Which should you choose: concrete floor coating or polished concrete?
Whether you’re building a new office, warehouse, or another commercial space, you’ll first need to evaluate what type of flooring you want. While concrete floor coatings are a reliable and practical choice for many commercial environments, polished concrete is beginning to rise in popularity as an alternative to floor coatings. Although these two finish options may seem familiar, and you may even think you don’t need to spend time weighing up the differences, the two have completely different sets of advantages and uses.
A polished concrete floor provides a low-cost and environmentally friendly solution to your industrial flooring needs. Heavy-duty polishing machines grind down concrete surfaces to create a smooth shine, requiring an immense amount of skill, equipment, and patience. However, it’s well worth the wait – many commercial or industrial site owners prefer polished concrete over other flooring systems because it negates the need for additional flooring, using the existing concrete slab surface instead.
However, there is a limit to the environmental stressors that polished concrete can handle. Another drawback is that polished concrete must be cleaned with an industrial scrubbing machine on a frequent basis, which is excellent for some commercial buildings but less than ideal for many industrial environments. Sites where heavy machinery, regular impacts, or caustic chemical skills can occur could be better off with a floor coating.
Concrete Floor Coatings
Floor coatings bond to the surface of the concrete to form a hard, protective barrier. It is formed from two different chemicals, a resin, and a hardener. When the two compounds mix together, they form a chemical bond. The result is a strong quality floor coated with epoxy. Any damage from impacts or scratches wears on the coating, not the concrete itself.
For those industrial sites that are susceptible to potentially corrosive chemicals, a coating may well be the way to go. Coatings like epoxy resist corrosion as well as staining. Polyurethane and epoxy can also strengthen the floor surface beyond the capabilities of uncoated concrete.
Each floor surface has great benefits and attributes. Whichever you choose, they will be the best solution for your industrial flooring needs. For the expert help that you need to decide which is best for your needs, visit the team at All Stone Restoration, serving Smithtown and neighboring cities in New York. From polished concrete to natural stone, we help your property look its best for many years to come!