Every year, the world produces more than 7 billion cubic meters of concrete. It’s a building material that’s been in use for many years and can be found in just about any type of structure. Most concrete structures can last for more than 100 years, and many of them consist of something known as polished concrete. This can appear as sustainable polished concrete floors or walls, and generally have a polished appearance. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about this material, this article will be taking a look at several things you should know about polished concrete.
- It Makes Concrete Stronger: One thing to know about this kind of concrete is that it used a concrete polishing system that makes the overall product stronger. This is because the polishing process grinds out any impurities located on top of the material, leaving a smooth and durable surface once the process is completed. Before it’s hardened, concrete is a mix of 60-75% aggregate materials, 15-20% water, and 10-15% cement. The polishing process removes visible aggregates and makes it appear smooth and finished.
- There are Several Tools Available to Make Polished Concrete: Another thing to know about polished concrete is that there are several tools available to make it. One common tool used is metal bond diamond abrasives which are used to polish down the concrete until it reaches the desired appearance. Concrete won’t be considered polished unless the grinding tool exceeds 400 grit. There are also resin diamond abrasives that can be used to polish concrete.
- Polished Concrete Can’t Be Made Right Away: And finally, a third thing to know about polished concrete is that it can’t be made right away. This is largely because, even after it’s poured and dried, concrete needs time to cure properly so that it receives the strength and texture it was meant to have. A concrete floor is considered fully cured after 28 days, after which point grinding and polishing can occur. In other words, it will take close to a month after the concrete is poured for the polishing process to begin.
In conclusion, there are several things to know about polished concrete. These things include knowing that polishing makes concrete stronger, there are several tools available to make polished concrete, and it is a product that can’t be made right away because concrete needs time to cure first. These are just a few of the things to know about polished concrete.