Concrete Polishing FAQ
HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CONCRETE POLISHING IN HOUSTON. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? WE’RE JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY!
Why should I polish my concrete?
What is the process for concrete polishing?
We polish concrete in a series of steps. After making repairs, we proceed through grinding, honing, and finally polishing to give you beautiful, flawless results.
Rough grinding is the first step that begins with a 16 grit diamond disc. We use progressively finer grinding products to create a smooth surface. The grits we use are based on whether your concrete has coatings, whether waves in the surface need to be leveled, the condition of the concrete, and whether you want exposed aggregate. After grinding, we apply a liquid densifier that hardens the concrete’s surface and makes it less porous.
The next stage is honing which gives your concrete a satin sheen. Honing continues until we reach an 800 grit disc. During this stage, we also add concrete stains and dyes if you want custom colors. The last stage is the actual concrete polishing process that continues to a 1500 or 3000 grit disc.
What kind of maintenance is associated with interior polished concrete floors?
One of the biggest reasons facility managers and property owners opt for polished concrete is it’s easy to clean and care for. Polished concrete in Houston can maintain its bright appearance and smooth surface even in high-demand commercial applications and it never needs to be waxed or sealed.
To keep your polished concrete in great shape, we recommend dust mopping every day to remove grit and grime from the surface. Over time, grit can cause scratches in the surface, especially when combined with vehicle traffic. You can also wet mop the surface as often as necessary using a neutral-pH cleaner. Avoid floor cleaners that are very acidic or alkaline as they may dull the surface or damage the concrete. Make sure you mop up the cleaning solution with clean water as you go. Finally, isolate and clean up spills as soon as you can to lower the risk of stains.
Will concrete polishing service lift oil stains?
Can a polished concrete floor be colored?
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
We can polish almost any concrete slab that’s in good structural condition. Even if your concrete has spalling, cracks, or stains, there’s a good chance it can be degreased and patched before concrete grinding and polishing. Still, keep in mind not all concrete should be polished. If your concrete requires extensive patching or repairs or the surface is very porous, we will not recommend polishing.
Why does concrete crack and can it be avoided?
All concrete cracks. While there are steps to reduce cracking, such as adding the right amount of water to the concrete mixture, allowing the concrete to set correctly, and installing control joints, there’s no way to prevent all cracks. A concrete slab will crack as it cures initially and then over time.
Some cracks are caused by improper installation such as adding too much water when mixing the concrete or allowing the concrete to dry too fast. Even when installed perfectly, concrete cracks as it absorbs moisture which freezes inside the concrete and causes surface cracks. Concrete also expands when it’s hot and pushes against objects that get in the way, cracking when these objects don’t yield.
How long should polished concrete floors last?
Our concrete polishing process is permanent. In many applications, polished concrete lasts a lifetime and never needs to be repolished. In heavy-duty applications, repolishing may be necessary down the road. Unlike softer surfaces, polished concrete will not dent or chip naturally. Your polished concrete will crack as all concrete does but these cracks can be repaired or left alone. With proper maintenance, a polished concrete floor can give you up to 100 years of service.