When people hear the word polished concrete they may think of industrial warehouse floors. But the decorative covering is also becoming popular in private homes and commercial premises.
Whether you want a neutral backdrop for your storefront or an ocean-inspired palette in your kitchen, the choice is yours. The cost depends on the size of the area and complexity of the job.
Aesthetics
Polished concrete house slabs Melbourne offers a versatile aesthetic, ranging from the classic industrial look to modern elegance. Its inherent strength and durability make it a great choice for commercial spaces that need to stand up to heavy foot traffic or the weight of equipment, like auto showroom floors.
The concrete’s surface can also be manipulated to produce different textures, patterns and aggregate exposure. This allows designers to create unique flooring that reflects their vision and enhances the overall space’s aesthetic. The polished concrete trend has exploded into residential spaces, as well, where homeowners can use it to achieve a sleek contemporary look.
Communicating your vision to the concrete contractor is important, since different aggregate exposures and gloss finishes require distinct processes and chemical protections. An initial conversation between the architect bidding the project and the end-user can prevent misalignment between vision and deliverables. This will help ensure that the client is satisfied with their finished floors. It will also enable the concrete contractor to determine whether or not a chemical protectant is required, which is necessary for achieving high Distinctness-of-Image (DOI) and Image Clarity Value.
Durability
In heavy industrial settings, polished concrete is highly durable. It stands up to large equipment like forklifts and resists tire track marks much better than other flooring systems. It also doesn’t trap dust like some floor coatings do.
Dye can be added to the polishing process for decorative effects. Water based dyes are less toxic than solvent based acid stains and offer a broader range of colors. They are typically applied at the 400 grit level and can be densified as well.
A properly poured slab and the concrete contractor are key to a good results. The concrete must be a minimum of 5 inches thick and hard enough to be mechanically polished. Variables like aggregate exposure, color variations, miscellaneous contaminates, cracking, patterns created by previous floor coverings and flatness can all affect the final results.
Energy Efficiency
Concrete has an immense thermal mass that helps to retain heat and insulate buildings. Combined with an underfloor heating system, this can dramatically increase energy efficiency in buildings. Unlike other flooring systems that require an additional layer to insulate the floor, polished concrete does this on its own.
In addition, the natural light reflectivity of polished concrete allows for less need to use artificial lighting and can significantly decrease electricity costs. It also fends off the growth of bacteria and allergens and does not need harsh cleaning chemicals.
A new slab poured to specifications designed for polishing will provide the best finish results. However, concrete that has already been poured can also be grinded and polished to achieve a great finish. This can be done in a variety of ways including steel trowelled, burnished or honed with differing levels of aggregate exposure. The type of finishing sealer used also impacts the final look and price.
Maintenance
Although polished concrete is tough and durable, it can be damaged. Proper maintenance practices and routine care minimize the risk of damage. Regular mopping with an acid-neutral floor cleaner, avoiding the use of Pine Cleaners, bleaches or citrus-based products and sweeping regularly will keep your floors looking great.
Installing walk off mats inside and outside all entrances reduces the amount of grit, sand and other small particles that are tracked into the building and act like sandpaper on your concrete floor. Frequent dust mopping removes these abrasive particles that cause surface erosion and helps maintain an acceptable coefficient of friction.
Any liquid spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to reduce the opportunity for the chemical to penetrate the concrete and stain, especially acidic foods and beverages which will etch polished concrete if left too long. Using non-slip pads on large furniture will prevent slipping and damaging the floor. These simple maintenance steps will help your flooring last for a long time.