Concrete polishing in Boston Ma is a relatively new concept that has stemmed from a combination of improved technology and increased interest from consumers. There are several benefits to this process, but it is not appropriate for every concrete surface. A general understanding of the process and how it works will help you determine if your business should invest in concrete polishing.
Basics of Concrete Polishing
Concrete polishing is a multiple step process that is not unlike sanding wood. The concrete floor must first be assessed and any existing finish removed. Then the floor is smoothed using increasingly fine polishers. This will create an even and shiny surface. At this point, the floor issolidified and densified. This is done through the application of penetrating hardeners, which create a chemical reaction that produces a crystalline structure that is harder than standard concrete. It will then be polished again. A stain guard can be applied at the end as an extra precaution if desired.
Concrete grinders come in many sizes and shapes. The polishing materials include either standard pads or diamond pads. Although diamond is more costly, it creates a durable surface that will maintain its shine for a longer period of time. This is valuable for areas with high foot traffic, such as hallways, showrooms, or meeting areas.
Polishing in Boston can be done by either the wet or dry method. The wet method involves using water to cool the polishing equipment. The water reduces friction, extending the life of the materials, and reducing the amount of concrete dust, but creating a slurry mess that must be properly disposed of. The dry method requires connecting equipment to a vacuum system to collect dust and is generally quicker.
Concrete Polishing Styles
There are multiple options for finishing the surface of concrete in addition to polishing. These can add extra detail and aesthetic appeal to your finished floor. Dyes and stains can be applied to the floor in a wide range of colors to match other building features. Stains can give the finished floor the appearance of texture or a marbled pattern while maintaining a low cost and smooth finished feel.
The surface can also be decorated with borders, bands, radial lines, and other design elements. This not only creates a unique appearance, but makes areas like entryways and common room inviting and comfortable. If polishing is intended for a new installation of concrete, aggregates like glass chips, seashells, or river stones can be added to the surface.
Benefits of Concrete Polishing
There are several benefits to consider, some more valuable than others. The most basic of these is appearance. A polished floor is simply more attractive than an unpolished one. It will be shiny, and if used throughout your facility, give the building a cohesive appearance. The surface will be more reflective, making rooms feel brighter. A polished floor is also easier to maintain.
It will be more solid and water resistant, which can reduce the occurrence of cracks and extends the life of your floors. Polishing also makes floors impervious to stains, skid marks, and other minor damage. For the most part, your floors can be cleaned with only a broom and damp mop. Polishing an existing concrete floor is also considered environmentally friendly when compared to alternatives. Specifically, the 2009 LEED standards include guidelines for this practice.
Contact a professional
Concrete polishing is not the best solution for all surfaces in Boston Ma. Alternatives include concrete resurfacing, replacement, or the addition of concrete coatings. Before beginning a project, it is beneficial to contact a professional. ICS has been operating since 1993 and has worked on hundreds of concrete polishing projects. We can provide consultations to businesses in Providence, RI; Hartford and New Haven, CT; Portsmouth, Nashua, and Manchester, NH; Portland and Bangor, ME; Albany, NY; and Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, MA. To contact us, fill out the Got a Project form. You can also subscribe to receive email communications through the form on the right.
Concrete Flooring Service Area
ICS provides concrete solutions to all of the northeast. Here is a small list of cities and towns where we have completed many industrial and commercial concrete flooring applications.
| Portland, Maine | Bangor, Maine | Augusta, Maine |
| Nashua, New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Worecester, Massachusetts | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Burlington, Vermont | Montpelier, Vermont | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Providence, Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Hartford, Connecticut | New Haven, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut |
| New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |