What does proper and effective concrete floor care look like? Take a look at some of the top professional steps you need to take for your concrete floors.
Concrete floors are among the most popular choices for industrial purposes – they are exceptionally durable, which makes them a great option for high-traffic areas. They are also easier to clean and maintain compared with other types of floors, and can be a cost-effective solution for many businesses.
However, easier maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance at all, and concrete floors have their unique characteristics that need to be addressed properly. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about concrete floor care, and how you can ensure that your floor is always in its best condition.
What are the benefits of concrete floors?
Before we discuss the importance and the best ways to approach concrete floor care, let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of opting for concrete floor care:
- Durability – as we mentioned earlier, this type of flooring is known for its durability and its high resistance towards wear and tear. This makes it ideal for areas with a lot of foot traffic.
- Versatility – concrete floors are also highly versatile, which means that you can opt for various finishes – including polished, stained, or stamped, giving you flexibility for different styles.
- Low maintenance – when it comes to concrete floor care, they are also easy to clean and maintain, which means that they require less effort than other types of flooring.
- Cost-effective – compared to other types of flooring options, concrete can also be highly cost-effective, making it an attractive choice for many businesses.
- Sustainability – another benefit of concrete floors includes the fact that they are a sustainable material with a long lifespan, often up to +40 years, making them environmentally-friendly.
- Resistance to moisture – in contrast to other flooring materials, concrete is resistant to moisture, which means that it is a great option for various climates and environments.
- Health benefits – unlike other types of floors, concrete doesn’t harbor allergens or provide a breeding ground for pests. This helps to establish a healthier outdoor environment.
- Modern aesthetics – the minimalist, industrial look of concrete floors aligns with a lot of modern design trends, offering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic for your retail business.
- Energy efficiency – did you know that concrete floors were also energy efficient? They have excellent thermal mass properties, which helps to regulate indoor temperatures & reduce costs.
Concrete floor care: 7 things you need to know
Now that you have a good understanding of the benefits of concrete floor care, let’s take a look at some of the most important things you need to know for maximizing the performance of your industrial floor:
1. Ensure that your concrete floor is cleaned on a weekly basis
When it comes to concrete floor care, professional cleaning involves a systematic approach to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your industrial floor setting. At TCS Floors, we begin with routine removal of surface dirt and debris using industrial-grade machines like sweepers and vacuum cleaners.
It is also important to use specialized cleaning solutions tailored to concrete to ensure that we are properly and fully eliminating stains and contaminants. We may also use high-pressure washing for thorough cleaning in certain situations.
After cleaning, the floor is dried, and a suitable concrete sealer may be applied to enhance protection against stains and moisture. This regular maintenance not only preserves the cleanliness of the concrete surface but also contributes to its overall durability and aesthetic excellence.
Make sure that you are scheduling concrete floor cleaning on a daily or a weekly basis depending on your needs and the traffic in your industrial area. If you are not sure how often you should get your concrete floor cleaned, get in touch with us.
2. Schedule a regular deep cleaning on a bi-monthly basis
Another essential step of concrete floor care is regular deep cleaning, which takes routine cleaning one step further to maximize the performance of your floor.
It involves the use of specialized equipment, such as floor scrubbers with abrasive pads, to thoroughly remove embedded dirt, stains, and contaminants. In some cases, high-pressure washing may also be involved.
The process aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the concrete, addressing issues like discoloration and ingrained grime. After deep cleaning, TCS Floors apply sealers or coatings to enhance protection and longevity.
This method ensures a comprehensive and effective treatment, contributing to the overall cleanliness, durability, and aesthetic appeal of concrete floors in various settings. As a rule of thumb, aim to schedule a deep cleaning session on a bi-annual basis.
3. Consider getting concrete floor grinding
Another way to ensure proper concrete floor care is to consider getting concrete floor grinding. It refers to a process that involves using specialized equipment, such as diamond abrasive tools, to smooth and level the surface of a concrete floor.
This method removes imperfections, rough spots, and irregularities, creating a uniformly flat and polished finish. Whether addressing new concrete installations or refurbishing existing floors, grinding is a crucial step in preparing the surface for further treatments like polishing or coatings.
It enhances the overall aesthetics, durability, and functionality of the concrete floor by eliminating inconsistencies and providing a smooth, polished surface. This process is often employed in both residential and commercial spaces to achieve a sleek and refined appearance for concrete floors.
