Summary of Polished Concrete

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2017/12/19 Read:507

Polished concrete is leading the way when it comes to architecturally specified floor finishes. The many unique features of polished concrete floors are attracting more than just architects and designers. Home owners have placed polished concrete as one of the most desirable and must have flooring surfaces. The high demand for polished concrete floors over the past ten years has resulted in advanced techniques, tools, and materials creating faster and more consistent results to meet the expectations of the residential and architectural community.

Concrete is a fundamental building block in almost every construction project, whether new construction or re-modeling of an existing building. As rigorous standards for sustainable green building continue to rise, and the construction industry's quest for environmentally responsible construction continues, finding affordable, sustainable building materials is becoming a necessity for new construction and renovation projects. Natural, durable, beautiful, and sustainable, polished concrete ticks all the right boxes from every aspect.

Sustainability aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction, including environmental, economic, and social benefits. Sustainable building practices take advantage of renewable resources, bringing together a vast array of practices, techniques, skills, and materials to reduce the impacts of construction on the environment and long-term performance of the project.

Polished Concrete at a Glance

Polished concrete and polished concrete technology have evolved quickly over the past seven to ten years. Below is a brief overview of the key stages involved in polishing concrete. In addition, the basic terminology and language used throughout the polished concrete industry will help gain a better working knowledge without the need for a Ph.D. in concrete technology. More in-depth and detailed resources can be found through industry associations and publications.

Polished Concrete Process

Concrete polishing is a process of diamond grinding, chemical treatments with further diamond honing and polishing. Most polished concrete floors are rated by one or more of the following areas: reflectivity, smoothness, flatness, gloss reading, and coefficient of friction. Each of these categories is specific to the individual flooring requirements, usually defined by the client or architectural practicing principle.