Polished Concrete

The implementation of a polished concrete surface uses no volatile compounds as opposed to some coating processes, and offers a great solution when allergies or asthma is a concern. Polished concrete makes use of a preexisting structural element in a building, eliminating the need to use additional raw materials.

In addition to gaining these initial positive environmental benefits, polished concrete floors sustain air quality over the long run, as they don’t harbor dust or promote the growth of mold. The ease of cleaning polished concrete floors also keeps toxic chemicals out of the water stream. What’s more, polished concrete acts as a heat sink to help maintain an even temperature with the ability to retain heat or remain cool, which can lead to lower energy consumption.

Tile, wood, vinyl, carpeting, and many other flooring systems attract or trap abrasive agents such as dirt and grit which over the course of time act like sandpaper. Most of these flooring surfaces have coatings, and the sandpaper effect erodes the coatings, requiring repetitive maintenance. Wear and tear is entirely dependent upon the traffic pattern each floor sustains, and every environment is different, but polished concrete doesn’t typically break down easily and require sealing or waxing—it is a long-term, durable aesthetic solution that becomes more cost-effective every day.

In many public settings, image is everything. For clients that want a bright clean workplace, polished concrete is an option to consider—especially with reflectivity increasing by as much as 30 percent. Polished concrete surfaces create increased reflectivity and ambient lighting through an environmentally friendly solution.

No toxins or hazardous wastes are generated in the process of applying a polished concrete flooring solution, so work can continue right alongside an installation, largely uninterrupted. And polished concrete surfaces can be virtually dust- and mess-free. New areas are immediately ready for production and business-as-usual, with no downtime to factor into the cost.

Hascall & Hall believes in thorough contact with clients to ensure that the limitations of the substrate are well understood and expectations are properly set. Polished concrete is not for every space. Consultation with your flooring expert may, for example, determine that a decorative epoxy flooring system would be the better solution—Hascall & Hall works hand-in-glove to ensure clients get the optimal result.

Wet-mopping is the only real cleaning required of a polished concrete surface, as opposed to waxing or other laborious and time-consuming maintenance. Simply put, polished concrete floors are more durable, easier to clean, and often more hypoallergenic. The nonporous nature reduces the occurrence of mold growth and the inhabitance of dust mites as well. Through reflectivity and ambient lighting, energy bills can be significantly reduced, and no topical coatings need to be applied to maintain the shine—just a simple damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. With the exception of the most heavily trafficked areas, polished concrete keeps its beautiful shine.

As concrete ages and deteriorates, it becomes increasingly weak. It could be weather, improper initial installation, environmental issues, or surface stress, but whatever the cause the polishing process can strengthen weakened concrete and enhance long-term abrasion resistance with the proper densifiers. The condition of the preexisting floor will determine the number of grinding and polishing steps needed to achieve the desired effect.

Often confused with the composite stone flooring solution known as terrazzo, polished concrete can take on a wide array of colors. With the right contractor, polished concrete can acquire the look of anything from marble or ceramic tile to slate and more and is often the most economical choice. Different designs can involve aggregates or colored concrete, as well as seeding the mix with such particulates such as glass, nails, bolts, or computer chips to create a unique and one-of-a-kind installation. Stained concrete can also be defined, not only by color, but by character, most definitively by the application techniques used and the desired finished product. The stains are not opaque and solid, rather the substrate and application determine the finished product—each floor a work of art and never two the same.