What is industrial floor polishing, and what are the biggest benefits for your business? Continue reading to learn more in this article.
In the dynamic and fast-paced world of business, the importance of a well-maintained facility floor is often overlooked. However, the condition of your industrial floors not only contributes to a better and more pleasant aesthetic, but also plays a crucial role in operational efficiency and safety.
While regular industrial floor cleaning should be done regularly by a professional company like TCS Floors, it is not the only service that your floors can benefit from. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of industrial floor polishing – from increased durability to boosting safety and hygiene, it can be a strategic investment for your floors.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into it:
What is industrial floor polishing?
Industrial floor polishing is a specialized process done by professionals in which the floor is treated and finished for a smooth, durable, and shiny surface. It typically involves several steps, from thorough cleaning to grinding and polishing to achieve the desired level of shine.
Floor polishing is particularly beneficial in industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, hospitals, and other commercial areas as it helps to protect the floors from the long-term damage of high foot traffic.
Depending on the type of floor, it may require specialized polishing techniques, materials, and equipment, so we recommend getting it done by a professional floor care company.
How is industrial floor polishing done?
As we mentioned earlier, the process of industrial floor polishing is done in several steps to ensure maximum performance and optimal results. The exact steps may depend on the size and type of floor, but they can be generally summed up in the following ones:
1. Cleaning
First, professionals will start by thoroughly cleaning the industrial floor to ensure that any dirt, debris, or existing coatings are removed.
This step is crucial because any particles left behind may interfere with the grinding and polishing steps that follow after, leading to uneven results or machinery damage.
2. Grinding
The next step in the industrial floor polishing process is grinding. For this step, TCS Floors uses heavy-duty machinery with diamond-infused discs to grind down the floor surface.
Depending on the desired level of smoothness, this step can be done in multiple passes with increasing fineness. The diamond discs come in various grit sizes, from coarse to fine, and are selected based on the condition of the floor and the desired finish.
3. Hardening
Once the industrial floor has been thoroughly cleaned and grinded, the next step is called hardening. At this stage of the process, professionals apply a chemical hardener to densify and strengthen the concrete.
It is important to keep in mind that concrete is naturally porous, and a hardener acts to fill these pores, which increases the density and hardness of the floor. This makes the floor more durable, resistant to wear, and less permeable to moisture and staining agents.
4. Polishing
This step is a must if you want to reap the benefits of industrial floor polishing to the maximum – that’s because this is where the actual shine and smoothness are achieved. Once the floor has been ground and hardened, TCS Floors will use a specialized machinery for the polishing.
Similar to grinding, the polishing process starts with a relatively coarse pad and moves to increasingly finer grits.
Each successive pass with a finer pad continues to smooth and refine the floor surface, reducing scratches and imperfections until the desired level of shine is achieved. For a high-gloss finish, very fine grit pads (sometimes as fine as 3000 grit) are used.
5. Sealing
The last step of the industrial floor polishing process is sealing, in which the professionals will apply a sealant with a sprayer or a roller in a thin, even coat. The main goal of this phase is to protect the polished floor from stains, moisture, and wear.
Sealing acts as a protective barrier on the surface, preserving the appearance of the floor and prolonging its lifespan. Depending on the type of floor and the level of traffic, a specialized sealant may be used.
What types of industrial floors can be polished?
Before we jump into the benefits of industrial floor polishing, let’s take a look at the different types of industrial floors that can actually take advantage of this process:
- Concrete floors
- Terrazzo floors
- Marble floors
- Granite floors
- Epoxy coated floors
- Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) floors
- Limestone floors
- Slate floors
If you are not sure whether your type of floor can be polished, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional guidance. You can also learn more about our concrete floor polishing and concrete floor grinding services.
7 benefits of industrial floor polishing
There are multiple benefits of industrial floor polishing. Here are a few of them:
1. Increased durability and longevity
Among the most important benefits of industrial floor polishing are increased durability and longevity. Since the polishing process involves hardening and densifying, the surface of the floor becomes stronger and more resistant to physical damage.
By filling in the pores and micro-cracks in the floor material (like concrete), polishing reduces the porosity of the floor. This makes the floor less susceptible to damage from moisture, oil, and chemical penetration, which can weaken the floor structure over time.
