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What to Expect from Polished Concrete Floor Contractors

Polished concrete is a beautiful flooring option for any home or commercial space. The finish is often glossy and mirror-like and the flooring is quite low maintenance. However, polishing concrete requires skill, experience, and the right equipment. If the floor isn’t polished well, the effect will be patchy, wavy, and dull. You can avoid this by hiring a good concrete floor contractor.

What Should You Expect?

People rarely hire contractors without doing thorough research. Some hire general contractors they’re familiar with rather than a professional experienced in this particular field. While a skilled contractor might be able to polish your floor with rented equipment, you can’t rely on them to provide the best results. A professional concrete floor contractor will offer a number of benefits and here are a few you should expect:

  • Equipment – Concrete floor contractors will have the latest and best concrete polishing equipment. The grits will be sharp and in good condition to ensure they provide the best possible polish. The equipment will also be well-maintained and efficient so it won’t break down in the middle of the job and cause problems.
  • Preparation – The floor needs to be reasonably level and uniform for the polish to truly shine and look good. An experienced floor polishing contractor will check the current surface for flaws and other such problems before they attempt to polish the floor.
  • Skill – The polishing process must be closely monitored to ensure the floor isn’t damaged and the polish is according to your preference. For example, some people want a honed or buffed instead of high-gloss finish on their floor. If the polishing process isn’t handled properly, it can ruin the finish of the floor. A professional will know which grit they must choose at different stages of the polishing process.
  • Quote and Estimate – A good concrete flooring contractor will provide a comprehensive estimate of all the expenses and materials involved in the polishing process. They will explain the cost of labor, required taxes, and other such expenses carefully to ensure you can create the right budget. They will also ensure there are no hidden costs included.

For information on polished concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

 

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

solid colour epoxy with matte urethane clear coat floor company ottawa concrete

Epoxy Flooring Benefits

If you have a concrete floor, there are many decorative finish options available to you. You can polish the concrete to perfection, add stains, etches, a coating. Epoxy coatings are some of the most popular decorative finish optional available in the market today. When applied correctly, these finishes look great and are quite durable. Here are some of the biggest advantages of epoxy concrete flooring:

1. Affordability

Epoxy is popular because it is relatively affordable. Other decorative finishes like polyurethane coatings, polishing, etching, and stamping, etc, require time, effort, and money. Epoxy is easy to apply and the material itself is quite affordable. You can cover a large area without burning a major hole in your pocket.

2. Performance

This coating might be affordable, but it is not low-quality. Epoxy will last for 3 to 5 years depending on the use and is very resilient. It can be used in high-traffic areas without worry of fading and wear. It also offers some measure of chemical resistance so you can apply it on factory or warehouse floors.

3. Looks

Epoxy coatings are available in a variety of colours and finishes so have several options available to you. You can use more neutral tone colours like brown, grey, white, or black if you want your space to look clean and professional. You can also choose vivid and bright colours like yellow, blue, red, green, etc, if you want unique and fun flooring. These colours are excellent for informal rooms like game rooms, schools, gyms, etc.

4. Safety

Epoxy coatings will also improve the overall safety of the floor. Concrete is already rated high but an epoxy coating adds to it. Epoxy is slip, heat, impact, and heat resistant so it creates a protective layer on your floor. You can improve the brightness and visibility of your room with high-gloss epoxy coatings. This material is also considered eco-friendly so if you want your property to be green, you should consider epoxy coatings on your floor.

5. Easy to Replace

Like all materials, epoxy will wear off eventually and you will need to replace it. Thankfully, this material is easy to remove and won’t damage the floor underneath it in any way.

For information on epoxy flooring benefits or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Bellevielle, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

polyaspartic-decorative-flake-floor-ottawa-concrete-1

Polyaspartic Coating Benefits

Polyaspartic coatings are a relatively new product in the concrete coatings market but experts don’t hesitate to recommend them to customers. This coating is considered a great alternative to epoxy and delivers a reliable performance. Polyaspartic polyurea is essentially a subgroup of polyurethane.

Until people discovered its applications as a concrete coating, it was commonly used in interior pipes, liquid containment, spray on bed-liners, etc. At The Floor Company, we consider this coating to be highly effective and recommend it to our clients based on the benefits listed below.

Resistance
One of the best qualities of polyaspartic coating is its ability to resist wear and tear. It is more resistant to abrasions, light to moderate impact, chemicals spills, punctures and dents, stains and watermarks, and slightly increased temperatures compared to any other coating available in the market today. This ensures the surface is also very durable and won’t need any resurfacing or finishing treatments regularly. Polyaspartic coating is also UV resistant so you can be certain it won’t fade under the sun’s rays if you apply it on outdoor surfaces.

