Concrete polishing is a process that gives new, or old, concrete floors a high sheen. It is becoming increasingly popular, with options for stains, dyes, and stenciling adding to its appeal.
However, polishing a concrete floor requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail. Specifiers can minimize risks by selecting a qualified contractor. Contact Concrete Polishing Contractor Huntsville TX for professional help.
Concrete polishing is a specialized trade, and it requires special knowledge and equipment to perform correctly. A concrete polishing contractor is responsible for lubricating and cleaning their tools, ensuring that the correct water is used when grinding the surface to prevent a silica dust buildup in the work area, and properly capturing and disposing of the slurry. They are also responsible for repairing their equipment and keeping it running properly. This is a skilled position that requires training and on the job experience to become qualified.
The concrete polishing process is time consuming and the quality of the finished product depends on the quality of the concrete the contractor has to work with. This is why performance specifications are an ideal way to describe project goals, allowing contractors to use their expertise to suggest the materials and methods that will achieve those goals. Specifiers can include measurable standards, like a minimum PSI requirement or floor flatness and levelness standard, that can be compared with results from testing after the project is complete to ensure that the contractor delivered the specified quality.
A good concrete polishing contractor will prepare the work site for the project. This includes removing existing coatings and adhesives from the surface, and cleaning it thoroughly. This is done to ensure that the surface is clean and ready for the polishing process.
This is also the time to specify any seeding requirements or special aggregate mixes. For example, if the customer wants to achieve a specific pattern with their polished concrete, it is necessary to include seeding at the time of pour. This can be achieved by adding a certain amount of the desired aggregate to the batch and hand troweling it in to create a unique design in the finished product.
The next step is to prepare the concrete for polishing by sanding and vacuuming the pores to remove any dirt or debris. This can take a significant amount of time depending on the surface condition and how much customizing the customer wants to do with their polished concrete. It is important to consult with the concrete polishing contractor to get a realistic timeline for the project.
Equipment
When it comes to the concrete polishing process, a qualified contractor will use a wide variety of tools to create a high-quality, professional finish. From handheld polishing tools to heavy-duty contractor-grade machinery, each tool is carefully chosen to fit the job. For example, in framing a house, a higher-quality, more powerful hammer will usually get the job done quicker and easier than a smaller, less-powerful hammer. The same is true for concrete polishing: larger, more powerful machines generally produce better results faster than smaller, lower-quality machinery.
A quality slurry vacuum is essential for any project that involves the wet polishing method. This is because concrete produces a lot of dust during the polishing process, and a slurry vacuum is necessary to collect and contain the dust particles before they are released into the environment. This can prevent product contamination and improve air quality throughout the facility.
Liquid chemical hardeners are often used during the polishing process to help strengthen and densify the concrete surface, making it more resistant to water penetration and staining. These products can be applied to new or existing concrete surfaces and work by reacting chemically with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete to form a strong, dense crystalline structure that can be polished to a high-gloss.
Depending on the specific job, dyes, stains, and coloring agents may also be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of the finished concrete floor. These products can add a splash of color to dull or drab floors and are ideal for creating unique, eye-catching designs and patterns.
A specialized gloss meter is also used to evaluate and determine the final degree of shine, or Image Clarity Value. This meter measures the amount of light that is reflected from the concrete and can be used to accurately assess the finished quality of the concrete flooring. A qualified concrete polishing contractor will be able to recommend the perfect level of reflectivity for each client’s individual needs.
Safety
The process of grinding, honing, and polishing concrete produces a high-sheen surface that is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and hard. Chemical densifiers and sealers are used to further improve the surface and strengthen it. Polished concrete floors are becoming a popular choice for restaurants, retail stores, warehouses, fleet/auto shops, and commercial offices. They are an environmentally friendly alternative to marble, granite, tile, vinyl, VCT, and wood floors. They are also easier to maintain and have a longer lifespan than other flooring materials.
A concrete polishing contractor needs to be able to effectively manage their project and ensure that it is completed within the customer’s desired time frame and budget. This involves providing clear communication and being transparent with the customer about the scope of work that will be performed. It is important to have a written document that clearly outlines the expectations of both parties. This will minimize any miscommunication that can derail the project and lead to a less than satisfactory outcome for everyone involved.
One of the most important safety measures that a concrete polishing contractor needs to take is to clear the area in which they are working. This includes moving all furniture, equipment, and other movable items out of the way. It is also crucial to make sure that the floor does not get wet during this period, as it can lead to a serious accident.
Another important safety measure is to ensure that all workers are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes a respirator to prevent inhalation of the dangerous concrete dust. This dust can irritate lungs and increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also cause lung damage and lead to death in some cases.
A concrete polishing contractor needs to provide training to their employees on how to properly use the tools and understand how to collect and dispose of the concrete dust. They must also be familiar with OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Standards. The ASCC offers a variety of resources to educate contractors and their employees on this topic, including an introductory PowerPoint, articles, a sampling program, and a sample Exposure Control Plan.
Insurance
Purchasing insurance is an essential part of running a business, and concrete contractors are no different. Having the right types of insurance can protect your company from lawsuits and financial losses resulting from an accident or damage to property. Some of the most important insurance policies for a concrete polishing contractor include general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial property.
Concrete polishing is a messy job, so it’s important for a polishing contractor to have a dust containment system. This can be anything from a simple vacuum cleaner to a full-fledged air-filtration unit. This will help keep the work area safe for everyone involved, including employees and customers.
In addition to a dust containment system, a quality polishing contractor will also have specialized equipment. They should have a variety of diamond grinding pads in varying grit levels, from the low grits that etch and grind the surface to the high grits that polish it to a sheen. They should also have edge grinders for tight corners and edges.
Another important piece of equipment for a concrete polishing contractor is a portable power generator. This is needed for working in remote areas where there isn’t electricity. It can also be used in case the power goes out during the polishing process, which can happen if a storm or other issue occurs.
While the polishing process is underway, it’s important for the concrete polishing contractor to have written instructions that explain how to maintain the floor once it’s finished. This will make sure the customer is aware of what needs to be done, when, and how to do it. It will also ensure that the client is clear on when they can return to their space and how long the floors need to dry before they can be used again.
A reputable concrete polishing contractor will have all the necessary certifications and insurance to protect their clients. They will also be able to provide references from past clients. Additionally, they should have a strong safety and risk management program to minimize accidents and reduce their premium costs.