Polished concrete is durable in wet environments but needs to be sealed regularly to ensure moisture stays out. Epoxy floors are slip-resistant and can protect the concrete underneath.
Since a non-reactive stain colors the concrete by filling the concrete's pores or by creating a film that sits on the concrete's surface, typical moisture-related problems include flaking, peeling, bubbling, blistering and dark spots. All of these can cause concrete discolorations.
Harsh liquids such as solvents, soft drinks, vinegar or corrosive acid based liquids may eat away at the floor's protective finish. Left untreated, these liquids will continue to damage the floor even after the affected spots feel dry to the touch.
Polished concrete will still absorb water, but it's possible to prevent water damage by cleaning spills immediately. An installer can create a waterproof concrete surface by adding a sealant before polishing the floor.
One of the key benefits of a polished concrete floor in a wet area is that polished concrete is extremely easy to clean. Because it is very resistant to moisture, polished concrete is not easily damaged by water and can be an excellent choice for an area where you are looking for waterproof material.
Polished concrete does not support mold growth and reduces dust and dust mites, reducing allergen issues overall. Because a polished concrete floor system is more durable, it's also much easier to keep clean.
Instead, polished concrete waterproofing is most commonly achieved by curing two separate slabs and placing a waterproof membrane in between. The foundation slab is poured first, and once cured is coated with a waterproof membrane.
Cons of Polished Concrete Floor
It can be hard underfoot and if something was accidently dropped, such as a plate or glass, it's not going to survive. Cracking: No matter how well your flooring is installed and sealed, over time there will appear cracks in polished concrete floors.
Hard. The strength and durability of this material can also be a drawback as the surface is very hard, so it won't cushion or “give” under feet, making it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
Please do not use abrasive, acidic or harsh cleaning agents on your polished concrete. Cleaning or scrubbing the floor surface with such agents may cause damage. Do not polish the floor with any wax cleaners or buffers and the use of steam-mops is not recommended.
Mechanically polished concrete can last up to 10-12 years without any major maintenance if it is appropriately installed and maintained during that time.
Polished concrete is easy to maintain because of its durability – sweeping and scrubbing daily is the majority of the maintenance work needed. High-traffic areas may need more attention, as the floor is prone to heel scuffs, spills and other soils, while a low-traffic area may look great with just daily sweeping.
We highly recommend that you arrange with your builder to Ramboard laid 24 hours after your concrete polish is completed. Ramboard is a breathable cardboard available from , and it costs approximately $3.20 per m2. This temporary floor product protects against scratches, chips, and general staining.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
If you have a high amount of foot traffic or perhaps severe weather conditions(for outdoor concrete), you may experience a shorter lifetime. Sealing your polished concrete may also depend on the surfaces condition. Once they start showing patchy areas and are staining easily then you should have them resealed.
Both polished and sealed concrete floors require some amount of maintenance, but it's significantly less with a sealed floor. All you need is a mop and some soapy water to clean your floors every week or two. On the other hand, polished concrete needs to be resealed every few years in order to maintain the shine.
Although a polished concrete floor isn't a “No-maintenance” flooring option, they are certainly “low-maintenance.” That's why when it comes to teaching new clients how to maintain a polished concrete floor that's installed in their home or business, we typically offer the following advice.
If you're looking for sustainable materials to use in your home, polished concrete is a great option because: Recycled materials can be used to manufacture concrete. It has a long life – meaning you're less likely to need to replace your floor for many years.
Without adequate reinforcement, however, even small levels of movement can cause cracks to appear in the surface of your concrete flooring. Other factors such as poor drainage, soil movement and improper curing can also lead to cracking in concrete floors.
Getting concrete floor coatings or a decorative concrete overlay is not a luxury – it's an investment that can pay off over time. Not only will the investment improve your enjoyment of the home and reduce your maintenance, but it will also improve the value of your home.
Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction. In 2022, a typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 a square foot.
Most professional flooring experts require a three phase polished concrete floor maintenance approach in order to restore a polished concrete floor to its previous glory. Generally, every 2-3 years, a polished concrete floor with regular foot traffic and weathering will require professional maintenance.
If you are looking for a sealer for your polished concrete floors in a restaurant, you will need to choose a sealer that is resistant to water and slip. The best sealers for this type of environment are siliconate and polyurethane.
Although polished concrete floors are stain-resistant, they can still stain if spills are not cleaned promptly.
Polished concrete is (generally) NOT slippery when wet.
A flooring safety test using measurement standards provided by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) found that polished concrete has superior slip resistance, even when wet.