Architects and Specifiers

Over the last decade or so, the concrete processing industry has experienced a learning curve, but finally architects, designers and engineers are giving concrete processing the green light on an increasing number of projects. This is an exciting opportunity for concrete polishing contractors and manufacturers of equipment and supplies to prove what they have been saying for a long time — there is no other flooring option currently available that is as durable, has as low a maintenance and life-cycle cost, and can be renewed on site as easily as concrete.

Polished Concrete is the processing of the concrete surface through means of a mechanical process that uses an abrasive where each step is refined to its purest possible form on a microscopic level from one progressively finer abrasive to the next until the desired level of 'polish' is achieved. There are times when the concrete surface may not be refined to a polished surface and may be left honed. Although the concrete has been refined with abrasives it can not be considered polished. Polished concrete is one of many end results in the processing of its surface.

Not all concrete is a good candidate for processing and polishing. When working on existing concrete results are largely dependent on the quality of concrete a contractor is given to work with. For example, residential concrete has a low PSI, often hand troweled and rarely is there a concern for mix design, finish methods and the curing processes. However most existing commercial concrete that has not been damaged is of sufficient PSI and finished in a manner (with a trowel machine) that will allow for excellent results. Variables such as aggregate, color variations, miscellaneous contaminates, cracks, patterns left by previous floor covering, existing stains, nail holes from previous walls, patched areas and flatness can effect the final appearance and results. On existing concrete the two specifications that need to be written are the processing process and protection.

On new projects final results are significantly improved when the concrete slab is poured within specifications that lend it's self to concrete processing. When planning for a processed concrete application the application needs to be viewed as a “Polished Concrete System” that includes several specified components - concrete mix design, finishing and curing methods, control joint placement, the processing/polishing process and protection. A slab poured to a concrete processor's specifications will eliminate a significant number of variables and provide improved finish results over an existing concrete slab.

As an architect, designer, engineer, general contractor or owners it is important to understand what a concrete processing and polishing contractor needs from a specification stand point to meet and exceed finished expectations.

Since the processing and polishing industry is incredibly young it is important that general contractors be held tight to the specifications. This is particularly critical when it comes to a processing contractor’s previous experience. The process in many respects very technical - two contractors can have the same equipment, abrasives, supplies, etc. with the only variable being the rate at which the equipment is being moved across the surface in a liner motion - the results between the two contractors will be different.

When it has been decided that processed concrete is going to be used as a finish floor there are several visual facets that need to be determined. Considerations need to be made for the surface cut, clarity of reflection and decorative applications such as coloring, saw cuts engraving, seeded decorative aggregate, metal strip placement, etc. Visit the “Visual Facets and Characteristics” section in the “Polished Processed” page of the web site for a further explanation.

Remember at the end of the day a processed concrete surface is still concrete, it is consistently inconsistent. Will you and the customer’s expectations be met?

For technical help with specifications for mix design, finishing, curing, control joint placement, the polishing process and protection contact us.

Ask for our CSI specification for polished concrete.

Metal Strips, Dye and Exposed Aggregate

Red and White Glass Seeded into Black Concrete

Consideration for the felt was not taken into consideration.

Two Pours from Two Different Trucks

Improper Curing and or Mix Design

Low Floor Flatness (FF) Numbers

Poor Mix Design

Improper Floor Protection