How to tell your concrete floor needs repair
When it comes to floors, polished concrete is considered one of the strongest and most hardwearing options. In fact, the polishing process actually helps to harden the concrete’s surface, making it denser and more durable. However, this doesn’t mean polished concrete floors don’t age and can’t be damaged.
But what causes this damage? And how do you know that it’s time for your polished concrete floor to be repaired?
What are the most common causes of polished concrete floor damage and ageing?
If concrete is a decent quality and laid correctly, it should be able to handle the rigours of daily life. However, over time, regular use will cause it to wear and age. This is completely normal and inevitable.
As concrete is porous, it’s also susceptible to damage by water and other liquids. Even polished concrete floors that have been treated with a water-resistant coating can still be stained and discoloured by liquids. As such, it’s important that any spills are cleaned up as quickly as possible, particularly if the liquid is acidic (e.g., orange juice or wine).
As with every type of flooring, polished concrete can be damaged if heavy objects are dropped on it. It is also possible to scuff and scratch polished concrete by dragging things across the surface.
What signs should I be looking out for?
The main things to look out for when checking your concrete for wear and tear are:
Cracks and potholes in the surface of your concrete
This is usually a sign that the ground underneath is expanding and contracting due to the weather. While cracks and potholes are usually not a major issue, they can get worse if not fixed quickly.
An uneven appearance
There are a number of potential causes for this, some of which are more serious than others. Seek professional advice as quickly as possible if your notice that your concrete appears uneven.
A dull or discoloured finish
This is usually the result of heavy or prolonged use, or a spill. Generally speaking, this should be fairly easy to fix.
Water pooling on the surface of the concrete
This is usually a sign of drainage problems. As this can lead to serious water damage, it’s best to have your concrete floors examined by a professional as quickly as possible.
How often will my polished concrete floor need repairs?
Generally speaking, polished concrete floors begin to show signs of wear and tear after about five years of regular use. That being said, areas that experience high foot traffic (like hallways and kitchens) or are regularly exposed to water (like bathrooms and outdoor areas) can age quicker. You should check your concrete every few months to make sure there are no serious signs of deterioration.
Importantly, while not all concrete floor issues require immediate attention, the longer you leave them, the worse they may get.
How are polished concrete floors repaired?
The repairs your polished concrete floor requires will really depend on the type and cause of damage.
For example, if your polished concrete is starting to look a little dull, a simple rebuffing might be all that’s needed. This is usually involves a lot less work that a full refinishing and should return them to your desired finish. Similarly, superficial stains and marks should only require a rebuffing.
However, if you have cracks or potholes, these will need to be filled with grout or caulk before your floor can be refinished. There may also be structural or foundation issues that need to be fixed first.
Looking for someone to repair your polished concrete floor in Perth?
There are a number of companies that work with polished concrete in Perth. However, not all of these will have experience with polished concrete floor repairs.
At Designer Floors, we pride ourselves on our ability to get even the most worn floors back to their best. Whether you’ve noticed significant cracking, or your floors have simply lost their shine, we can help. Call us today to discuss the state of your floors and how we can get them looking like new again.