Thank you for considering Sunwise Systems as your decorative concrete specialists. Over the past 15 years, Sunwise Systems has provided the finest quality decorative concrete floors to hundreds of businesses and homeowners throughout western Canada. We are excited to include you as one of our newest potential clients.
Today, more and more homeowners, retailers, architects, and engineers are choosing polished concrete as their finished floor of choice. The reasons for this are various; durability, ease of maintenance, affordability, elegant aesthetics, uniqueness, light reflectivity, and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) compliance. Architects and homeowners are growing extremely keen on LEED recognition in all areas of construction, including flooring materials and processes. Sunwise Systems processes and materials for polishing concrete qualify for Platinum status, the highest rating from LEED.
The polishing process begins with basic cleanup of the concrete slab. Any sealer, paint drops, drywall mud, etc., is removed with 100 grit (100g.) resin bond diamond technology. Next, any shrinkage cracks, small holes, or control joints are filled with a non-sanded cementitious material. The entire slab is then gone over with 200g., and 400g.
If desired, the concrete can now be colored using water based stains or chemical (acid) stains). The colors are intentionally earth toned and subtle to fit any decorating style from the traditional to contemporary. After the coloring, images can be etched into the surface using strong acid solutions. A wide variety of images specifically suited to particular projects are available.
After this is done, liquid lithium silicate is applied. This is the foundation of polished concrete. Liquid lithium silicate penetrates the pores of the concrete — initiating a chemical reaction with the concrete’s natural calcium. This reaction causes the micro pores to close, substantially densifying and hardening the concrete thus increasing the slabs performance. The slab can now be polished with 800g.- 1500g. producing a medium to high gloss. The slab is further polished with diamond impregnated UHS (ultra high speed[2000rpm]) Twister Pads producing a greater depth of shine.
If desired, the client can next have Sunwise Systems cut decorative lines in the concrete using our proprietary line cutting machine. These cuts are shallow and slightly rounded and expose the aggregate below the surface yet do not trap dust or dirt. Finally, the floor is sealed with a penetrating sealer providing superior stain and slip resistance. The final product is a beautiful custom floor — one of a kind with benefits that outstrip other flooring options at almost every turn.
In addition to using sustainable materials, polished concrete does not require the use of hazardous chemicals, coatings, adhesives or cleaners, eliminating unhealthy off-gassing associated with other commonly used flooring materials. Polished concrete floors do not harbor dust and bacteria or support the growth of mold, and are easily cleaned with non toxic ph neutral cleaners. This — combined with the elimination of chemical stripping and re-waxing used in other types of flooring maintenance — improves indoor air quality while keeping harmful chemicals out of the waste stream. These positive attributes of polished concrete are major contributors to its popularity in the growing family of green flooring alternatives. Another unlikely contributing factor to this new found favoritism is polished concrete’s exceptional light reflectivity: polishing concrete increases the light reflectivity of the floor by up to 30% thus reducing the amount of necessary light in a given facility. This reduces the energy consumption of the overall building.
Not only are polished concrete floors easy to clean, requiring only occasional damp mopping with water and a neutral detergent, they hold up excellently to heavy traffic and abuse. The high gloss factor eliminates the need for waxing or coating while superiorly resisting stains.
Polishing concrete produces an extremely dense, abrasion-resistant surface that will last a lifetime. Carpet, tile, and even wood floors eventually need replacement, which uses up resources and creates disposal problems.
Depending on the level of finish, other decorative options (such as the decorative line cutting), and the complexity of the project, polished concrete is an economical alternative for businesses and homeowners who want the same finish as marble or granite but are unwilling to pay that price. The following prices are average installed square foot costs:
decorative concrete floors