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 even exceed industry standards for slip resistance. The key factors influencing its slip resistance include:
- Surface Texture – The grinding and polishing process can be adjusted to create a texture that provides sufficient traction, even when the surface is wet.
- Sealers and Coatings – Non-slip additives can be integrated into the sealers or coatings applied to polished concrete, enhancing its grip and reducing slipperiness.
So, while polished concrete may look slippery, there are plenty of ways to make sure that there is enough friction to create slip resistance and reduce the risk of slips and falls, even if the ground is wet.
The Importance of Maintenance and Upkeep
Still, all flat flooring can become slippery if not properly maintained, and polished concrete is at risk for this. Polished concrete is so durable and so resistant to stains and oils that, if you’re not cleaning it, those oils could build up and become slippery if not well maintained.
Thus, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for maintaining the slip resistance of polished concrete. Properly maintained polished concrete floors are required to provide a safe walking surface, free from the hazards of slips and falls
Advantages of Polished Concrete in Commercial Spaces
If your property is considering new flooring, you cannot go wrong with polished concrete. It offers numerous benefits that make it a suitable choice for commercial flooring, including:
- Durability and Longevity – Polished concrete floors are highly resistant to foot traffic, machinery, and impacts, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial areas.
- Low Maintenance – These floors are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular dust mopping and occasional damp mopping with a neutral cleaner.
- Aesthetic Appeal – The reflective surface of polished concrete enhances the brightness of commercial spaces, contributing to an attractive and professional appearance.
- Sustainability – Polished concrete utilizes the existing concrete slab, minimizing the need for new materials and aligning with eco-friendly building practices.
Polished concrete is not inherently too slippery for commercial flooring. Through appropriate finishing techniques, the use of non-slip additives, and regular maintenance, polished concrete can offer a safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.
Its versatility and sustainability further solidify its position as a preferred choice for commercial environments. When considering flooring options, polished concrete stands out as a viable and reliable choice.
Contact Us Today For Your Free Estimate
If you’re looking for concrete floor refinishing, concrete staining, epoxy coatings, concrete repair or other services, our team can provide high-quality, effective solutions for commercial and industrial companies in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas.
Give us a call at (720) 835-1013, or fill out the form below to get started today!