4. Don’t forget about concrete floor polishing
Another important step of a proper concrete floor care routine is concrete floor polishing, which (together with concrete floor polishing) aims to achieve a smooth, glossy finish by progressively grinding the concrete to higher grit levels.
Polishing transforms ordinary concrete into a sleek and sophisticated surface, making it an attractive choice for various settings, including homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
The result is a low-maintenance, reflective floor that adds a touch of modern elegance to interior spaces while harnessing the inherent strength and durability of concrete.
5. Fix the cracks in your concrete floor
Cracks in concrete are more common than you may have imagined, that’s why it’s important to address them promptly and adequately to ensure that they won’t lead to a bigger damage over time. For such cases, concrete floor crack repair services are highly recommended.
When it comes to concrete floor care, crack repair is a process designed to address and fix cracks in concrete surfaces, preventing further deterioration and enhancing the floor’s longevity. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Assessment – TCS Floors will inspect the cracks to determine what caused them, and to what extent was the damage. This will help us understand whether they are structural or superficial.
- Cleaning – the next step is to clean the cracked area thoroughly, in order to remove dirt, debris, and loose concrete. This will ensure proper adhesion of the repair materials.
- Routine – for more effective repair, a small groove or “routing” may be created along the crack to provide a better surface for the repair material to bond.
- Application of repair material – we will apply a suitable concrete repair product, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or a cementitious mixture. This will fill the void, bind the edges, and reinforce the damaged area.
- Smoothing and finishing – once the repair material cures, the surface is smoothed and finished to match the surrounding concrete, creating a seamless appearance.
6. Use concrete floor staining to your advantage
In terms of proper concrete floor care, another service that you can use to your advantage is concrete floor staining. This is a decorative process that involves applying color to a concrete surface to enhance its appearance. Stains react chemically with the minerals in the concrete, creating unique, translucent hues that mimic the look of natural stone.
There are two primary types of concrete stains:
- Acid stains – these react chemically with the concrete, producing variegated and mottled colors. Acid stains often result in earthy tones like browns, greens, and blues.
- Water-based stains – these stains use pigments to add color to the concrete. They offer a wider range of color options compared to acid stains and are often chosen for more vibrant and consistent hues.
Concrete floor staining is popular for its ability to transform plain concrete into an aesthetically pleasing and personalized surface.
7. Get your floor looking as good as new with concrete floor sealing
And last but not least, another important step you should add to ensure proper concrete floor care is concrete floor sealing.
Concrete floor sealing is a protective process where a sealant is applied to the surface of a concrete floor. This sealant creates a barrier that shields the concrete from stains, moisture, and damage. Sealers can be acrylic, epoxy, or penetrating types, each offering distinct benefits.
Acrylic sealers provide a glossy finish and are easy to apply. Epoxy sealers offer enhanced durability and chemical resistance. Penetrating sealers seep into the concrete, providing protection without altering the surface appearance.
Concrete floor sealing preserves the longevity and aesthetics of the floor, making it an essential step in maintaining and enhancing the performance of concrete surfaces in various settings.
FAQ
How often should I clean my concrete floor professionally?
Professional concrete floor cleaning frequency depends on factors like traffic and floor condition. High-traffic areas benefit from monthly or quarterly cleaning, while less frequented spaces can extend the interval.
Regular assessments guide an optimal schedule, ensuring a consistently clean and well-maintained floor.
What’s the difference between concrete polishing and concrete grinding?
Concrete grinding is the initial step, leveling the surface with coarse abrasives. Concrete polishing follows, using finer abrasives to create a smooth, glossy finish. While grinding focuses on surface preparation, polishing enhances aesthetics and durability, resulting in a refined appearance.
Can you remove stains from a concrete floor?
Yes, stains on a concrete floor can be removed professionally. Experts assess the stain type, using suitable methods and cleaners to effectively lift or neutralize the stain. Whether it’s oil, grease, or other substances, professional services can restore the floor’s pristine appearance.
What causes cracks in concrete floors, and can they be repaired?
Cracks in concrete floors can result from factors like settling, temperature changes, or improper installation. Professional assessment helps determine the cause. Repairs involve cleaning, filling with suitable materials, and often resurfacing to restore the floor’s integrity and appearance.
