How to Protect
Your Concrete Floors
Concrete appears to
be a material that
is virtually
indestructible. It
is heavy, strong
and usually lasts
for decades.
However, there are
some features of
concrete that make
it especially
vulnerable to
damage when used as
flooring material.
In most cases, the
use of concrete
floors in the home
is limited to the
garage and
basement. Thanks to
modern technology
and the
availability of
quality concrete
coatings,
protecting your
concrete floors is
easier today than
it has been in the
past.
The primary reason
that concrete has
the potential to
become damaged with
chips, cracks and
breaks is that it
is porous. It has a
system of little
channels running
through it that
allows water to be
pulled up from the
ground below it or
from spills and
other contaminants
from surface.
Applying concrete
coatings to the
concrete surface
will create a
barrier against
water and other
spills. In the
garage, this is
especially
important because
of the potential
exposure to
gasoline, oil and
grease.
Depending on the
climate in the area
where you live,
weather can also
wreak havoc on
concrete. When it
becomes wet,
freezes and thaws,
the life of the
concrete floor can
be greatly
shortened.
Preventing the
water from
permeating the
surface of the
concrete can
greatly extend the
life of the
concrete.
There are many
choices available
in the coatings
made to coat
concrete surfaces
today. While they
protect the
material against
normal wear and
tear, they can also
help you create a
more attractive
surface. You can
choose from a
variety of colors,
and decorative
materials to create
designs that are
aesthetically
pleasing.
Some concrete
coatings are made
to be absorbed into
the surface of the
concrete, making it
stronger and more
resilient against
some types of
stains. Once
applied, the floor
will require only
regular cleaning to
keep it looking
great for decades.
When coatings are
applied to concrete
floors that already
have damage, it
will be necessary
to repair any
missing concrete or
fill cracks before
the coating is
applied. This can
be accomplished as
a do-it-yourself
project from
repairing the
damage to applying
the final layer of
coating. Making the
right choice in
products is the key
to getting
professional
quality results
that will be
attractive and
durable. There are
many different
products available
that are designed
for specific uses.
Insure you get the
coating that will
provide the most
durable finish for
your concrete
floor.
See related articles:
How to Repair Foundation Wall
Cracks
How to Seal a Concrete Driveway
Lightweight Concrete verses
Regular Concrete
Mixing Cement
