Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is a durable flooring finish created by mechanically grinding, honing, and polishing a concrete slab using progressively finer abrasives to achieve a desired sheen, from matte to high-gloss. This process creates a smooth, dense, and long-lasting surface that can be used for both industrial and decorative applications, is easy to maintain, and increases ambient light reflectivity.
Grind and Seal
The concrete grind and seal process involves cleaning and repairing the existing concrete, followed by grinding it with diamond abrasives to create a smooth surface, and finally applying one or more layers of a protective sealer. This process transforms old or plain concrete into a durable, aesthetically pleasing floor with a consistent appearance.
Scrub and Seal
Concrete “Scrub and Seal” is a cost-effective method for cleaning and protecting concrete by mechanically scrubbing the surface and then applying a liquid sealer. Unlike a grind and seal process, this method doesn’t involve grinding or polishing, so it won’t remove deep-set stains like paint, glue, or other surface contaminants. Instead, it uses an auto-scrubber with a cleaning solution to wash away dirt and grime before an acrylic or similar sealer is applied to the cleaned surface.
Joint Repair
Concrete joint repair is the process of sealing and filling intentional gaps in concrete slabs to prevent water, debris, and contaminants from entering and causing damage, and to fix cracks that have formed around or within the joints. It involves cleaning and preparing the joint, then applying a flexible sealant or filler to maintain the concrete’s structural integrity and prolong its life.
Shot Blasting
Shot blasting concrete is a surface preparation technique where high-velocity steel shot is propelled against a concrete surface to clean it, remove contaminants and old coatings, and create a textured “profile” for new floor systems to adhere to. This method uses a self-contained machine that blasts abrasive beads onto the surface, which are then collected for reuse, leaving the concrete contaminant-free and ready for new layers of coatings or toppings.
Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling is a repair process that addresses sunken, uneven concrete by injecting a material, such as polyurethane foam or a cement-based slurry, beneath the slab to lift and stabilize it back to its original position. This method is often a quicker and more affordable alternative to demolishing and replacing the concrete, which is typically reserved for slabs that are too severely cracked or damaged for lifting.
Epoxy and Urethane Coatings
Concrete epoxy and urethane coatings are durable, protective finishes for concrete floors, often used together, though they have different strengths. Epoxy is a hard, rigid coating that excels in impact resistance and filling cracks, making it ideal for use as a primer and thick, build coats. Urethane is a more flexible, resilient topcoat that provides superior scratch, chemical, and UV resistance, making it the best choice for a durable final layer.
Moisture Mitigation
Concrete moisture mitigation is the process of preventing moisture from passing through a concrete slab to protect the floor covering above it from damage. This is achieved by applying a system that includes measures like using a vapor barrier and applying specialized coatings or primers that create a protective barrier against moisture vapor. Mitigation is crucial because excess moisture can cause problems like adhesive failure, mold growth, blistering, and delamination of the flooring.