The Pros and Cons of Polished Concrete

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Polished ConcreteAs with all flooring materials polished concrete has a variety of benefits that have made it an extremely popular flooring choice for commercial and manufacturing facilities, processing plants, shop and production floors, communal areas in these facilities, as well as other high traffic environments. There are also some drawbacks to using it in certain areas, but many of them are easy to overcome, and in the end, the positives of polished concrete flooring far outweigh the negatives. It is important to understand the demands of the environment where the flooring will be located as well as the pros and the cons before making a final flooring decision.

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Pros

  • High Durability.
    icon-high-performancePolished concrete flooring is extremely strong and resilient and is able to withstand the pressure from very heavy foot traffic and equipment. It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch.
  • Life-Span.
    A properly installed, sealed and maintained polished concrete floor can be expected to last a hundred years or more in even the harshest commercial environments. Its life-span will also far surpass that of other floor coverings, such as carpeting, vinyl tile and wood laminates. That means in the long run you can save money because you’ll never need to remove and replace worn or damaged flooring.
  • Easy to Maintain.
    icon-sanitaryPolished concrete flooring is relatively easy to maintain. You just have to dust mop or broom sweep daily to prevent dirt accumulation. You should also damp mop it weekly to remove smudging, scuffs, and water marks, and restore gloss. Depending on your polished concrete floor finish, you may have additional maintenance requirements.
  • Cost-Effective.
    Depending on the level of complexity, polished concrete floors can cost as little as $2 a square foot or as much as $30 a square foot. Most installations are quite cost-effective, especially if you have an existing concrete slab that’s all ready for staining, polishing or application of a decorative coating or overlay. The price savings doesn’t always come at installation, but over its lifetime because the only reason you’ll have to replace it is if you get tired of the look, especially if you factor in maintenance costs.
  • Many Design Options.
    Today, there is an endless variety of color and texture effects and can simulate the look of dozens of different pricier materials. You can also add decorative engraving and stenciled graphics into the surface.
  • Sanitary.
    Properly finished and sealed concrete can be virtually resistant to fluids, especially water. Coatings can provide waterproof barriers that seal the concrete and prevent contaminants from actually getting to the concrete. Some coatings can also provide anti-microbial protection. And high quality concrete flooring shouldn’t have cracks or crevice in the surface that can trap food and dirt and harbor bacteria.
  • Slip-Resistant.
    icon-resistantAny concrete surface can be slippery especially in moist environments or areas prone to spills, but, it can also be sealed with a non-slip epoxy coating to add texture and prevent falls and injuries.
  • Chemical-Resistant.
    A non-sealed concrete floor is porous, although, concrete floors can be sealed with a chemical-resistant epoxy coating to protect them against extreme chemicals (alkalis and acids) and corrosion.
  • Thermal Shock-Resistant.
    Thermal shock-resistant coatings can be applied to concrete flooring to ensure that disbondment, delamination, cracks, bubbles and other deterioration does not occur if your floors are subjected to very hot water or steam washes.
  • Static Dissipative.
    An unsealed concrete floor often exhibits antistatic tendencies, although, they are dependent upon the floor’s moisture levels, making it unreliable. Anti-static coatings can be applied to concrete flooring to ensure static discharge doesn’t cause damage to static sensitive equipment.
  • No VOC.
    Concrete floors do not contain harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) like hardwood floors, vinyl carpets and synthetic carpets.

We can help you with your pros and cons list and make your flooring project a success.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

Cons

  • 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. To overcome this, you can add anti-fatigue mats to areas where employees face hours on their feet on a day-to-day basis.
  • Cold.
    Another drawback of concrete floors is that they do not tend to retain heat very well. That means that in the winter the surface of the floor is going to feel chilled, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring. To overcome this, you can embed radiant heating cables in concrete floors to reduce heat loss. Best of all, you’ll usually pay lower utility costs than with a forced-air system, because concrete floor radiant heating consumes less energy to achieve the same level of comfort.
  • Moisture.
    If concrete flooring is not properly finished and sealed, it will be very susceptible to penetration by moisture. If liquid does manage to make its way into the pores of a concrete floor, it can sit there and lead to the growth of mold or mildew. If you have a trusted professional installing your polished concrete flooring, you shouldn’t have to worry about this.
  • Loud.
    Polished concrete floors can be loud like ceramic tile, natural stone flooring, and some hardwood or bamboo floors. To reduce the noise, you can furnish the space with rugs, heavy drapes, acoustic wall panels and other elements that absorb or block sound.

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. See some of the work we have done with other clients in our gallery.

