Polished Concrete

• Maintenance

• Aesthetics

• Longevity

• Warehouse/Beach House - when building is framed out and weather tight and before walls are gibed and the skirting goes on.

• Urban/High Street - 30 days after slab is poured, we grind and densify (Stage 1). When the site is framed out and weather tight, we complete the process (stage 2)

Short answer, yes.  We offer a floor protection system which we can either supply or supply and install.

3 Phase on site.  We provided generators if required.

We use the latest vacuum technology to minimise dust, however due to the nature of the works there will be a small amount.

We aim for 60-70m2 completed per day, however this is greatly variable depending on the details of the job.

Generally speaking, we aim to start within 2 weeks of confirming project, however this can change so we recommend securing your spot ASAP.

5 years workmanship warranty.

Stay away from harsh chemicals, we recommend MegaClean from Mega Diamond Tools.(www.megadiamondtools.co.nz)

Concrete is a natural product and by its nature is variable.  How it is laid also impacts the final result, we have time tested QA processes to help minimise any risk.

Almost. Usually, yes, this can be achieved. However, there are a few situations where polishing new or existing isn’t ideal. For example:

• Floors made of lightweight concrete isn’t the best candidate for polishing

• Concrete which has been damaged by caustic chemicals

• Outdoor concrete made with a freeze/thaw mix shouldn’t be polished

In most cases, there is very little cause for concern during installation. We can work around your schedule, during downtime periods and off hours, and we ensure that your space is left as it was found (with the addition of an enhanced flooring solution.) We prefer a dry-grind polish procedure, in which all the resulting dust is immediately vacuumed up by a system within the polishing machinery. However, occasionally a wet-grind polish may be called for, which will result in a sort of cement-slush that will need to be disposed of. However, PCL crews will handle waste materials resulting from construction. Our products do not need extended curing periods. They are usable immediately.

Absolutely! In fact, polished concrete is arguably the most eco-friendly flooring solution you could install. Concrete is a natural surface comprised of rock and water. Plus, it’s frequently recycled, reducing your carbon footprint. The durability of polished concrete means it lasts longer than most products and results in less waste overall which is why it’s sought after for green-building requirements. Its reflective surface saves on energy costs and is compliant with all LEED standards.

One of the disadvantages of polished concrete is that it’s not as stain-resistant as epoxy or urethane coatings. While additional sealants protect the surface, unfortunately, the porous nature of concrete will mean it’s always somewhat susceptible to staining or other damage from spills – particularly if they are left standing. To prevent staining, clean any moisture or spillage immediately after it happens.

You might be surprised to learn that while shiny in appearance, polished concrete isn’t a very slippery surface at all. It only looks slippery because of its high reflectivity. In reality, the concrete still has a very bumpy surface, at the microscopic level. This gives it superior friction coefficient even when wet. It’s actually less slippery than many other common flooring options which is why it’s so popular for corporate lobbies and entryways.

Concrete polishing requires multiple steps beginning with preparation of your concrete floor. Existing damage needs to be repaired before your floor is polished. This includes concrete crack repair. We will also degrease the floor to lift oil stains. Once the floor is prepped, we use progressively finer diamond grinding discs and a special densifying chemical to achieve beautiful results. The densifier seals the pores of the concrete and makes the surface denser to repel water and stains while reducing the risk of spalling and pitting later.

The grinding process will continue until we achieve the finish you’re going for. Concrete polishing can stop at a rougher stage for a matte finish or it can continue until you have a mirror-like shine. We then seal it with a micro-sealer to minimise staining. We can also add concrete stains and/or dyes to add rich and vibrant color or earthy mottled effects to your floor.

The concrete polishing process is permanent. Your polished concrete can last a lifetime without needing to be repolished in most cases, although sometimes repolishing is necessary in very heavy-duty environments. Keep in mind all concrete will crack, however. These cracks can be part of the appeal of your floor system and add rustic charm or they can be repaired. 

