The Right Materials

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

Concrete Grinding: Post-Procedure Cleaning and Maintenance

by Frank Lynch

How many things can you do to your concrete surface to give it a nice finish? The options are quite many. You can choose to tile, paint or smooth it out to enjoy the natural cement feel. The third option relies on a procedure called concrete grinding. The aim of grinding a concrete surface is to tone the surface and reveal a smooth and unwrinkled surface. Essentially, the procedure gets rid of any impurities and unwanted material that found its way to the top layer of the surface, ruining the perfect plane you aimed for. When done, the follow-up procedures are elemental for ensuring that keeping the concrete surface in good shape. Here is what you need to get it right:

Cleaning the Smoothed Surface

Naturally, the first thing you want to do is make the building or rooms habitable as fast as possible. Cleaning is the first thing that should come to mind. The concrete grinding process generates lots of dust as the machines cruise over your floor and walls. You must get rid of this dust as fast as possible, although this is not your ordinary cleaning job. You need to note the following things:

  • Household vacuum cleaners will not suffice: Imagine what happens when a diamond grinder meets your cured concrete surface. The level of abrasion is unimaginable. Ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot handle all that dust. You will have to dump your household vacuum cleaner for an industrial one that can handle heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Choose Your Filters Wisely: The vacuum cleaner you select will only do a good job if it has the right filter. Concrete grinding produces extremely fine particles of dust. High-efficiency particulate air filters are needed for the cleaning process to ensure that you don't leave anything floating in the air. Moreover, make sure that the filter assembly is easy to access for any changes and maintenance needed when cleaning. 

Seal the Surface

Finishing a concrete surface after grinding is another follow-up procedure you should never overlook. In this case, there are two options at your disposal. These are polishing and sealing. Polishing produces a lustrous surface, although it is susceptible to staining. It is suitable for building sections that have the least amount of traffic and activity. On the contrary, sealing offers a better option because you spread a protective fluid over the ground concrete. These liquids include acrylic, epoxy and urethane, and they resist stains very well.

If you want to grind your concrete surface, go for a contractor who offers all these services after working on your surface. At least you know what to demand in terms of cleaning and finishing. 


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About Me

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

If you are planning to start a new construction project, you may be wondering about the best type of materials to use. About 6 months ago, I decided to carry out an extensive renovation of my home. This would involve demolishing one wall, extending the kitchen and the construction of a new patio area. I really wasn't sure which materials would be best. I consulted with a contractor and he explained the pros and cons of each material. In the end, I opted for wood and steel. I am really pleased with the end results. I hope this blog helps you to plan your construction project.