Floors, tiny dust particles are generally pushed to the surface via an upward force. This upward force is known as hydrostatic pressure, which results in efflorescence. This generally results in dusting that forces the epoxies off of their surface which is made up of the concrete floor. This can make the entire process of maintenance quite costly. Concrete Polished Floors are an excellent solution to these kinds of issues.
– Stain-Resistant
By sealing and densifying the surface, Polishing Concrete Floors can easily transform any kind of porous concrete floor into a floor that is quite tightened and dense enough to repel oil, water as well and other contaminants. This prevents all sorts of contaminants from penetrating the surface and hence, ensures a stain-free floor at all times.
– Enhanced Ambient Lighting and Reflectivity
Concrete Polishing Floors also ensure that the floor has reflective properties. This enhances the lighting of the floor in different facilities. In addition to that, increased ambient lighting also helps in reducing energy bills in addition to offering a beautiful look.
– Increased Slip Resistance
It is also important to mention here that Polished Concrete Floors are super shiny. Yet, it does not lead to a slippery floor. On the contrary, it is loaded with the benefits of flattening the floor by Mechanically Grinding it. All this increases the overall coefficient of friction as compared to any other ordinary concrete. It is also necessary to note that Polished Concrete Floors are said to exceed the OSHA standards for floors.
– Less Maintenance
In addition to that, it is common knowledge that most floor systems such as linoleum and tile need aggressive scrubbing in order to ensure a clean environment as well as a nice appearance. Moreover, Polished Concrete Floors are usually tightly compacted. This helps in reducing stains and fewer requirements for stripping or waxing the floors in order to maintain their sheen.
– Cost Effective
Concrete Polishing Floors are also ideal as they help in reducing energy as well as the maintenance costs associated with it substantially. This is done via ambient lighting and reflectivity; reduced tire wear as well as a reduction in upkeep like waxing and stripping.
– LEED-Friendly
Concrete Polished Floors uses the existing concrete surfaces and eliminates all the additional materials like coatings and coverings. This helps in making buildings sustainable. In addition to that, typically, it contains no noticeable VOCs. Hence, it is friendly to be used in any kind of USBG LEED project.
– No Plant/Production Shutdowns (Mechanical Polish)
Through time as concrete ages, delamination, surface stress, and other problems such as curled cold joints can pop up. Mechanically Grinding the floor helps in removing the old concrete’s top surface and polishing only strengthens it. Therefore, it increases the impact of the floor and also makes it abrasion-resistant.
– Reduced Tire Wear
The uneven and rough texture of natural concrete results in abrasion to the tires, which adds to their wear. Therefore, a Polished Concrete Floor helps in Floor Leveling the joints as well as making the entire surface super smooth. This prevents further abrasion of the floor.
– Improved Condition of Old Floors
Polished Concrete Floors that have been mechanically dried can be used immediately once the process is finished. Also, the process is extremely clean and devoid of all hazardous and toxic chemicals.
– Versatile With Its Range Of Finishes
Polished Concrete Floors have a large range of finishes for different aggregate exposure levels from NIL all the way to Full Exposure. Polished Concrete Floors also have different levels of glossy finishes depending on the finish you have requested. All the way from a Satin Finish to a High Gloss Finish.
Variations In Polished Concrete Floors
– Aggregate Exposure: The amount of aggregate exposed can significantly affect the appearance. Aggregate is not always symmetrical on the floor.
– Concrete Mix: The composition of the concrete mix can vary from one batch to another, leading to differences in colour and texture. Pouring a fresh concrete slab is sometimes the only way to bypass this issue.
– Different Aggregates: Different concrete slabs will alter the look of your polished concrete, It is important to understand what aggregate you have in your concrete before picking a colour, unless you are planning to pour a new slab and have discussed this already with your builder/concreter.
– Surface Imperfections: Polished concrete can be affected by any existing imperfections on the concrete. Cracks, blemishes, or irregularities in the concrete can also affect the final appearance.
– Polishing Process: The polishing process itself can be adjusted to achieve different levels of sheen and reflectivity. The choice of polishing pads, the number of polishing passes, and the use of chemical treatments can all influence the final appearance.
– Dye or Stain: Many polished concrete floors are enhanced with dyes or stains to achieve specific colours or patterns. The type and application of these colouring agents can lead to variations in the appearance.
– Environmental Factors: The environment in which the concrete is poured and cured can impact its final appearance. Temperature, humidity, rain, and other conditions can affect how the concrete sets and cures, which can result in variations in colour and texture.
Did You Know We Also Specialise In Concrete Grinding?
Here at Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney, we specalise in the removal of every single type of Concrete Polishing services you can imagine, including Honed Concrete, Grind and Sealed Concrete, and Polished Concrete. We are ranked #1 in Sydney for Concrete Polishing Floors.
We offer Dust-Free a massive range of Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding services. From small to large projects our team can meet all of your needs, while still maintaining the most competitive prices in Sydney.
Here at Concrete Polishing Sydney We Educate Our Clients
Unlike our competitors, here at Concrete Polishing Sydney we actually provide information for our clients to ensure they understand the process and pricing and to ensure there are no unexpected surprises. We have more content on our website, our service pages, and blog posts than any other company in Sydney.
We are Sydney’s largest Concrete Polishing company that completes tens of thousands of square metres of Concrete Polishing projects every year and is trusted by the largest of companies and STRATAs throughout Sydney.
Is There Magnesite Flooring In Your Property?
If your home was built in the 1920s – 1980s, it is likely that your home (Especially unit blocks in NSW) could potentially have Magnesite Flooring. Magnesite is present below a flooring system such as carpet. Magnesite is a product used as a noise preventative and a Floor Levelling agent.
