Wet vs Dry Concrete Grinding: Pros and Cons

 

Did you know there are two methods of concrete grinding? Wet or dry concrete grinding both present certain benefits. Here are some pros and cons for each method:

Wet Concrete Grinding

The oldest way of grinding and polishing concrete is the wet method. This method involves lubricating the diamond attachment with water, which leaves a slurry of water mixed with silica dust particles.

 

Pros

 

Significantly reduces the health risk of silica dust

One of the most significant benefits the wet method has over the dry method is its ability to remove the health risks associated with inhaling toxic dust particles like Silica dust. The flow of water from the grinding disc prevents dust from getting everywhere.

Extends the life of the machinery

Lubricating the diamond attachments with water keeps the grinder at a suitable temperature and reduces friction. This then increases the life of the grinder.

It’s been around for a long time

Many people have learnt to grind and polish concrete using the wet method, simply because it had been around longer than dry methods. This means there has been more time to refine the techniques.

 

Cons

 

Difficult clean-up process

The slurry left over from the wet method is difficult to dispose of efficiently and safely unless you are a professional concrete grinder who is aware of the regulations.

Slippery work surface

A wet surface can be a safety risk unless you have experience and the right equipment.

Not eco-friendly

This method can seem like a waste of water when there’s an alternative dry method and new technology can reduce the health risks associated with the dry grinding method.

Dry Concrete Grinding

Advancements in new technology has brought about dry grinding tools with a separate attachment to contain dust. This method is best left to certified and experienced professionals who can safely carry out the job who may use purpose built high filtration dust extraction units to remove residual dust.

 

Pros

 

Faster clean-up

Professionals such as Designer Floors use machinery with vacuum enabled waste management for more efficient waste removal. This means the cleaning occurs simultaneously as the concrete grinder is working. Additionally, the disposal of dust and debris can be done much quicker and safer than slurry.

Shinier sleeker finish

The dry concrete grinding method can produce a better shine the wet method cannot achieve.

Less downtime

Rather than waiting for the slurry to be cleaned up or the surface to dry, you can move straight onto the next step of the floor refurbishment.

 

Cons

 

Presents a danger to health

The main concern over the use of the dry method comes from the vast quantity of silica dust produced during the grinding process, which poses a serious health risk. Even if most of the dust is vacuumed, airborne dust lingering in ventilation systems can be hazardous. Inhalation of silica may cause respiratory illnesses including silicosis and lung cancer.

 

 

Concrete grinders often use both methods over the grinding and polishing process. As Husqvarna certified contractors, we only grind concrete under wet conditions. This is to get the best result, as well as lower health risks. Are you looking for concrete grinding or polished concrete? Designer Floors have got you covered.

 

 

 

 

The following blog post Wet vs Dry Concrete Grinding: Pros and Cons was first published on: Designer Floors Blog

Posted From: https://designerfloors.com.au/blog/wet-vs-dry-concrete-grinding-pros-cons/

What is concrete grinding and why is it important?

At Designer Floors our signature look is polished concrete. What most people don’t know is that we can grind any concrete surface to prepare it for not only polished concrete, but for any alternative flooring option.

Most people don’t understand the difference and therefore don’t see the benefits of grinding concrete. We’ll take you through the process!

 

What is concrete grinding?

Concrete grinding is using an abrasive tool, like the Husqvarna Hiperfloor machine, in combination with a diamond attachment on rough concrete surfaces to reveal a smooth finish.

Grinding concrete can be done either wet or dry. At Designer Floors, we prefer to grind under wet conditions to reduce the negative impacts of the dust on our health.

Why is it important?

Prior to floorboards or tiles being installed, the concrete beneath can be rough uneven and even have paint or epoxies on it. Making installing various flooring on top of it can be difficult. Once grinding has taken place and the smooth surface is revealed installing any alternative flooring option is easy.

Preparing the floors prior to the application of tiles or hardwood is the single biggest way to ensure the longevity of the floors. It is especially important if the floors are going to be polished, as the quality of the concrete will show through.

Advantages of grinding concrete

1. Restore concrete surfaces

Grinding concrete removes all imperfections and inconsistencies in the concrete, resulting in a smooth and usable surface. Old and damaged concrete surfaces can be restored to their former glory and used for years and years to come.

