Polished Concrete and Light Reflectivity

Light reflective flooring was widely used among manufacturing and industrial facilities, but it is growing in popularity in other industries and it’s no surprise. Reflective floors act like a mirror for both natural light and overhead light to maximize brightness and light distribution. Reflectivity is measured in Light Reflectance Value (LRV) – this applies to most reflective surfaces, including walls and floors. LRV is a percentage from 0 – 100% with black as 0% and white as 100%.

Why Choose a Light Reflective Floor?

• Reduced energy costs/use. Reflective flooring maximizes light instead of absorbing it – this will help minimize the need for artificial lighting, saving utility costs and use.
• Improved aesthetics. A well-lit space is proven to provide a better experience overall for customers and employees, improving mood, alertness, energy, and productivity.
• Safety. The brighter the space, the safer the space. Depending on the setting or activities, a lighter, brighter space can reduce eye strain, prevent drowsiness, decrease the risk of falls or trips, deter intruders, and more.

Polished Concrete: An Ideal Light Reflective Floor

Polished concrete floors are an ideal choice when it comes to light reflective flooring. Utilizing the existing concrete floor can save big budget dollars, not to mention downtime at a facility. Polished concrete is naturally more reflective, especially if the existing concrete is the traditional light gray color of concrete.

The Concrete Polishing Association of America has identified a range of polished concrete finishes.

• Level One
  • Polish is hazy, with minimal light reflectivity, if any.
• Level Two
  • Polish has a low-sheen matte finish with some overhead reflection.
• Level Three
  • A semi-polished sheen reflecting overhead and side lighting clearly.
• Level Four
  • Polish would be similar to marble with a mirror-like surface and 100% reflection clarity.

Polished concrete has been a go-to for industrial facilities for years but the growing popularity of light reflective flooring is making it an attractive option for healthcare, retail and other environments.