Floors are a fundamental part of any space. Sometimes we forget that they are the surface on which we take all our steps and we do not give them the attention they deserve.
Over time and with daily use, it is normal for them to wear out, lose their shine, develop stains and scratches, and lose their aesthetic beauty.
Professional floor polishing is a technique used to restore the appearance of floors and prolong their lifespan.
In this article we will help you identify if your floor needs professional floor polishing and when is the best time to do it.
Signs of wear on different types of floors
There are many types of floors and each of them has its own characteristics and properties. Therefore, they also exhibit different types of signs of wear that indicate the need for professional floor polishing.
In this article we will describe the most common signs of wear on marble, granite, wood and terrazzo floors.
Signs of wear on marble and granite floors:
- Has lost its natural shine: Both marble and granite floors should have a naturally shiny finish. Over time, these floors can become duller due to wear and tear and dirt. If your granite or marble floor has lost its shiny essence, it is a clear sign that it needs a professional floor polishing.
- Presents scratches and scrapes: If your floor has these types of visible marks, it indicates that it is worn.
- Has stains that cannot be removed: If your marble or granite floor has permanent stains that won't come off, this could indicate the need for a professional floor polish. Some of these stains could be caused by vinegar or unsuitable cleaning products.
- Irregular wear: In some areas, the floor may appear more worn than in others, indicating the need for a professional floor polishing treatment that will re-unify the floor.
Signs of wear on wooden floors (parquet)
- Wear in areas where more people pass through: It is common for wood to lose its protective layer in the most heavily transited areas. The loss of this layer makes the floor more vulnerable to damage.
- Changes in wood tone: If your parquet has discoloured or changed its colour in some areas, it needs to be polished. This change in its natural colour may be due to sun exposure or humidity. Check carefully the areas where your wooden floor is most exposed to these environmental factors and compare it with another area of the house that is less frequented and more sheltered.
- It has visible cracks and separations between planks: Moisture and poor maintenance can cause planks to crack or separate.
- Uneven surface: If the wood is not level or has sunken areas, it probably needs to be refinished.
Signs of wear on terrazzo floors
- Opacity and loss of brightness: The same thing happens here as with marble and granite. Terrazzo is a very durable material, but over time it can lose its natural shine.
- Uneven surface: If your terrazzo floor shows signs of sagging or unevenness, it means it is worn out. In addition, the different frequency of traffic between areas can cause some areas to wear out more than others.
- Permanent stains: The terrace floor has embedded stains that are no longer removed by normal cleaning. These stains could be from oils or acids.
- Rough or rugged feel: If the floor surface feels rougher than normal, it probably needs to be polished.
Factors that accelerate floor wear
The simple passage of time is not the only factor that can cause floor wear. There are other factors that can accelerate it, such as:
- Heavy pedestrian traffic: Floors in high-traffic spaces such as hallways or building entrances wear out much more quickly than floors in, say, private rooms.
- Lack of proper maintenance: Using overly abrasive or unsuitable cleaning products and not cleaning them regularly can lead to premature deterioration of the floor.
- Exposure to external agents: As we have already mentioned, direct exposure to sunlight and moisture or liquid spills accelerate the wear of floors.
When is the right time to polish a floor?
Recommended frequency according to the floor type
- Marble and granite floors: Polishing is recommended every 1-3 years, depending on the use of the floor and the maintenance carried out on it.
- Wooden-parquet floors: Polish every 5-10 years, or sooner if there are obvious signs of wear.
- Terrazzo floors: Every 3-5 years, depending on use and exposure to external agents.
Quick Assessment: Do You Need a Polish?
Below we will describe some experiments you can do at home to find out if your floor needs professional polishing:
- The shine test: Wipe the floor with a damp cloth and see if it regains its shine momentarily; if not, it needs polishing.
- The water drop test on wood: Pour a few small drops of water onto the wooden or parquet floor and see if they are absorbed quickly. If so, this means that the wood is losing its protective layer.
- Slip test: Run your hand across the floor. If you notice any unevenness or roughness, this is a sign that your floor is worn and it's time for a professional polish.
Now that you have the keys to identifying whether your floor is worn and needs polishing, it will be easier for you to keep it in good condition and avoid costly repairs in the future.
If you notice any of the signs of deterioration we have mentioned, consider having your floor professionally polished to restore its original appearance and function.
At Projectes Sastre we are specialists in floor polishing in Mallorca
If you still have doubts about whether or not your floor needs polishing, don't hesitate to contact us. We will advise you firsthand. Projectes Sastre we are specialists in floor polishing in Mallorca.