 

2. Remove paint, epoxies, dirt

Grinding removes paint, epoxies, dirt and other remnants left on the concrete. The grinder rubs against the top layer of the floor leaving a smooth surface.

 

3. Easily install flooring (tiles, floorboards, carpets etc.)

Once the grinding has been completed and the smooth surface is left, any type of flooring option can be installed with ease. Floor preparation is key in the longevity of any kind of flooring option.

 

4. Perfect for warehouses

For warehouses or homes concrete is the ultimate flooring option. We’ve spoken about the benefits for the home and for the kids, but we haven’t covered the implications for warehouses. Grinding concrete ensures that the floors are in perfect working condition. It ensures not only the longevity of the floor but its durability given the high traffic nature of a warehouse.

Designer Floors concrete grinding

Whether you’re looking to prepare your concrete floors for polishing, or preparing the surface for an alternative flooring option then Designer Floors have got it covered.

Contact us today to see how we can help you grind your concrete floors.

The article What is concrete grinding and why is it important? was first seen on: https://designerfloors.com.au

Posted From: https://designerfloors.com.au/blog/concrete-grinding-important/

Polished concrete flooring: The perfect solution for homes with asthma and respiratory issue sufferers

 

Why is polished concrete flooring the perfect solution for homes with asthma and respiratory issue sufferers?

We already know that polished concrete floors are the perfect flooring option for the family home and for families with kids flooring solution for homes with asthma and allergy sufferers. Polished concrete floors are the new trend that’s taking over. Read on to find out how they’re an ideal solution in combating symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergies.

Hay fever and allergic reactions happen as a result of a number of environmental factors, like dust mites, pollen, grass, mold spores and more, unfortunately it occurs all year round. Asthma is respiratory condition where the lungs can’t get air caused by an inflammatory reaction to a number of triggers (like the ones mentioned previously). Each individual has different environmental triggers and so minimising total exposure can reduce the risk of having an attack.

 

Why can polished concrete floors minimise exposure to such triggers?

 

1. Polished Concrete Floors are Hypoallergenic

Having a hypoallergenic floor means that they won’t trap allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, bacteria or moisture. This means that none of these will be present in the polished concrete flooring around the entire house.

When we look at other floors such as wooden, carpeted or tiled we can see that harmful pathogens can become trapped. For example, bacteria, moisture and mold can track on the bottom of your shoes and then embed in your carpet and in the grout of your tiles. Wooden floors can become saturated and crack allowing tiny pathogens to live within the surface. Polished concrete floors are a fantastic alternative if the home has any allergy, hay fever or asthma sufferer.

 

2. Polished Concrete Floors are super easy to clean

Concrete floors are extremely easy to clean! They are stain resistant and require only a simple wipe with a microfiber cloth. Gone are the days of mopping once a week and forking out extra cash for stain remover products. They’re the ideal solution for a growing family, and even a family on a budget.

The floors don’t need to be cleaned with harsh chemicals meaning that people suffering from asthma will not have to worry about chemicals triggering an attack. Having the floors simple and easy to clean means that dirt and grime won’t build up and trigger an attack either (victory!).

 

3. Polished Concrete Floors have mystical thermal qualities

Okay, Not ‘mystical’ but pretty amazing. The thermal mass and associated qualities of polished concrete floors mean they absorb heat during the day, and then slowly release this warmth for hours to come. During summer days they keep your home cool, and on those cooler days they keep your home a comfortable, controlled warm.

A common trigger of asthma, in particular, is cold air and cold environments. A common misconception of concrete flooring is that they are icy cold, when in fact their thermal mass stores and releases heat. It is no doubt that the Perth weather can be both extremely hot and extremely cold, so having concrete floors that store heat and regulate the indoor temperature is an ideal solution in combatting the environmental trigger.

 

4. Polished Concrete Floors are a quick and simple process

If you’re reading this and thinking “This sounds fantastic! How can I start the process?” Our 3 step process is a simple and quick solution, meaning that you can minimise your asthma, hay fever and allergy triggers as soon as possible!