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’d love to help your company.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

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Flexible Factories Shouldn’t Gloss Over the Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors

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Polished ConcreteFlexible factories are taking the industry by storm – changing the flow of workspaces to accommodate more business initiatives and innovation.  And while this revolutionary push towards inviting and adaptable workspaces has as much to do with productivity as it does safety, manufacturing companies are quickly learning that this new design is also having a positive impact on their bottom line.

These new production plants are giving innovation companies the opportunity to both multitask in a single environment and modernize technology with interchangeable machinery. Not only is this a better use of space, but often incorporates energy efficient building techniques that are viable and sustainable.

One of the ways flexible factories and existing manufacturing companies can enhance their workspace and save money is with industrial flooring. Polished concrete has become a popular choice for processing plants, shop and production floors, as well as communal areas in these facilities.

Polished Concrete for Manufacturing Facilities
Hands down, one of the most important things to consider in industrial flooring is durability. Aside from the obvious resistance of wear and tear, the strength and endurance of commercial flooring can have a direct impact on environmental safety. This makes polished concrete an ideal choice for flexible factories and production floors.

BB_PPC_320x250 icon-high-performanceLonger Lifespan: Give it your best shot. One of the benefits of polished concrete floors are they they are practically indestructible. For a production floor under constant duress from machinery tread, foot traffic, and organic materials, this may be its greatest asset. While it may cost more up front, the thermal shock resistance and virtually no chipping or cracking means it’s a reliable choice. Its durability will outlast other options making it more cost-effective in the long run.

icon-industry-compliantSafety First: Polished concrete can be treated with top sealants for greater protection. Trips and falls are a common workplace hazard, and a top-coat for slip resistance can be applied. While concrete is naturally porous, it can be formulated for chemical and moisture resistance that will protect against mold and bacteria that threaten a work environment.

icon-sanitaryEasy Maintenance: Depending on the type of manufacturing facility, cleaning and sanitizing the space may be a regular occurrence. If properly treated, harsh chemicals and excessive heat from frequent deep cleansing will not impact the floor. Polished concrete is relatively easy to maintain and does not stain easily.

Manufacturing facilities typically recoat flooring every 10-15 years. Black Bear Coatings & Concrete has engineered solutions for a number of production sites in the northeast. Choosing a longer lasting industrial flooring systems helps to minimize quicker recoating, and is an effective replacement solution for worn and weakened floors.

Flexible factories can enhance the look and feel of a particular space with polished concrete. The smooth, seamless surface is ideal for a versatile workspace with the safety features needed for a manufacturing facility. Learn more about the benefits of polished concrete, and trust the experts at Black Bear to value engineer a flooring system for your production plant or manufacturing facility.

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.

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’d love to help your company.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

Download Our Brochure

3 Reasons Why Polished Concrete Floors Are Becoming More Popular With Restaurants

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More and more restaurant owners are recognizing that polished concrete floors are a great alternative for their businesses. From an economic and aesthetic perspective, polished concrete just makes sense. Here are three reasons why you should consider this type of flooring for your restaurant:

1. Durability. Polished concrete is one of the most durable commercial flooring alternatives on the market today. It is perhaps the only type of floor that can withstand constant traffic with no adverse consequences. Polished concrete will never chip or dent like wood floors, nor will it curl at the edges like some tiles and carpets.

2. Maintenance. In a restaurant environment, it’s essential to have a floor that is sanitary and easy to keep clean. Polished concrete flooring is impervious to spilled food and drink, dust, and dirt. Cleaning these floors is simple – all that is needed is a damp mop. No waxes or other chemicals need to be applied.

3. Appearance. One of the first things that a customer sees in a restaurant is the floor. With its clean, professional appearance, polished concrete flooring makes a positive impression. Polished concrete floors can be installed in many different colors to match your decor and branding.

Polished concrete is a logical choice for restaurant flooring. To learn more about this alternative flooring in a restaurant setting, please contact us. Black Bear Coatings & Concrete 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). We have worked with many restaurant and food service clients and would be happy to discuss a polished concrete floor with you.

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.

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The Effects of Excessive Moisture on Concrete Floors

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Polished concrete floors are a popular option for commercial and industrial building. However, as a porous substance, it is vulnerable to excessive moisture which can cause difficulties during installation and distort the end result. Contractors should be conscious of the impact moisture has on cementitious floors.

Riverfront Lofts High Alkalinity – Excessive moisture can result in elevated levels of alkaline. If testing of the area results in a PH level greater than 9, it could compromise the adhesive and bonding systems in place. A waterproofing membrane or mitigation system may be necessary.

