Are you thinking of adding polished concrete into your commercial space, but aren’t sure what you should be looking for? When talking with concrete experts and technicians, you may feel overwhelmed and not quite sure what to ask, which is why we are here to help! Here are the eight questions you should ask when you are looking to hire a polished concrete expert!
Are they experienced?
One of the first things you want to do when looking to hire someone to complete work on your space is to look into their experience. Be sure to look at what they have done in the past and see if it aligns with what you want to have done. Also, make sure that they have the proper certifications or training that they need to do the job you are hiring them for. You never want to hire someone who doesn’t have the proper training and experience because you could end up with something you aren’t happy with.
Do they test for moisture?
Concrete is a porous material, which means that when it is not sealed, it can absorb water and moisture. If the concrete is sealed with any type of moisture in it, you will be left with a mess. It is super important that whoever you hire will test your existing concrete to ensure that it is in proper condition to be sealed, polished or stained.
Do they grind the floor?
You want your polished concrete technician to grind your existing polished concrete floors before they begin the polishing process because this will open up the surface cap. This will create better adhesion and will also prevent delamination.
Do they fill joints?
Something that is important to the health of your polished concrete floors is having proper joint filling because that is where delamination is most likely to occur. Another important question to ask is what they use to fill those joints - specifically Polyurea joint sealants. This can also affect how long it will last.
How are edges prepared?
If you are working with a more inexperienced technician or one that is not very thorough, they may skimp on some of the fine details. This could mean that they forget to grind all edges and corners, which could make for an uneven surface once finished.
How do they prep the floor?
It is important that your concrete is properly prepared before the sealing process begins. If not, you could be left with debris underneath, bubbling, or more chance of delamination. The typical process is either sweeping or vacuuming to remove any loose debris, then scrubbing the surface with cleaner and a stiff bristled brush to remove anything that is stuck on. Next, you will want to rinse, remove excess water and wait for the concrete to fully dry.
What coating systems are they using?
There are several different types of systems that can be used. Some require a base coat, others don’t. Some sealants will need to be reapplied more often than others. You want to be sure that you know exactly what type of coating system is being used i to be sure that it fits your needs.
Is their work right for your space?
Lastly, you want to be sure that what they are providing is the right option for your space. Be sure that the maintenance is obtainable for you, the cost is right and that it is as durable as necessary. This will end up saving you money in the long run.
At Custom Concrete Creations, we want to help you create a space that is perfect for you and your needs. Contact us today to get started on your next polished concrete floors!