Advantages and Disadvantages of Polished Concrete Floors
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polished Concrete Floors
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polished Concrete Floors
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Self-Leveling Compound Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
In general, the drawbacks of polished concrete floors are quite minimal. Issues such as discoloration, deep stains in the concrete, or markings made during the initial pouring of the concrete slab can occur. However, these disadvantages are pre-existing problems that arise from having an unsealed or poorly maintained concrete slab, not post-polishing or sealing issues.
Your contractor should identify these imperfections before starting the project. An experienced flooring contractor will manage your expectations, clearly explaining what to anticipate from your polished concrete floor.
In the past decade, polished concrete has surged in popularity as a flooring option, thanks to its cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, efficiency, cleanliness, and suitability for both industrial and upscale settings.
Unlike many other flooring choices, polished concrete offers unique benefits. Here is a detailed look at the advantages of polished concrete flooring:
Cost-Effectiveness
Polished concrete floors are less expensive compared to hardwood, tile, marble, or stone alternatives. Typically, the cost of polishing a concrete floor is comparable to or cheaper than purchasing materials for tile or hardwood installation.
Economic Benefits
These floors significantly reduce maintenance costs. Unlike other flooring solutions requiring stripping, waxing, and refinishing, a polished concrete floor needs no ongoing maintenance after installation, retaining its integrity permanently.
Durability
As long as the concrete slab underneath remains intact, so will your polished concrete floor. There is no risk of flooring failure, delamination, lifting, or breaking. Unlike other flooring systems, polished concrete does not require touch-ups or repairs, regardless of how long you keep it.
Resistance to Moisture and Mold
Polished concrete is impervious to moisture damage and mold, making it an excellent choice for families with allergies or asthma.
Versatility in Design
Polished concrete offers limitless options for color and design, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It can be stained and dyed in various colors and patterns.
Ease of Maintenance
Caring for a polished concrete floor is simple—just mop it weekly with a neutral cleaner and water. That's all the maintenance it requires.
Environmental Friendliness
The installation process for polished concrete floors involves no harmful chemicals, making it safe for everyone, including employees, customers, and children. These floors resist allergens, mustiness, and fungi.
Seamless Design
Polished concrete floors offer limitless staining and dyeing options. You can select different colors and aggregates to achieve the desired look. With no grout lines, these seamless floors provide a clutter-free, welcoming environment for clients and guests.
At Blackrock Industrial, we are experts in installing polished concrete floors and decorative concrete overlayments. Located in Florida, we are known for our competitive pricing and exceptional service, achieved by not subcontracting work and owning all our equipment.
Contact us to schedule a site visit with one of our installation specialists and receive a precise quote for your concrete flooring project.
Contact Us For A Free Quote
Should I Use Liquid Floor Screed or Traditional Floor Screed?
If you're looking for guidance on your next project or a refresher on liquid or traditional screed applications, our guide will help you understand this material. Visit our blog for an introduction to screed if you're unfamiliar with it.
The company is the world’s best polycarboxylate superplasticizer liquid supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
What are the Different Types of Floor Screeds?
The type of screed you use will depend on your concrete base, surface expectations, and foundation standards. There are three main categories of screed available: bonded, unbonded, and floating, all of which can be applied through liquid or traditional methods.
Bonded Screed
This type of screed is directly connected to the concrete subfloor (substrate) with an adhesive. The concrete surface must be roughened, and a bonding agent applied thoroughly for successful application. This thinner screed layer typically ranges from 25-40mm.
Unbonded Screed
Laid on a PVC/damp-proof membrane, unbonded screed is separated from the concrete substrate, ideal for buildings with severe dampness issues. This screed type is best suited for thicknesses over 50mm.
Floating Screed
Often used to reinforce acoustic or thermal layers, floating screed requires a minimum thickness of 65mm to remain effective and durable.
Liquid Screed
Also known as anhydrite screed, liquid screed uses calcium sulphate as a binding agent instead of cement. When water is added, it reacts to create gypsum until the calcium is depleted. This results in a highly durable, self-levelling sub-floor suitable for all floor types, with a low environmental impact. Liquid screed can be installed quickly, is ideal for underfloor heating applications, and boasts twice the thermal conductivity of traditional screeds.
Traditional Floor Screed
Traditional sand-cement screed is widely used for projects of all sizes, from domestic to large-scale industrial and commercial applications. Mesh and fibers can be added to enhance strength, durability, and minimize cracking due to shrinkage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Liquid Screed
Advantages
- Low Labor Costs: Liquid screed is poured via a hose, making it over ten times faster to lay than traditional screed, reducing overall labor costs.
- Cost Reduction: The thinner application depth of liquid screed, down to 35mm, further reduces costs. Even when including underfloor heating, the total depth can be as low as 45mm.
- Self-Leveling: Liquid screeds are self-levelling and self-curing, resulting in a smooth finish, useful for correcting precast concrete beams and block floors.
- Underfloor Heating Compatibility: The liquid consistency envelops pipes, eliminating voids and enhancing heat transfer.
Disadvantages
- Involved Prep Work: Proper preparation of the initial surface and final product is required, costing labor and tools. The floor must be sanded, tanked, and insulated before screed pouring. Additionally, curing liquid anhydrite screed produces laitance, necessitating sanding of the final product.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Dry Screed
Advantages
- Durability: Traditional screed is hard-wearing and ideal for heavy-load applications, lasting for many years.
- Energy Efficiency: These floors have high thermal mass, improving energy efficiency by retaining heat and reducing waste.
- Damp Resistance: Once cured, traditional screed is non-absorbent and suitable for damp environments like basements and industrial buildings.
- Low Maintenance: Maintenance is easy with a stiff brush and warm soapy water. It can also be polished for a more aesthetic look when left bare.
Disadvantages
- No Adequate Patching Method: Large cracks, fissures, or potholes are difficult to patch without creating weak points, potentially requiring complete replacement.
- No Flexibility: Once set, traditional screed has minimal flexibility, making it prone to cracking from subsidence or land movement.
What Type of Screeding Works Best for Different Projects?
Screed can be tailored to your project's unique needs, such as adding resilience with mesh. The choice of screed significantly impacts project outcomes. Consult our team for guidance on selecting the right screed for your needs.
Start a Conversation with Axtell on Your Next Project
Axtell provides top-quality liquid screed services with over 20 years of experience. We are proud to stock LKAB Gypsol classic and Gypsol Rapide Screed, known for their environmental credentials.
Contact Axtell for a quote on your project. Read our guides on laying screed and concrete. For more information on rdp for skim coat, feel free to contact us.