Magnesite Flooring absorbs moisture (particularly in areas prone to moisture such as external walls, doorways, around shower recesses, near windows, laundries, etc.) Unfortunately, once Magnesite Flooring absorbs moisture it starts a chemical reaction that will cause Concrete Cancer over long periods of time.
Because your Magnesite Flooring was laid 40 – 100 years ago, it is likely that it has absorbed moisture over the many decades that it has been trapped under your flooring system and it has most likely started to break down and lose its strength making it an unsuitable Floor Levelling product that it once was, as well as very hollow, which destroys its soundproofing.
The best thing you can do to prevent further damage to your property and the concrete slab is to remove it ASAP. Magnesite Flooring consists of Magnesium Oxychloride, which may contain asbestos.
Since it is a health hazard and a major safety risk in NSW, if you remove your flooring system and find out there is Magnesite under it.
YOU MUST remove your Magnesite Flooring for the safety of you and everyone else in your unit block.
Strata may pay to remove your Magnesite Flooring as it is considered “Common property”. Magnesite Flooring can cause Concrete Cancer which is a major risk to everyone’s safety as well as the successful reinstallation of your new flooring system.
NO company will give you any form of warranty or insurance on any flooring installation job on a magnesite floor, which is another reason why it should always be removed.
Click Here To View Our Magnesite Flooring Removal Page
Where Can We Polish Concrete?
Here at Concrete Polishing Sydney we specialise in Concrete Polishing in ANY location. We Polish Concrete in:
– Residential Properties
– Commercial Properties
– Industrial Properties
– STRATA Properties
– Government Properties
– Retail Locations & Outlets
– Any Unit Block / High Rise / Apartment
– As well as any other location required!
How Long Does Concrete Polishing Take?
Most Concrete Polishing jobs can be completed within 1-2 days (depending on the size of the job and service required)
Jobs that are 0 – 250 square metres will generally be completed in 1 – 7 DAYS or more
Jobs that are 250 – 1,000 square metres or more will generally be completed in 1 – 3 WEEKS or more
Jobs that are 1,000 – 30,000 square metres or more will generally be completed over 1 – 2 MONTHS or more
Jobs that are 30,000 – 100,000 square metres or more will generally be completed over 3 MONTHS or more
Jobs that are 100,000 – 500,000 square metres or more will generally be completed over 3 – 6 MONTHS or more
Depending on the area, the level of Polished Concrete that you are trying to achieve, and the obstacles on the job that we will face will dictate the time it takes to Polishing Concrete Floors. The process can take upwards of 1 to 4 days. However, you can use the surface immediately after the Concrete Polishing has been completed.
Although for larger projects with larger teams and bigger machines, we can often tackle larger projects in shorter periods of time. In big and open areas, we can use big machines while in small areas we must use small machines such as hand grinders. Polishing Concrete Floors in small areas or tight spaces is a slower process. The total size of your space is another factor to consider.
If you want to see the full stone or have a high gloss finish, this takes longer as well. Generally, for a new build of 100m2 or more, it is best to allow 2 – 6 days or more. It might seem more practical to want the shortest possible timeframe, but you do not want to be in a situation where workers have to rush and skip through steps in order to complete the project on a tight deadline.
At Polished Concrete Floors Sydney, we’re willing to invest a little more time and effort to ensure we work with more precision, quality, and attention to detail, enabling us to deliver a top-quality finish on new or existing concrete. The extra time is truly worth the wait when you see the quality and longevity of the finished result.
Is Concrete Polishing Dangerous?
Yes, Concrete Polishing is dangerous.
Concrete Polishing without the correct PPE and power tools/equipment will create a harmful silica dust environment, it’s also possible to be injured by tools as well as injured from the Concrete Polishing process.
– SERIOUS INJURIES: Tiny pieces of concrete may go flying in the air during the Concrete Grinding process, This can accidentally hit your eye causing serious damage if not blindness. While it’s easy to look up a guide on what tools to use, injuries often occur from a lack of knowledge of how to use these tools safely. Concrete Grinders and Concrete Polishers are also extremely dangerous and can easily slice through body parts or cause serious injuries.
– ACCIDENTAL CUTS: Accidental cuts may be severe, they often occur from a lack of knowledge and lack of PPE, Concrete Grinding and Concrete Polishing equipment uses extremely sharp and fast spinning discs that can easily slice through a finger in less than a second.
– ACCIDENTAL INJURIES: It’s easy to look up a guide on what tools to use, but injuries often occur from a lack of knowledge of how to use these tools safely.
– PERMANENT LUNG DAMAGE: Inhaling dangerous silica dust by not using the correct PPE and Dust Extractors can be deadly.
The longer silicosis goes without treatment, the more likely it is to develop a complication. Because the disease affects the immune system, silicosis patients are vulnerable to developing tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.
-
- Lung Cancer.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Kidney Disease.
- Autoimmune Disease.
Breathing in very small (“respirable”) crystalline silica particles, causes multiple diseases, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease that leads to disability and death. Respirable crystalline silica also causes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.
Click Here To Learn More About The Dangers Of Silica Dust
Why Do I Need A Professional For Concrete Polishing?
– SPEED: Hiring a professional company to polish your concrete is incredibly faster than attempting to do the project yourself.
– COST: Here at Concrete Polishing Sydney we have very reasonable prices and offer a Price Beat Guarantee. We can often complete your project for a fair price compared to the costs of attempting the Concrete Polishing yourself. When it comes to larger Concrete Polishing jobs, it will always be cheaper to leave it up to the professionals at Concrete Polishing Sydney!
– READY: Rather than slowly completing your job on your hands and knees, we can complete your project within a short period of time to ensure that your home is ready for the next part of your renovation project.
Is Concrete Polishing Hard?
Yes, Concrete Polishing can be a difficult and time-consuming project and the challenges often remain hidden until the project is underway.
