Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about our installation process? We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Here are some frequently asked questions from our customers but please reach out with additional concerns.

What is the process for concrete polishing?

Concrete polishing has a standard step by step process that can be followed for most concrete floors; however, concrete floors vary in size, age, and damage, so it should be noted that each situation and circumstance is different, each floor will have its own history that will impact how a professional handles its future. Furthermore, a typical concrete process is as follows:
  1. Your floors should be inspected by a professional to ensure that there isn’t a foundational issue with your concrete.
  2. Any abrasions, chemical damages, holes, cracks, or residual coatings/paints will need to be fixed and removed.
  3. Diamond grinding begins once your floors have been approved and this step will involve you stating how fine you want your floors ground.
  4. A chemical hardener/densifier is added to strengthen the concrete floor after it has been ground.
  5. The polishing process is the last process and the level depends on how much sheen is desired.

How long can a polished concrete floor last?

There are a couple of important factors in polished concrete floors lifespan: installation, age, and long-term maintenance. If a polished concrete floor is poorly installed then the lifespan can be cut short because there are important inspections, procedures, and repairs that must take place prior to concrete polishing. If important steps are missed, then your polished concrete floors will not be equipped with proper protection to last for the two or more decades that they should. Your concretes age when it is first polished will also play a key role in how long the floor lasts after being polished. Finally, even though a polished concrete floor does not require backbreaking or constant maintenance, everything requires some care if we want it to last. There are simple yet important maintenance tips that should be adhered to for a long span.

What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?

Whether you’re investing in polished concrete floors for a commercial, residential, or industrial property, they offer amazing benefits that fill all the needs you may have. Some of the benefits of a polished concrete floor include:
  • Money Savers. A polished concrete floor is the best way to save money, especially when you compare installation and maintenance to other flooring options.
  • Longevity. Polishing concrete floors can give you two or more decades with your floors with minimal to no maintenance.
  • Hygienic. When your floors are easily cleaned your space is easier to manage. Concrete polished floors are easy to clean and even easier to keep clean because they do not allow any liquids or debris to penetrate your concretes surface.
  • Resiliency at its finest. A polished concrete floor is resistant to wear and tear from high foot traffic, so if you are installing polished concrete floors in a commercial setting you can rest assured that they will last for years down the road. Polished concrete is also resistant to chemical breakdown, moisture, and staining. Moisture can create breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, ruining unprotected concrete.
  • Less maintenance than any other flooring option. Polished concrete floors do not require back-breaking care or intensive treatments to ensure long lifespans. They stay clean and are easily swept or mopped to be kept clean.
  • Glass-like finish. With a. glossy finish, polished concrete floors help brighten up any room they are installed in because they reflect the lighting in the said room.
  • Sustainability. Polished concrete floors do not use any hazardous coatings or materials. They do not require excess tools to install or remove flooring, so they do not create unnecessary waste.

Why does concrete crack?

There are many different reasons why a concrete surface would crack, some are under your control and some aren’t. The best course of action to take when you want to avoid a cracked concrete floor is to inspect it on a regular basis. Some of the more popular reasons why concrete cracks are:
  1. Too much water in the concrete mixture. If there is too much water added to your concrete mixture it will weaken your floors because as the concrete dries it also shrinks. If there is too much water in a concrete mixture than there is too much shrinkage during the evaporation process. This is one important reason why it is important to hire an experienced professional to install your floors.
  2. Patience is important. Rapidly drying your concrete is not beneficial for long-term use. The chemical reaction that turns your concrete from a liquid to a solid is called the hydration process and if it is sped up the water that is necessary for the reaction to properly take place will evaporate too quickly. If this doesn’t occur properly your concrete will crack.
  3. Improper concrete pour. It is so important to hire a professional who is licensed and experienced. An improper poor of concrete effects its strength, if the load on the concrete is too heavy it will crack.
  4. Freeze-thaw cycle. Concrete will change just as the ground underneath changes, so if the weather is on a roller-coaster your concrete can suffer. When the ground underneath your concrete freezes your concrete shrinks and when it heats up your concrete expands. This is not something you can control but monitoring your concrete can decrease the damage.

What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?

Maintenance for a polished concrete floor is quick and easy. This is one reason why polished concrete floors have become so popular among home, business, and property owners alike:
  • Dusting and dry mopping can keep debris off of your floors.
  • Wet mopping on a weekly basis is also encouraged to ensure there isn’t any dirt on the surface of your floor.
  • Never use cleaners that contain high levels of soap because they leave residual streaks across your polished floors, dimming their shine.
  • Avoid using any cleaners with high acidic properties because they can damage your concretes protective coating.
  • Clean spills and stains as soon as possible.
  • Give any cleaner you do decide to use on your floors time to work but never let a cleaner dry on your floors.

Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?

Concrete polishing can remove certain oil stains. There are many factors involved that can change that, like the age of the concrete, the amount of any type of stain, and what coating was previously on the floor. The grinding and polishing process can revitalize a damaged floor but each case should be evaluated by a professional.

Why should I polish my concrete?

Polished concrete has become the most popular flooring option across the country for many reasons. These floors are affordable, long-lasting, durable, and beautiful. A polished concrete floor can be designed to reflect your most desired flooring style! Polished concrete floors last for decades without constant maintenance and repairs making them not only affordable to install but affordable to keep.

Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?

Polished concrete floors can be installed with different colors and patterns that best suit what you’re looking for. It is important to always consult a professional before beginning the grinding and polishing process.

Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?

Polishing damaged concrete floors is something that is very doable. Many questions must be answered beforehand, like how old is the concrete and are there any foundational issues? Many things may impact the final decision on concrete polishing damaged floors.

Call all concrete to be polished?

All concrete can be polished, but it should always be inspected by a professional. In some cases, the concrete is simply too far gone and needs to be replaced completely.