wet or dry grinding concrete. Opinion share (2)

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2012/9/28 Read:1242

Allison Birkmeyer, CSI : @Craig - the negative affect arises when the slurry isn't removed properly. I'm not saying the wet method is bad, however it's important the installer know what their doing (like any process out there). If the slurry isn't removed well, it can fill in the pores of the concrete and hinder it from being polished correctly.

I also agree that disposing the slurry can become an issue as well.

Mike Boeddeker : I agree with Craig, We like to use wet grinding to cut our floors faster and save tooling. This also helps keep that nasty silica dust out of our lungs. As far as the slurry that can be a problem and costly to get rid of. But we found a process that works well for us and cost is extremely low. Smaller jobs we get to grinding, get a few passes ahead, I get a guy to fall back squeegee (metal squeegee) the slurry into a couple piles we add a absorbent material to it it dries it out clumps it together and neutralizes the PH. Next step take the top off you preseparator shovel the environmentally safe waste into the longo bag and place in site dumpster or haul to dump. It really is that easy! Bigger jobs we use a vac system that sucks up the slurry right after the grinder before operator steps in it. this system recovers the slurry, separates the water from the slurry and pumps it threw a water hose to reuse over and over. Keeps you from hauling in water all the time to feed your machine. Pretty slick!

Marc Alicea : Mike we also use that wonderful slurry drying absorbent powder called Gel-Maxx and it kicks-ass. So for all of you kids out there that wet grind and cant stand slurry disposal issues I highly reccomend you start using Gel-Maxx because it works. Also after it has done it's job drying up the slurry you can dispose of it without it being a hazardous material. The manufacturer says it can actually be used to refertilize the soil because the concrete has limestone / calcium and whatever. I am not a biologist nor chemist but if that's what they say and it checks out then what a hell of a green product. Allison I have been polishing concrete 7 years now and never had an issue of pores in concrete with dust or slurry residue preventing it from being polished or preventing smoothness or shine. If anything slurry will help fill miro pitting holes in the slab just as epoxy grout filling does. Not being a mean guy but I think it's becoming a real issue with all these so called experts or consultants who have never ever done this process of work before (as a way of making a living) or even worked for a company or owned a floor coating / polishing contracting business give there professional advise on how to do this specialized hardwork the right way. Even manufacturer reps are the most ill advised source of information for us said contractors. Why? Because they have never ever done this type of work and get all pumped up by how much $$$ there getting paid vs. other products that do the exact same thing as all densifyers / diamond tools / stain gaurds ect... There are only a few different decorative concrete products that are truely different than others and serve specific purposes per application and as a Professional who actually installs the work and knows the real issues with these said products knows what's best for our clients. That's why i can only hope that any newbe contractor / owner is thinking of getting into this business needs get do there own research and get training through the International Concrete Polishing and Staining Concference and Concrete University. Also through courses offered by the Hanley organization / WOC as wellas CPAA. Just a little tired of cheap two cents from those that have never been behind a grinder to give there so calledd professional advise.

Mike Boeddeker : I agree Mark, Well said The newbe does have a challenge and I hope to do my part to help them get to a quality product that will help our industry grow and flourish. As far as the product it is not Gel-Max but is the same chemistry. Please contact me privately if you would like to talk about it. Maybe I can share something useful and I am open for your experience too. I love to learn! Cheers