You’ve probably noticed the beautiful, glossy floors if you’ve ever visited a modern office building or luxury apartment. More and more businesses and homeowners opt for polished concrete resurfacing in Melbourne to achieve that high-end look without breaking the bank. If you don’t know much about it, we are here to help! Here, we have answered the most common questions about polished concrete that can clear all your queries.
1. What is Polished Concrete Resurfacing?
Polished concrete resurfacing is restoring an old, damaged concrete floor by grinding it down and then polishing it to a high shine. The result is a durable, low-maintenance floor that looks stunning. People choose polished Concrete Resurfacing in Melbourne for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
2. Is it Possible to Polish Any Concrete?
Almost. Yes, this is usually possible. However, there are a few instances where polishing new or existing items aren’t the best option. As an example:
- Professionals do not recommend polishing floors made of lightweight concrete.
- Outdoor concrete that has been frozen and thawed should not be polished.
3. How is Polished Concrete Installed?
- First, the experts clear the raw surface of any dust or debris. Following this, they install a reinforcing mesh to reduce the risk of concrete cracking.
- A concrete mixture of aggregate, cement, water, and optional colour additives is prepared and poured onto the reinforcing mesh.
- After the concrete gets poured, the next step is to level it. Adequate time should be allowed for concrete curing and setting. Note that concrete will require at least 14-28 days to reach maximum hardness before it can be polished.
- After the concrete sets, heavy-duty machines is used to grind the surface to the desired smoothness and shine, ranging from satin to high gloss.
- Finally, the surface is sealed with a penetrating sealant to protect the flooring from stains and spills.
4. What are the Benefits of Polished Concrete?
- Premium concrete resurfacing is a hard-wearing flooring material that lasts a lifetime.
- Polished concrete floors are simple to clean and maintain. Sweeping and wiping with a damp mop are routine cleaning methods.
- This flooring stands out because it provides numerous colour, pattern, and design options that can transform the look and feel of any space.
- Another advantage of polished concrete flooring is that it is environmentally friendly. The bare concrete floor’s surface does not need to be finished with other flooring materials such as tiles, stone, or wood, reducing the carbon footprint.
- Polished concrete floors are adaptable. It can be cast as a joint-lined surface or a seamless surface with no joint lines. It can also be poured to form various shapes.
5. Which Areas are Suitable for Installing Polished Concrete?
- Polished concrete resurfacing in Melbourne can be installed both inside and outside the home. Because of its high resistance to weather conditions, it is ideal for outdoor areas such as the terrace, patio, and driveway.
- Polished concrete flooring is ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces, warehouses, and basements, among other places.
Note: A light polish will give the concrete surface a more natural appearance, whereas a heavy polish will expose the aggregate.
6. How to Add Colour to Polished Concrete?
- Who says polished concrete floors have to be boring and grey? The polished concrete flooring can be stained blue or some other colour of your choice to give the bedroom a bold and bright appearance.
- Colors can be mixed directly into the concrete before it is poured on the floor for new flooring. You can colour existing concrete flooring with concrete stains that penetrate deep into the concrete flooring or by painting with concrete floor paint.
7. What is the Slickness Factor of Polished Concrete?
You might be surprised to learn that, despite its gleaming appearance, polished concrete is not a particularly slippery surface. It only appears slippery due to its high reflectivity. At the microscopic level, the concrete polishing in Melbourne still has a very bumpy texture. It results in a higher friction coefficient even when wet. Because it is less slippery than many other standard flooring options, it is popular in corporate lobbies and entryways.
8. What is the Stain Resistance of Polished Concrete?
One disadvantage of polished concrete is that it does not repel stains or epoxy or urethane coatings. While additional sealants protect the surface, the porous nature of concrete is always susceptible to staining or other damage from spills, especially if they are left standing. To avoid staining, clean up any moisture or spillage as soon as possible.
9. Is Polished Concrete Environmentally Friendly?
Absolutely! Polished concrete is the most environmentally friendly commercial flooring solution available. Concrete is a naturally occurring surface made of rock and water. Furthermore, it is frequently recycled, lowering your carbon footprint. Because polished concrete lasts longer than most products and produces less waste overall, it is sought after for green-building requirements. Its reflective surface conserves energy and complies with all LEED standards.
To Conclude,
Concrete polishing in Melbourne is an increasingly popular way to achieve a high-end look for your home or business without spending a fortune. The process involves grinding down the existing concrete surface and polishing it to a high shine. If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance flooring option that looks amazing, premium concrete resurfacing is worth considering!
