Finishing The Environmentally Preferable Argument
Once the bonded abrasive polishing process is complete, the floor is both incredibly flat and hard from the densifier.
Because the surface is so flat, the maximum amount of light is reflected, making it appear wet.
Due to it being flat there is no texture for dirt to adhere to. Therefore, soils are easily wiped away.
At this point the densifier has sealed all the pores and hardened all of the soft material in the concrete, so liquid soils will be resisted for much longer periods.
Even though routine maintenance will still be needed to remove the dry soils and any grease, oil or other foreign matter, the floor will not require additional annual maintenance for a while.
Having a polished concrete floor is environmentally preferable for several different reasons.
It is effectively a chemical-free care process; the only chemical that you have to put onto the floor has penetrated into the floor and become a part of the concrete itself.
Finishing The Environmentally Preferable Argument
Even though there will be no more grinding or polishing needed, the densifying chemical will not be released, nor will any concrete dust become airborne.
When one chooses polishing, burning and honing, there is no need to put any finish on the floor, buff the finish or remove the finish - again, nothing to get into the air to affect indoor air quality.
There are no additional chemicals necessary to treat a properly polished concrete floor except for a neutral cleaning agent for weekly maintenance.
Due to the floor being so reflective, your entire facility will be brighter; many businesses have found that they can halve the number of light fixtures when they transition to polished concrete.
When this process is done correctly, you will save money on labor and annual maintenance.
Source:
The Environmental Preferability of Polished Concrete by Whit Beverly
The Environmental Preferability of Polished Concrete by Whit Beverly