Is Polished Concrete Waterproof?

Concrete flooring has both durability and strength, but with polished concrete you can also achieve beauty and style. However, when considering this option we’ve had many people ask, “Is polished concrete waterproof?”

Unpolished, unsealed concrete is porous by nature, and trapped air bubbles that are created during the curing process are what eventually allow moisture to enter the slab after it’s fully set. This moisture can have adverse effects on the concrete–it might crack or become weakened, and in worst-case scenarios become a breeding ground for fungal growth.

With polished concrete all of these issues disappear. Is polished concrete waterproof you ask? With Eco Grind we can assure you it is. Polished concrete floors are achieved by using a grind and seal process with heavy-duty polishing machines equipped with diamond abrasive grits. This process grinds down the concrete to the desired level of shine and smoothness. Chemicals used in the polishing process seep down into the matrix of the concrete and give the slab waterproof properties, by coating it in a protective, shiny, and reflective surface. This surface seals the concrete beneath it; completely protecting it from moisture of any kind and preventing liquid spills and discolouration, such as from oil or wine. But it isn’t just about the durability of a polished concrete floor, as done correctly, polished concrete can be a beautiful and eye-catching feature. Whether it be for your commercial office space, warehouse, in your home or outdoor area, Eco Grind can install your polished concrete floor in a range of finishes, from high-gloss to matte, or burnished, as well as in a variety of colours to suit the colour scheme of your space, depending on the look you are after. Acrylic sealants are available in either Acrylic, Epoxy or Polyurethane, which can be used on all concrete surfaces and also comes in either a satin or gloss finish. Eco Grind polished concrete flooring is finished with a non-slip coating as well, which is perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, ensuring the floors are pet and children safe.

For high-use wet areas that are outdoors, such as around your pool, driveways, or patios, we recommend our acid etching technique, or Exposed Aggregate Flooring, which is completely non-slip. While you can achieve these results by manually abrading the surface with a grinder, we do this with acid, which is a technique that not only efficiently prepares the concrete to accept the non-slip and water-resistant treatment but also is much less labor-intensive. If you already have concrete in your commercial space or home, Eco Grind can evaluate your flooring and convert it into the flooring you desire. Polishing already existing concrete is an eco-friendly and sustainable design option, as we make use of the materials already there.

With our knowledgeable team at Eco Grind we can help you achieve the floors of your dreams by taking an enduring and dependable flooring option and making it spectacular.