When it comes to caring for your concrete floors, there are various options available to you. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is concrete grinding and sealing.

As an alternative to concrete polishing, this process involves using specialised equipment to grind down the surface of your concrete floors and then applying a sealant.

There are a number of benefits to this process, but there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before making a decision.

So, let’s start with the process of grinding and sealing and then dive into the benefits and drawbacks of this popular choice.

Process of Concrete Grinding and Sealing

It is quite self-explanatory — concrete grinding and sealing. Concrete must first be ground before sealing with a topical sealant.

The steps to grind and seal concrete are as follows:

  • In order to clean up the existing slab of contaminants, the concrete is ground using concrete surface grinders.
  • Next, if needed, fill up floor potholes and cracks using a patching material.
  • You can also grind the concrete once again with finer diamonds to further soften the floor. Here, your intended floor goals, such as target finish and durability, define the output. However, a second pass is not recommended if the concrete is soft, porous, or clean.
  • The surface is then thoroughly cleaned.
  • You may add a stain colour to your grind and seal concrete project at this stage if you'd like. You have a broad range of hues to choose from, which your contractor can help you with.
  • Finally, seal your concrete floor with a topical sealer. Your provider will suggest the appropriate kind of sealer for your project based on the objectives, needs, and available area of your floor. Extra coatings of sealer may be necessary for softer and more porous concrete.

Now that you understand what the process entails. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of grinding and sealing concrete.

The Pros of Concrete Grinding & Sealing

There are a number of reasons why concrete grinding and sealing may be the right choice for your floors. Some uses of this approach include:

1. Best for Areas Prone to Stains, Spills, and Oil

One of the most significant advantages of concrete grinding and sealing is that it can significantly increase the durability of your floors.

The sealant helps to protect your floors from moisture, stains, and other damage, while the grinding process itself eliminates any weak or damaged areas of your concrete, resulting in a stronger overall surface.

These sealed concrete floors may, if necessary for your area, be sealed with chemical-resistant polyurethane sealers. It makes it possible to easily remove stains that might otherwise permanently harm the flooring systems.

2. Consistent Appearance

In addition to increasing the durability of your floors, concrete grinding and sealing can also improve their appearance. The grinding process removes any imperfections or blemishes from the surface of your concrete, while the sealant can be applied in various colours to give your floors a polished look.

To the naked eye, the appearance of polished concrete is identical to that of grind & seal. However, the final output of each comes from unique processes.

In the case of polished concrete, the slab is polished with diamond abrasives of finer grits until the floor attains the appropriate level of sheen (levels 1 to 4).

On the other hand, a topical sealer achieves the desired finish on sealed concrete.

Because of this difference, the grind/sealed concrete provides a more uniform appearance from one surface to the next. The high-performance sealant is constant with each application because, unlike polished concrete, it is not dependent on the profile of the concrete.

3. Low Maintenance:

Sealed concrete floors will need very little maintenance on your part. In fact, all you need to do to keep them looking their best is sweep them on a regular basis and occasionally wet mopping.

4. Slip-Resistant

The sheen of polished concrete is one of its main appeals. However, you do not have to sacrifice beauty for other advantages since grind and seal flooring can get the same effect.

Moreover, no matter how shiny it is, it is slip-resistant. This feature makes it both a beautiful and safe alternative.

The Cons of Concrete Grinding & Sealing

Of course, some potential drawbacks are also associated with concrete grinding and sealing. You should be aware of them before deciding whether or not it is the right choice for your floors.

These drawbacks include the following:

1. High Upfront Cost:

One of the most significant disadvantages of concrete grinding and sealing is the cost. This is not a DIY project; you will need to hire professional contractors to do the work for you, which can be quite expensive.

2. Time-Consuming Process:

Another potential downside to consider is that concrete grinding and sealing is a time-consuming process. It can take several days or even weeks to complete, depending on the size and condition of your floors.

3. Potential Health Risks:

Finally, it is essential to note that there are potential health risks associated with concrete grinding and sealing due to the release of airborne particles during the grinding process. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, you may want to consider another flooring option altogether.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a flooring option for your home or business, there are many things to consider. If you are leaning towards concrete grinding and sealing, be sure to weigh both the pros and cons before making a final decision.

You can seek specialist advice if you can’t make up your mind. Excon is one of the best in the industry, and you can get in touch with them for your concrete grinding in Melbourne.