Floor Protection: Waterproofing & Concrete Polishing Guide

There are several different forms of floor protection, but waterproofing and polishing are two of the most common methods that can be used on suitable surfaces.

What Is Floor Protection?

Floor protection refers to a variety of treatments, floorings and practices that can be used to protect a floor from environmental, mechanical and chemical deterioration

A commercial or industrial concrete floor can be subjected to a number of damaging influences, including:

•  Water and moisture exposure

• Surface dusting

• Forklift and vehicle traffic

•  Heavy load bearing

• Chemical exposure

•  Oil and grease

•  Surface staining

• Wear and tear

• Poor maintenance

These factors should be taken into account when determining the type of floor protection being used. Floor protection is not a single activity. Rather, it is a broad term that encompasses a range of treatments that should be selected depending on the floor's condition and needs

Why Do Concrete Floors Require Floor Protection?

Concrete is a popular choice of construction material for warehouses, factories, workshops, showrooms and other commercial or industrial facilities. While this versatile building product has a number of advantages, it is not impervious to deterioration. Concrete floors can be damaged by moisture penetration, abrasion from forklifts and vehicles and chemical exposure

Water can penetrate through cracks, joints, porosity and untreated surfaces. Heavy traffic can lead to surface wear, while concrete that has been weakened by moisture can lead to surface dusting with ongoing traffic. Poor floor maintenance can also be a contributing factor to premature deterioration.

As such, it is recommended that existing floor conditions are carefully assessed prior to selecting a form of floor protection to ensure suitable results.

1. Waterproofing Protects Concrete Floors From Moisture

Water and moisture exposure can be a serious problem for concrete, especially in basements, parking structures and other below ground facilities. Water can penetrate concrete through cracks, porosity, joints and untreated surfaces and lead to deterioration of the concrete and surrounding structures

Waterproofing is a suitable way to protect concrete from moisture penetration and subsequent damage. Waterproofing can be applied to:

•  Basements

•  Parking structures

•  Industrial concrete floors

•  Wet areas

•  Sub grade structures

• Chemical storage areas

• Groundwater exposure areas

Prior to selecting a waterproofing system it is important to determine the source of the water penetration. Surface water, ground water and rising damp can have different causes and require different treatments.

Benefits of Waterproofing

Waterproofing treatments offer a range of benefits, including:

•  Limit water penetration

•  Protect concrete from moisture exposure

•  Reduce deterioration from moisture

•  Protect suitable sub grade structures

•  Limit recurring water damage

Despite the benefits of waterproofing treatments, it is important to note that, while they are designed to prevent moisture penetration, they are not a universal cure all for all concrete floor damage

2. Concrete Polishing Protects Concrete Floor Surfaces

While waterproofing addresses moisture exposure, concrete polishing is a type of floor protection that focuses on treating the concrete's surface. Concrete polishing involves using diamond abrasives to grind the surface of the concrete. A chemical densifier can be used in conjunction with the grinding to densify the concrete and reduce dusting

The polishing process can be used on warehouses, factories, showrooms and other commercial or industrial facilities that are looking to improve a slab's appearance and provide a hardwearing, easily maintained floor surface

Benefits of Concrete Polishing

Concrete polishing can provide a range of benefits, including:

•  Reduced concrete dusting

• Increased resistance to abrasion

• A refined, smooth surface

• Easier maintenance and cleaning

•  Improved reflectivity

•  A hardwearing surface

•  A refined appearance

•  An improved condition of an existing slab

•  An alternative to replacing a floor

Waterproofing Vs. Concrete Polishing

Waterproofing and polishing can both be useful types of floor protection, but they address two very different problems. Waterproofing protects against moisture penetration, while concrete polishing improves the surface quality of a concrete slab

In short, waterproofing protects against moisture, while polishing strengthens and refines the surface of the concrete

The right type of floor protection should always be selected based on the actual condition and application of the floor in question.

3. Floor Protection Helps Address Concrete Dusting

Concrete dusting is a common problem in industrial facilities. A weak or poorly conditioned slab can begin to generate fine dust with regular forklift or vehicle traffic. Not only does this require extra cleaning and maintenance, but it can also lead to contamination of stored goods and surrounding surfaces

Concrete grinding and polishing or mechanical densification processes can help to refine and strengthen a suitable slab. Severely damaged concrete, however, may not be suitable for polishing and may require repair work to prolong its service life. A professional assessment can determine which form of treatment is most appropriate.

