Three Reasons To Hire A Pro To Finish Your Concrete Installation
Whether you've decided on a DIY approach to a concrete countertop or new interior floor installation, there are three key reasons you should hire a professional to put the finishing touches on your work. Though grinding and polishing even small concrete countertops or open flooring spaces can seem like easy and rewarding tasks, safety, access to the right tools, and an immaculate result are not always immediately available to a do-it-yourselfer. So whether you want to save money on installation or just want the satisfaction of doing the concrete installation yourself, consider why it's important to plan ahead and have a professional put the finishing touches on the job.
Safety is Key
For starters, safety is crucial in working with concrete installations, because molded work can be tricky to maintain the integrity of and safely handle at the same time. Even if a piece is stationary though, wet work is required with grinding, which can be done to some degree of fidelity only if you're properly grounded, wearing adequate safety gear, and have the support of a partner who can man the hose. Though doable for a do-it-yourselfer, the safer route is always using a professional to do the wet work with power tools.
You Need The Right Tools
Air compression with wet grinding is a possibility for grinding small projects, but in addition to safety concerns, efficiency is poor, and the compressor you'll need for the job is can make the job expensive. Small compressors that are a staple for most homeowners can't come close to the compression needs for even small wet grinders. Professional wet grinders are needed, to overcome both safety and work load requirements, and you'll still have to foot the bill for consecutive grit grinding pads. So upwards of hundreds of dollars for a new compressor or hundreds of dollars for a professional wet grinder purchase (or even rental), you may as well end up hiring a pro.
Time is of The Essence
Timing is important in both removing particulate and maintaining the integrity of your installation, because after about 28 days, concrete is fully cured. Your window in grinding and polishing concrete comes between about four and ten days, which can vary depending on the relative humidity, surface extent, and composition of the installation. If you haven't worked with concrete extensively, you can easily crack or chip the installation just removing it from the form. So if you insist on making the installation a DIY project, you should still plan ahead and have a professional (such as one from Commercial Interior) help you put on the finishing touches.