Architects recognize that commercial and industrial flooring is the interior finish that typically represents the largest surface area. It’s also a finish that every occupant comes in contact with every day. As a result, many companies want a flooring solution that will be easy to maintain. On these projects, architects often recommend polished concrete floors.
Here are five reasons why polished concrete floors are appealing from a maintenance perspective:
1. Polished concrete floors are stain resistant. During the installation process, a multi-step grinding and polishing process is used. Once the concrete substrate has been prepared, it is impregnated with hardeners and sealers. These products level, densify, polish, and seal the floor. As a result, polished concrete floors are dense enough to prevent water, oil, and other contaminants from penetrating and staining the surface.
2. There is no need for sealing and waxing. Since sealers are an integral part of creating a polished concrete floor, there is no need to apply additional sealers over time. The sheen created by the polishing process is permanent. Wax is not necessary to keep polished concrete floors looking like new.
3. Removing dirt is easy. Some flooring products like tile or linoleum require scrubbing to keep them looking clean and attractive. Polished concrete floors, in contrast, can be easily cleaned with a dust mop and gritless sweeping compound. Since polished concrete floors are dense and impermeable, dirt stays on the top. Polished concrete floors also tend to be more sanitary than vinyl composition tiles that trap dirt in the seams between tiles.
4. Tire marks are significantly reduced. In industrial settings, businesses report noticeable decreases in tire marks after installing polished concrete floors. This is due to the floor’s smooth surface. In addition, tire wear on indoor vehicles is reduced.
5. Maintenance costs are lower than for other types of floors. One source estimates that the annual cost to maintain a polished concrete floor ranges between $0.09 and $0.25 per square foot. In contrast, the cost to maintain a floor covered with vinyl composition tiles is between $0.60 and $1.05 per square foot.
Black Bear Coatings & Concrete has extensive knowledge of polished concrete floors in commercial and industrial environments. With over 25 years of experience, our crews have the skills required to create a floor that meets each client’s unique maintenance and aesthetic needs. We have worked with customers on polished concrete floor projects in a wide range of industries including retail, restaurants, warehouses, commercial gyms, offices, hospitals, and more.
Black Bear is a leading concrete and coatings flooring company that serves New England – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as New York (north of New York City). Rest assured that we have the staff, equipment, and expertise needed to make your floor project a success. We spend time upfront to assess each client’s needs, identify the best flooring solution, engage in the right preparation, and then install the floor using industry best practices.
We spend time upfront to assess each client’s needs, identify the best flooring solution, engage in the right preparation, and then install the floor using industry best practices. We’d love to help your company. Contact us today for a free estimate.