 

 

 

Polished concrete flooring: The perfect solution for homes with asthma and respiratory issue sufferers is available on: https://designerfloors.com.au/

Polished Concrete Floors and Children: Perfect Partnership

 

Polished concrete is the ideal flooring solution for your family and children. How you ask? They are a stylish, durable and distinctive flooring option, and come with a ton of benefits and advantages for your growing family. Our concrete floors can be displayed in existing homes, or future homes. The choice is yours. Still not convinced? Read on…

Polished Concrete Flooring enhancing your family lifestyle

 

Scratch Resistant
Your floors are obviously going to get a beating given the nature. However, if they were scratch resistant you wouldn’t have to worry about scuffing them with leather shoes, scratching them with heels, or dragging furniture around when re-styling. Our polished concrete floors are scratch and stain resistant making them the perfect choice for your family home!

 

Hypo Allergenic

Polished concrete floors are hypoallergenic and won’t trap allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, bacteria or moisture, making them the perfect flooring solution for homes with allergy sufferers and people with asthma, or other respiratory issues. Australia actually has some of the highest rates of asthma in the world. Polished concrete flooring is an affordable and effective way to reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory issues. Families around Perth have been praising concrete floors for this precise reason.

 

 

Low Maintenance
When you’re busy with life and raising a family the last thing you want to be thinking about is cleaning and maintaining your floors. A huge pain of having a carpet is the spills they endure that then turn into life long stains… Having polished concrete flooring means that you don’t have to fork out money get the carpet cleaners in every 6 months.

To clean the polished concrete all you’ll need is a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth and voilà, no more weekly mopping. HALLELUJAH

Spills are just as easy to quickly wipe up, we know that children can be messy, often spilling food, drinks and not to mention the new family puppy that isn’t toilet trained yet. Polished Concrete flooring is the ideal solution for the family home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polished Concrete: Childs Play
Aside from the floor being a completely safe and hygienic place for your kids to play on there is an added extra. The classic sport of putting your socks on and sliding down the hall is well and truly a benefit of polished concrete flooring. The smooth and shiny surface is the perfect stage for this childhood favorite. This isn’t even restricted to just the kids!

 

Polished Concrete The Budget Buster
A very welcoming prospect for Perth families is the idea of saving some money. The idea of lowering your electricity bill is a wonderful thought. Concrete flooring has thermal qualities that make it perfect for effective heating and cooling. When choosing the color of the concrete we see that the lighter the floor the lighter it makes the room, reducing the need for lighting and increasing natural lighting effects.

 

 

 

The above post Polished Concrete Floors and Children: Perfect Partnership is republished from: Designer Floors

Polished Concrete: The perfect hard floor solution for your family home!

Polished concrete is an eye-catching, stylish feature for the family home. With its durable, versatile and practical features, there is no question why concrete floors are the perfect flooring solution. Ideal for existing or new family homes, its natural feel and characteristics complete any interior design.

Polished concrete is fast becoming Perth’s most popular hard flooring option, yet we keep hearing that a lot of people won’t consider it for their home because the thought of walking barefoot on icy-cold concrete is off-putting. In fact, the opposite is true! Polished concrete is the ideal flooring solution for Perth families!

 

Polished Concrete Flooring and the Perth Climate

We all know how recently the weather in Perth can be cold one day and then a scorching 40 degrees the next. Concrete has thermal qualities that make it perfect for effective heating and cooling. Not only is it the perfect solution for the eco-conscious homeowner, it’s the ultimate solution if you’re looking to cut back on your power or gas bills.

The thermal mass and associated qualities of polished concrete floors mean they absorb heat (through direct sunlight) during the day, and then release it at night when outside temperature drops. During summer days, they keep your home cool, as it takes longer to heat up than other flooring options. Its perfect for the budget and the environmentally conscious family!

 

Polished Concrete Floors: The Stylish Solution for the Growing Family

 

 

 

Every family needs something different from their home. There is something we all need but take for granted – a durable and easy to maintain hard floor solution that remains stylish as our family grows.