Application  

Epoxy and other such coatings take a long time to dry and that increases the cost and downtime.  Polyaspartic coatings dry quickly so it’s possible to install the entire floor within a day or two. This coating doesn’t emit much odour and has little to no VOC so it can safely be applied to floors in hospitals and medical facilities. The application process will have no impact on the indoor air quality so you can continue to use the building even as the coating is being applied

Customizable 

Polyaspartic coating is highly customizable and can be adjusted according to your requirements. If you need more skid-resistance, you can ask the installer to formulate the coating application to provide more skid resistance. The coating can also be altered to offer more antimicrobial properties if needed. You can choose different decorative finishes to enhance the look and style of your floor. The top coat will alter the colour and design of the coating according to your preferences.

For information on industrial flooring options or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Bellevielle, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

the floor company epoxy flooring concrete ottawa

Industrial Concrete Flooring Options

Industrial floorings have to endure considerable amounts of wear and tear. Things like chemical spills, heavy foot and vehicular traffic, and scratches are very common for these types of floors. If you choose the right flooring, you’ll avoid accidents and won’t have to refinish or reinstall the floor too often. Here are some industrial flooring options that may be an ideal fit for you:

1. Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy is one of the most popular industrial flooring choices available in the market because it’s easy to apply and reasonably cost effective. Epoxy will also protect the concrete floor underneath from chemicals, oil spills, dents, and scratches. Epoxy coatings can easily last for 2 to 5 years based on how you use the floor and it’s easy to clean up and apply a fresh coat. This coating is slip and stain resistant, and is considered great for all kinds of industrial uses.

2. Polyurethane Coating

Polyurethane is a step up from epoxy and that’s reflected in its price. This coating is very durable and is highly-resistant to UV rays. You can easily expect it to last around 5 to 8 years in an industrial environment, especially if it’s not exposed to too much wear and tear. Like epoxy, it will protect the concrete floor underneath and is slip and stain resistant. Unlike epoxy, polyurethane isn’t easy to apply and requires some skill. However, once you apply it, you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a long time.

3. Polished Concrete

If you have some room in your budget and want durable flooring, you should consider polished concrete. This type of flooring will last for several years, if not decades, and can be very attractive. This is the best option if you have a large amount of floor space as epoxy and polyurethane can prove very expensive in such cases. Polished concrete is relatively impermeable so stains don’t sink into the surface. It is relatively resistant to moisture, bacteria, and other such problems. Polished concrete is also very versatile and you can choose between a number of finishes like matte or high gloss.

For information on industrial flooring options or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

What Makes Gypcrete A Popular Flooring Option? 

Gypcrete or gypsum concrete has been around for a while but has recently gained a considerable amount of popularity as a lightweight alternative to traditional concrete. This material has several advantages, which is whgypcrete-flooring-ottaway designers have architects often use it in multi-story buildings and multi-family units. At The Floor Company, we believe that gyrpcrete is popular because of the following advantages it offers to property owners and these include:

  1. Weight

Traditional concrete floors are very heavy and this increases the weight of every floor that’s piled on top of another. If you compare the weight of the two, you’ll see that 1.5 inch slab of Gypcrete material weighs 13 pounds per sq ft, which is much lighter than the 18 pounds of traditional concrete of the same size. The light weight flooring will reduce the pressure on the building’s framework and make it more secure and stable.

  1. Affordability

Gypcrete is much more affordable than traditional concrete. With the latter, you need to pay for the material, specialized tools, and for many hours of labor. Gypcrete doesn’t require much time or effort to install so it’s an affordable option for people looking for an alternative to traditional concrete.

  1. Easy and Quick Installation

The Gypcrete system is designed for easy and quick installation. You can cover a floor of 20,000 sq ft in a single day and start applying the finishing touches to the surface after 48 hours of the installation. While Gypcrete isn’t a DIY-friendly material, you will still save considerable amount of money on the installation costs. The quick installation process will also minimize the downtime so you can use your property quickly.

  1. Fire Codes

Gypcrete materials offer one to two-hour fire barrier, as is required by code. It does provide adequate fire safety and will help slow down its progress through the property. This will allow residents more time and room to escape and minimize the overall damage.

Like all building materials, Gypcrete does have some disadvantages though most property owners consider them an acceptable trade-off. You should consult with a concrete flooring expert before you make your decision.