4. Protect Floors From Forklifts and Heavy Traffic

Industrial floors can be subjected to a great deal of mechanical stress. Forklifts, vehicles, pallet trucks and heavy machinery all put a strain on a floor surface with every journey undertaken across the slab. The cumulative effect of this traffic can have a negative impact on the structural integrity of the floor.

When considering floor protection for a warehouse or factory, it is important to factor in:

• Type and frequency of traffic

• Wheel loads

• Machinery weight

• Storage loads

• Chemical exposure

• Floor condition

Concrete grinding and polishing can be a viable form of floor protection for some high impact areas, but facilities that are exposed to aggressive chemical exposure or other extreme conditions may require industrial flooring or a protective coating system

5. Floor Protection Can Reduce Maintenance Requirements

Floor protection need not be limited to preventing major structural deterioration. Many forms of floor protection can help to simplify general cleaning and maintenance requirements for a facility

A dusty, uneven or pitted floor surface requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance than a smooth, hardwearing surface. Suitable coatings, polishing and other forms of floor protection can reduce the burden of routine cleaning and maintenance when applied to an appropriate substrate

Regular inspection and maintenance are still required, however, because even a well protected floor can be exposed to conditions that make it prone to deterioration

How to Choose the Right Floor Protection Method

Prior to choosing a form of floor protection, it is important to determine what type of deterioration is taking place in the affected area of the floor

Determine What Problem Is Being Faced

Moisture exposure and penetration are a major concern for concrete, especially when they occur in basements or below ground areas. If this is the primary concern, it is important to determine the source of the penetration and ensure an appropriate waterproofing system is used.

If the floor is a structurally sound slab that has begun to dust or wear with age, concrete grinding, polishing or densification processes may be the solution

Chemical exposure requires a different approach to floor protection, depending on the type of chemicals that are being used. Polished concrete can be a useful option, but aggressive chemical exposure may require a chemical resistant coating system.

Heavy machinery or traffic, such as forklifts, requires a form of floor protection that can withstand the test of time. Industrial flooring, coating systems or concrete polishing can be useful options, depending on the specific conditions of the floor in question.

Common Floor Protection Mistakes to Avoid

It is an easy mistake to make when it comes to floor protection to select a form of treatment without taking the time to understand the existing conditions of the floor

Avoid these common floor protection mistakes:

• Polishing a floor without resolving moisture problems

• Polishing severely deteriorated concrete

• Selecting a treatment purely on price

• Ignoring cracks and joints

• Coating a floor without considering chemical exposure

• Poor surface preparation

• Using the same treatment for different applications

Floor Protection for Different Applications

These are just some examples, however. The right type of protection will always depend on the specific conditions of the floor in question

Inspect the Existing Floor Prior to Protection

A professional floor inspection should always take a number of relevant factors into account, including:

• Cracks and joint deterioration

• Surface dusting or scaling

• Moisture

• Stains

• Uneven areas

• Existing coatings

• Oil or chemical contamination

• Concrete deterioration

A floor with minor surface wear issues will require a different treatment than a floor with widespread moisture penetration problems. Professional assessment can help identify the right floor protection for any condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is floor protection?

Floor protection refers to a variety of treatments, floorings and practices that can be used to protect a floor from environmental, mechanical and chemical deterioration

Is waterproofing necessary for concrete floors?

It depends on the application. Waterproofing is particularly important for areas where water exposure is an issue.

Does concrete polishing protect concrete floors?

Yes. Concrete polishing can improve surface hardness, reduce dusting and improve resistance to everyday wear when the existing concrete is suitable.

Is waterproofing the same as concrete polishing?

No. Waterproofing primarily addresses water and moisture, while concrete polishing refines and hardens the exposed concrete surface.

Can old concrete floors be polished?

Many existing concrete floors can be polished if the slab is sufficiently sound. Its condition, cracks, contamination and moisture levels should be assessed prior to polishing.

How can I choose the right floor protection system?

Consider moisture, traffic, loads, chemicals, surface condition, maintenance requirements and the intended use of the facility. A professional site assessment can help identify the appropriate solution.

Need to protect your industrial or commercial floor? 

Get your floor assessed by a professional flooring specialist and choose a solution based on your facility's actual requirements.