Polished concrete is a great option for those in need of an attractive and cost-effective flooring solution. Though polished concrete floors can provide more than just aesthetics, they are also low-maintenance, slip resistant, durable, and can boast a long lifespan if looked after.
Although there are many benefits, misconceptions have led to this flooring option sometimes being overlooked. Below are some common misconceptions of concrete polishing and how much truth there is to them.
Polished Concrete Is Too Slippery
In appearance, polished concrete may seem like it would provide less traction, but it is actually no more slippery than unpolished concrete. In fact, it can offer more grip than tile or marble, especially in wet conditions.
Polished concrete achieves this natural slip resistance when wet due to its unique porous surface. However, when covered in fine powder or dust, it can be difficult to walk on.
Polished Concrete Is Cold During Winter and Hot During Summer
In environments that are not climate-controlled, such as basements and garages, the temperature will fluctuate regularly. The temperature of a polished concrete floor in a location like this will be subject to changes in climate and will vary drastically.
When installed in a space that is air-conditioned or heated, there will be no significant change to the room’s temperature.
Polished Concrete Floor Are Hard To Maintain
Concrete polishing creates a surface that sheds significantly less dust than untreated concrete. Sweeping is also easier due to the smooth finish that can be achieved with polishing, making polished concrete floors easier to maintain.
To ensure that your floor lasts as long as possible, it should be swept and mopped with pH-neutral soap weekly. If any stains are apparent then a poultice may be needed.
After enduring foot traffic over the span of a few years, the shine may have dulled a little, but, in most cases, a buffing machine can restore the finish.
The Stain Will Wear Off
To add a bit of flair, concrete is sometimes stained using dyes or other colouring agents. This can pose a worry for people looking to get their stained concrete floors polished as they expect the machine to remove the colour that has been applied. However, this is not the case as concrete staining is not achieved by applying paint that will sit on the surface of the floor; instead, the stain penetrates the porous surface and extends deep within the concrete. This means that the colour will not easily be removed.
Polished Concrete Is More Susceptible To Cracking
It is not possible to make a concrete floor completely immune to cracking. Concrete will crack during the initial curing process and will eventually crack again. The nature of concrete cannot be changed via polishing, but it can draw attention away from this aspect of it.
There are methods to controlling cracks such as sawing joints into the floor, and products like joint fillers can be used to resolve existing cracks.