For information on Gypcrete or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Epoxy Flooring vs. Polished Concrete Flooring

Concrete floors have become more popular in the recent years because they’re no longer simply dull and grey. You can polish the surface to a high-gloss sheen or apply colourful epoxy coatings to improve its looks. At The Floor Company, we’ve noticed that our customers are often torn between these two options so here’s a brief explanation of the two types of finishes.

epoxy-polished-concrete-floors-ottawaAdvantages and Disadvantages of Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings are a great solution if you want to breathe new life into your dull concrete floors. Here are some things you should consider about the floor before you make your choice:

  • Epoxy flooring is affordable and quick so you can cover a reasonable amount of your floor over the weekend. In comparison, polishing sometimes takes more time and effort.
  • The coating will protect your floor from chemical spills and other such problems. It also improves the overall durability of your concrete floor.
  • Epoxy is water resistant so it can protect your floor from excessive moisture.
  • The coating will also cover most imperfections and cracks on the surface so it’s ideal for old floors and surfaces.
  • Unfortunately, epoxy isn’t very durable for high traffic areas and can eventually wear off in about 5 years. It may also fade a little if it’s exposed to too much sunlight.
  • Epoxy also has a tendency to chip and develop scratches over time in high traffic areas and that can compromise the beauty and finish of the floor.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polished Concrete  

Polished concrete flooring is very popular because it hardens the surface of the concrete and makes it more resistant to wear and tear. Here are some other benefits of this finish:

  • Polished concrete floors are very durable and can easily last for over a decade without the need for refinishing.
  • The surface, especially if it’s polished to high-gloss sheen, has 100% light reflectivity. It will brighten your property.
  • Polished floors are flatter and don’t have as many imperfections.
  • They can also withstand moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes well.
  • Unfortunately, polishing is sometimes more expensive than epoxy coatings and isn’t a DIY job. You will have to hire a professional for the task.

For information on epoxy or polished concrete flooring and to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

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The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

The Process of Polishing Concrete in Ottawa

Concrete is a very versatile flooring material, which is why it has become so popular with residential and commercial property owners in the recent years. It’s a low-maintenance, resilient, and durable surface that can easily be customized according to the property owner’s requirements and preferences. One of the most popular ways to customize this surface is concrete polishing in Ottawa. At The Floor Company, we follow the process described below to get the best results. polish concrete floor ottawa

  1. Determine the Condition of the Concrete

The concrete surface needs to be in good condition to ensure that the polished floor will look good. The polishing process tends to amplify any cracks and dents on the surface so it’s important to repair the existing concrete before attempting to polish it.

  1. Prepare the Surface 

The surface needs to be clean before polishing so technicians will remove all traces of sealers, coatings, carpet glue, etc before they start the process. They’ll also remove any debris like loose stones and dirt from the surface. This isn’t a concern with newly installed concrete floors as contractors only need to add densifiers to the surface to make it ready for polishing.

  1. Rough Grinding

The next step is to rough grind the surface to ensure the floor is completely level and doesn’t have any bumps and dents. As mentioned before, polishing will magnify any flaws on the surface, including unevenness and rough grinding can eliminate most of this. 1 – 5 rounds of the grinder will help to ensure that the floor is ready for the next step in the polishing process.

  1. Hardner

 After rough grinding, the technician will apply densifier or hardner to the surface to ensure it is solid and dense. Concrete surfaces can be porous and soft and won’t accept polishing easily. A hardner will ensure the polish is even and clean without any patches of dents. It will also ensure the floor is resilient enough to not break under pressure.

  1. Final Polish

After the hardner sinks in and cures, the technicians will apply the final layer of polish. The concrete polisher will move from one grit to another in a step-by-step process until they achieve the desired level of polish. You can choose between flat, satin, semi-polished, and high gloss finishes for the concrete surface. View our gallery here for more details and images of the different kinds of finishes you can have.

After the floor is completely polished, the technician will apply a coating to protect it from scratches and damage. Concrete polishing in Ottawa will leave the floor more susceptible to scratches and coatings will provide an essential layer of protection. After the coating dries, your floor is ready for use.

If you would like to get a free estimate, contact us today!

