Honed concrete around a pool can seem quite slippery if it is wet. Honed concrete has been ground down to give it a smooth, flat finish and while this is aesthetically pleasing and great for areas prone to dirt, it can also become slippery when wet.
To reduce the chances of slipping, you may want to use a non-slip concrete coating or sealant for the surface. This will add texture and provided protection against slipping. Other options to consider include using non-slip mats or tiles around the pool or a non-slip paint, which can be applied over the honed concrete.
This will give a non-slip surface, but won’t affect the look of the honed concrete.
What’s the difference between honed and polished concrete?
Honed concrete and polished concrete are both popular flooring materials, but they have distinct differences.
Honed concrete is a non-reflective finish, typically produced by grinding with finer and finer diamond grips until the desired finish is achieved. The end product is a smooth and even surface with a matte finish, usually without any reflections.
The honed concrete can have a natural colored look to it, or a more decorative look if integral color or stains have been added to the concrete prior to polishing. Typically, honed concrete is used to create a more contemporary look and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Polished concrete, on the other hand, is a highly reflective surface. It begins with a coarse grinding and then moves on to finer and finer diamond grips until the concrete has a glossy, mirror-like finish.
The polished surface is highly durable against scratches, moisture, dirt and dust, making it a great choice for areas which are sometimes wet or require a lot of cleaning. Polished concrete is also great for high traffic, commercial areas because its reflective surface can make a space look brighter and larger.
Additionally, when a sheer or integral color is added during the finishing process, it can also create a decorative, vibrant look.
Do you need to seal honed concrete?
Yes, it is generally recommended to seal honed concrete to protect it from staining and discoloration caused by dirt, moisture, or other substances. A quality sealer can also help protect honed concrete from wear and tear, and make it easier to clean and maintain.
Some sealers can even enhance the color and look of honed concrete, making it the perfect finishing touch. A professional can help you determine the best sealer to use for your needs.
Is concrete slippery when wet?
Yes, concrete can be slippery when wet. The surface texture and presence of contaminants on concrete can affect its level of slip resistance, but in general, wet concrete surfaces can be very slippery.
Water, dirt, grease and oil can reduce the traction on a concrete surface and make it more slippery. Additionally, other environmental factors like high temperatures, snow and ice can all contribute to a slippery surface.
To prevent slip and fall accidents, it is important to use non-slip additives when pouring concrete, or to use a sealant on the finished surface to create a more textured surface. Additionally, maintenance of the concrete surface is important.
Regular sweeping and removing of any foreign matter from the surface will help reduce slips and falls.
How do you stop concrete from being slippery?
To stop concrete from being slippery, a variety of non-slip additives can be mixed into the concrete mix. The most popular additives are fine-grained and/or course-grained crushed stone, colored quartz aggregate and synthetic additives such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.
In addition to adding these non-slip additives to the concrete mix, anti-slip treatments can be applied to the surface of concrete once it dries. Options for anti-slip treatments include sandblasting, brushing, or acid etching the surface.
Making sure the surface is properly cured can also help reduce the slipperiness of the concrete. Lastly, anti-slip coatings or sealers can be applied to concrete surfaces to improve the traction of the surface.
What happens to concrete if it rains?
If concrete gets wet from rain, it can be impacted both positively and negatively. Rain can positively affect concrete by helping to settle dust and sediment that has landed on the surface, helping to prevent the buildup of dirt.
Additionally, rain can help to reduce the temperature of the concrete, which can help reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking.
On the other hand, rain can have a negative effect on concrete if it is exposed to too much moisture. Prolonged exposure to rain can cause concrete to absorb more moisture than it is designed to handle, leading to an increase in porosity and reactivity in the concrete.
This can lead to erosion and weakening of the concrete structure and can even cause the concrete to crack. Additionally, rain can cause previously set concrete to become soft and vulnerable and often results in the need for repairs.
As a result, the best approach to protecting concrete in the rain is to ensure that the area is properly sealed. If a waterproof coating is properly applied, this can help to reduce the absorption of rainwater, helping to protect the concrete against damage.
Additionally, creating adequate slopes and drainage near the concrete can help to reduce the runoff of excess water and can also help to protect the concrete.
What happens if it rains on fresh concrete?
If it rains on fresh concrete, it can lead to a variety of issues. One of the most significant issues is that the surface may become pitted and pitted areas can be weak, which may lead to cracking down the line.
Moisture also makes it difficult for the concrete to cure properly, and if it does not cure correctly, it may become weak and even shrink. Additionally, if rain is allowed to sit on the surface for too long, it can lead to staining, discoloration, and efflorescence.
This isn’t just an aesthetic issue, but moisture trapped beneath the surface of the concrete can also lead to corrosion of metals embedded within. Finally, rain can also wash away additives in the concrete which can lead to reduced quality and strength of the concrete.
What is a honed concrete finish?
A honed concrete finish is an alternative to polished concrete that offers a softer, smoother, more elegant look. Honed concrete is a smooth, matte finish with much less sheen than polished concrete.
It is achieved by grinding the concrete surface with a series of diamond abrasives until the desired finish is achieved. This process also reduces surface imperfections and creates a uniform look. Honed concrete also has a low porosity, making it highly resistant to staining and other types of damage.
Honed concrete gives a beautiful, natural look and feel to any space, while also having the durability and sustainability of concrete. It is a great option for high-traffic areas such as restaurants, retail stores, lobbies, and more.
How do you tell if concrete is sealed or unsealed?
To tell if a concrete surface is sealed or unsealed, you can carry out a simple test called a “water bead test. ” This involves pressing a few drops of water onto the surface of the concrete. If the water droplets soak into the surface and disappear, then the concrete is unsealed.
If the water droplets form beads that remain on the surface, then the concrete is most likely sealed. Another way to tell is to press your thumb or a spoon into the surface and see if a mark is left behind.
If a mark is left behind and the surface becomes wet, then the concrete is unsealed. If no mark is left behind and the surface remains dry, then the concrete is sealed.
Does honed concrete crack?
Honed concrete can crack, just like any other type of concrete or other building material. The risk of cracking can increase when a slab is not thicker than recommended, when the subgrade is not properly compacted, and when the mix design has inadequate aggregate, insufficient cement, or when there is excessive water in the mix.
Honed concrete is polished, so even the slightest crack can stand out more in honed concrete than in other types of concrete. Fortunately, honing concrete also improves its impact and abrasion resistance and can provide greater strength and durability to offset the risk of cracking.
Additionally, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of cracking. For one, concrete must be cured properly, as this can help maintain the strength and integrity of the slab. Additionally, be sure to use a high-quality concrete mix with large stone and aggregate.
Last but not least, fill all joints and spaces that may cause the slab to crack.
Can you hone existing concrete?
Yes, honing existing concrete is possible, though it requires specialized tools and equipment. Honing is a way of refining the existing concrete surface to give it a smoother, more uniform finish. The process involves grinding the concrete surface down to remove any sharp edges and irregularities, and then polishing the surface to give it a smooth, glossy finish.
This process can be used to improve the aesthetics of the concrete and make it easier to clean. Additionally, honing can be used to reduce the porosity of the concrete and make it more resistant to staining.
However, honing should only be done by experienced professionals using high-quality tools and equipment as incorrect honing can cause permanent damage to the concrete surface.