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Here at CCR in Denver, our role is to match you to the concrete flooring that meets the needs of your commercial property. Rarely do we get calls specifically asking for polished concrete, but, during our conversations with callers, we often find that polished concrete is the choice that makes the most sense for their needs. Polished concrete is renowned for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements, so it’s easy to see why people prefer this option. However, like any material, it has specific limitations that might make other forms of concrete more suitable under certain conditions. When is Polished Concrete Not the Best Choice? CCR offers a wide variety of commercial concrete flooring options, so we have plenty of choices if polished concrete is not right for you. Situations where this may occur include: High Moisture Environments – Polished concrete, while durable and resistant to moisture to some extent, is not the best option in areas where high humidity, frequent spills, or standing water are common. The smooth, glossy surface can become slippery when wet, posing a […]

There are many considerations that business owners make before choosing their commercial flooring material, but no consideration is quite as important as safety. Not only is the safety of your staff and customers important, but the lawsuits that slippery flooring can open up can ruin any business immediately. Safety is arguably as important, if not more so, than aesthetic appeal. It rains here in Denver, which means that one concern we have to have is whether or not our commercial flooring will get too slippery. This is especially a concern with polished concrete, as it tends to have a much smoother surface than other types of flooring. But does polished concrete get slippery? When properly installed, the answer is no. About Polished Concrete’s Slip Resistance Polished concrete involves mechanically grinding, honing, and polishing concrete surfaces with bonded abrasives to achieve a highly reflective finish. During this process, a penetrating sealer is often applied to enhance the concrete’s durability and stain resistance, contributing to its glossy appearance. Polished concrete, despite its glossy finish, can be designed and treated to meet and […]

Floor Polishing has long been favored in various commercial settings, from retail stores to educational institutions. Their resilience, longevity, and low maintenance requirements make them particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas. However, the term “low maintenance” should not be mistaken for “no maintenance.” Understanding the Limitations of Polished Concrete While polished concrete is renowned for its durability, it is not invulnerable to wear and tear. The last thing any facility manager wants is to perform routine cleaning and inadvertently cause significant damage due to incorrect maintenance procedures. Specialized care is essential for ensuring the long-term performance of polished concrete floors. The Role of Sealer in Polished Concrete Maintenance A common misconception is that the sealer on polished concrete floors eliminates the need for any maintenance. Although a sealer does enhance the floor’s appearance and provides a level of stain resistance, it is not a permanent solution. Over time, the sealer may deteriorate, leaving the flooring susceptible to damage and looking less than its best. Reapplying the sealer is one aspect of maintaining your polished concrete floors. Best Practices for Maintaining Polished […]

Polished concrete is quickly becoming the go-to flooring choice for a range of commercial applications – from showrooms to retail stores, warehouses, and more. This trend is due to its longevity, minimal maintenance needs, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. However, to fully appreciate the merits of polished concrete, it’s important to understand the intricate process behind its creation. The Polishing Process – A Multi-Step Journey The process of polishing concrete involves several steps that systematically transform a plain concrete slab into a smooth, glossy, and attractive surface. It’s a craft that demands attention to detail, the right equipment, and technical know-how. Step 1 – Evaluation of the Concrete Slab Before starting the polishing process, professionals assess the concrete slab’s condition to determine its hardness, flatness, and the presence of any cracks, stains, or existing coatings that need to be removed. This evaluation informs the choice of diamond grits used in the grinding process. Step 2 – Grinding The grinding process utilizes industrial-grade diamonds embedded into a metallic matrix, forming a diamond abrasive that grinds away the surface of the concrete. This […]

We recently had the opportunity to work on a concrete floor grinder restoration project that required grinding and polishing. The floor had endured years of neglect and lacked proper maintenance, resulting in a gritty, dirty surface. The property owner sought a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to their existing flooring, and contacted Colorado Concrete Repair for their help. You can see the “Before” photos, here: Upon assessment of the concrete floor, our team recognized the extensive wear and tear it had suffered over the years. The first step in our process involved grinding down the top layers of damage to remove any imperfections and prepare the surface for the polishing phase. Utilizing specialized grinding tools and techniques, we meticulously worked to refine the floor and eliminate leftover scratches from the grinding process. With the grinding phase complete, we proceeded to polish the concrete floor. The polishing process involved carefully smoothing the surface and enhancing its appearance. By employing progressive grit levels and using high-quality polishing compounds, we were able to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish that exceeded our client’s expectations. […]

As a concrete and epoxy flooring contractor, we’ve found that many of the calls we receive for epoxy flooring end up finding that polished concrete is actually what they need. Epoxy is amazing, and we do a large portion of the epoxy flooring and epoxy repair services in the Denver Metro area. But, after discussing the needs with those that call us for epoxy, many customers choose epoxy flooring instead. Reasons to Choose Polished Concrete Vs Epoxy Both epoxy and polished concrete are great options. They can also be combined, as many commercial properties put an epoxy coating over polished concrete. But there are several reasons why someone that was originally interested in epoxy might actually be interested in polished concrete. These reasons include: Durability – Both flooring options provide exceptional durability, but polished concrete is especially suitable for high traffic areas. It resists abrasion, is very unlikely to chip or peel under impact, and can withstand very heavy loads when under pressure. Maintenance – Epoxy is not *difficult* to maintain, but it does have special requirements and wears away […]