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The moment something gets famous, you’ll see a rush of queries springing up about it. The same happened with the polished variant of concrete. When our typical grey shaded and dull concrete got a modern makeover, one of its forms was the polished concrete. And believe us, when it got installed, people got crazy about this floor and almost all the magazines have featured this type of floor in their issues in some way or another. Naturally, when polished concrete is such a big hero in the flooring world, the fans aspiring to add these to their homes have lots of questions and doubts about the champion as well. And we thought of answering some of the most important ones.

Important queries answered about the polished concrete floors!

Whether it is concrete grinding in Melbourne or polishing, these methods involve certain procedures to get the best finished results. And lots of people have lots of questions both about these methods and also about the material. That is why explaining those in detail is essential — and that’s what you’ll find listed below:

o What exactly is polished concrete? —Maybe you already know it or maybe you are misinformed. So, just specifying precisely – polished concrete is not just a sealant or layer on your regular concrete. But it involves a special process of refining your concrete through diamond tooling and grinding. And then you get the best floor with natural sheen on it. And this entire procedure of getting the perfect looking polished concrete flooring in Melbourne via GrindWorks requires a special kind of experience and expertise. And since they are the pioneers in polished concrete work for about four decades now, no one other than them could handle this job better for you.

o Can you polish damaged flooring? — Yes, damaged flooring can be treated in a special way and polished nicely. In fact, this would make these damaged floors look like new again. But in case your floor is extremely damaged, then only a replacement of the floor with polished concrete is possible.

o Is polished concrete safe and anti-skid? —The polished concrete is extremely safe and non slippery. Though your floor shines and looks slippery, but its anti-skid property is an inheritance from its base – concrete — and it is therefore the safest flooring solution so far.

o What is the exact process of getting a polished floor? — When you call the experts for laying the polished concrete, they firstly clean the floor and get rid of the dust and debris on it. Next, they lay a reinforcing base on the floor which ensures that your concrete doesn’t crack before time. Then they prepare a concrete mixture that includes cement, aggregate, water, and colour and pour on the surface. After the levelling process of this concrete is finished, it’s left on the floor for about two days to harden the surface to perfection. (Only then it can bear the further procedure and polish on it.) Now, the professionals bring the heavy duty machine to grind the concrete and get the desired smoothness and shine on the floor. (This can be semi-glossy or extreme one). And lastly, a sealant is added to the floor to lock this sheen and create a super smooth and gleaming layer on the concrete floor.

o Are there any negative points of installing polished concrete? —Yes, like everything else, even polished concrete has its pros and cons. This surface can be very hard and often cause you serious damage when you fall on it. And because it’s a hard surface, it’s difficult to stand on this surface for a long time. Apart from it, these concrete floors can become hot in summer and cold in winter. Also, this material can absorb the moisture from under the ground which leads to the cracks, mould formation, and damage to them after some time.

These queries have been floating in the market for quite some time now. And since you know the answers now, we think your experience about polished concrete flooring would be better now, and you can make an informed choice.

Concrete grinding and polishing are quite a common procedure of treating your floors and giving it a new life! This is a totally cost-effective procedure that hardly requires even much of your time and labour. And these are the vital reasons why you would see the polished concrete floors a part of some top-notch commercial centres and in the lavishly decorated homes as well. But when something is so common, you’ll obviously have lots of doubts about it too.

Answering your doubts about polished concrete!

If you aspire to opt for the polished concrete floors in Melbourne through Grind Works, then you’ll obviously have the best results. They are the best people to do this job with lots of experience and you can freely ask them all the below listed questions about polished concrete:

