FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU REMOVE MY EXISTING FLOORING AND POLISH THE CONCRETE BENEATH?
Most of the time, yes. However, you’ll typically achieve full stone exposure, and occasionally medium exposure. We’ll need to inspect your site first to confirm.
CAN POLISHED CONCRETE STAIN?
Like most flooring types, polished concrete can stain, but this typically happens when spills are left on the surface for too long. Regular, simple maintenance usually prevents staining. If it does occur, in most cases, it can be repaired.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CONTROL JOINTS WHEN YOU POLISH OUR CONCRETE FLOOR?
We typically fill control joints with a rigid grout, matching the color as closely as possible. The joints are then sealed along with the rest of the floor. Other filling options, like polyurea which is flexible, are also available upon request. If you’re interested in these alternatives, we can provide a quote for the additional cost.
WHAT MPA (MEGAPASCALS) CONCRETE IS IDEAL FOR POLISHED CONCRETE IN MY NEW HOME?
A standard for a new home is 25mpa, but it should be a minimum of 25mpa.
CAN YOU ENHANCE EXISTING OUTDOOR CONCRETE?
Yes, we can. We offer various solutions to rejuvenate exterior concrete, including bush hammering and acid washing. After inspecting the area, we’ll recommend the best option for your needs.
WHAT IS POLISHED CONCRETE?
Think of polishing concrete as refining the concrete surface with a grinding and polishing action to give hard, dense, thermal gains, stain resistant, very easily cleanable and long lasting floor. There is NO coating applied, so nothing to chip or peel or discolour.
There is a stain guard non -topical protection chemical system applied – you stand on your concrete, not a coating
HOW IS THE CONCRETE POLISHED?
You start with coarse blades attached to a grinder 400+ kg in weight (smaller grinders work but in some cases they do not produce stone if the concrete is too hard) to take away layers at a time to produce the chosen stone content e.g salt and pepper (fines only) or full stone etc. Once this is established and all imperfections are fixed, the polish process takes place with finer diamonds to produce polished concrete from 400 up to 3000 diamond finish. Chemicals and concrete protection systems are added to change the chemical structure of the concrete to give hardness and stain protection, partial or full.
IS IT IMPORTANT HOW THE CONCRETE IS LAID?
It is everything to the concrete polished job. Poorly laid concrete will result in a less than ideal polish job. A good concrete layer is totally complementary to a concrete grinding company. Want high end results? Then we can supply you with a placing guide.
IS ALL CONCRETE POLISIHING THE SAME?
No, definitely not. Good machinery, techniques and a wealth of knowledge is the key to an un-beatable high end finish. All our systems carry a 10 year warranty. If you want your floor to carry its shine year after year then it is important that steps are not skipped in the polishing process.
CAN CONCRETE POLISHING BE WATERPROOF?
Yes. There are new polished chemicals that give waterproofing and stain control against oils etc. Every system is different and gives different levels of protection for polished floors. These systems soak into the matrix of the concrete and form micro umbrellas that stop ingression of liquids.
IS COATED CONCRETE OR GRIND AND SEAL THE SAME?
No. Coatings are topical. Another words, they sit of the surface. With a grind and seal you’re looking at a coating that is covering the concrete. Polished concrete is about refining the surface. Coatings typically scratch and yellow over time. The finish of polished concrete is so super fine that tyre marks don’t stick. Coatings are generally cheaper as they do not require precision grinding.
CAN RAIN DAMAGED OR OLD WORN OUT CONCRETE BE POLISHED?
Yes, watch us transform even poorly laid concrete into a polished work of art. Though poorly laid floors do not come up as good as concrete that has been placed for polishing, the results can still be good to excellent. We can fix even badly pitted or cracked concrete.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS?
Normal daily maintenance would include vacuuming or sweeping with a dry microfiber dust mop. To remove spills, use a microfiber mop and warm water. Try not to use detergent if at all possible, or use eco-friendly, non-acidic cleaners
ARE CONCRETE FLOORS COLD?
It is a common misconception that polished concrete floors are cold. Polished concrete is energy efficient – they help your house retain coolness in summer and warmth in winter, meaning you save on electricity use.
WHAT IS THE #1 REASON FOR POLISHED FLOORS?
Depends on who it is for – let’s take a quick look
– Residential – For its aesthetics
– Commercial and Retail – It’s trendy and upbeat
– Industrial and Retail – Maintenance and dust free
– Green Construction – Eco friendly
IS IT A DUSTY JOB POLISHING CONCRETE?
We use the latest advanced technology and machinery with vacuum bags which results in an almost dust free working area.
ARE POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS SLIPPERY?
No. All our floors meet council co-efficient slip rating.
If polished concrete is kept clean, the answer is no.
For wet areas, we can texturize, or for outdoor areas bush hammer. We also have other non-slip coating options. Contact us directly for expert advice.
I HAVE ALLERGIES - WILL POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS HELP?
Polished concrete floors have a non-porous surface that’s easy to clean, meaning there is no place for bugs or allergens to hide
CAN RAIN DAMAGED OR OLD WORN OUT CONCRETE BE POLISHED?
Yes, watch us transform even poorly laid concrete into a polished work of art. Though poorly laid floors do not come up as good as concrete that has been placed for polishing, the results can still be good to excellent. We can fix even badly pitted or cracked concrete.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
It is a permanent process, there is no wax or coatings applied that will eventually fail. When we are finished with your floors it is bare concrete that has been permanently polished. General cleaning will keep the floors looking amazing, year after year. In high traffic areas simple buffing can be done along side the general cleaning but this will be less frequent. A re-application of polish can be applied also at any time, this is similar to polishing a car’s paint job.
HOW MUCH DOES CONCRETE POLISHED FLOOR COST PER SQ/M?
The cost is largely dependent on the size of the job and other factors the price can vary. Generally if you’re expecting a full grind to stone job of distinction then look at prices from NZ$40 to NZ$150 per SQ/M for domestic finishes as this requires more attention to detail thus having a higher labour content. Detail is given to edges. Larger size areas such as warehouses etc are different in price and can be considerably cheaper. We price of the plan or a SQ/M- every job is different, email us and we will respond with a price within 24hours.
HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE GETTING QUALITY?
Ask for a certified contractor and ask to talk to previous clients and look at examples of previous work. Craftsmanship combined with quality grinding and polishing machines will produce excellent results. NZ Grinders is certified Sitesafe Gold. We are an accredited installer.
AT WHAT STAGE SHOULD THE POLISHING BE DONE?
Depending on what finish we need to do, on a new build the first grind is normally done before frames go up, or we can complete the full job after. If this is not possible then before the gibbing. The later steps are done at the end of painting or end of gib stopping before skirting. In the likes of commercial then we normally are one of the last contractors. Salt and pepper finishes are done after framing.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH POLISHED CONCRETE?
Polished concrete will deliver a hard, durable, easily cleanable floor.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS
We are here to help you solve your problems.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help and are glad to resolve any of your issues. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.