What are some of the most important things I need to know about concrete floor waxing? Continue reading to learn more.
When it comes to industrial flooring, concrete floors are among the most durable and versatile options that you can choose for your office, warehouse, or retail space. They are able to withstand heavy loads, machinery, and constant foot traffic without significant wear or damage.
In addition, when properly installed and maintained, concrete floors can last for many years, even decades, without needing replacement. This longevity reduces the need for frequent repairs or renovations, providing a cost-effective flooring solution over time.
However, their high resistance to wear and tear doesn’t mean that maintenance is not required. Taking care of your concrete floor is essential for its longevity and excellent performance, and one of the best ways to do that is through concrete floor waxing.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most important things that you need to know about concrete waxing, and why you should incorporate it into your concrete floor care routine.
What is Concrete Floor Waxing?
Concrete floor waxing is a process in which a professional floor care company applies a protective layer of wax to concrete floors to shield them from damage, enhance their appearance, and make them easier to clean.
This wax coating adds a glossy or matte finish, improving the floor’s aesthetic appeal while providing resistance against stains, moisture, and everyday wear. Ideal for both commercial and residential spaces, waxing extends the floor’s lifespan and reduces maintenance needs.
5 Things You Need to Know About Concrete Floor Waxing
1. Not all waxes are suitable for concrete floors
One of the most important things you need to know about concrete floor waxing is that not all waxes are suitable for concrete floors. Concrete is a porous material, which means that waxes that are not designed to penetrate or adequately seal the pores may fail to provide full protection to the concrete.
Some waxes may simply sit on the surface without bonding effectively, leading to premature wear and peeling.
On another hand, other types of waxes – more specifically, non-permeable ones, trap moisture beneath the surface, and don’t allow the concrete to “breathe”. This can result in issues like mold growth, efflorescence (white powdery residue), or the wax peeling off.
In addition, certain chemical components in some waxes can react adversely with concrete, causing discoloration, deterioration, or a failure to adhere properly. It’s essential to use waxes that are chemically compatible with concrete.
For this reason, it is extremely important to hire professional concrete floor waxing services to ensure proper care for your floors. TCS Floors has a team of skilled and highly experienced professionals that will choose the right type of wax based on the unique characteristics of each concrete floor.
We will choose between the following types of waxes:
- Liquid waxes
- Solid paste waxes
- Water-based waxes
Based on the desired finish of your concrete floor, the traffic and use of your commercial space, as well as its maintenance and application needs.
2. Professional concrete floor waxing is recommended every 3 to 6 months
When it comes to concrete floor waxing, another important thing that you will need to know is that it requires regular application and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
The exact frequency will typically depend on the level of traffic and the type of activities that occur on the floor. For example:
- High traffic commercial areas – areas with high traffic, such as retail stores, warehouses, schools and hospitals, can benefit from getting professional concrete floor waxing services every 3 to 6 months. That’s because these floors endure constant foot traffic, equipment movement, and spills, which can quickly degrade the lax layer.
- Residential floors – on another hand, concrete floor waxing doesn’t have to be that frequent when it comes to residential floors, such as living rooms, basements, or garages. In this case, the recommended frequency is once per year.
It is important that you regularly assess the condition of your concrete floor. Check for signs of wear, dullness, or damage and try to determine if the wax layer is still effective or if it’s time for a reapplication. If you don’t know how to do that, we recommend getting in touch with us.
3. Preparation is key for proper floor waxing
Adequate preparation is essential when it comes to concrete floor waxing. Here are a few of the steps that TCS Floors will take as your professional floor care company in order to prepare the floor for waxing:
- Thorough cleaning – the first step of the process is thorough cleaning. We will ensure that the wax adheres properly to the concrete surface. Dirt, grime, and residues can prevent wax from bonding, leading to uneven application and reduced durability.
