Concrete slabs for both interior and exterior applications are slowly surpassing conventional flooring alternatives such as timber and vinyl. The reason for this upsurge in popularity is that concrete slabs are no longer exclusively available in bland styles. People have the option of choosing from decorative concreting, with one of the favourite kinds being polished concrete. The polished decorative concrete is not only as durable as regular concrete, but it is also an eco-friendly option while providing you with visually appealing flooring solutions. Nevertheless, it is critical to know how best to care for your polished concrete slabs to prolong their lifespan and keep them in pristine condition. Below are maintenance tips to be aware of when installing polished concrete slabs.

Tip 1: Have a regular cleaning regimen

Since polished concrete slabs are famed for their durability, some homeowners may become susceptible to neglecting routine maintenance. However, systematic care is essential, as this is what will prevent undue damage from occurring. Moreover, regular maintenance gives you the opportunity to spot any imperfections and seek professional repairs before the damage becomes irreparable. Some of the measures to take as part of your cleaning regimen include:

• Mopping the polished concrete slabs every other day to eliminate dirt and debris that would prove to be abrasive to the surface of the concrete.
• Use a pH-neutral solvent to mop your polished concrete slabs. A mistake some people make is assuming industrial strength cleaners would be fine for their concrete, particularly if they are installed in outdoor heavy-traffic areas. In truth, a solution that is either highly acidic or highly alkaline could have an adverse effect on the polished surface, causing premature loss of lustre. A pH-neutral solution would prevent this.
• Utilise the proper floor pad for deep cleaning your polished concrete. Howver, make sure you are using the appropriate floor pad. Rather than utilising an abrasive scouring pad, invest in a synthetic pad that is diamond impregnated, which will clean with scratching the surface.

Tip 2: Make use of anti-slip coatings

Although polished concrete floors are not as slippery as other forms of flooring, they do need some maintenance to retain traction. This traction is particularly necessary to prevent slip and fall accidents when the ground is wet. Other than ensuring any oil or fluids are cleaned off, you could make use of anti-slip coatings such as:

• An anti-slip conditioning solution: These solvents are mopped directly onto the surface of the concrete to improve its overall traction without forming a layer on the flooring.
• Grit additives: these compounds are pre-mixed into the sealcoat of the polished concrete, enhancing the traction of the surface without altering the appearance of the flooring.