Polished Concrete Floors - What to Know About Them

Polished concrete refers to a system where simple concrete floors are polished to achieve a superior glossy finish. You can create patterns, embed designs and colors to the floor. These floorings are quiet popular in commercial areas where maintenance becomes a concern. Durability is one of the major factors that separate polished concrete floors from the rest. In fact, they’re also the preferred choice of home owners who’d like to replicate the look of natural stone. Advantages of choosing polished concrete floors: When compared to cost of natural floorings, polished concrete is affordable. Besides they aren’t as vulnerable as the conventional floor choices like ceramic and wood. Maintenance is also easy; you just have to mop and dust the floor to keep dust and grime away. Unlike wood or carpet, you don’t have to worry about dust mites, pollen and other allergy inducing agents because moisture does not accumulate. You can also save on electricity costs as these floors reduce the need for artificial lighting facilities. This is very important for commercial buildings such as offices, restaurants, and other facilities that need bright light. They’re versatile as well- you can create your own designs and colors. Are they safe? Yes, they are when dry. In fact, they fare much better in this aspect when compared to waxed linoleum or polished marble. But to prevent accidental slips, it is recommended that commercial floorings are coated with anti-slip wax. These anti-slip conditioners contain special additives that make them safe even when the floor is wet. Are they expensive? As earlier said, when compared to the cost of installing natural floorings they are inexpensive. Usually the price is dependent on the level of polishing that is required. Costs would go up if you’re planning to apply other techniques such as decorative concrete or acid staining. Prices also vary according to the area and the contractor. It’s best to stick to professional companies that are accredited by the American Concrete Institute. Are they easy to maintain? Yes, they are! But it is important that you maintain it regularly to maintain its sheen permanently. Dust particles may result in scratches and cause the floor to look dull. Unlike other floorings you don’t need to wax or seal the floorings. Just mopping it regularly keeps dust and grime away. Wet mopping is also essential to keep dirt away. But remember to use a cleaning solution that does not dry on the surface.