1. What is the exact procedure of concrete polishing? — In the process of concrete polishing, first the professionals come to your place and inspect the surface and evaluate the place. They’ll then mend the dents and scratches on the surface and start the process of concrete grinding in Melbourne. After this, they’ll start with polishing the concrete with your preferred finishing.
2. For how many years does the polished concrete floor last? — Normally, a perfectly polished concrete floor lasts for about two decades. But the life of the same can decrease or increase as per the weather conditions, maintenance, and foot traffic on the same.
3. Why should I opt for polishing the concrete? — There are many benefits of polishing your concrete. And some of the main reasons are because it adds beauty to the floor, makes it anti-skid, this also increases the lifespan of your floor and provides protection to it from moisture issues.
4. How to properly maintain the polished concrete? — In order to ensure that the sheen of your polished concrete and the perfect layer on the same lasts longer, do dust, clean, and broom on it on a daily basis. Even mopping the floor with a microfiber cloth is essential to make its shine last longer.
5. Can I add colour to the polished concrete? — Yes, you can always add the desired patterns and colours to your layer of polished concrete. Just let the contractor know about your preference and they’ll do the needful.
6. Can damaged or worn-out floors be polished — Yes, polishing can be done on all types of concrete whether it’s new or damaged. But you require repairing the scratches and damage on the floor before polishing it afresh.
7. Does polish make concrete slippery? — The polished concrete is basically an anti-skid and non-slippery surface. But if there’s a lot of water or slippery items spilled on this surface, then this polished layer turns slippery.
8. How stain resistant is a polished concrete floor? — The polished concrete floor is absolutely stain-resistant as there are lots of sealants introduced in the polish and laid on the concrete. This prevents the chances of stains appearing on your floor for at least a decade.

 With these FAQs answered, even your doubts about polished concrete seems to be disappearing. So, don’t delay in calling the experts if you intend to go for concrete polishing for your space.

There was a time when concrete was only used in your gardens, garages, driveways, and the exterior part of your home. But slowly and steadily this component entered your home decor and created a massive difference or impact in the decoration world. Now you’ll see it reigning almost all the classy, bohemian, sophisticated, and even chic home decor types because of its natural but unique look. And this concrete, which is also referred to as cement flooring, sometimes becomes an inseparable part of your home décor.

Incredible ideas to incorporate concrete in your home décor!

So, when the cement trend is back in the home décor trend, let’s make it look all the more fabulous and fascinating in your home once again. Let’s not limit the benefits of concrete to your exteriors only. When the material is such a strong one and can look even more alluring with concrete grinding services, then its benefits can be enjoyed more if you try to incorporate it in myriad parts of your home decor.

o   The perfect living room floor — Concrete as floor is unbeatable. And when you are starting to include it in your home décor designs, let’s start with the base itself. Installation of this floor along with a matte look because of a sealant is totally impressive. But if you opt for polished concrete flooring in Melbourne via Grind Works then the magic is absolutely incredible. You will love their work on your living room that gives your concrete a distinct shine and makes it look amazing in your living room.

 o   Concrete as kitchen tops — If your home decor is based on the modern design, a concrete kitchen top or an island would certainly add numbers to your room. Keep it in the basic form and let the other part of the kitchen be painted in your favourite modern colours. If you are using a minimalistic concept here, then the effect is going to be absolutely stunning.

 O A concrete wash basin — Have a huge Victorian bathroom? Don’t worry — an addition of a concrete wash basin is all that you need in your bathroom. It would give it the rustic look that looks extremely phenomenal in any kind of decor — and since its concrete, it’s super strong and the amount of moisture in the washroom doesn’t affect its long life, durability, or beauty.

 o   A concrete bathtub — Shocked? Yes, concrete can be used as your bathtub as well. No matter if it’s a modern bathroom concept or a traditional one, a bathtub made with this material is going to last longer and would look rocking smart in any kind of washroom decor.

 o   A concrete fireplace — Let’s not forget our old friend – the bricks that were once used commonly in our fireplaces. But don’t you think these are too monotonous and require a change? Try using concrete around your fireplace to make it look all the more appealing. Just match the rest of the décor to its shade or keep it neutral or make it bold to stand out, whichever way you go, the effect is going to be powerful.

 So, we borrowed the concrete from our exteriors and ended up making some astounding interior designs with it. And concrete being the all-rounder, never failed us in any of the attempts. Agreed?

Everyone wants to keep their house spick and span, but one must act as per their house’s maintenance requirements. Concrete floors are relatively easy to care for when compared to other types of flooring materials, especially carpet. Routine maintenance involves reapplying sealer every few years, dry or damp mopping, or using equipment like an auto scrubber or swing buffer.

