Concrete Grinding: Comparing the Wet and Dry Techniques

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Concrete Grinding: Comparing the Wet and Dry Techniques

18 January 2017
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


Concrete floors are durable and resilient, but they are still prone to degradation due to continued usage. In most cases, the finishing layer of the surface will become stained and worn out, and the entire flooring will lose its original appeal. Fortunately, you can restore the concrete without having to demolish and rebuild the surface by grinding. Ideally, you should engage a professional concrete grinding contractor for the work.

However, if you are a DIY enthusiast, you can rent or purchase a grinder to perform this task without expert assistance. One of the critical aspects to consider before beginning your project is the ideal technique to use for the floor grinding. In general, there are two common concrete grinding approaches to consider: the wet and the dry methods. Here is a short comparison of the two techniques and some guidelines on how to get the best results for your floor.

Wet Grinding Method

As implied, the wet option involves the use of water on the concrete surface during the grinding process. This cools down the diamond grit surface responsible for grinding the top layer of the floor, improving efficiency. The technique also expunges the total dust produced when grinding. In addition, water is a great lubricant, so it reduces friction and limits damage to the ground. Unfortunately, the mixture of water and concrete dust leaves a mess, necessitating extensive cleaning during and after the project.

Dry Grinding Method

The dry concrete grinding method is cleaner than the wet counterpart because there is no moisture applied on the floor surface. Basically, the grinder is used directly on the pertinent concrete material. Therefore, a lot of friction is generated, and this allows the grinder to cut deeper into the floor. This means that the dry method is more effective in eliminating major surface imperfections. On the other hand, there is more dust produced when this method is used, even though the grinder is equipped with a vacuum.

Guidelines for Ideal Results

The two methods are effective in creating a smooth and appealing concrete floor. You can choose your preferred method depending on preference, environment, and level of experience in concrete maintenance. For the best results, you should consider using the two methods together. Begin with the dry method; move the grinder in a side to side motion to avoid swirls. Once the irregularities are eliminated and the surface is even, you can use the wet method for polishing. Regardless of the grinding system selected, ensure that you start from coarse to fine grinding discs.

For more information, contact local professionals like Robert Guy & Sons Pty Ltd.