Archetech Issue 39 2018 | Page 76

SUSTAINABLE FLOORING SOLUTION POLISHED CONCRETE The Preparation Group’s division PPC, the largest surface preparation contractors in the UK, were approached by an engineering company looking for an environmentally friendly and low maintenance fast-track floor solution. The company recommended polishing the newly installed power float concrete to a high gloss finish. Polished concrete is considered a good sustainable design  flooring  option because it makes use of the materials already present. Most modern buildings are built on a concrete slab; polishing the exposed concrete eliminates the energy and materials consumed by applying a floor covering, the composition of the concrete will dictate the finished result. It is something to consider when building or modernising towards a more “green” solution. To prepare the 6000m2 area, Terrco® 3100 Grinding and Polishing machines were connected to dust extraction units and fitted with metal bonded diamonds to remove the top layer of laitance, exposing the aggregate beneath and rendering the area flat and smooth. The same machines were then fitted with resin bonded diamonds to polish the surface in stages, resulting in a high gloss ‘terrazzo type’ finish. The Preparation Group provides services for refurbishing, removing, cleaning or polishing surfaces, through the manufacture, sale and hire of equipment, training courses on how to get the very best results or by carrying out contracting works  anywhere in the UK. For project advice or a quotation, call 01522 561460 or email [email protected].