Polished concrete floors are extremely durable, resilient, and long-lasting while also being cost-effective, easy to clean, and low maintenance—and, of course, they have that aesthetically pleasing, glossy finish that makes them such a popular choice for upgrading concrete flooring. However, many people may hesitate to consider polished concrete because they assume that the shiny floor finish is slippery to walk on, especially in wet conditions.
Does the gleaming, glassy surface of polished concrete make it slippery? Fortunately, while polished concrete looks smooth as silk, it is generally not slippery and can be walked on without skidding—in most conditions.
Is Polished Concrete Slippery?
Polished concrete not only provides protective benefits but also an attractive finish. However, since the surface is highly reflective, people assume it is also slippery.
The good news? Polished concrete floors offer exceptional slip resistance—even when compared to other types of floor finishes. In fact, according to studies by The Concrete Polishing Association of America, polished concrete is more slip resistant than almost any other type of flooring.
Polished Concrete Is Not Very Slippery When Dry
When clean and dry, polished concrete provides extremely high traction and grip. The result is less slippery than many other types of flooring, including marble, linoleum, and wood.
Polished Concrete Is Generally Not Very Slippery When Wet
But is polished concrete slippery when wet?
Polished concrete provides superior slip resistance and grip, even in wet conditions. When the occasional spill occurs and liquid pools on the floor, the porous surface of polished concrete helps prevent people who walk through the spill from slipping.Certain oils and chemicals, however, can still present a potential hazard. If the flooring of your facility is regularly exposed to harsh chemicals or oils, a floor coating with strong chemical resistance may be a better fit.
Polished Concrete Can Be Slippery in Conditions with Dirt, Dust, Grime, or Chemicals
In certain conditions, polished floors can become slippery—especially if they are not cleaned or well-maintained.
Dry powder, excessive dust, or fine particulates glide over the surface of the polished concrete, creating slippery conditions and making it potentially dangerous to walk across. Manufacturing plants, laboratories, workshops, studios, or other spaces that produce a lot of powder (like sawdust) should be careful to design a flooring system that provides slip resistance, even in these conditions. Fortunately, following a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule can help keep dirt, dust, and grime from settling onto the floor and creating a slipping hazard.
Additionally, while polished concrete maintains high grip when exposed to water, some fluids like grease, oil, or chemicals can create a slippery surface. Spills should be cleaned up promptly to avoid injury.
Why Aren’t Polished Concrete Floors Slippery?
Certain characteristics of polished concrete make this type of flooring exceptionally slip resistant.
They Are Easy to Keep Clean
Regardless of flooring type, clean floor surfaces are much less slippery than floors with liquids, contaminants, or other hazards on their surface.
Polished concrete is extremely easy to clean and maintain thanks to its uniform surface. Facility managers can use vacuums, mops, and scrubbers to clean the polished floor surface effectively and quickly, reducing the risk of slip injuries.
They Have High Friction & Slip Resistance
When installed properly, polished concrete floors have a high coefficient of friction and higher slip resistance than other standard floor types. This friction and resistance ensure polished concrete reduces the chances of slip and fall injuries.
5 Ways to Improve the Slip Resistance of Polished Concrete Floors
In areas vulnerable to slipping hazards or those with high amounts of traffic, including bathrooms, locker rooms, lobbies, and hangars, it’s important to maximize the slip resistance of the concrete floor. Follow these five steps to improve the slip resistance of polished concrete.
1. Consider the Location
Avoid installing polished concrete in areas where the floor could be exposed to high levels of condensation, water, oils, greases, dust, or powder, such as shower areas, kitchens, entryways, or mop rooms. In these spaces, untreated and poorly maintained polished concrete can lead to slips and falls.
2. Follow a Regular Cleaning Schedule
A regular cleaning and maintenance schedule will help keep polished concrete floors clear of potential hazards. When accidental spills occur, mop them up immediately to help the floor keep its traction.
3. Install Floor Coverings in High Traffic Areas
Consider installing rubber mats, area rugs, or other floor coverings in areas prone to spills or high traffic, such as locker room or kitchen environments that are notoriously wet as well as entrances or lobbies where rain and snow can easily be tracked inside.
4. Apply a Concrete Sealer with Grip Additives
Apply a concrete sealer with grip additives to increase the slip resistance of polished concrete. These finishes improve traction by increasing the friction of the topcoat—without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the end result.
5. Use an Anti-Slip Conditioner
Anti-slip conditioners contain additives that improve the slip resistance and traction of polished concrete surfaces. Use an anti-slip conditioner periodically to maintain safe conditions in the facility.
Work with the Industry-Leading Polished Concrete Flooring Contractors at ICS Coatings
ICS has been in the floor coating and polishing business since 1993. Today, we are a leading concrete flooring company based in New England that serves industrial and commercial clients from a variety of fields.
Our team of experienced flooring professionals have the experience and knowledge required to get the best results. Whether you are a general contractor, public company, or private enterprise, ICS can create and install high-quality polished concrete floor finishes that meet your exact specifications.Are you ready to get started on a unique, durable, and customizable polished concrete coating solution for your flooring? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.