ARE POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS SLIPPERY? SAFETY AND STYLE TIPS FROM THE POLISHING PROS

In the midst of any renovation or new building design, the choices available are nearly endless. After much deliberation, you and your team have decided on the look and durability of a polished concrete floor surface for the most recent project.

However, you are concerned about the safety and maintenance of this particular surface, as the space will have heavy traffic from humans of all ages, along with the potential presence of pets. Additionally, a portion of the floor will extend past the roofline and be exposed to the outdoor elements.

Are polished concrete floors slippery? The last thing you want is an injury to one of your visitors because of the flooring.

Read further for tips from the professionals on how to choose the style and aesthetic you prefer and prevent your polished concrete floor from becoming slippery or dangerous.

• Are Polished Concrete Floors Slippery?
• Does Polished Concrete Get Slippery?
• 3 Things That Can Affect How Slippery Polished Concrete Floors Are
• How to Increase Slip-Resistance on Polished Concrete Floors to Prevent Slipperiness
• Frequently Asked Questions About Polished Concrete Floors
• Tough Floors Made Easy With Treadwell: Kansas City’s Trusted Polished Concrete Experts

Polished concrete has a highly professional aesthetic, which can be customized to a wide variety of finishes ranging from matte to high gloss. These floors offer a beautiful finish to any space, but are they as slippery as they look? The answer may surprise you.

Polished concrete surfaces meet all the coefficient of friction standards and are 20-50% more slip-resistant than national standards for similar floors. Technically speaking, the coefficient of friction measures the resistance of motion between two surfaces relative to the force, or gravity, holding two surfaces together. This is measured as a number between 0 and 1, with larger numbers indicating more slip resistance.

The national standard for a non-slip floor is 0.42 — so on a non-slip floor, at least 42% of one’s weight must be converted into grip between your shoes and the floor. The coefficient of friction for polished concrete floors usually falls between 0.49 and 0.59, depending on the details of the installation, which also deems them compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

In general and under normal conditions, polished concrete is not slippery, especially compared to other surfaces such as tile or marble.

However, there are circumstances in which your polished concrete floors may get slippery:

• Moisture or wetness
• Improper installation of protective coatings
• Dirt or dust buildup
• Expert installation, regular cleaning routines, and maintenance will eliminate most concerns.

For experienced, professional, and correctly installed polished concrete floors, contact Treadwell today.

#1: Floor Finish and Texture

The finish of the polished concrete not only affects the appearance of the floor but can also improve the traction. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides industry standards for concrete finishes and surface treatments, ensuring optimal safety for both residential and commercial spaces.

As a general rule of thumb, a highly polished and smooth surface has a higher tendency to be slippery, while a matte finish or light texture finish can improve the grip or traction.

#2: Environmental Conditions

If you are contemplating whether polished concrete floors are slippery when wet, it is wise to consider:

• What is the main function of the room?
• Will the floor be exposed to frequent temperature changes?
• What is the location of the floor surface, such as an interior or exterior environment?

Areas exposed to moisture or temperature changes, like outdoor patios or bathrooms, may need additional slip-resistant treatments to ensure safety. Door mats or rugs placed by entrances will increase traction and avoid slippery spots that could be caused by dust, debris, or moisture from weather.

#3: Frequency of Cleaning and Maintenance

Polished concrete is one of the most durable and maintenance-friendly floors available today. With the proper maintenance, you can extend the service life of the floor and ensure the floors retain their vibrancy and reflective finish, all at a comparatively lower cost than traditional flooring.

Light cleaning should be completed frequently to remove dirt and debris. Excess dirt being tracked across the floors can be easily avoided by using mats at entrances and by utilizing a microfiber or dust mop daily. These simple steps will keep floors shining longer while protecting them for long-term reliability.

Over time, polished concrete floors will require some additional maintenance. If significant wear and tear is noted on the floor, Treadwell is able to fully assess the necessary requirements for cleaning or repairs, along with noting any potential future concerns.

The deep cleaning process includes the following:

• Removing stains
• Applying industrial-strength cleaner
• Sanitizing the surface
• Auto-scrubbing the floor
• Restoring the floor to its original sheen

This cleaning process may be completed up to four times per year. 

Contact Treadwell today to ensure your investment will last a lifetime and maintain an optimal walking surface.

As with most hard floor surfaces, there are no magic cures to making floors completely slip-resistant.

