5 Common Concrete Flooring Mistakes Ipswich Businesses Must Avoid

house The Concrete Flooring Company team Jun 3, 2025

5 Common Concrete Flooring Mistakes (And How Ipswich Businesses Can Avoid Them)

Investing in concrete flooring for your business is a smart move—it’s durable, cost-effective, and visually adaptable. But whether you're opening a new café in Ipswich town centre, upgrading a warehouse in Whitehouse Industrial Estate, or renovating an office near the Waterfront, small mistakes can lead to big problems down the line.

At The Concrete Flooring Company, we’ve seen—and fixed—nearly every type of concrete floor issue imaginable. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 5 most common mistakes Ipswich businesses make when it comes to concrete flooring and how you can avoid them with proper planning and professional guidance.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Concrete Finish

Mistake:

Businesses often select a concrete floor finish based on aesthetics alone, without considering functionality. For example, a polished concrete floor in a greasy kitchen or industrial space can become dangerously slippery and hard to maintain.

Avoid It:

Match the flooring to the demands of your space. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Polished concrete: Ideal for retail, showrooms, offices, and hospitality spaces where style matters.

  • Resin flooring: Best for warehouses, garages, food prep areas, and any environment needing chemical or slip resistance.

Ipswich Insight:

We recently worked with a bakery on Norwich Road where resin flooring was chosen over polished concrete to meet hygiene and slip-resistance standards.

2. Skipping Moisture Testing Before Installation

Mistake:

Concrete is porous. If moisture isn’t properly tested and managed before installing a floor finish, it can cause bubbling, cracking, or delamination—especially with resin systems.

Avoid It:

Always insist on a moisture test before installation. At The Concrete Flooring Company, we conduct thorough site assessments throughout Ipswich and Suffolk to ensure the substrate is ready for long-term performance.

Pro Tip:

Don’t install any type of sealed or coated floor system without confirming that moisture levels are below industry-accepted thresholds (typically <75% RH).

3. Neglecting Surface Preparation

Mistake:

Some contractors rush into applying a resin coat or polishing a concrete slab without properly preparing the surface. Poor surface prep leads to adhesion failure, uneven finishes, and premature wear.

Avoid It:

  • Proper preparation may include:

  • Grinding or shot blasting the concrete

  • Repairing cracks or damaged areas

  • Removing oils, dust, or contaminants

  • Applying a moisture barrier if needed

Case Study – Ipswich Workshop:

A vehicle repair shop near Ransomes Europark saw its first resin floor fail after only 18 months due to poor prep. Our team reinstalled the floor after full mechanical profiling and applied a heavy-duty polyurethane coating—problem solved.

4. Hiring the Wrong Contractor

Mistake:

Concrete flooring is a specialized skill—not all builders or general contractors are qualified. A poorly trained installer may under-deliver on finish, durability, or compliance with regulations.

Avoid It:

Choose a dedicated concrete flooring contractor in Ipswich with:

  • A local portfolio

  • Commercial and industrial experience

  • References and testimonials

  • Insurance and accreditations (CHAS, SMAS, etc.)

Customer Review:

"Very professional service. Clear quote, turned up on time, and the concrete finish is exactly what we wanted. Brilliant job." — Rory Briggs, Commercial Client

At The Concrete Flooring Company, we’ve served dozens of Ipswich-based businesses with fully insured and guaranteed workmanship.

5. Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance Planning

Mistake:

Even the best concrete floors require minimal but consistent maintenance. Businesses that ignore this risk:

  • Dull finishes (especially on polished concrete)

  • Resin surface breakdown due to chemical exposure

  • Safety hazards like worn-out non-slip areas

Avoid It:

Put a maintenance plan in place:

  • Regular cleaning with neutral pH cleaners

  • Resealing polished concrete every 2–5 years

  • Monitoring traffic patterns and wear zones

Ipswich Tip:

For businesses near the busy town centre or Port of Ipswich, where foot or vehicle traffic is constant, we recommend routine surface inspections every 12 months.

Final Thoughts: Smart Planning = Lasting Results

Concrete flooring can be one of the most cost-effective and long-lasting investments your business makes. But as with all construction elements, success depends on careful planning, expert installation, and choosing the right materials for your space.

By avoiding these 5 common mistakes—and working with a trusted local contractor like The Concrete Flooring Company—you can ensure your Ipswich business benefits from a strong, safe, and stunning floor for years to come.

Book Your Free Site Survey in Ipswich

Need expert advice on resin or polished concrete flooring? We offer free site surveys and professional consultations across Ipswich and the wider Suffolk area.

👉 Get in touch with The Concrete Flooring Company today for a no-obligation quote.