What Is Grinding, and Why Does It Matter?
Wondering what concrete grinding is and why it matters? This article has the scoop.
Key Takeaways:
- Grinding is a method of preparing a concrete surface for the next step
- It removes debris and imperfections from the concrete
- The result is a smooth, clean surface
- You can polish and seal the floor after grinding it
Concrete floors are a versatile, low-maintenance, cost-effective solution for residential and commercial spaces. Their high energy efficiency, durability, and stain resistance make them ideal for various settings. However, your concrete floor must be adequately prepared to enjoy these benefits. Part of this preparation is grinding the floor.
Uneven and rough concrete can mar the look of your space and make it difficult to maintain. It can also be dangerous, as people can trip on uneven surfaces. Grinding your concrete floor evens the surface, creating a smooth, level surface you can polish or seal. Read on to learn more about what grinding is and the benefits it can provide.
What is grinding?
Concrete grinding is the process of removing high spots, inconsistencies, and imperfections from concrete surfaces using concrete grinders with an abrasive wheel. Grinding aims to create a smooth surface ready for polishing, sealing, or other finishing treatments. It also removes paint, epoxies, dirt, and other adhesives from the surface to prepare for new treatments.
The grinding wheel is equipped with diamond-studded blades, which grind the concrete as it passes over the surface. The blades are mounted on a rotating disc, which is attached to a powerful motor. The motor spins the disc at high speeds, grinding away any imperfections on the surface, resulting in a smooth, shiny surface.
There are two types of concrete grinding:
- Wet grinding: This involves using water to cool and lubricate the diamond blades as they grind the concrete. It also helps to control the amount of dust generated. The downside is the watery slurry, which can be difficult to clean up.
- Dry grinding: Unlike wet grinding, dry grinding does not use water. It involves a dust collection system with a specialized vacuum to collect the silica dust generated into a bag or tank. Most collection systems have a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of particles, averting health risks. Dry grinding is faster, less messy, and produces better shine, making it the most preferred method.
Concrete grinders are available in several sizes depending on the type of job you need to do.
- Handheld grinders are small, portable, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for tight spaces and small jobs like polishing edges, removing paint or epoxy, or prepping for sealant.
- Walk-behind grinders are larger and more powerful, covering more ground faster. They run on petrol, diesel, or LP and can be used for big jobs like leveling high spots, removing coatings, or stripping concrete.
Benefits of grinding concrete surfaces
The following are some of the top benefits of grinding your concrete floor:
Creates a smooth, even surface
Inconsistencies, protrusions, and imperfections create unsightly bumps and divots on your floor. This reduces the overall aesthetic of your space and can make it difficult to clean and maintain. Grinding smooths out these imperfections, creating a level, low-maintenance surface.
If you have old or damaged concrete floors, grinding can also help remove blemishes and reveal a fresh, new surface restoring your floor to its former glory. This helps ensure longevity and durability, as the new surface will be stronger and less prone to cracking and chipping.
Removes paint, dirt, adhesives, and other treatments
Over time, concrete floors can become stained or discolored from dirt, grease, and other substances. This can make applying new treatments or achieving the desired look difficult.
Grinding strips away the top layer of concrete, exposing a fresh, clean surface beneath. As the grinder rubs against the concrete, it also removes any old paint, sealants, or adhesives on the surface.
Removing these old treatments also opens up the pores of the concrete, allowing it to absorb new treatments better. From there, you can start with a clean slate, choosing any treatment or finishing you desire. This could include polishing, staining, sealing, or painting.
Eliminates trip hazards and creates a safer work environment
Uneven or rough concrete can be dangerous, causing trips, slips, and falls. Pushing equipment and carts across an uneven surface can also damage your equipment and strain your back. Grinding evens out the surface of your concrete, creating a smooth, level surface safe for walking, working, and driving.
A smooth surface also reduces vibration, extending the longevity of your equipment. It also helps create a safer work environment, as there are no trip hazards to worry about. This improves employee productivity, as they can focus on their work instead of watching their step.
Enhances the overall aesthetic of your space
Nothing compares to the beauty of a freshly ground concrete floor. The high-gloss finish creates a polished look that makes your space more inviting and attractive. The shiny, reflective surface also brightens the room, making it appear larger and more open. When light hits the surface, it creates a warm, inviting glow that can transform the look and feel of your space.
Grinding also allows you to choose from various finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your floor to match your specific needs and preferences. From a high-gloss finish that resembles marble to a textured surface that resembles stone, the possibilities are endless. You can even stain or paint your floors for a more custom look.
These benefits of grinding increase health and safety, enhance your space’s aesthetics, and increase the longevity of your concrete floor. And finding the right professionals to partner with can help you get it done faster – and better.
Partner with a professional concrete grinding specialist
Grinding is an excellent way to improve your concrete floors’ appearance, lifespan, and durability. As a specialized process requiring expertise and high-quality equipment, partnering with a professional concrete grinding specialist is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.
At Concreate, we have over a decade of experience under our belts and are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible results. From using state-of-the-art equipment to having a highly trained and certified professional team, we have what it takes to get the job done right. Contact the pros at Concreate today or visit thisisconcrete.com and let’s get started on your next project.