Cracking and Dusting – Top coat sealants that are mixed with too water, or concrete that dries too quickly can cause unintentional cracks in the surface. Excess water at the surface can also weaken the concrete and cause dusting to occur when it dries.

Mold – Wet conditions are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. This can erode concrete and damage the integrity of the floor. Mold will stain and tarnish concrete if not thoroughly cleaned. If mold is present, it may be necessary to test the moisture levels on site.

Discoloration – Moisture can cause discoloration of stained, decorative concrete. In unsightly contrast could be the result of excess water. It is not uncommon for moisture to produce lighter or darker variations of a selected color. Too much water combined with copper salts for staining, may result in a blackening discoloration.

Efflorescence – When water or moisture is present in a slab it can lead to crystalline deposits on the surface of the concrete. This salty residue shows up as whitish film on decorative concrete and ruins the look of the floor. Additional processes are needed to repair the decorative concrete to restore the desired finish.

Testing the humidity level of a site, as well as concrete has become commonplace to avoid excessive moisture. Mitigation systems may be necessary to reduce the amount of wetness that permeates the floor.

For more information about waterproofing and mitigation systems to avoid moisture on concrete floors, contact the experts at Black Bear Coatings & Concrete. The experts will value engineer the right solutions that will protect your healthcare property. We would be happy to discuss what solution would best fit your needs. We have years of experience working with industry leaders in a variety of sectors. 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’d love to help your company. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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Concrete Resurfacing: An Economical Option for Property Managers

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As a property manager, you want your facility to look its best, no matter what type of building you are responsible for. The condition of your concrete floors is often more than an aesthetic consideration, as well. Having well-maintained floors is essential for employee, customer, or resident safety, as well as for hygiene purposes in manufacturing, healthcare, or hospitality environments.

If your concrete floors are cracked, uneven, or just unattractive, concrete resurfacing can be an economical option for giving the facility a facelift. In many cases with concrete floors, the structural concrete slab is sound and the surface simply needs to be repaired. Once the slab is resurfaced, a durable overlay can be applied. These overlays are available in a variety of colors, textures, and designs.

The key to successful concrete resurfacing is proper preparation of the slab. The first step is to identify the root cause of the damage to the slab. It is always a good idea to try to address any underlying issues as part of a resurfacing project. The next step is to create the proper surface profile for the overlay that will be applied. In some cases, scarification is used to remove old floor coatings. In others, shot blasting is the right technique to remove soft concrete and to eliminate any contamination that may have occurred.

As you embark on a concrete resurfacing project, it’s important to find a vendor who has the experience and expertise needed to prepare the floor properly and apply the most appropriate overlay product. Black Bear Coatings and Concrete has worked with industry leaders in food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Give us a call – we’d love to discuss how to revitalize your concrete floors and refresh your facility.

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.

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What Makes Polished Concrete An Environmentally Friendly Alternative

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Many businesses today are concerned about sustainability and whenever possible, they prefer to make decisions that are “green.” When it comes to environmentally friendly flooring, polished concrete is a sensible choice. Here are five reasons why polished concrete floors are “green.”

  1. Few, if any, raw materials are consumed. The process of polishing concrete floors has a small footprint with regard to raw material consumption. The only products that are applied to existing concrete floor slabs are water-based hardeners and stain-resistant treatments.
  1. In some cases, customers incorporate recycled products into their floors. Attractive polished concrete floors often include crushed glass, marble chips, or metal shavings to add visual appeal. These components would ordinarily be discarded, but they gain a second life in polished concrete floors.
  1. Harmful volatile organic compounds are avoided. Many flooring materials and floor maintenance chemicals emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Polished concrete flooring, in contrast, is VOC-free, resulting in cleaner air for employees and customers to breathe.
  1. Polished concrete floors reduce dust and are mold resistant. Carpets and other floor coverings often generate dust or promote the growth of mold and mildew when they become damp. Polished concrete floors don’t have these issues. As a result, they are a healthy alternative for individuals with allergies and other health issues.
  1. Polished concrete floors reflect light and can reduce electric lighting bills. In some environments with windows, polished concrete floors can increase ambient lighting levels by 30% due to their reflective surfaces. This means less money spent on electricity during the daylight hours for artificial lighting.

If you’d like to learn more about how polished concrete floors can make your business or facility more “green,” contact Black Bear Coatings and Concrete. We have over 25 years of extensive experience with this type of flooring in industries as diverse as retail space, hospitals, warehouses, and more.

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.

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The Most Common Flooring Problems in Healthcare Facilities

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Flooring in Healthcare FacilitiesThe most common flooring problems for healthcare facilities can be captured by the “three S’s” – sanitation, slip resistance, and strength. Resinous coatings over concrete are a proven way to address these issues:

Sanitation.