If you have a Concrete Polishing job that is over 10 square metres, it is considered a hard task, that will be expensive and frustrating to attempt to do yourself. It’s often cheaper to hire a Concrete Polishing contractor than to hire the tools, PPE, and other equipment required to attempt the project yourself.
There are several different installation methods. We only recommend attempting Concrete Polishing yourself if the project is under 10 square metres and you have the appropriate tools, PPE, and dust extraction equipment.
For jobs over the size of 10 square metres, we ALWAYS recommend leaving it up to the professionals.
Contact Us Now For A Free Quote!
What Is The Easiest Way To Polish Concrete?
Simply contacting a professional company to provide the service for you will take the stress away, and be fast, efficient, and clean.
Contact Us Now For A Free Quote!
Is Floor Preparation Required Before I Polish Concrete?
Yes, Floor Preparation should always occur before the Concrete Polishing process.
To Polish Concrete you must ensure:
1) any previous flooring system or coating has been removed
2) any residue from the previous flooring system or coating has been removed
3) The appropriate floor preparation has been applied
– Concrete Cancer Repairs
– Concrete Crack Repairs
– Concrete Grinding
– Floor Levelling
Click Here To Learn More About Why Floor Preparation Is Required
What Is The Fastest Way To Polish Concrete?
Ride-on Concrete Polishers and Ride-on Power Trowels:
Ride-on Concrete Polishers and Ride-on Power Trowels are simply the easiest and best way to Polish Concrete. Although this equipment is best left up to the professionals to use. Leaving the Concrete Polishing project up to the professionals is simply the fastest way to Polish Concrete Floors.
We have specalised equipment such as ride-on power trowels. They are the fastest way to Polish Concrete, although they are mostly only used in a commercial setting that has easy access or can be craned up.
If Ride-on Concrete Polishers and Ride-on Power Trowels are not an option our team has the highest quality and most expensive Concrete Grinding equipment to provide you with a Dust-Free Concrete Polishing experience.
Do We Specialise In Concrete Polishing?
Yes, Here at Concrete Polishing Sydney, we specialise in Dust-Free Concrete Polishing. Concrete Polishing has become our most popular service.
Our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing team polishes tens of thousands of square metres of concrete every year! We are Sydney’s most well-known Concrete Polishing company. You won’t find a better team in Sydney for your project! We are Sydney’s #1 Concrete Polishing company.
What Is The Best Tool For Concrete Polishing?
When it comes to tools for Concrete Polishing, you should stick to two options for residential jobs. Hand Grinders and Concrete Grinders. While on commercial jobs we use Ride-on Concrete Polishers and Ride-on Power Trowels if possible.
- RESIDENTIAL: Hand Grinders, Walk Behind Concrete Grinders, Remote Controlled Concrete Grinders
- COMMERCIAL: Ride-on Concrete Polishers, Ride-on Power Trowels, High Powered Remote Controlled Concrete Grinders and Multi Head Concrete Grinders
Do You Offer Discounts For Larger Jobs When Polishing Concrete?
Yes, we offer large discounts for larger Concrete Polishing jobs while Polishing Concrete. We Will NEVER Be Beaten On Price. we will always have the lowest and most competitive prices for all Concrete Polishing jobs!
We Are Happy To Beat Competitors Quotes By Up To 10%!
Please visit our Commercial Flooring Removal page for more information on our discount prices for larger areas.
Can You Work After Hours While Concrete Polishing?
Yes, our Dust-Free Concrete Polishing specialist team can work:
– Any Day
– Anytime
– 24 Hours A Day
– 7 Days A Week
– 365 Days A Year
Our team can work at any time that suits our clients while Concrete Polishing Floors. If you have time restrictions, noise restrictions, or any other restrictions or deadlines we can make sure that we can fit them into your schedule to make sure that your job is completed in the time frame needed while still maintaining the highest quality of work standards at any time that you desire with NO additional charges!
Why Choose Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney Over Our Competitors?
Cleaner Concrete Polishing
Dust extraction equipment that is plugged directly into the tool will stop dust from spreading throughout your property, especially in hard-to-clean areas.
Concrete Polishing Sydney utilizes a Dust-Free Concrete Polishing system. Our specialty equipment is top-of-the-line and state-of-the-art. The equipment we use does not require the installation of plastic room containment systems, which sets us apart from other competitors.
The difference shows itself in how our equipment functions. By suctioning the dust directly from the flooring as it is removed, our equipment prevents this dust from ever becoming airborne. Because airborne dust has always been one of the major concerns with Concrete Polishing, replacement, and renovation projects, our specialized technology and Dust-Free equipment are cleaner and more environmentally friendly than traditional Concrete Polishing.
Faster Concrete Polishing
Our equipment is also faster and stronger than other Concrete Polishing companies. Our equipment is stronger and more durable than other Concrete Polishing tools and technologies, which means the actual work goes faster.
Cleanup after the Concrete Polishing is also a breeze. The lack of airborne dust and debris means projects can move forward in less time, bringing our clients into the installation phase of their renovation. Our equipment also leaves behind a flatter and cleaner subsurface. This means there is less preparation work needed on the actual concrete base material before the new coating can be installed.
Affordable and Efficient Concrete Polishing
Utilizing a cleaner, faster, more efficient set of equipment our Concrete Polishing team is able to save you time and money. Our affordable services will help you undertake your project while still staying within budget. Our clients save time by using our services to ensure they can get to the next part of their project on time without delays.
How To Maintain A Polished Concrete Floor?
Despite being durable, polished concrete flooring still needs maintenance to ensure it lasts. Besides cleaning your polished concrete floor, there are ways you can maintain it to keep it lasting for the duration of its lifespan. Here are the best ways to maintain your polished concrete floorings.
Dust Mop The Polished Concrete Floor
You only need to legitimately clean the polished floors with cleaner daily if you want to. A great way to maintain the flooring in between cleanings is to use a dust mop. This dry duster will help pick up any dirt and debris that can be abrasive on the flooring and cause scratches or cracks.
