Concrete is a popular flooring material. Whether it’s a garage, industrial facility, retail store, or commercial kitchen, concrete is a great choice thanks to its durability and longevity. However, even the strongest concrete floors are not indestructible.
That’s where concrete sealing and polishing come in. These processes are essential for maintaining the appearance of your concrete and extending its lifespan, ensuring it remains in great condition for years to come.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the concrete sealing and polishing processes, signs your concrete floors need polishing or sealing, and why hiring a professional contractor for concrete maintenance is a smart choice.
What is Concrete Polishing?
Concrete polishing is the mechanical process of grinding and refining the surface of concrete floors. A grinding machine is used to remove ridges and burrs, with each pass over the concrete utilizing finer and finer metal-bonded diamond grit discs until all the grooves and scratches have been buffed out.
The other purpose of grinding is to open the concrete’s pores. This allows a liquid densifier to be added, which hardens the surface in preparation for polishing.
The next step is honing the concrete with resin-bonded diamond discs. During this stage, a concrete stain can be added to give it a fresh look. After that comes the polishing, with the goal of achieving a smooth, glossy finish free of minor imperfections and stains.
The benefits of polished concrete include:
- Enhanced aesthetic appeal
- Increased durability and resistance to wear and tear
- Low maintenance and cleaning requirements
- Reflective properties that improve lighting, brightening up the space
Is Concrete Sealing Necessary?
Concrete sealing adds an extra layer of protection, extending the benefits of polishing. It involves applying a thin coating to the surface of the polished concrete, closing the pores and protecting the floor’s longevity.
Porous surfaces, such as unsealed concrete, absorb moisture. Not only does this put them at risk for stains and water damage, but it also makes them more susceptible to cracks that occur with freezing and thawing.
Concrete sealing prevents water damage and stains by causing water to bead on the surface instead of infiltrate the tiny pores. It can also prevent sun damage and fading, preserving the floor’s appearance. These benefits are especially helpful for warehouses, retail spaces, home garages, and commercial buildings.
Remember, it’s always less expensive in the long run to prevent damage rather than repair it. WIth enhanced durability, protection from environmental damage, and a reduced need for repairs and maintenance, concrete sealing is a great investment.
Signs Your Concrete Needs Polishing or Sealing
Ideally, you’ll want to seal the concrete as soon as it has been poured and has had the chance to fully cure, but even if your concrete is years old, it’s not too late. Be on the lookout for these signs that your concrete needs polishing or sealing:
- A dull or uneven appearance
- Visible stains or scratches on the surface
- Increased porosity or absorption of spills
- Wear and tear in high-traffic areas
The effects of concrete polishing sealing don’t last forever. Depending on the weather conditions, the type of seal used, and the amount of traffic the floors face, you should polish and reseal them every few years to maintain their glossy finish and preserve their longevity.
Why Hire a Professional Concrete Sealing Company?
While you may be tempted to rent the equipment and do it yourself, concrete sealing and polishing are best left to the professionals. Without the proper training and experience, you may be left with subpar results.
Achieving a smooth finish can be harder than it looks, and it’s easy to miss spots or lay the sealant unevenly. Plus, the process takes a lot of time and effort, especially if it’s your first time working with the equipment.
Another big reason to work with a professional concrete sealing company is that they can fix damaged concrete without having to replace the whole slab. With their professional-grade equipment and expertise, they ensure proper sealant application and lasting results.
Expert Concrete Polishing and Sealing by Brush Brothers Coatings
At Brush Brothers Coatings, we’re experts in all things concrete floors. Whether it’s your garage, basement, retail store, warehouse, restaurant, or fitness center, we’re here to provide the quality concrete sealing and polishing services you deserve. Our staff is highly trained and experienced, so you can trust that you’re getting the best possible service.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule your free estimate.
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