Frequently Asked Questions

A: Almost. Practically any type of concrete can be polished. The main situations where polished concrete isn't ideal are when floors are made of concrete that is too lightweight, when floors have been damaged by caustic chemicals, and outdoor concrete that has been mixed with a freeze/thaw mix.

A: Of all the different types of concrete flooring solutions, polished concrete is one of the most eco-friendly out there. Concrete is a natural compound, composed of rock and water, and is frequently recycled. On top of that, its excellent durability means it lasts longer than most other types of flooring, helping achieve greener building requirements. Also, the reflective surface of polished concrete can also contribute to lower energy costs and is compliant with all LEED standards.

A: Polished concrete installation rarely causes much disruption to your business - at least when you hire Premier Polishing. We work around your schedule, doing the bulk of the work during the off-hours and downtime periods to ensure that your space remains as unimpeded by the installation process as possible.

Dust and other materials are cleaned up as we work and are kept at a minimum. We handle all waste materials that result from the construction process quickly and efficiently.

A: One of the main reasons people choose polished concrete floors over other types of floors is because of their high resistance, performance, and long lifespan

- lasting two decades or more before requiring maintenance or replacement. They will last even longer if they are installed by professionals with proper equipment and they are sufficiently maintained throughout the years.

A: A disadvantage of polished concrete compared to other options such as epoxy and grind and seal concrete is that it is not stain-resistant. While we can add additional sealant to protect the surface from stains, the porous nature of concrete means that polished concrete will always be at least somewhat susceptible to staining and spills — especially if it isn't cleaned up promptly. To prevent stains, always clean away spillage and moisture as soon as you see it.

A: The benefits of polished concrete floors include, but are not limited to:

• Cost-efficiency - Polished concrete isn't just affordable to install, it also involves very little, if any, maintenance in the future.
• Longevity - Polished concrete floors can easily last 20 years or more without requiring any resurfacing.
• Resistance — Polished concrete is good for commercial and industrial spaces due to its excellent durability. High foot traffic won't damage it or reduce shine.
• Aesthetics - Polished concrete can be installed in a variety of different designs and colors, depending on your creative vision for the space.

A: Regardless of the type of floors you are going to have installed, it's important to remove mastic (the adhesive used to adhere tiles to floors) and other residue first. While it isn't necessarily a complicated process, it can be very time-consuming. Work with Premier Polishing to get the mastic and other residue on your floor removed by the professionals.

A: Cleaning concrete floors for staining entails a few steps. First, we apply concrete cleaner and degreaser. Second, we scrub the surface, typically with a nylon bristle brush. Third, we use a power washer on a low setting to prepare the floor for most types of staining. Fourth, we thoroughly rinse the surface with water and remove any remaining cleanser. Fifth and lastly, we remove excess water with a shop vacuum, squeegee, mop, etc.

A: Mastic is a resin-based adhesive used to set floor tiles. It is applied before grouting occurs. Mastic is a somewhat outdated term nowadays. A better name for it now is "ceramic tile adhesive," since nowadays there are many more alternatives. Mastic is extremely sticky and is best used for tiles smaller than 8×8 inches.

A: Grouting is an important part of the tile installation process. It is the application of a dense fluid to fill in the gaps between tiles to improve structural strength and smoothness. It is generally a mixture of cement, sand, and water.

A: Except in circumstances when you are using Acid Stains on a surface incapable of absorbing liquids, it is not necessary to sand concrete before staining.

A: First, we test to see whether the concrete was sealed with a solvent- or a water-based sealer. After determining that, we remove the sealer with the appropriate formula, clean it, and then allow it to dry.

A: Some of the most common methods for preparing surfaces for tile installation include:

• Asbestos floor tile removal
• Shot blasting
• Mastic removal
• Abrasive blast cleaning
• And more

A: There are many different types of concrete mix products on the market, and, depending on your specific project, some may be more suitable than others. In general, concrete resurfacer is a special type of cementitious product that blends with other types of cement and is ultimately designed to provide adhesive benefits. It is applied in a thin coat and is actually made of a material that tends to be stronger than most slabs themselves.

A: Resurfaced concrete looks virtually identical to completely new concrete floors. This is unlike repaired concrete, which will usually still show some spots and blemishes.

A: A number of factors contribute to the answer to this question. The best way to determine if your concrete is a good candidate for resurfacing is to contact a professional concrete contractor.

A: Concrete resurfacing costs vary based on the size and current condition of your concrete surface. You can, however, expect resurfacing to be significantly less expensive than a total concrete replacement.

A: When you get concrete resurfacing done right, it can easily last more than 10 years. Learn more about Premier Polishing's concrete resurfacing services here.