Concrete floors are characterized by a porous surface, rendering them susceptible to water, chemicals, oil, and other contaminants. Additionally, they are prone to abrasion and wear resulting from heavy machinery or foot traffic.
The positive development is the availability of a diverse array of products designed to safeguard concrete flooring.
Concrete floor coatings safeguard against premature degradation, corrosion, and abrasion while also delineating traffic pathways, enhancing skid resistance, and decoratively enhancing flooring.
Applying a concrete floor finish offers a robust solution for protecting the flooring in various industrial and commercial environments, such as warehouses, factories, basements, garages, stores, malls, hotels, airports, restaurants, and industrial plants.
Polishing the Floor vs. Applying a Resinous Flooring System
Various concrete floor finishes are currently available, each with distinct advantages and physical properties tailored to specific environments and applications. Resinous coatings are commonly applied in a multi-layer fashion, beginning with the repair of cracks and damage, followed by the preparation of the floor to achieve the correct surface profile. Subsequently, a primer coat is applied, succeeded by a broadcast coat, and culminating in a top-coat application. It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the type of flooring systems utilized.
The three predominant concrete coatings in commercial applications are epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic. A polished concrete system involves the use of diamond-impregnated pads, commencing at 40 grit and culminating at 1500 grit. This process includes two sealing applications to impart a glossy finish and ensure floor safety. Further elaboration will be provided on the advantages and optimal commercial implementation for each method.
1. Resinous Floor Coatings
Epoxy ranks among the most widely utilized concrete floor coatings due to its exceptional durability and rigid composition, constituting a robust and resilient plastic floor coating. Recognized for its remarkable resistance to impacts, chemical substances such as oil and grease, and heavy foot traffic, epoxy coatings are a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications.
Resinous floor coatings are commonly present in diverse environments, including warehouses, industrial facilities, automotive shops, airplane hangars, restaurants, pharmaceutical buildings, and manufacturing facilities where heavy machinery is operated. Moreover, these coatings are also applicable for utilization within residential garages and basements.
Types of Resinous Flooring Systems:
- High-Traffic Coating
- Broadcast Shop Floor
- Static Dissipative
- Epoxy Mortar
- Cementitious Urethane Mortar
- Decorative Quartz
- Decorative Flake
- Decorative Metallic
Resinous Flooring Advantages:
- Moisture Mitigation
- Slip-Resistant
- Abrasion-Resistant
- Aliphatic UV-Stable
- Chemical / Stain-Resistant
- Easy to Clean
2. Polished Concrete System
Polished concrete undergoes a grinding process utilizing diamond-impregnated pads, commencing at 40 grit and culminating at 1500 grit, based on the desired level of luster.
Polished concrete is specifically engineered for surfaces prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. Its exceptional durability and resistance make it particularly well-suited for industrial environments with substantial traffic and weight loads. Notably, it excels in loading and unloading areas due to its resistance to cracking and tire rolling. Additionally, the smooth and glossy surface of polished concrete floors impedes the accumulation of dust and dirt, effectively enhancing spatial perception. Consequently, these qualities render polished concrete an ideal choice for frequently trafficked areas such as parking lots and garages.
Polished Concrete Advantages:
- The surface exhibits a decorative, smooth, and glossy finish
- Extremely Durable
- Easy to Clean and Maintain
- Resistant to:
- Slips
- Moisture
- Thermal Shock
- Scratches
- Chemicals
Polished concrete presents an optimal choice for a variety of industrial and commercial settings, including warehouses, stock rooms, loading docks, industrial buildings, and retail stores.
How to Choose a Concrete Floor Finish
The concrete floor finishing market offers a wide variety of options and products—the number of choices can, at times, be overwhelming.
How does one identify the most practical, cost-effective, and efficient floor coating solution?
When considering concrete flooring systems, it is essential to acknowledge the distinct properties of various products, each of which may be more suitable for specific applications. Consequently, it is imperative to carefully assess the primary factors pertinent to your requirements.
Ask yourself questions such as the following:
- How much foot traffic do you anticipate?
- What environmental conditions does the flooring undergo?
- What is your budget?
- How long can you dedicate to letting the floor coating cure?
- How durable does the floor coating need to be?
- What decorative options are you looking for?
Your responses to the following questions will serve as the basis for identifying the optimal coating system for your concrete flooring.
Need additional assistance? Ask an experienced floor coating professional to help you decide.
Contact ICS for Your Concrete Floor Coating Needs
Since 1993, ICS has been operating within the floor coating and polishing industry. Today, we stand as a prominent concrete flooring company located in New England, catering to industrial and commercial clients across various sectors.
Our proficient team of flooring professionals possesses the requisite experience and expertise to deliver optimal outcomes. Whether your organization operates as a general contractor, a public entity, or a private enterprise, ICS is fully equipped to design and implement top-tier concrete floor finishes that precisely adhere to your specifications.
Are you prepared to initiate the development of a distinctive, durable, and customizable concrete coating solution for your flooring?
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.