Many different floor coatings and treatments may be used in a commercial or industrial context. The final flooring decision is influenced by various criteria, including the work environment, any unique performance requirements, the cost per square foot, and the proportions of the floor.
Epoxy flooring has grown in popularity over the past several years, particularly in commercial settings. Many facility managers prefer the longevity of epoxy flooring over treated concrete floors, or they don’t even consider concrete floors at all when making their decision. However, it is crucial to note that polished concrete flooring may be an excellent choice in some instances and should not be dismissed out of hand.
In truth, it outperforms epoxy flooring in several aspects, particularly when it comes to the procedure of application and maintenance. Because refinishing a floor is far more expensive and time-consuming than selecting the appropriate solution in the first place, it is critical not to neglect the benefits of polished concrete. Here are some of its most significant advantages:
Abolition of dusting and efflorescence
The strength of untreated concrete is unmatched, yet it is susceptible to certain types of damage and natural chemical reactions. Concrete is porous, and as a result, the process of salt migration (efflorescence) is always in progress. This, in turn, leads to dusting and the degradation of epoxy and other coatings, issues that may be avoided entirely by polishing at the source, as previously stated.
A Stain-resistant Flooring Surface
The porous aspect of concrete is also one of its most significant issues, as it accounts for a considerable portion of its overall maintenance expenditures during its lifespan. Polishing the concrete seals the surface and increases the density of the concrete. This allows it to naturally reject water, oil, and other types of surface pollution, even without any further protective measures.
Improved Reflectivity and Ambient Light Absorption
Increased reflectivity improves the effectiveness of your safety painting. It also has long-term advantages in terms of regulating your energy use. In general, better ambient lighting may make your facility seem fresher and cleaner, making it more inviting to visitors and employees alike.
Increased Slip Resistance at Higher Levels
When wet, it becomes very slippery like other types of concrete. However, compared to an untreated floor, it will provide much more slip resistance. These characteristics may be further improved by a treatment that includes glass beads or sand, making it more suitable for use in places where grip is critical, such as a parking deck.
Maintenance that is both cost-effective and time-consuming
Ultimately, polishing your concrete floor has the effect of lowering your total cost of ownership by thousands of dollars over many years. As a result of the compact surface, aggressive scrubbing is not required to remove stubborn stains. Furthermore, you will not have to spend any money on waxing or stripping to keep the unique shine.
Generally free of VOCs and compliant with LEED standards
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose a significant safety threat to your staff as well as the general public. Even though many contemporary coating technologies release little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the most ecologically friendly solutions are also the most expensive. It eliminates the need to worry about introducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allowing you to comply with LEED regulations.
Increased effectiveness of old flooring materials
When it comes to concrete floors, one of the most important reasons to treat them is to increase the service life of the subfloor. Both epoxy flooring and concrete polishing increase the life expectancy of a slab. It has high compressive strength and is resistant to erosion from various directions. A mechanical polishing procedure may be used to remove the top coat of paint and resurface it.
Lower Abrasion and Wear on Tires and Associated Equipment
If you work in a high-traffic workplace with many foot and vehicle activities, polished concrete is one of the most significant flooring investments you can make. It can withstand the weight of heavy equipment such as forklifts while also resisting the markings and stains left by smaller vehicles. When used with a high traction sealant, it may provide years of dependable service.
There will be little or no disruption in operations
There are certain specifications for every floor coating and treatment method. Several paints, for example, need a priming layer before application and a curing period following application. Even though the time it takes to polish concrete varies, a dry, mechanical floor may usually be put back into operation almost soon after the procedure is completed.
There will be no extensive cleanup, toxins, or dangers
Businesses often put off large-scale flooring improvements due to concerns about possible safety dangers. Concrete polishing does not include harsh or abrasive chemicals, nor does it produce hazardous waste products. Even ventilation in the treated area isn’t a significant source of worry. As a result, most jobs may be completed in a matter of hours or days.
There is no ” one size fits all ” for polished vs epoxy
Because the choice between epoxy flooring and polished flooring is sometimes a matter of personal preference, it is essential to consult with professionals who have extensive expertise in both. In most heavy-duty industrial or commercial environments, one of these options provides a durable flooring alternative. However, you must consider the details of your work environment and your career objectives. Little things may frequently make or break the difference between saving and losing thousands of dollars when it comes to a facility’s lifetime performance.
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