Regardless, you’ll want to do this before you use a cleaner to mop the floor to ensure you’re not spreading the abrasive dirt and debris around the flooring.
Only Used Clean Mops When Mopping
Even though it might be difficult, you never want to use a dirty mop when cleaning polished concrete. There can be dirty water stuck in the mop and debris that you might end up spreading around the concrete. This prevents damage to the flooring and stops you from making it dirtier than before you started cleaning.
Clean Any Spills As Quickly As Possible
It happens to everyone, and if something spills onto your concrete floors, you’ll want to ensure you wipe it up as soon as possible. The longer spills of any sort sit on your polished concrete, the dirtier it will be, and it can break down the polish over time. You’ll want to wipe the spill up with a microfiber cloth or mop and then use a gentle cleaner on the area.
Have The Polished Concrete Floor Inspected Regularly
Even when you do everything possible to maintain your polished concrete floor, you should still have a professional inspect the floor every so often. For the most part, you should only have to have someone do this every two to three years if the flooring is in an area with a lot of foot traffic.
If your polished concrete flooring doesn’t see as much foot traffic, you can go longer than two to three years. In some instances, you might need to have a professional take a look sooner if you notice cracks or other damage.
Cleaning your polished floors won’t do you any good if there are cracks, so having a professional inspect and fix any damage is vital to the maintenance of your polished concrete floors.
How Should I Clean My Polished Concrete Floors?
When mopping polished concrete floors it is important to use the correct cleaning solution. We recommend Ameripolish® Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner. This product is designed for polished concrete floors and will increase stain resistance when used regularly.
If this product is unavailable, we suggest using natural soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s castile soap when mopping your floor. Dr. Bronner’s is gentle, nearly pH-neutral, and concentrated—a few drops in a mop bucket is all that’s required for an effective cleaning solution. For mopping, use warm water and a microfiber-style wet mop.
Never use cleaners such as Pine-Sol, ammonia, vinegar, or bleach as they will dull, discolor, or etch polished concrete and stained concrete floors.
If you are using a wet mop, always use either hot water or a pH-neutral/pH-balanced cleaning product. (We give you a Complimentary container of the cleaning product and it’s easy to buy). It is very important to never use bleach or fruit acid cleaner, such as lemon juice or vinegar, on your polished concrete floor. This is because anything that is too alkaline or too acidic can dry out the grout in your polished concrete floor resulting in white patches. Overly alkaline and acidic products can also affect your floor’s longevity.
For wet mopping, make sure that both the water and the mop itself are clean so that you do not introduce any new dirt onto the floor. If you have a pH-neutral/pH-balanced cleaning product, it is actually preferable to use hot water only, as water cannot suspend dirt particles the way that a pH-balanced cleaner can. However, using just hot water is still always much safer than an alkaline or acidic cleaner. Also, make sure that the cleaning solution you use does not dry up on the surface.
If you like to keep your floor dust-free every day, just use a dry microfibre mop. Microfibre pads are very effective at helping to keep dust and dirt particles off of your floor. Make sure that the microfibre mop is non-abrasive so that you do not damage the floor. Also, be sure to clean up any liquid spills quickly to avoid any possible staining.
Concrete Floor Scrubbers and DIY Cleaning Options For Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are beautiful flooring options that you’ll commonly find in office and commercial buildings. With so much foot traffic, the polished appearance of these floors can easily dull or get dirty without proper maintenance.
Like other types of flooring, keeping them clean will keep them looking their best and keep them in good shape for years. Knowing how to clean polished concrete is key to keeping it clean and shiny. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning polished concrete floors and the best concrete floor cleaner.
Commercial And Industrial Polished Concrete Floor Cleaning
Industrial, commercial, and residential concrete floor owners should strongly consider renting or purchasing a concrete floor scrubber to keep their concrete floors clean. Concrete floor scrubbers are extremely effective at keeping large polished concrete floors clean and able to handle a lot of foot traffic.
You’ve likely seen concrete floor scrubbers at larger grocery stores and retail stores.
Residential Polished Concrete Floor Cleaning
The best way to clean polished concrete is to use warm, not hot, water, a mop, and a mild cleaner. There are also products out there that are designed to only be used on polished concrete floors, like Ameripolish Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner.
You don’t have to use the Ameripolish Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner, but using a pH-balanced soap with no harsh chemicals is necessary. Some examples of these cleaners include:
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- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
- Liquid dish soap
To clean polished floors, you’ll want to sweep or vacuum first to remove debris. From there, apply your cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes to break down any grime. After that, use your mop to clean the cleaner from the flooring.
How Often Should You Clean Your Polished Concrete Floors?
Depending on how dirty your floors get, you might want to focus on cleaning them more often. Most people suggest clearing polished concrete floors at least once a week to help keep them shiny and in the best condition possible.
If your concrete floors are in a location with high foot traffic, you might need to clean them every other day to daily, but this is preference and depends on how much time you have.
What Sealer Should You Use On Your Polished Concrete Floors?
Polished Concrete Floors can become overwhelming especially when it comes to understanding what Concrete Sealer to use. There are a number of leading brands and many great finishes. However, the biggest question is whether it will suit the environment.
This question is best answered by our team, who will provide their expert opinion. After consulting with the client and discovering the purpose of the floor and the frequency of foot traffic. For example, does it need an anti-slip finish or does it need to be UV stable? Perhaps gloss or a matte finish, natural or a wet look. We will discuss this with you to ensure the correct sealer is used.
When choosing a Sealer for your Polished Concrete Floors, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1) The type of finish you want
2) The amount of foot traffic that occurs
3) The environment the floor will be in
For example, if you are sealing a space prone to moisture (for example: office spaces where spills and cleaning occur), you will need to choose a sealer resistant to water.