- Drying – once the concrete floor has been cleaned, the next step is drying it. Wax should only be applied to a completely dry surface. Applying wax to a damp floor can trap moisture, leading to cloudy appearances under the wax and potential adhesion problems.
- Repairing cracks and damages – the next step of the concrete floor waxing process is repairing cracks and damages. Imperfections in the concrete can affect the final appearance and performance of the waxed surface. Cracks and damages can also harbor moisture and dirt, undermining the wax’s protective qualities.
- Stripping old layers – previous layers of wax or sealant must be removed to ensure the new wax adheres properly and performs as expected. Old, degraded layers can prevent new wax from bonding and may lead to peeling or flaking.
Once the concrete floor has been prepared, we will proceed with the waxing.
4. Concrete floor waxing can last up to 6 months in commercial environments
The longevity of waxed concrete floors can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of wax used, the floor’s exposure to foot traffic, and how well the floor is maintained.
Generally, a professionally applied wax finish on a concrete floor in a residential setting might last from 6 months to a year before needing reapplication. In commercial or industrial environments with heavier traffic, the wax may require refreshing every 3 to 6 months to maintain its protective and aesthetic qualities.
5. There are many benefits of concrete floor waxing
Regular concrete floor waxing is essential for commercial and industrial environments to ensure the optimal longevity and performance of concrete floors. Some of the benefits of concrete floor waxing include:
- Optimal protection – waxing adds a protective layer to concrete floors, guarding against stains, spills, and abrasions. This layer prevents substances from penetrating the concrete, making it easier to manage spills and reduce the likelihood of damage.
- Slip resistance – some concrete floor waxes are designed to enhance slip resistance, improving safety in both residential and commercial settings. This is particularly important in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens or entryways.
- Cost-effectiveness – compared to other floor finishing options, waxing is relatively inexpensive and offers a high return on investment through enhanced durability and reduced maintenance costs.
- Improved aesthetics – a waxed concrete floor has a polished, refined look. Wax can bring out the natural beauty of concrete, enhance its color, and provide a choice between matte, satin, or glossy finishes, depending on the type of wax used.
- Increased durability – the protective layer formed by waxing can extend the life of a concrete floor. It minimizes wear and tear in high-traffic areas, reducing the need for repairs or replacement over time.
- Moisture resistance – waxing can help to repel water and moisture, preventing them from seeping into the concrete. This is crucial for preventing mold, mildew, and water damage, especially in damp environments.
About TCS Floors
If you are looking to hire professional floor care for concrete floor waxing, look no further than TCS Floors.
With over 30 years of experience nationwide, our team of experienced professionals has all the knowledge, skills and equipment to keep a clean and safe environment for employees and clients. Contact us today for a quote.
FAQ
Can I wax my concrete floor myself, or should I hire a professional?
Whether to wax your concrete floor yourself or hire a professional depends on your DIY skills and the project’s scale. Small areas or residential floors might be manageable on your own with the right tools and instructions.
However, for larger spaces, complex finishes, or if you’re seeking a flawless result, hiring a professional is advisable. They have the expertise and equipment to ensure an even application and durable finish.
What types of wax are best for concrete floors?
For concrete floors, water-based waxes are often recommended due to their environmental friendliness and ease of application. These waxes dry quickly and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer for indoor use.
However, for high-traffic areas, solvent-based or solid paste waxes might be preferred for their durability and deeper luster. The choice depends on the floor’s usage, desired finish, and maintenance capacity.
Can waxed concrete floors be slippery?
Yes, waxed concrete floors can become slippery, especially when wet. This is due to the smooth, glossy finish that wax often leaves on the surface. However, many wax products are formulated with additives to enhance slip resistance, and applying them correctly can mitigate slipperiness.
It’s important to choose the right type of wax and follow application guidelines to ensure safety while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of waxing.
How do I maintain my waxed concrete floor?
To maintain waxed concrete floors, regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Clean spills promptly with a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. Reapply wax as needed to restore shine and protection, typically once or twice a year depending on traffic.