      When epoxy floor coatings are applied over concrete, one of the major benefits is that they create a seamless and non-porous surface. This prevents liquids, such as water, medications, or bodily fluids, from entering the structure of the floor which can cause dangerous bacteria or mold and mildew to grow.

Slip resistance. Another advantage of epoxy floor coatings is that they offer a coefficient of friction that prevents slips and falls. This is essential to ensure patient safety, as well as a safe working environment for healthcare employees.

Strength. Epoxy coatings that are applied over concrete provide a durable flooring surface. The no-wax finish is low-maintenance which translates into reduced maintenance costs. These durable, stain resistant floors create a positive impression for patients and visitors, as well.

Although healthcare flooring can be a challenge, the most common issues are not insurmountable. Black Bear Coatings and Concrete has worked with numerous healthcare facilities and installed floor solutions that provide sanitary, slip-resistant, and strong surfaces for employees and patients alike.

To learn more about our passion for concrete – and more importantly, for making your project a complete success – please contact us today for a free estimate.

 

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Concrete Resurfacing for Pool Decks: An Economical Path to Greater Safety and Visual Appeal

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With a rough winter behind us and summer in full force, you and your family are probably enjoying the warm days spent by the pool. This is a great time to take a closer look at your pool deck and concrete resurfacing. Here are three reasons why concrete resurfacing may be a wise decision:

1. Improved pool deck safety

A major concern with many pool decks is the fact that they are slippery when wet. Put kids together for a pool party and it’s inevitable that running around the pool will be part of the picture. Concrete pool deck resurfacing is an ideal way to reduce slips and accidental falls. Grit, such as aluminum oxide, can be incorporated into the concrete resurfacing material and is a highly effective way of increasing slip resistance.

2. More attractive outdoor spaces

Resurfacing your pool deck is an economical way to make your outdoor recreation area more aesthetically pleasing. When resurfacing concrete, it’s possible to add color and texture to the pool deck surface. With stamping or stenciling, concrete can be made to look like stone or other materials.

3. Affordability

Concrete resurfacing is an economical way to refresh a pool deck. Small cracks, stains, and wear and tear can easily be covered at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire pool deck. Resurfacing a pool deck also strengthens the concrete, increasing the life span of your pool area and making it look like new.

When looking for a company to resurface your pool deck, remember that preparation is one of the most important aspects of the process. Look for a firm that will clean the existing concrete, remove any areas that are loose, and prepare the surface to guarantee that the final coating materials can be applied evenly and will create a strong bond.

Black Bear Coatings and Concrete has over 25 years of experience resurfacing concrete in commercial, industrial, and residential environments. We would love to help you revitalize your pool deck and improve the value of your home. Give us a call!

To learn more about our passion for concrete – and more importantly, for making your project a complete success – please contact us today for a free estimate

 

What is the Appeal of Polished Concrete Floors?

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Polished concrete floors are a great alternative for many different environments. There are several reasons why this type of flooring has become so popular. If you are considering different options for the floors in your facility, here are seven factors which may convince you that polished concrete is the way to go.

1. Aesthetic appeal. Polished concrete looks great, thanks to its smooth, seam-free surface. Facility owners can select from finishes ranging from satin to high gloss. The choice is yours, depending on the look you want to achieve.

2. Low maintenance. One of the major advantages of polished concrete is that it requires no waxes or coatings. Cleaning the floor is easy. Polished concrete is one of the lowest maintenance flooring solutions available.

3. Cost effective. Unless your concrete floor is not structurally sound, there is a very high probability that you can have a polished concrete floor. Working with an existing floor is far more economical than tearing out concrete and starting from scratch.

4. Quick to install. Polished concrete floors do not require long periods of time to install. That means less downtime and disruption for your business.

5. Durable. Polished concrete floors are harder and stronger than other floor options. They will not flake and the polished surface resists tire marks from equipment or vehicles.

6. Safe. Although polished concrete floors look smooth and glossy, they aren’t slippery for employees and customers to walk on. Polished concrete floors typically meet or exceed the OSHA recommended static coefficient of friction of 0.5.

7. Environmentally friendly. Since polished concrete floors usually require no chemicals that must be cured, they rarely emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, they are an environmentally friendly option and a great alternative for LEED projects.

There’s a lot to like about polished concrete floors, but it’s not a DIY project! It requires expertise and specialized equipment to get a floor that looks its best. Black Bear Coatings & Concrete 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). We have worked with commercial and industrial clients for over 25 years on projects that include polished concrete floors. Give us a call to learn more about this versatile flooring alternative!

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.

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