Below we will go into further detail about what sealer can be used and what sealer is used for what area that the Polished Concrete Floors have been installed.
Types Of Sealers
There are two primary types of sealers available: topical and penetrating. A topical sealer sits on top of the concrete and provides a barrier between the concrete and the outside world. Topical sealers, also known as film-forming sealers, are typically acrylic or polyurethane. However, they are less durable than penetrating sealers and must be reapplied more often.
Topical Sealers
Give the concrete a high glossy shine while forming a protective film on the surface, like polyurethane and epoxy. They are economical and easy to apply by spray or roller. These sealants repel water and provide a durable chemical and abrasive-resistant surface.
A sealer is a crucial element in concrete polishing. Sealers work by filling in the microscopic pores in the concrete, which protects the surface from water and other liquids. Several forms of sealers are available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages.
The sealer you use will depend on the look you are going for and the amount of traffic the floor will see. This article will analyze the different types of sealers available and help you choose what sealer to use on polished concrete.
Acrylic Sealers
The Water-Based Sealers range makes very effective polished concrete sealers. Their nano-sized polymers penetrate deep into the substrate and form an acrylic co-polymer matrix throughout the top layers of the concrete. Acrylic sealers provide a high-gloss finish and are available in water- and solvent-based sealers. Acrylic sealers are durable and easy to apply, but they can yellow over time.
One of the best acrylic sealers is Sikagard High Gloss Sealer. It’s water-based and has low VOC content. Sealers with high VOC content can cause headaches, nausea, and organ damage. Unfortunately, solvent-based formulas have a higher VOC content. Limits (Rule 1168) for VOC content do exist but not enough to prevent these effects.
Polyurethane Sealers
Polyurethane sealers are another type of topical sealer. They also provide a high-gloss finish and are available in both water-based and solvent-based formulas. Polyurethane sealers are more durable than acrylic sealers.
Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane sealer gives customers scratch resistance and even dries in 30 minutes. These properties make it ideal for any interior concrete floors.
Penetrating Sealers
A penetrating sealeror a concrete densifier penetrates the concrete, forming a barrier within the pores. They typically comprise Siliconate. They provide a more natural finish. They are also more durable than topical sealers and do not need reapplication as often.
In fact, they prevent absorption up to 85 percent, which lasts much longer. However, they can be more challenging to apply and may require professional help.
Silicone Sealers
Silicone sealers work best on unsealed and uncolored concrete. This sealer repels water which prevents the concrete from breaking down over time. It is a clear sealer, giving your concrete floor a professional yet clean look.
PS101 by Concrete Sealers USA is one of the best Silicate concrete sealers. It works great on floors that attract dust. Once this sealer dries, the floor has protection from cracking, staining, dust, mold, and mildew.
What Is The Difference Between Epoxy and Acrylic Sealers?
Epoxy and sealer are two different products used to protect concrete floors. Epoxy is a resin that cures to form a hard, protective coating that is harder than acrylic. It comes in color options as well. Film-forming sealer is a liquid applied to the floor and dries to form a thin, protective film.
Epoxy is more durable than sealer and is better suited for high-traffic areas. Sealer is less expensive than epoxy and is a good option for low-traffic areas.
What Is A Sealant
A sealant is a substance used to block the passage of fluids through openings in materials, a type of mechanical seal. In building construction sealant is sometimes synonymous with caulk (especially if acrylic latex or polyurethane-based) and also serves the purposes of blocking dust, sound, and heat and water transmission.
Water-based sealers are made up of polymers (solids) suspended in a water solution. As the sealer is spread, the water starts to evaporate, and the polymers start to change shape and fuse together. This process forms a continuous transparent coating.
To put it in simple terms – a sealant is the coating that you put on to “seal” your concrete after the polishing concrete process to protect your concrete from damage in the future.
Removing Concrete Sealer Coatings
Some jobs will require you to remove the old sealer before applying the new one. Do this by using a chemical stripper or by sanding the floor. You can also try power washing.
If you are removing an old sealer, thoroughly clean the floor before applying the new sealer. Any debris on the surface of the concrete will prevent the new sealer from adhering correctly.
If you want to power wash your floor, choose a detergent designed for use on a sealed concrete floor. Also, remember that you may need to grind the surface to remove the sealant.
What Other Factors Should Be Considered?
As mentioned before, the type of sealer you choose will depend on the location of the floor, the amount of traffic, and your budget.
Location
If the floor is in a high-traffic area, you’ll want to choose a sealer that is durable and easy to clean. A penetrating sealer is a good option for high-traffic areas. If the floor gets minimal traffic, choose a less durable topical sealer.
Budget
Your budget will also affect the type of sealer you choose. Consider an acrylic sealer if you have a limited budget. Acrylic sealers are less expensive than other sealers and provide reasonable protection for your floor.
The thing to consider here comes down to maintenance. Topical sealers will need reapplication much sooner in a high-traffic area. You will spend more money reapplying topical sealers more frequently.
If you can’t afford penetrating sealers for a high-traffic location, plan to use the topical option only once. Always consider a penetrating sealer if you have a bigger budget, as the amount of traffic can change over time.
Warehouse and Retail Stores
Let’s look at a few examples.
Warehouses and retail stores will almost always have specific times and dates of high traffic. Therefore, they will need a durable option.
If you are looking for a sealer for your polished concrete floors in a warehouse or retail store, you will need to choose a durable sealer that can withstand high traffic. Silicone Sealers are the best for this type of environment. They will protect the floor year-round through spills, wet shoes from the rain and snow, and constant cleaning.
Restaurants
Restaurant floors usually get cleaned daily. Therefore they will need a water-resistant and slip-resistant surface. If you are looking for a sealer for your polished concrete floors in a restaurant, you will need to choose a sealer that is resistant to water and slip.