One should avoid harsh cleaning products because they can react with the concrete and etch the surface. And beware of acid stains, they can be temperamental and cause colour variations that aren’t predictable! Basic cleaning is easy to do yourself, but if your project requires special attention, you should not hesitate to hire a professional cleaner near you. Following are some steps to make your concrete floors even easier to maintain:

Dry Mopping
Before using any cleaning solution on your floor surface, you must first dry mop or dust mop to remove any loose dirt or debris. Dry mopping is a bit like sweeping. A dust mop will either have a fabric-based head or a disposable pad that is replaced after each use. In this step, a dust mop or broom, blower, or garden hose picks up dust, dirt, crumbs and random items littering on the floor. Dry mops are not designed to absorb spilled liquids, so make sure the floor is dry before you go for it.

Wet Mopping
This step is useful for cleaning embedded debris or dealing with floor stains. This involves a rag or sponge head that you dip into a bucket full of soapy water or floor cleaner. Wet mopping requires frequent rinsing of the mop head or re-application of the cleaning solution to get an entire floor clean. This method is most effective for removing dried spills.

• For Polished Concrete Floors
  To clean polished concrete floors, damp mop occasionally with a pH-neutral cleaner and conditioners designed especially for polished concrete. These cleaners not only clean the surface, but also leave behind a dirt-resistant film. For more on this, see polished concrete flooring in Melbourne.
• For Stained Concrete Floors
  Damp your mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and water for an occasional deeper cleaning.
• For Plain Concrete Floors
  For simple stains, first try warm water and a soft (non-metal) scrub brush. You must begin with mild soap, and then graduate from strong soap to ammonia.
  For stubborn stains, chemicals or degreasers may be required. Beware of the medium on which these are used. These should only be used on plain concrete, not stained or polished surfaces. Power washing can be done for exterior or semi-exterior surfaces such as garages. For an old house maintenance, you can hire professionals for concrete grinding and polishing.

Using Sealer and Floor Wax
Seals are semi-permanent finishes applied to the flooring to protect the surface from dirt, stain and other liquids and provide an easy to maintain surface. Sealing a polished or stained concrete after a good cleaning can make the next round of cleaning much easier.

Waxing prolongs the life of your sealer and protects the floor surface. Overall, a safe bet if you look forward to adding a few years to your floor’s life.

We all have concrete in some parts of our house or another. It is the oldest flooring material that is still used with utmost preference by everyone across the globe. And yes, concrete has a very long life and even stays tough and presentable even after much wear and tear. But it may so happen, due to some reasons or old age, you find that your concrete doesn’t look that appealing anymore. Perhaps, that is when you think of giving it a new look creatively.

The best ways to give your concrete floors a new pleasing life!

 Out of the so many awesome features of concrete, one more exceptional quality of it is that it can be treated in various ways like painting, sealing, or concrete grinding in Melbourne to give that same old surface a brand new look.

Acid stained concrete floor — The natural basic concrete is often seen in a dull greyish shade. And if you think you want to add charm to it or enhance its beauty, you can acid stain this surface. In this procedure, the floor is treated with acid and some chemical substance which leads to a specific chemical reaction that eventually changes the final shade of your surface. But remember to test a small patch of the surface before spreading it out on the entire floor.

Stained and polished concrete floor — A stained and polished concrete flooring in Melbourne from Cura Concrete is another superb way to add that glossy touch to your floors. These professionals grind the surface with a special technique, then stain the entire floor, and later polish it with the shade that matches your décor theme. Of course, the procedure isn’t easy and quick, but the end results with the dynamic finish in your floors provide a touch of elegance to your home.

Dyed concrete — A concrete can be dyed to give it the fabulous and classy look that you desire. Unlike the acid procedure, the floor isn’t prone to any acidic reaction, but the pores are opened applying a special technique — after which the dye is used on this surface. This dye then penetrates deep into the concrete giving it a new shade that just looks mesmerising.

Painted concrete floors — You may be aware of the usage of epoxy coatings on a concrete floor. It pours down into the gaps and cracks of the floor and levels it perfectly for a new treatment. This epoxy can be mixed with various shades to provide a paint-like texture on your concrete. This texture doesn’t only look stunning with the right shades but also provides a mirror-like gleam to the floor.

These tricks are super creative in giving your same old concrete a distinct look and presentation. Now, the finish of this job totally depends upon the person or expert you hire for the process.

