Frequently asked questions

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‍Q. What is the process for concrete polishing?

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Concrete polishing is a delicate and systematic process that should be conducted by a professional. Below is an average way as to how the floors can be installed:

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- Floor evaluation and planning stage.
- Fixing any cracks, stains, chips, or holes is the next step in the concrete polishing process.
- Grinding, honing and polishing your floors to their perfect shine is our goal and this can take several different forms and steps.

Q. How long can a polished concrete floor last?

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Polished concrete floors can last for a number of years and each range is different depending on the environment that they are in. Meaning, a floor in an industrial setting will have a different lifespan than one in a residential setting. This concern is one that you should address with your professional contractor, however, on average a polished concrete floor will last well over 20 years.

Q. What are the benefits of polished concrete floors? 

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Polished concrete floors offer many benefits. Below are some but not all of the incredible qualities your floors will possess when you decide to polish your concrete:
- Resistance is an important quality for high foot-traffic areas. Polished concrete provides an environment that is resistant to damage from chemical and oil spills, as well as, slip and water resistant.
- Water-resistance is a special and important quality when you have concrete floors because concrete is naturally a very porous substance. When concrete is unprotected, it will absorb any and all water that is spilled onto it; therefore, your floors will become breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
- The lifespan of your polished concrete floors is well into the double-digit decades because it is impervious to everyday damages that would otherwise cause you to need constant maintenance. In industrial settings, polished concrete is popular because not even heavy machinery can cause the floors to wear and tear quickly.


Q. Why does concrete crack?

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Concrete can crack for many reasons, some of the most common of those reasons are:
- Too much water in a concrete mixture will cause your floors to crack because the water dilutes the concretes strength once it is poured. The concretes ingredients will begin to separate causing early cracks in your concrete.
- When concrete is poured during cold winter months it can crack when the ground underneath begins to thaw because of movement in the ground’s foundation. Roots can also cause movements that begin to crack your concrete foundation.
- When too heavy of objects are placed on top of your concrete there may be some premature cracking. This can be exaggerated if your concrete is old or has not been well cared for.
- Spiderweb cracks are caused by a loss of moisture in your concrete but these cracks are minor and do not pose a threat to the foundation of your concrete.

Q. What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?

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Maintenance for a polished concrete floor is almost none when compared to other floors like wood or marble, who require treatments and deep cleans to be kept beautiful and strong. Maintenance for polished concrete is:
- Dust, sweep, and mop on a regular basis to remove any harmful debris that may be lurking on your concretes surface.
- Wet soft mopping is always encouraged with polished concrete floors. Use a mop that is nonabrasive and will not damage the concretes coating.
- When wet cleaning, use cleaners that are not acidic and do not contain soap to avoid the chemicals dulling your polished concrete. Soapy substances will leave streak marks on your concretes surface, leaving them looking unclean and dulling their shine.
- Floor vacuums are encouraged whenever possible because they are delicate on your floors surface.
- Do not deep scrub any one area because your concretes coating can be damaged.

Q. Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?

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Concrete polishing steps include inspecting and fixing any issues that could be happening with your concrete. Each floor has its own unique properties and should always be inspected by a professional. The grinding and polishing process may fix some issues with your concrete but not all, and to determine which ones, it is imperative that you contact a professional.

Q. Why should I polish my concrete?

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Polishing your concrete has many benefits, as the questions above just answered, but in summary, polishing your concrete guarantees a long-lasting floor that will give very little problems. These floors are resistant to problems that other floors face on a daily basis: for example, a wood floor is easily damaged with spills, and little maintenance, however, a polished concrete floor would not be affected by those things and would be much more affordable from beginning to end. Polished concrete offers a budget-friendly and long-term solution.

Q. Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?

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Patterns and colors can always be added to help spruce up your polished concrete. Ask your contractor what colors and patterns are offer and are best suited for your specific flooring needs.

Q. Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?

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There are many steps a professional contractor will take when it comes to installing a newly polished concrete floor. Many times, the “new” floor is simply the concrete that was already there, just fixed. When you contractor comes to inspect your floors, they are looking for damaged sections that must be fixed prior to polishing your concrete. Cracks, holes, and foundational issues will be evaluated and tended to appropriately. If you have specific questions or concerns, always speak to your contractor prior to installation.

Q. Can all concrete be polished?

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All concrete floors have unique and specific issues that must be addressed prior to polishing. Determining whether your concrete can be polished is one of the top reasons why a professional should be called to assess your situation.

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Polished Concrete Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary

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