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Flooring is an indispensable part of our project construction. In addition to the floor tiles, terrazzo, wooden floors, and other solid floors and polished concrete we often mention, they are also often used, especially in tooling projects.
So today let’s talk about these two types of floors.
Mainly solve the following problems:
1. What are the differences between cured floors and polished concrete floors?
2. What are the classification characteristics of polished concrete floors?
3. What is the process of polishing concrete?
1. What are the differences between cured floors and polished concrete floors?
Cured floors: Enhance the performance of concrete with sealing curing agents
Innovations in floor treatments have led to the development of a new product called “cured flooring.” This type of flooring is treated with a sealing hardener, also called a “densifier.” This agent is a floor treatment material that brings many benefits to concrete surfaces. Sealer curing agents are specifically designed to penetrate concrete and react chemically with the chemicals present in the concrete. This chemical reaction shrinks the pores in the concrete, creating a denser, more uniform surface. This process effectively turns the concrete into a seamless and strong unit.
One of the key advantages of the sealing and curing process is its ability to significantly improve the performance of concrete. For example, it enhances the floor’s impermeability, making it more resistant to water and other liquids. This is especially beneficial in environments where spills or leaks often occur, such as warehouses or industrial facilities. Additionally, treated flooring has enhanced wear resistance, allowing it to withstand heavy foot traffic and the movement of machinery or equipment. This durability ensures the longevity of the flooring, minimizing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Another significant improvement achieved through the sealing and curing process is the floor’s increased resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. This feature becomes particularly important in areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as during cold winter months. By minimizing expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing, treated floors remain intact and less susceptible to cracking or damage. In addition, the sealing hardener enhances the surface hardness of the concrete, making it less susceptible to scratches, abrasions, or other forms of wear and tear. This makes cured flooring ideal for high-traffic areas such as retail stores or public spaces.
Polished concrete floors
The journey to getting polished concrete floors begins with passing the concrete through a grinding tool. This initial step can remove any imperfections, such as minor cracks, stains, or unevenness. This process gradually smoothes the surface, preparing it for the next stage of finishing. To further increase the strength and density of concrete, chemical hardeners are used. These hardeners penetrate deeply into naturally poured concrete, triggering a chemical reaction that strengthens the surface. This treatment not only enhances the floor’s ability to withstand wear and tear but also increases its resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and stains. Once the hardener has worked its magic, mechanical grinding, and polishing come into play. This meticulous process involves multiple stages of grinding, using increasingly finer grits to create a smooth, shiny surface. As the concrete transforms, its flatness and reflectivity increase significantly, resulting in stunning radiant surfaces.
2. What are the classification characteristics of polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors can be divided into two categories: newly poured floors and old renovated floors according to the type of original floors. Next, we will mainly explain the newly poured floors.
The latest trend in flooring is the use of pre-mixed colored cement and specific stone aggregates, dramatically demonstrating creativity and durability. By incorporating elements such as pebbles, granite, black basalt, ore, waste rock, and more into the mixed concrete, the flooring is not only beautiful but also has enhanced wear resistance. One of the outstanding features of this flooring technology is its ability to display a variety of color effects. At the completion of the surface pouring phase, the floor was given an ultra-fine polish to further enhance its appearance. This process reveals the full potential of decorative polymers, allowing designers to incorporate unique elements such as seashells, conches, glass shards, and even metal car parts. The result is an exceptionally artistic polish that brings all kinds of ideas to life.
In order to ensure the required gloss and functionality of polished floors, polished floors are divided into three levels: micro gloss, medium gloss, and mirror gloss. Each level serves a specific purpose in a different environment. A slight gloss is often applied to industrial floors, providing strength and style. Medium gloss is suitable for interior spaces such as offices, schools, and hospitals where aesthetics and durability are equally important. Finally, mirror gloss is primarily used in high-end locations such as shopping malls and supermarkets, where a polished, pristine appearance is paramount. However, potential challenges that may arise during installation must be addressed.
Cracks in the base layer can cause cracks in the decking surface, compromising the overall integrity and appearance. To solve this problem, it is crucial to ensure good pour quality and careful maintenance. By following these protocols, concrete foundations can be protected from troubles such as dust, spalling, and cracking. In addition to maintaining the structural integrity of your flooring, applying sealing hardener and polish protection can further enhance its performance and appearance. These measures not only enhance its wear resistance but also help achieve a longer-lasting, beautiful finish.
3. What is the process of polishing concrete?
a. Grinding
The first step in the process of polishing concrete is grinding. Similar to sealing and curing the floor, this initial stage requires rough sanding. Construction workers utilize diamond grinding discs and grinders to effectively remove any imperfections in the concrete base. During this process, tiny dents, imperfections, stains, or thin coatings on the floor are skillfully removed. Depending on the condition of the concrete floor, the grinding process can be divided into three or four steps to ensure that the ground is flat and smooth for further processing.
b. Hardener
Once the surface is prepared, the next step is to apply a concrete surface construction hardener. This innovative product promotes the surface hardening of concrete through a chemical reaction. Hardeners further increase the durability and longevity of your floors by creating a dense, dust-free layer of concrete. The resulting effect is a hardened surface that can withstand the wear and tear of daily foot traffic.
c. Polishing
After the hardening process, polishing is required, also known as precision grinding. During this stage, construction workers carefully sand the floor using resin polishing pads. The aim is to achieve the desired level of gloss and add a touch of elegance to the finished floor. This polishing process can be divided into three to five steps, depending on the specific design goals. Additionally, grinding can be performed using either wet or dry methods. Wet grinding is usually used for low-grit polishing, while dry grinding is used for high-grit polishing. Dry grinding usually results in greater efficiency and a smoother surface.