Concrete is considered to be one of the strongest muscles of the construction industry. However concrete in its raw form is prone to natural hazards such as corrosion and erosion. A short and simple step of concrete sealing and polishing can help your concrete surfaces last longer.

The appearance:

Sealed concrete, whether as a flooring choice or driveways, looks far classier than general asphalt covers. A simple hack to take its beauty to the next level is spending a little bit more on the polishing of the concrete. Concrete sealing for Melbourne homes and businesses is done with great finesse and excellence by our experts.

Sealing adds an excellent finish to the material and positions it to leave a great first impression. Polishing adds that extra shine and texture.

Longevity:

Concrete sealing and polishing are not only pleasing to the eye, but easy on your pocket as well! Sealing protects the concrete from erosion, cracks and corrosion; it also helps in maintaining the texture of the surface. Polishing, on the other hand, prevents moisture from penetrating the material. It also keeps the surface from developing mould and mildew problems.

This increases the longevity of the concrete layout for years, and since it’s a one-time investment, it pays off in the long run.

Prevents Accidents:

Safety is one of the primary concerns of any family these days. Sealed concrete repels moisture from being trapped in. This totally negates the possibility of mould formation in sealed concrete. Eradication of mould prevents discolouration and makes the surface slip-resistant.

Sealed concrete repels the harmful UV rays, which prevents discolouration. This nature also helps the floor from thawing or freezing.

Inexpensive:

“Accident prevention, super stylish appearances along with durable and long-lasting, must cost at least six months of my salary” hold that thought! All good things are not necessarily expensive. In fact, concrete sealing and polished concrete will go easy on your pocket when compared to your regular home decor or monthly EMIs of your car.

Plain concrete loses its colour and finishes with time, becomes dingy and unattractive. With sealed and polished concrete, you can wave those problems a permanent goodbye. Polished concrete will retain its shine over the years.

Protects:

Sealing and polishing protect your concrete floor, walls and driveways from oil stains and marks. Polishing also helps in the reduction of tyre scratches.

Topical, integral sealers and penetrating are all great choices for your floors, walls or driveways. They are customizable, the variety will leave you awestruck plus value for money.

Concrete grinding and leveling are two different techniques used for repairing sidewalks or driveways. Sometimes, it becomes tricky to fix a chipped sidewalk or a cracked driveway. In that case, you must hire professionals who are skilled at this and can help you figure out if the concrete needs leveling or grinding.

Moving on, let’s try to understand the difference between grinding and leveling.

Before we proceed, let’s find out what causes uneven concrete floors in the first place?

Over time, the concrete can become uneven due to various factors. The main causes identified are cracking and moisture.

Concrete leveling:

As the name suggests, concrete leveling is a procedure by which uneven concrete is balanced out with the help of a specialized equipment. This process is referred to as Mud jacking and Slabjacking

In mud jacking, a mixture of soil, water, and cement is used and is injected underground to lift the concrete slab. First, holes are drilled strategically to maximize the lift. After that, with the help of a movable pump, the mixture prepared is injected into the slabs. A movable pump is used in this process as it can access most of the slabs of concrete. It fills the void, leaving no air pockets. Once the voids are filled, the injected mixture starts lifting the concrete, making it even.

After this process completes, the holes are patched up.

Mudjacking process is environmentally friendly and way cheaper than a complete renovation of the concrete.

If you’re looking for professional concrete levelling in Melbourne, call us today.

Concrete Grinding

Concrete grinding is a process wherein an abrasive tool is used to smooth out the surface of the concrete. This process is usually done before the placements of floorboards, as the smooth surface of the concrete ensures the longevity of your floorboards or the tiles you decide to install.

This method is also used to remove inconsistencies from the concrete.

By this method, old concrete can be made new again and can be used for years to come. In short, it helps with the complete restoration of the concrete.

Grinding also helps to remove dirt and paint from the concrete as the top layer is rubbed with the machine, revealing a clean and smooth surface. If you need professional  concrete grinding in Melbourne, our seasoned experts can help.

Both concrete grinding and levelling need high-end tools and a skilled professional. The professionals know exactly what is needed, and they will help you rebuild or renew the concrete. It is a process that requires efficiency and perfection.

Apart from this, the process hardly takes a few hours, so you don’t have to worry about the time duration. It is a one-time investment that keeps on giving.