Q:
What is the concrete
polishing?
A: It is
a progressive, multi-step procedure in which the surface
layer of the concrete is smoothed, then chemically treated
to increase density, and finally polished to create a glossy
shine. It
is similar to sanding and sealing a hardwood floor.
Our process is a system that turns bare concrete into a
beautiful, marble-like, abrasion resistant, water repellant,
dust proof surface, which is easy and economical to clean.
Our process improves the appearance and greatly reduces the
maintenance costs of your floor.
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Q:
Does the
process produce airborne particles?
A:
Yes
and no. The process will produce dust particles, but there
are ways to control this. One method is using a “wet”
process in which water is applied to the floor during
grinding and polishing, thus greatly reducing the amount of
airborne dust. The second method is “dry”, using machines
that vacuum as they grind, containing and virtually
eliminating dust. Some systems on the market use only one
process or the other; both have pros and cons. We use a
combination of the two. The use of both the “wet” and “dry”
processes allows us to achieve excellent results during all
stages of the job. Generally, D&R uses a “wet” process for
all the cutting steps and we do the final polishing with a
“dry” process. This allows for more control over the
critical steps and the final result is a floor that shines
like marble.
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Q:
What is the difference between D&R's DIPOC polishing system
and other concrete polishing methods?
A:
There are
different systems and processes on the market. D&R uses
diamond discs and pads to polish concrete, as do other
companies, no difference there. The real difference comes in
the whole process, which includes more than just the polishing
procedure. DIPOC is a system composed of technique, tools,
chemicals, trained personnel, and a company that stands behind
its work. Yes, D&R uses diamond discs to polish concrete;
however, it's a whole system that goes far beyond that -
giving our customers a final product with many features and
benefits.
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Q:
What
is the systematic "DIPOC" process, exactly?
A: D&R
Contracting utilizes the DIPOC (DIamond POlished
Concrete) process. We use specialized, heavy-duty
planetary machines, which progressively grind the concrete
surface down in millimeters to produce as smooth a surface
as possible. We then apply a chemically reactive densifier,
which hardens the surface of the concrete. Finally, we
polish the smoothed and densified surface to achieve a
marble like gloss. The benefits
of the DIPOC process include:
-
Lower application
cost per sq/ft than many traditional floor covering products
-
Lower maintenance
cost than other types of floor surfacing
-
Higher resistance
to stains and wear due to heavy traffic, chemicals,
machinery, etc...
-
Pleasant appearance
and high gloss without the use of expensive coatings
-
Wet look without
the slipperiness
-
DIPOC
can save on lighting costs, due to added reflectivity of the
floor.
DIPOC
uses a chemically reactive concrete stabilizer that
increases the surface density of the concrete up to
approximately 400%. The product seals, hardens, and provides
an invisible barrier that provides stain resistance and dust
control. DIPOC is a high quality system, designed not only
with cost in mind, but as an integral solution for
industrial and commercial flooring. DIPOC uses heavy-duty
planetary machines to progressively grind the concrete and a
chemically reactive stabilizer to enhance concrete density
and hardness; allowing your bare concrete floor's finish to
achieve a high gloss cosmetic shine. The grinding and
polishing process can take more than twenty steps. This
combination of polishing techniques, plus our chemical
process, will produce an astonishing result.
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Q:
Is DIPOC suitable for indoors and outdoors?
A:
DIPOC
concrete polishing is suitable for use in indoor and outdoor
applications. DIPOC works exceptionally well for industrial
installations, retail facilities, schools, warehouses,
garages, and aircraft hangers. The DIPOC system also works
for residential applications such as concrete decks, pool
aprons and garages. As you can see there are many possible
commercial and residential applications.
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Q:
How
long does the DIPOC polishing system last?
A: The normal
life expectancy of the finished floor surface is more than 10 years.
It may last indefinitely, even longer than the building
itself. With proper maintenance, your floors should retain
their initial gloss far many years. Never use acidic cleaners or
highly abrasive pads or brushes
to clean the surface. Avoid detergents containing hydroxides or
sulfates. The rest is easy... Allow for the proper curing and
keep the surface clean. Your new floor will last much longer than
you may expect.
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Q:
Does the floor look "wet" after the polishing process is
complete?
A: Yes. The DIPOC
system leaves the floor with a "wet" appearance, and the floor
will not be slippery. Floors which are kept clean
and dry, will be virtually the same as unpolished, bare concrete surfaces,
regarding "slipperyness". According
to the "static coefficient of friction" the safe zone will be
in between 0.9 and 0.45. Polished concrete, such as DIPOC
floors, should
be in the safe zone under most normal situations. However, you
should consider traffic conditions before deciding
on the desired shine level.
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