 

 

 

Trailhead Paddle Shack: EcoPolish Finish

Solid colours When Trailhead Paddle Shack came to us with a desire for a clean and modern concrete floor that exposed the original design elements of their new store location while lending itself well to the adjacent mill work; we knew right away that our EcoPolish finish was the right choice.
polished-concrete-floors-ottawa polished-concrete-flooring-ottawa
EcoPolish is a spin on words. It’s not polished concrete. It’s a clear epoxy coating over grinded concrete. In the case of Trailhead we added a top coat of high gloss urethane to add some UV, stain and scratch resistance. Not only that, urethane really helps maintain the sheen of a floor in a high abrasion environment like that of Trailhead Paddle Shack and other retail environments. The summer sand and the winter de-icing salts that get brought in on footwear really can wreak havoc on floor finishes.
EcoPolish can also be ordered with a satin or matte sheen. The benefits are the same with any sheen.
Another benefit to the finish chosen for this retail location is the light and object reflectivity of this floor. When you walk into a space with high sheen floors you’ll likely notice the feeling of cleanliness, openness and modern appeal.
Another advantage of high reflection flooring is how great it makes your products look. A retail space looks much more spacious and inviting than one with a high contrast or busy look to the floor.
Solid colours are also a good choice especially on older floors that have a lot of patch work and stains showing. We call them simply “SolidColour” floors. They can be had with the same finish as our EcoPolish above but with a custom opaque colour integrated into the build coats.
If you have a retail space that needs an uplift and some protection from the elements consult with us today. We can provide on sight samples, mock ups and consultations to help get your floors looking their best. Contact one of our polished concrete flooring specialists in Ottawa today. We also service surrounding areas such as Belleville, Peterborough, Durham and more.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Dust Control and Concrete Floors

Concrete floors naturally emit dust and powders, especially when they’re freshly installed. This dust can settle on furniture, compromise the environment, and require regular cleaning and maintenance. Concrete dust is especially noticeable in high-traffic areas where the floors endure considerable amounts of wear and tear. At The Floor Company, we recommend sealers and waxes to help with dust control from concustom concrete floors polished concrete dust controlcrete floors. Here’s what you can do to address this problem.

Choose the Right Coating

Concrete coatings protect the concrete surface from wear and tear, scratches, and other such damage. They form a seal over the floor that contains the dust and reduces the amount that’s generated. Unfortunately, not all coatings and sealers are effective and cheap ones don’t even have a lifespan of 6 months. Concrete sealers and coatings should be chosen carefully based on their quality and performance rather than their price because repairing the damage or replacing the seal will only add to your expense. Our concrete flooring experts recommend a list of products like the Ashford Formula to help reduce dust formation.

Keep Track of Wear and Tear 

You need to keep track of wear and tear because eventually, the coatings and sealers will erode. You’ll need to apply a fresh layer to ensure the concrete surface is protected. If you don’t reapply the coating, traffic and footfalls will eventually start to erode the surface and cause an increase in the amount of dust. Some coatings and sealers last longer than others so it’s a good idea to consult with our experts before you make a choice.

Maintenance

Even if you apply high-performance densifiers and sealers to the surface, you’ll need to maintain it to ensure it remains in good condition. Excessive scratches, dents, and chips will hamper dust control from the concrete floors. You can place mats and carpets in high traffic areas, refresh the coating more often, and ensure the floor is cleaned and mopped regularly. This would reduce the amount of dust generated and ensure your property remains clean.

For information on dust control in concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

 

Architectural Concrete Floor Finishes

Concrete floors have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. They are relatively affordable, durable, low maintenance, and very versatile. You no longer have to deal with the drab grey look that’s only suitable for warehouses and roads because there are different kinds of architectural floor finishes available now. At The Floor Company, we customize the floor finish according to the preferences of our customers. Here are some of the more popular finishes available to you.

the-floor-company-ottawa-concrete-floors-architectural-concretePolishing

Polishing is one of the most popular finishes for concrete because the resultant floor can look stunning. There are different levels of polish available and they range from a flat matte finish to a mirror-like gloss. We can also add aggregates of natural stone to the concrete mixture, which can create a beautiful pattern to the floor.

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Stains

Concrete stains are the easiest and one of the most affordable ways to customize the look of the surface. They’re also very durable because the acid stains sink into the concrete and bind with it. The colour won’t fade, chip, or stain easily, especially if you apply sealers and concrete floor wax on the surface. You can transform the look and feel of the floor in a matter of days.

Coatings

Coatings are similar to a layer of paint on the walls but they’re specially formulated for concrete floors. You can choose between latex, epoxy, and polyurethane coatings; latex being the cheapest and least durable; and polyurethane the most durable and expensive. They can be applied quickly and easily in a matter of days with no effort. In fact, many DIYers apply epoxy coatings on their floors during weekends.

Stamping

Stamping is more common in outdoor installations than indoor floors. They add design and texture to the surface and ensure they it’s not slippery when wet. With stamping, we can mimic the look and feel of different materials like brick, natural stone, and even concrete pavers. We can also create unique designs that’ll make your property stand out. These architectural floor finishes can only be applied when the concrete is wet and hasn’t cured.

For information on architectural floor finishes or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4