As a result, industrial floors become more resistant to wear, tear, and damage from heavy foot traffic and machinery. This increases their lifespan, which means that you will spend less on repairs or replacement over the long run.
2. Enhanced safety
Another important benefit of industrial floor polishing is improved safety. That’s because properly polished floors can increase slip resistance, which is crucial in preventing slip-and-fall accidents – which account for 25% of all injuries that happen in the workplace.
Some polishing processes involve adding non-slip additives to the sealant, enhancing grip even in wet conditions. In addition, polished floors reduce the amount of dust generated, which reduces potential respiratory issues and promotes a cleaner and healthier work environment.
3. Ease of maintenance
Speaking of the benefits of industrial floor polishing, we can’t forget to mention their ease of maintenance. Polished floors have a sealed surface, making them resistant to spills and stains.
This is especially important in industrial environments where spills of oil, chemicals, or other substances are common. The sealant prevents these substances from penetrating the floor, making them easier to clean up without leaving stains.
On top of that, due to the smooth and sealed nature of the surface, polished floors can be effectively cleaned with mild cleaning agents, without the need for harsh chemicals.
4. Aesthetics
Aesthetics also plays a role when it comes to the benefits of industrial floor polishing, which is important for industrial settings aimed to attract more clients for maximizing revenue.
- High-gloss finish – the high-gloss finish, which is a direct result of industrial floor polishing, can dramatically transform the appearance of your industrial space
- Enhanced color and texture – this process is also great for enhancing the natural color and texture of the flooring material, bringing it from dullness to life
- Light reflectivity – polished floors also possess reflective qualities, which can improve the lighting efficiency and make the industrial space brighter and more inviting
- Consistency and uniformity – a well-polished floor offers a consistent and uniform appearance, which is visually pleasing and make the space look more organized
- Clean and professional look – polished floors give an industrial space a clean, well-maintained, and professional appearance.
5. Cost-effectiveness
As we mentioned earlier, industrial floor polishing makes the floor surface stronger and more resistant to damage, which can be particularly cost-effective in the long run. This durability means the floor will last longer before needing replacement, translating to long-term cost savings.
In addition, polished floors are easier and cheaper to maintain. They require less aggressive cleaning methods and fewer cleaning products. This reduces the ongoing costs associated with floor maintenance, such as labor, equipment, and supplies.
6. Resistance to stains and spills
When it comes to floor maintenance, one of the biggest benefits of industrial floor polishing is that it provides better resistance to stains and pills. That’s because the surface is sealed with protective coating, which creates a barrier that resists the penetration of liquids and substances.
The smooth, sealed surface of a polished floor allows for quick and easy cleanup of spills. This immediacy in cleaning helps prevent substances from sitting on the floor for prolonged periods, which reduces the likelihood of staining.
7. Improved air quality
And last but not least, we can’t have a list of benefits of industrial floor polishing without mentioning improved quality. Polished floors can significantly reduce the amount of dust that otherwise enters through regular wear and erosion, enhancing indoor air quality.
The minimized dust production reduces airborne pariculates. In addition, the non-porous nature of polished floors prevents them from absorbing moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Mold spores are a common indoor air pollutant and can have serious health implications.
About TCS Floors
If you are looking for a fast, effective and reliable industrial floor cleaning company, look no further than TCS Floors. With over 30 years of experience nationwide, our team of experienced professionals has all the knowledge, skills and equipment to keep a clean and safe environment for employees and clients. Contact us today for a quote.
FAQ
How often should I get my industrial floor polished?
The frequency of industrial floor polishing depends on the floor’s usage and traffic. Generally, it’s recommended every 1-2 years for high-traffic areas. However, low-traffic areas may only need polishing every 3-5 years. Regular assessments help determine the need for re-polishing.
What is the difference between buffing and polishing a floor?
Buffing and polishing are different stages of floor finishing. Polishing involves using fine abrasives to create a smooth, reflective surface. Buffing, a subsequent step, uses a soft pad at high speeds to enhance the floor’s shine and smoothness. Polishing refines, while buffing enhances shine.
Can I do industrial floor polishing on my own?
Industrial floor polishing on your own is challenging and not typically recommended. It requires specialized equipment, materials, and expertise. DIY attempts can lead to uneven results and potential damage. Professional services ensure a high-quality, durable, and safe polished floor.
