Last month, we discussed the revenue potential of cleaning various concrete-type surfaces. But to make the money, you have to know how to do the work.

Servicing concrete and other hard surface floors normally falls into the following categories: 

1. Cleaning (daily or routine tasks)

This includes such tasks as wet and dry mopping or vacuuming and light scrubbing. 

2. Maintenance (periodic tasks)

This includes such tasks as pressure washing, light or heavy scrubbing, polishing and applying sealers and coatings.

3. Restoration (infrequent tasks)

This includes such tasks as removing sealers and coatings, recoloring, repainting or staining, repairs, grinding, densifying, polishing, sealing and recoating. These tasks are more complex and require specialized chemicals, supplies and equipment. Additional research, training and practice are recommended before attempting these procedures. 

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A mop, wet vacuum, floor machine, auto-scrubber or rotary spray jet wand can be used to clean concrete surfaces.

Several companies offer hard floor wands that incorporate a spinning spray head that connects to a pressure washer, steam cleaner, portable or truckmounted carpet extractor. These specialty-cleaning wands are good for cleaning grouted, uneven or smooth concrete floors in locations where large amounts of water and pressure will not cause problems.

If the surface is heavily soiled, pretreatment may be needed with a degreaser, alkaline or neutral cleaner, followed by dwell time and brush agitation.

Acid chemicals should not be used on cement-based concrete floors as they will immediately damage the surface (etch, roughen and loss of gloss). A brush type shroud on the base of the wand should be used, as a solid flat plastic base will hold grit that can scratch the floor.

To prevent damage, it is best to keep spray pressure less than 800 PSI. If the test area on the surface shows any damage, lower your pressure more.

A standard rotary floor machine, with a hog’s hair, white floor pad or brush may be used to scrub concrete floors. Don’t use a red or blue pad as the color may migrate into the floor. If the floor has a high gloss polish or shine, do not use a pad or brush containing coarse abrasives, as it may scratch the floor and remove the gloss. 

Test all processes, pads and chemicals in a small (six inch diameter or less) inconspicuous area to determine the best process and product you should use.

Speed dry the test area with a hair dryer, heater or air mover to see how the floor will look once it dries. Normally, a concrete surface will lighten as it dries; scratches and or loss of gloss may not be visible when the floor is wet.

Refinish

This can be the application of a top guard penetrating or topical sealer, finish, or coating such as epoxy, urethane, acrylic or polymer emulsions.

Surfaces should be clean and dry prior to application of a sealer or coating.

Concrete will powder (dust) if not protected with a durable penetrating sealer or finish.

Repair

This can involve paint touch-up, stain removal, filling or repairing pits, cracks, scratches, gouges, holes, spalling or other surface damage or defects.  

Specialty products, repair kits, tools and training are available from product manufacturers.

Color, stain and paint

This can involve removing and replacing or touching up color, stain or paint on concrete surfaces. Specialty pigments, paints and stains are available from product manufacturers.   

Grinding

This involves the use of metal or resin-bonded diamond disks under a rotary or square floor machine. The size and type of machine will depend on user preference, square foot being serviced and budget. 

Stain removal

This often involves removing surface and penetrated stains. Oil and fluids are common problems and may sometimes be removed or lightened by chemical application or the use of a poultice.

Oil spots can sometimes be removed or lightened by spot cleaning with a good degreaser or oil emulsifier. Oil containing solvents should not be used on natural stone or concrete as they may leave a dark spot.

Equipment, chemicals and supplies

Specialty concrete suppliers, distributors and manufacturers offer a complete line of products, equipment and often training related to concrete cleaning, repair and polishing.

A word about safety

Working with concrete involves the use of harsh chemicals, water, solvents and airborne particulate soils, along with powered equipment that vibrates and is heavy and noisy.

Adequate training, supervision, and the proper use of safety precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE) and ongoing equipment inspection and maintenance is required to minimize risk, protect workers and the public. 

Science comes to concrete

We are now seeing scientific test equipment being used to validate ASTM, ANSI, IICRC and other industry standards related to slip resistance, gloss, film thickness, bacteria load, particulate size and count and other indoor environmental issues.

Green and sustainable

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program that rates new and existing buildings based on criteria that promote environmental stewardship, energy conservation, safety and an indoor environment health.

Concrete that uses recycled materials is considered a sustainable product. When processes are used that reduce energy, water and waste generation, sustainability is further enhanced.

Resources and education

There are many resources available today regarding concrete cleaning, repair and polishing. There are several associations, trade shows, publications, chat/forums and YouTube videos available that are specifically related to this subject.

A Google search will yield multiple links.

Keeping up with change

This is a relatively new field of specialized service where technology, product and processes are constantly changing.

Keeping up-to-date with the changes that are impacting our lives, jobs and businesses is an important part of and a requirement for today’s successful technician and business owner.

Where education and opportunity meet, you’ll find profit.