The best sealers for this type of environment are siliconate and polyurethane. These sealers will provide a high-gloss finish resistant to moisture and unwarranted falls.
Offices
Some offices have lower foot traffic because they don’t serve the general public, just the staff. This makes them easier to clean. If you are looking for a sealer for your polished concrete floors in an office, you will need to choose a sealer that is easy to clean and low maintenance.
The best sealers for this type of environment are acrylics and polyurethanes. These sealers will provide a high-gloss finish that is easy to clean and low maintenance.
Why Are My Polished Concrete Floors Cracking?
Your Polished Concrete Floors are cracking due to various reasons.
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- Below we will discuss these issues in further detail.
- Below we will discuss these issues in further detail.
You Are Overstretching The Floors
Concrete is a strong material, but it has its limits. When you push it beyond its limits, it will crack even after Polishing.
For instance, if your warehouse floors are Polished, they may crack if you store heavy machinery. The reason is that the machines may be excessively heavy for the concrete to handle. Your polished concrete floors will also crack if you constantly drag the machines from one spot to another.
Lastly, your Polished Floors will also crack if you store strong chemicals in your warehouse and spill them on the floor. These chemicals will react with the Concrete Polishing causing it to deteriorate and Crack with time.
Foundation Issues
Sometimes, a building’s foundation may be the reason your Polished Concrete Floors are cracking. The soil underneath the concrete may shift, causing your Polished Concrete Floors to Crack.
The soil shifts because of:
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- Presence of moisture: The soil may shift if it rains heavily since water will creep into the soil underneath the concrete, causing swelling. The soil will apply pressure on the concrete, causing it to Crack.
- Poor soil gradation: During the construction process, the concrete contractor may not have confirmed if the soil was well-graded. It means they did not certify whether the constructors leveled the ground properly. This can cause soil to shift in one direction, leading to Concrete Cracks.
- Nearby plants: If plants are close to your building, they may have long roots creeping into the soil underneath the concrete. It makes the soil unstable, which means that your concrete will not have a stable foundation and may crack after a while.
Mixing Issues
Building a concrete floor entails mixing cement, water, and aggregate to form a suitable concrete slab. It can be challenging to make the mixture because several issues may arise.
For instance, one may use the wrong proportions to make the mixture, affecting the concrete floor. This is because you will notice Cracks on your Polished Concrete Floors after a while.
This issue arises primarily if the building crew uses more water than expected, making the concrete wet. After some time, the water will evaporate, causing the concrete slab to shrink even after applying the concrete overlay, leading to cracks.
In contrast, the mixture will be dry if the crew uses less water. It causes the concrete floor to crumble and Crack.
Temperature Change
Your Polished Concrete Floors will Crack due to temperature changes. Thermal stress from air conditioning ducts or water pipes can affect your Polished Concrete Floors.
Your Polished Concrete Floors will expand when it is hot and shrink when it is cold. This variation in temperature causes your floors to Crack. You should install a good temperature control system in your commercial space to avoid this issue.
Steps To Follow When Repairing Cracks In Polished Concrete Floors
You will need several items before repairing your Polished Concrete Floors. These items include a wire brush, joint repair compound, masking tape, gloves, sponge, PH-neutral cleanser, Epoxy gel adhesive, and Concrete Polishing compound.
Here are the steps to follow during the Concrete Repair process.
Evaluate The Damage
The first step of the Concrete Crack Repair process is to determine the extent of the cracks. You should measure the cracks since each crack will require a different amount of filler.
Use a weak adhesive type of tape (like painter’s tape) to separate the floor area from the cracks to avoid damaging other parts of the floor.
Remove Grime And Loose Particles
Wear a face mask and gloves for protection. Make sure you have proper ventilation.
You can use a tool – like a brush – along with a chemical sealer remover. You can also use a scarifier. Scarifiers can be used to remove concrete sealer or other coatings.
Prepare The Crack For Repairs
Always wear safety goggles when undertaking repairs to protect your eyes.
Prepare the crack using an angle grinder to accommodate the filler in the next step. An angle grinder is a handheld version of a standup concrete grinder. Grinders are able to effectively grind down concrete surfaces.
Clear away concrete dust so that you have full access to the crack.
Use A Filler
Use a joint repair compound – Euclid has many varieties – to fill the Cracks and pack the filler based on the size of the Cracks.
For larger cracks or extensive damage, you may wish to use a concrete joint filler pump.
Polish The Repaired Cracks
Once you have filled all the Cracks, wait for the filler to dry before you Polish The Concrete with a Concrete Grinder.
Grind the damaged area so that it blends in well with the rest of your concrete slab.
General Concrete Crack Repair Methods
How To Maintain The Shine In Your Polished Concrete Floors?
The level of shine is an option you’ll be given when you choose your preferred level of aggregate (stone) exposure and your preferred level of gloss. If you have a Polished Concrete Floor that was once high gloss and you’re finding it looking very dull after some years, you may just need a buff to get the gloss back.
If you choose a matte floor finish and want it to be gloss, you’ll need it to be polished up through several processes to achieve the new level of gloss. If you’re having your Floors Polished, you are on-site while the work is being done and your floor hasn’t been sealed yet, please speak with our technician as soon as possible. Depending on the timing of the process, it may be possible to increase the gloss level before finalisation.
If your floor is a grind and seal instead of a mechanical polish, the level of shine will be achieved with the sealer itself. No matter what type of finish you choose, if you have strong preferences about the level of shine, please be sure to discuss this with our team in advance, and we will be happy to help you achieve the finish you want.
Choose A High-Quality Sealant
The type of sealer can have a vast impact on the final finish of your floors.
There is a wide range of sealers available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. As such, you will need to pick the one that’s most suitable for the finish you want to achieve (and maintain). At Polished Concrete Floors Sydney, we use a high-quality sealant that results in a beautiful, longer-lasting shine.
