Concrete that has been polished to a smooth finish is an excellent flooring option that has been used for thousands of years. Going back in time to ancient Rome, the floors would be ground down by hand in order to achieve the terrazzo polish. As a flooring material, concrete polishing is particularly impressive for its ecological impact as well. This type of flooring is a sustainable and eco-friendly option that can be used in both residential and commercial settings due to its many advantageous characteristics.
The ability of polished concrete to consume less energy is one of the material's most significant environmental advantages. Traditional floor coverings, such as carpet and tile, require a substantial amount of energy to produce and transport. In contrast, polished concrete is produced from locally sourced materials, so its carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of other types of flooring materials. In addition, because polished concrete is so durable and resilient, it requires minimal maintenance and can last forever when properly maintained, which in itself means there is never a need to replace it due to wear but just refinish it.
A further advantage of polished concrete is its ability to contribute to the improvement of indoor air quality. Carpet and vinyl are two common flooring materials known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These volatile organic compounds are known to be toxic to humans and animals. In contrast, polished concrete does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safer and healthier option for use in enclosed spaces.
Polished concrete is another excellent option for those who are interested in reducing their overall water consumption. Numerous types of floor coverings, including wood and carpet, require routine cleaning and maintenance, which frequently involves the use of water. In contrast, polished concrete is extremely simple to keep clean and maintain, requiring only occasional dusting or damp mopping. This indicates that it has the potential to help reduce the amount of water and cleaning chemicals utilized. However more in-depth maintenance is always a good thing every 1-5yrs with proper resealing and refinishing, something C*Rock Finishing provides of course!
The ability of polished concrete to reduce waste is an additional environmental advantage of this material.
Conventional flooring materials, such as carpet and tile, generate a significant amount of waste during the manufacturing and installation processes. In contrast, polished concrete is made from repurposing the concrete floor in place already. There is some refuse created during the finishing process to be sure, but it's mostly mineral waste (from the grinding of the concrete) so it's more eco-friendly. As a result, it is possible for it to contribute to a reduction in the amount of trash deposited in landfills, making it a more sustainable option for individuals who wish to reduce their environmental impact.
Additionally, compared to other types of flooring materials, polished concrete has the potential to produce greater energy savings. Traditional flooring materials, such as carpet and tile, frequently necessitate the use of heating and cooling systems that consume a substantial amount of energy in order to maintain an acceptable interior temperature. In contrast, polished concrete has a high thermal mass, indicating that it can absorb and retain heat, making it an effective material for maintaining a room's desired temperature. This can help reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a space, making it an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient choice.
Also, because of these positive effects on the actual rooms environment the polished concrete is in, polished concrete can be a cost-effective option for the overall expenses of heating and cooling spaces.
Lastly, but not least for sure! Because it is so durable and requires so little maintenance, it can save homeowners and businesses money on repairs and replacements over the course of its lifetime.
So, if you're eco-friendly like we are at C*Rock Finishing, then you'll agree that polished concrete is an environmentally responsible and eco-friendly flooring option that offers numerous benefits for the planet. And if you have any other questions about the usefulness of concrete polishing just reach out to us and we'll be happy to help.