Concrete cracks for many reasons. Some cracks are associated with poor installation. For example, too much water in the concrete mix will reduce the strength of the concrete and cause cracks as the concrete hardens and dries. This causes shrinkage as the excess water evaporates. Concrete that is allowed to dry too fast is also at a greater risk of cracking. 

Failing to install control joints may also contribute to severe cracks in new concrete.Even with perfect installation techniques, all concrete will eventually crack. Proper installation does limit this cracking, however, as the concrete is designed to crack along the control joints. When the weather is hot, the concrete will expand and push against anything in its way. When it meets an object that doesn’t give, it can crack. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause minor cracks in the surface over time. Freezing and thawing of the ground can also contribute to heaving, a process in which the ground pushes upward on the concrete slab and causes it to crack.

Polished concrete has a lot to offer commercial property owners and homeowners: 

• Endless design options. You can customize the sheen and colour and even achieve unique effects and patterns.

• Cost-effective. Transform an existing concrete slab into a finished floor system with a low upfront cost

• Easy to maintain. You don’t need to put a lot of work into maintaining polished concrete and it never needs to be waxed.

• Waterproof. Moisture problems or flooding won’t damage a polished concrete floor.

• Longevity. The concrete polishing process is permanent, delivering a floor system that can last a lifetime.

• Durable. Concrete polishing actually makes the surface of your concrete densier and less porous. It resists everything from vehicle traffic and abrasion to stains, chemicals, impact, and more.

• Reflective. Polished concrete floors are very reflective to instantly brighten any room and reduce the need for additional lighting.

Polished concrete is a low-care floor system that’s easy to maintain and clean. With routine care, polished concrete will maintain its bright shine, even in high-traffic commercial areas. A polished concrete floor does not require waxing. To keep the floors looking their best, dust mop daily to remove grime and dirt. Frequent wet mopping can also be used with clean water or a neutral-ph floor cleaner. Cleaners that are too alkaline or acidic can dull the surface and damage the concrete over time. Don’t allow the cleaning product to dry on the surface by working in small areas and mopping up the water as you go. Clean up spills as soon as possible to reduce the risk of stains.

This depends on how long the oil was allowed to soak into the concrete before it was wiped and the density of the concrete. In most cases, the concrete should be degreased to lift oil stains before the concrete grinding and polishing process to achieve the best results.
Why should I polish my concrete floor?

Concrete polishing densifies and strengthens your existing concrete to make it stronger and more resistant to stains and damage. Polished concrete also dramatically improves the appearance of old concrete floors with a bright and reflective surface that can be stained to add bright color. By polishing your concrete floors, you can enjoy an attractive and long-lasting floor system that’s easier to clean and maintain. 

Absolutely! New or existing concrete can be stained to give you a beautiful, custom polished concrete floor. Integral colour is used with new concrete but existing concrete can still be stained with acid- and water-based stains or dyes. Water-based stains produce vibrant, solid colours while acid-based stains create mottled, earth tones. We can combine stains to create a one-of-a-kind look and even use saw cutting to create custom patterns and effects. Concrete dyes are also an option for the most vibrant and intense colors. While stains react chemically with the concrete, dyes add color by penetrating the concrete thanks to a much smaller particle size. Dyes can create a range of beautiful effects including monotone, translucent, and marbled effects. 

Virtually any concrete floor can be polished as long as it’s in good structural condition. Many forms of damage can be repaired or corrected prior to concrete grinding and polishing. An existing concrete floor will typically need some surface preparation to remove any coatings, grease, or surface blemishes. While some patching is acceptable, concrete that requires extensive patching or concrete that is very porous may not be a good candidate for polishing.

All you need is a concrete floor that is well laid. In addition, the area that should be water tight, and you are ready to go.

This is not an issue. We can stage the polishing. We can do the first stage of polishing, which will be the grinding with the course polishing pads. Once the portion of concrete is water tight, we then return to do the finer diamonds. This would be a two stage process. The benefit of this, is a lot of the work is done, without the walls in, so the exposures are uniform across the floor.