Sweeping And Mopping
Dust and dirt can dull even the shiniest of surfaces. So, to keep Polished Concrete Floors looking their finest, regular cleaning is important. Thankfully, this couldn’t be easier!
Keeping your floors dust-free is as simple as a nightly sweep with a microfibre mop. If you don’t have one of these, a cotton or soft-bristled broom will also do the job.
Then, once a week, go over the area with a damp mop. This will remove any residual dust and really get your floors shining again.
Use A Polished Concrete Floor Cleaner
Exposure to acidity will quickly dull the shine of a Polished Concrete Floor. As such, if you choose to use a floor cleaner, you need to make sure the pH is right.
Polished Concrete has a slightly higher pH than most people would expect. Because of the coatings and treatments applied, it usually sits in the 10 to 12 range.
By contrast, most floor cleaners are considered “neutral” and have a pH range of 6 to 8. This means they are acidic compared to Polished Concrete Floors and can damage and dull the finish.
However, there are floor cleaners available that are specifically designed for Polished Concrete Floors. If you want to keep your floors sparkling clean for as long as possible, seek one of these out… or just stick with warm water!
Clean Up Spills Swiftly
Further to the previous point, if something acidic – like orange juice or wine – is spilled on Polished Concrete Floors, it can leave a stain. With this in mind, quickly cleaning up any spills is critical to maintaining the shine and finish of your floor.
Also, as concrete is porous, it is susceptible to water damage. Any liquid left sitting on the surface can seep in and cause a mark or discolouration. The water-resistant coating can help prevent this but mopping up any spills as quickly as possible is always the best protection.
Use Entrance Mats
While Polished Concrete Floors are fairly scratch-resistant, marks are likely to show up if sharp objects are dragged across the surface. This can have a significant impact on the overall look of your floor, particularly if it happens regularly.
One of the most common causes of scratch00.3ing is stones caught in the tread of people’s shoes. However, this can be easily prevented by placing mats at any entrance point. Doing this will also help limit the amount of dust and dirt dragged in from outside.
Watch Out For Signs Of Damage And Aging
While Polished Concrete Floors are one of the most robust flooring options available, inevitable aging will occur therefore regular maintenance is important, and repairs may be required every few years or so.
Most problems will start out minor so, by following our above-mentioned tips, you will be able to spot issues early and keep on top of maintaining your Polished Concrete Floors.
Our Guide On How To Polish Concrete
As with any other specialized technique, Polishing is a multi-step process requiring the use of the proper tools and equipment to achieve high-quality results. Polishing concrete is quite similar to sanding wood.
The process is usually carried out by large floor grinding machines that have diamond-encrusted cup wheels installed on a spinning disc. These diamonds (akin to sandpaper) are used to grind down concrete surfaces to the desired degree of shine and smoothness. Similar to sanding wood, you gradually progress from coarser grit to finer grit (in this case, grit is the particle size of the diamond) abrasives to eventually achieve a glossy, mirror-like finish.
Concrete can be Polished using wet or dry methods. Although each has its advantages, dry Polishing is the method most commonly used in the industry today because it’s faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly. Wet Polishing uses water to cool the diamond abrasives and eliminate grinding dust.
Because the water reduces friction and acts as a lubricant, it increases the life of the polishing abrasives. The key disadvantage of this method is the clean-up. Wet Polishing creates a tremendous amount of effluent that crews must collect and dispose of in an environmentally sound manner. With dry Polishing, no water is required. Instead, the Floor Polisher is attached to a dust-containment system that vacuums up virtually all the mess.
Types of Diamonds
There are many different types of Diamond Cup Wheels, which will have various effects. Generally, Cup Wheels are measured in grits. The higher the grit ratio the finer finish it will leave on the concrete. For a more polished effect, a Cup Wheel with a high grit ratio would be used. The types of diamonds used are as follows:
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- Resin Bond Diamonds: are diamonds fixed in resin compound. These are used for medium to fine grinding applications from a 50 – 3500 grit finish. Resin bond diamonds are professional diamonds for Concrete Floor Polishing and run through the grits from 50 grit, step by step through to 3000. The wear rates of Resin bond diamond pads vary from project to project. Most floors are ground with a Metal Bond Diamond (Grit up to 60/80 or 80/100) prior to starting the Resin bond polishing process.
- Hybrid Diamond Polishing Pads: are a mixture of a metal and a resin bond diamond. These are used as a transition tool after metal bond diamonds, to quickly remove scratches from the floor. The Hybrid pads are proven to give high grinding performance and can be used in wet or dry applications.
- PCD Diamonds: aka Polycrystalline diamonds, are designed for a high speed, fast, aggressive removal of glues, paints, coatings, or epoxies – thicker than around 3mm.
A Step By Step Guide To How We Polish Concrete At Concrete Polishing Floors Sydney
1) We start with one pass with a 20 grit aggressive diamond disc. This gets rid of any imperfections in the slab and helps to even it out.
2) We would then use a quick-setting filler to fix all the tiny holes, cracks, and imperfections in the slab.
3) Next, we would use 40 grit diamond disc to smooth out the slab further.
4) Then we apply the concrete densifier and wait about 20 mins for it to seep into the slab.
5) After which we use 80 resin pads to make the slab even smoother.
6) Afterward, we apply yet another coat of concrete hardener and wait for that to dry.
7) Then we use 120 grit resin pads to smoothen the slab further.
8) Apply another layer of concrete hardener.
9) Later, we use 240 resin pad discs and gave them another pass.
10) Apply another coat of hardener.
11) After that, we switch to 400 grit resin pads and give it another pass.
12) Apply another layer of hardener.
13) Then we use 800 resin pads and perform another pass.
14) Apply another layer of hardener.
15) Next, we use 1500-grit resin pads and give it another pass.