Many people think polished concrete a look that will take a lot of commitment. While there is no denying it is an eye-catching and striking feature, it makes updating the interior design of your home extremely easy! It lends itself to a wide variety of looks, making its styling versatile and adaptable. Just take a look at the image above, two looks that are styled in completely different ways, yet still look welcoming and inviting.

 

Whether you have a young family running around, or teenagers and their friends creating high-traffic areas, concrete floors are an all-round stylish and durable solution.

 

As Perth’s premier solution for polished concrete, we can help you choose between the many options available. Our expertise can help you decide which solution works best for you. Find out more about our polished concrete process.

 

Children and Polished Concrete

Polished concrete floors are a practical solution for homes with children. They are quick and easy to clean and keep hygienic, making them perfect for the active and busy modern day family. Imagine how much time you could save cleaning up after dinner or art and craft time… or even when one of those dreaded bugs goes through the family!

You can relax, knowing you don’t have to worry about dents, scratches, stains or any other signs of wear and tear.

Polished Concrete in Homes with Asthmatics and Allergy Sufferers

Polished concrete floors aren’t porous. What does this mean? They’re hypoallergenic and won’t trap allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, bacteria or moisture, making them the perfect flooring solution for homes with allergy sufferers and people with asthma, or other respiratory issues.

They are quick and easy to clean, allowing for a safe and comfortable environment, making them a great hard floor solution for the family homes of anyone who suffers from allergies, asthma and respiratory issues.

 

 

 

So, what can you take away from this? Are you still deciding whether or not to update your homes look and get concrete flooring? Let’s settle the debate. They’re the ideal solution for your home because they’re a versatile solution that will adapt to your homes style, help your budget, your family’s health, and they’re eco-friendly! What more would you want?

If you’re considering polished concrete floors for your new home or renovation project, contact us for your free measure and quote!

The above post Polished Concrete: The perfect hard floor solution for your family home! is courtesy of: designerfloors.com.au

Flooring for Every Room! by Stephanie Yeraka

Selecting the appropriate flooring materials can be a headache if you are trying to tackle the job by yourself! 

A designer can point you in the right direction based on the style of your home and your budget. Associates at flooring showrooms are also very informative; their knowledge and supply of products is endless.

When looking for flooring, how the space is used is an important factor that needs to be considered. Is it a powder bath or a bathroom with a shower? Is stone in the kitchen too hard (or cold) to stand on for long periods of time? Would hardwood be a better choice? 

 Hardwood floors come in all shapes and styles. Wider distressed planks are more rustic and suitable for a Mountain Tahoe look or a Mediterranean design, whereas narrow planks can have a more traditional or contemporary look depending on the distressing and finish. A dark finish with high gloss and no distressing is perfect for a contemporary feel.   

 

Hardwood can be put in most rooms in the house. If you like the look of hardwood in the bathroom, consider a tile that looks like hardwood, you still get that warm feel but it is easier to maintain where water is an issue. 

Installing rustic wood-look tiles

Wood-look tiles in bathrooms

Refinishing wood floors to change  the color is less expensive than replacing it and is an easy process  if you are working with the right team. If you have hardwood refinishing is pretty painless, if you have engineered hardwood there will be a ware layer where the hardwood stops and the backing material begins- hire a skilled refinisher to work on your floors as mistakes can be costly. 

 

There are many floor tile options to choose from for a bathroom, kitchen, entry, or living space.   

Natural stones such as limestone, slate, marble, and travertine are beautiful in different ways. While these options are the most expensive they increase the beauty and value of your home.

 

Honed and unpolished finishes are ideal for floors, if they get wet you are less likely to slip. Natural stone should be sealed to make the floor less porous and resist staining. Small accent tiles can be polished to add a bit of fancy detail!

         Great tile idea for kids bathroom     

Porcelain tile is great for bathrooms that get used a bit roughly, for example a kid's bath or pool bath.

Grout can come sanded or unsanded. Sanded grout has sand in it and is used when grout spacing can be a bit larger to enhance the beauty of the tile pattern. Unsanded grout is usually used for smaller grout lines like mosaic floor tiles. Possibilities are endless when it comes to color, consult a designer for flawless flooring transitions and color selection!

First Seen on: http://jhettingerinteriors.blogspot.com/2016/10/flooring-for-every-room-by-stephanie.html