It goes without question that concrete is one of the most popular flooring options across America today. This popularity is due to its durability and ability to be customized for use in all environments. However, when you expose it to constant footwork, machine movement, and damaging elements, its quality and appearance deteriorate.
Lucky, there are diverse ways of fixing a worn-out concrete floor and give it a fresh look. It can be improving the structure of your patio or covering the cracks in your driveway. We hope you will find resourceful tips in this write-up and implement them as you restore your concrete floor.
When to Repair Your Concrete Floor
Time is ripe for repairing your concrete slab if it has cracks, hairline cracks, and showing cosmetic flaws. If the same floor has wide and large cracks, you can opt for different alternatives instead of resurfacing like epoxy floors.
Otherwise, here are steps to take to enhance the quality of your concrete floor.
a) Micro-Toppings
Micro-topping features thin layers that are less than 1/8 inch of polymer-modified concrete that contains sand. One can apply it by using brushes and trowels depending on how you desire the final look.
Since these micro-toppings are thin, they are not self-levelling. One useful feature concerning micro-topping is that they dry quickly. As such, the final texture depends on how one applies it over the concrete floor.
The cool thing is that the treated surface can cure within 24 hours. Users can begin to walk over it from 36 to 42 hours after application. Ensure that you seal micro-topping finishes since they are porous. Furthermore, they tend to collect dirt which is challenging to eliminate it once embedded in the materials.
While performing micro-topping treatments, you should include at least two or more base coats. If you desire a smooth finish, then you can use a thin top that lacks sand in it.
b) Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete surface treatments are the most common methods to improve the quality of your concrete floor. Recently, designers began to use them even for interior floors. Stamped concrete provides a cost-effective and durable solution with a range of colors and patterns for your selection.
A stamped concrete is typically a layer that ranges from ¼ and 5/8 inches, which applies to an existing slab. Later, the designers texture it with a stamping tool and create tile, brick, or a natural stone.
The process of treating concrete surfaces proves similar to micro-toppings. The only difference is that it has more sand to offer a rough concrete surface finish. Finally, one can apply a coat of a concrete sealer after creating the pattern.
c) Epoxy and Self-Leveling Underlayment
Such a type of treatment is suitable for most concrete floors. They are so effective due to their thickness which assists in correcting uneven surfaces. The method is also ideal for correcting relatively severe surface damages.
Similarly, one can color this self-leveling concrete with tints when mixing initially. Alternatively, you can color the treatments after it cures by using dyes. One great benefit of self-leveling concrete is that it provides a dense and durable concrete floor.
We can separate self-leveling concrete into two groups; toppings and underlayments. One can install underlayments over an already existing concrete subfloor as a way of smoothening it. Still, it corrects any irregularities on the surface before installing other floor coverings.
In the same vein, toppings act as the real finished floor without requiring additional floorcovering.
How to Fill Cracks
Sometimes your wall can get subjected to structural damages leading to deep cracks. Suppose you get into such a scenario, then turn to a professional-grade sealing product. Such materials offer super adhesion to a block of damaged concrete. Such minor repairs are a DIY affair, thereby eliminating the need for full floor replacement.
In Summary
The action of reviving a tired floor can be a DIY task if you follow instructions to the end. A renewed floor means a new life, inspiring you to enjoy the feeling of a fresh appearance.
If unsure, then you can seek professional services. The good news is that all the tips listed above are enough to boost your concrete floor image and give it a long-lasting design. At last, as you implement every clue in this piece, you find fulfillment.
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