16) Finally, we use the final 3000 resin pads to give it its final polished finish.
Applying A Concrete Sealer
A concrete sealer is essential for protecting surfaces from water damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles, stains from dirt, dicing salts, oil and other contaminants, and much more. There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers.
Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Film-forming sealers, especially acrylics, are more susceptible to wear and will need to be reapplied frequently. This type of sealer is sometimes referred to as a topical concrete sealer or a coating. You should opt for a film-forming sealer if you want a wet look or a high gloss finish that enhances the colour of your concrete.
Penetrating sealers include silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and siliconates that penetrate the concrete to form a chemical barrier. Penetrating sealers have a longer lifespan and are a great choice for exterior applications. They don’t peel, delaminate, or wear away. This type of sealer is sometimes referred to as an impregnating concrete sealer. You should opt for a penetrating sealer if you prefer a natural finish that will not change the look of your concrete.
Our Promise To You At Dust-Free Concrete Polishing Sydney
We specialise in Concrete Polishing Dust-Free! for the residential, commercial, industrial, and civil sectors throughout Sydney. No job is too big or too small. We’ve built our reputation based on quality workmanship, efficient service, and value for money.
We will always beat all of our competitor’s quotes on all Concrete Polishing jobs while maintaining a professional, fast, and efficient service for all our clients. We will remove all silica dust bags and dispose of all of the waste in the correct manner.
Our team has over 35 years of experience combined with the most skilled and also the most professional Concrete Polishing team that Sydney has to offer. You can have peace of mind knowing that we have been through it all and seen it all!
Our Concrete Polishing team will always take the utmost care to avoid any accidental minor damage, you can also rest assured knowing that we are fully insured as well as use only the highest quality dust extraction equipment free of charge on all Concrete Polishing jobs give our customers a Dust-Free! Concrete Polishing and Concrete Grinding experience.
These are two of the many reasons that we are known for and often referred to as the best Concrete Polishing team in Sydney. Our Concrete Polishing teams are trained, certified, and insured to work on residential properties, large commercial projects, and construction sites.
Hire our specialist Concrete Polishing team with over 35 years of experience, all the trucks, and specialized tools needed to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and affordably today!
We’re looking forward to extending to you the same quality results that we’ve become known for throughout the industry.
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“The boys at Carpet Removal Sydney also did an absolutely amazing job with the removal as well as the installation of my carpet as well after it was flooded by my dishwasher overnight. Called them up at 6 pm, they were also there the next day and completed the take up the same day! Really happy with the result.”
“The boys at Carpet Removal Sydney went out of their way to help me so much as I wasn’t able to move a lot of the furniture myself as my back isn’t great. I also saved over $400 getting the carpet removed by these guys! Would recommend, thanks again!”
“I had absolutely no idea what to do when we had a pipe burst in our property, but thankfully Carpet Removal Sydney had a 24-hour emergency assistance team that did an absolutely amazing job with the removal of the carpet that had been completely soaked, called them up at 2 am on a Tuesday and they were here within 30minutes. Couldn’t be happier with their services!”
“Was completely gobsmacked at the quotes that I got from 3 other company’s on the northern beaches and how outrageously high they were just to remove the carpet in a shop I had recently purchased. So it was such a relief when my friend recommended I try out Carpet Removal Sydney and I ended up saving over $3,000, Thanks again!”
“Excellent service from the team at Carpet Removal Sydney. Will definitely use their services again, was absolutely amazed at how much money I saved going through Carpet Removal Sydney instead of going through Carpet Court.”
“I always recommend Carpet Removal Sydney when a tenant moves out of one of our properties if the carpet needs to be replaced. They always do an amazing job, leave the property clean and save our clients hundreds and sometimes even thousands.”
“Very impressed with your team members high quality work. You all arrived on time, you did an amazing job finish the removal process and installation process without damaging anything. (My last two experiences with carpet layers from carpet court they both damaged the skirting boards and a piece of furniture) So thanks for giving me faith again that a job can be completed without my property being damaged. And thanks to your team for helping me in such short notice due to my unit having flood damage! Really appreciate everything that you did for me!”
“I was shocked when I had realised that my daughter had spilled my paint set all over my new carpet in my rental property, had no idea what to do, everything I tried failed, gave Carpet Removal Sydney a quick call and they gave me free advice over the phone, with no charge that actually worked! Thank you so much!”
“He has great product knowledge and took the time to thoroughly explain the differences of each carpet in a simple way. He has a very personable manner and is very friendly and polite. He explained the process well provided a competitive quote. He was flexible with the install date (as I had some other trades finishing off work before the carpet could be installed) and worked with me to secure a date that suited both parties. I had an issue with the underlay requirements due to strata laws and Declan was very helpful in helping me source the correct underlay to meet strata requirements. I believe he went over and above his role to assist me. The floors are amazing! I’m extremely happy with the choice and the whole process. Thank you Declan. I hope Carpet Removal Sydney realise what an asset you are to their team. ”
“I attempted a carpet removal job my self in my new office only to realise the job was commercially glued down, needless to say as a I.T nerd i had absolutely no chance of removing it haha. I thought i would give a few companys a call to request a quote on how much the removal process would cost… and my god i was shocked at the overwhelming expense of how much commercial carpet removal costs… I was so relieved though when i stumbled across Carpet Removal Sydney (One of my co-workers recently had their team out to remove carpet in a new house they purchased) and was relieved when i finally found a company that was willing to do it for a fair price. I was a little concerned at the start due to their price being so much lower than all of their competitors, but my co-worker re assured me that they had an amazing team. I was quite relieved when the whole process was over and they had done such an amazing job for almost a third of their competitors prices. Thanks again lads! If you ever need a computer fixed hit me up! ”
“Can’t argue with cheapest prices, best customer services, and same day service! very impressed!”
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