However, Treadwell’s installation process of polished concrete includes products that penetrate the concrete to make it harder, more slip-resistant, and more resistant to stains.

Select the Right Finish

Polished concrete is a popular choice in commercial spaces due to its durability and modern vibe. Often utilized in high-traffic environments, safety needs to be a priority for the floors.

The right combination of finish and maintenance can keep these floors looking attractive while ensuring safety for employees or visitors.

Treadwell professionals are experts on polished concrete flooring and can help recommend the best finish for your project.

Maintain and Clean Regularly

While polished concrete is tough enough for use in industrial and high-traffic areas, it is still possible for dirt, dust, oils, contaminants, and spills to build up on the surface over time if not cleaned and properly maintained.

Dirt and debris are abrasive on polished concrete flooring and may diminish the clarity and shine over time, so keeping the floors clean is a major component of maintenance.

This buildup creates a thin film that can start to decrease friction regardless of the initial grip and traction of the floor, which is the biggest culprit for a slippery surface. So, keeping the floors clean will not only protect the floor but also help avoid hazards.

How To Make Polished Concrete Floors Not Slippery

There are several ways to make polished concrete floors less slippery. One effective method is to apply an anti-slip coating or sealer. Adding anti-slip additives to a polyurethane or epoxy coating in the final sealer layer can improve traction while keeping the floor shiny. You can also use a grip treatment, like diamond grinding, to slightly roughen the surface and increase slip resistance without losing the polished look. Placing mats or rugs in busy or wet areas is another good way to make the floor safer.

You can also add texture to the concrete during polishing. Using a coarser grit or adding decorative aggregates gives the surface more texture, which helps reduce slipperiness.

Regular cleaning with a non-slip floor cleaner is important because dirt and grime can make the floor more slippery. You can also use buffing machines with anti-slip pads to gently change the surface and reduce slipperiness while keeping the shine.

What Are the Downsides of Polished Concrete Floors?

Polished concrete floors are durable and look good, but they do have some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• These floors can become slippery when wet, which can be unsafe unless you use anti-slip coatings or additives.
• They often feel cold and hard, which can be uncomfortable during colder months.
• You need to maintain polished concrete regularly to keep it looking good.
• If not sealed well, these floors can stain easily.
• Installing polished concrete can take a lot of time and may be expensive.

What Are the Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors?

Polished concrete floors offer many benefits, which is why they are popular in both homes and businesses. Some of these advantages include:

• Polished concrete is very durable. It is strong and stands up well to wear and tear, so it works well in high-traffic areas.
• These floors do not scratch, dent, or chip easily.
• Polished concrete floors look great and can give a space a sleek, modern feel. You can also customize them with different colors and textures.
• They are eco-friendly because they use the existing concrete slab, which means fewer new materials are needed.
• Polished concrete floors are energy-efficient because they can help regulate indoor temperatures.

How Does Treadwell Ensure the Durability of Polished Concrete Floors?

At Treadwell, we make sure our polished concrete floors are functional, durable, and look great. We use high-quality materials and expert techniques to guarantee long-lasting results. 

Our premium concrete mixes help prevent cracking, abrasion, and wear. We also use advanced diamond polishing to create a glossy finish and make the concrete even stronger. We apply high-performance sealers to protect your floors from stains, moisture, and other damage. This keeps your floors looking good and helps them last longer. We can also customize our treatments to fit your needs.

What Guarantees Does Treadwell Offer for Polished Concrete Floors?

At Treadwell, we provide several guarantees to make sure your polished concrete floors stay strong and look great for years. Here are some of the ways we stand behind our work:

• Durability guarantee: Our floors are built to handle heavy traffic, frequent use, and everyday wear.
• Craftsmanship warranty: We stand by our installation and polishing, promising a flawless finish and top-quality work every time.
• Ongoing maintenance advice: We offer tips and support to help you keep your polished concrete floors looking their best.

Treadwell knows floors and is the industry expert on polished concrete flooring in the Kansas City area. With a background in construction, we understand the big picture and needs of projects, big or small.

Our goals for all customers include:

• Treating you with respect
• Timely completion of projects
• Company reliability
• Completing the job within budget and estimate
• Maintaining consistency with high-quality completion of jobs

Treadwell professionals have a wide range of experience and are accustomed to the strict flooring requirements of various industries, so we’ll always provide what you need.

Contact our team today to breathe life into your project’s vision.