Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials on the market. Its seemingly limitless design possibilities make it ideal for both interior and exterior flatwork. What’s better is aside from its aesthetic properties, concrete is also impressively durable.
However, despite being sturdy, concrete floors are still open to plenty of damaging elements, such as heat, moisture, and chemical spills and leaks. Plus, they carry significant weight from furniture pieces and other heavy items.
With that, it’s important to provide your concrete floors with some essential maintenance care. Treating it to a few upgrades once in a while is also an efficient way to give it a facelift. Below, we’ll discuss several things that you can do to improve the look of your concrete floors and protect them from wear and tear.
Exterior
Protective coating
Applying an adequate layer of protective coating helps boost the durability of concrete. It also smoothens the surface, enhancing its appearance and texture. There are multiple types of coating to choose from, so it’s vital to determine your floors’ needs. For example, epoxy bonds perfectly with concrete, so it’s best for filling in divots and cracks.
If you live in a place with a warm climate and wish to protect your flooring from harsh temperatures, a urethane coating is better as it is UV-stable and resistant to chemicals and extreme heat. The only drawback is it doesn’t bond as easily to concrete as epoxy does, so using adhesives is a must.
Power Washing
Power washing your walkways and driveways helps eliminate unsightly impurities like stains and dirt. It also removes stubborn grime, algae, mildew, and mold. Not only will power washing make your concrete cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also allow the concrete to be accident-free. Mildew and grime—when disregarded—can make the surfaces slippery, potentially causing accidents and injuries. Accordingly, power washing is a good safety precaution.
Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is ideal for older structures as it can completely repair and beautify aging and damaged concrete. This process entails many steps, such as power washing, repairing cracks and holes, covering surfaces with polymer, sealing, and lastly, curing for approximately 48 to 72 hours. You may also request for decorative coloring to enhance the appearance of your driveway or walkway.
It’s important to coordinate with skilled and experienced contractors because concrete resurfacing is an elaborate process. For example, in Lehi, Utah, it’s relatively easy to find a qualified team as it is the state’s center of population and has a high demand for home repairs and construction.
Interior
Vinyl Layer
Adding vinyl cloth is a speedy way to decorate your floor. The application is also quite simple. All you need to do is cut the appropriate size, spread the material, and attach it evenly and smoothly on the surface. What’s best is there’s a wide array of colors and designs available, so you can find one that suits your preference and budget.
Paint
Painting or staining a concrete surface is an easy DIY project. However, you have to be careful in selecting the paint. Make sure that the material is suitable and bonds nicely with concrete. Epoxy is a fail-proof choice. But you can also ask for assistance when you shop for paint so that you can sort through your options better.
Textiles
Invest in classy rugs and carpets to beautify your floors. Remember, a beautiful fabric can enliven even the dullest spaces, so simply throwing on a lovely textile can add an elegant look to your home.
Floors are essential parts of any property. Thus, be sure to keep them well maintained to prolong their life and preserve their quality.
