Concrete Coating How 2

Archive for the ‘Inhouse Concrete Floors’ Category

If your home has either a full or a partial basement, which can be transformed into living space, then you are virtually sitting on a goldmine. Real-estate specialists have stated that finishing a basement the paybacks many times exceeding the remodeling expenditure. In many upscale homes, the growing trend is to have decorative concrete interior floors as well as in finished basements.

However, before you finish your basement let’s first bust some very common myths about coating concrete basement floors.

Myth: Coated concrete floors are cold and damp.

Fact: In newly constructed homes that have been properly insulated this dampness is rarely a problem. However, in older homes this could be a problem if the home was constructed prior to the establishment of building codes requiring the installation of a vapor barrier under the concrete to block moisture. If this is the case, you need to resolve it before installing any floor treatment. To block moister, there are several permanent penetrating concrete sealers for existing concrete on grade or below grade.

If you don’t know if you have a moisture problem, you can perform this simple test for excess moisture by taping a piece of plastic sheeting onto the concrete flooring, then sealing the edges firmly with duct tape. You should leave the plastic in place for a minimal of 24 hours, if condensation forms during this time, then you should take measures to block the moisture.

Concrete flooring is usually no colder than ceramic and stone tiles in the winter. However, if you want to keep your concrete floors warmer in winter, you can install in-floor radiant heat. These systems circulate heated water through polyethylene tubing. Most of these systems have to be installed as the concrete is poured, however some systems can be installed into existing basements, covering the system with a self-leveling overlay.

Myth: Carpeting is always better

Fact: By installing decorative concrete, you won’t have the risk of chemical emissions, which are usual from new carpeting. In addition, carpets have been known to aggravate allergies, and be the source of dust mites and other allergens.

Myth: Sealing concrete flooring will reduce radon infiltration.

Fact: There is no sound evidence to prove that coating basement floor will in fact reduce radon infiltration. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if radon is present in the present in the soil surrounding the basement, then it can infiltrate the home through cracks in the foundation.

Myth: Coated and Decorative concrete floors are slippery.

Fact: Most smooth surfaces can become slippery when wet, including vinyl, ceramic tile, and laminates. Therefore, any water should be cleaned up as soon as possible. However, by applying a high-gloss sealer or stain that has a nonslip additive mixed in, will not only protect, and enhance your concrete flooring but will also remedied any problems that can occur with spills.

Myth: Floor coverings are cheaper than decorative concrete.

Fact: Decorative concrete coverings are more expensive than low-end to mid-priced floor coverings, including such coverings as carpeting, vinyl tile, and wood laminates. However, when you compare the initial price to the life expectancy of a concrete floor, you will realize that it cost lest. In addition, decorative concrete can and will endure water exposure due to flooding or water damage due to broken pipes, or water heater. Other floor coverings such as wood laminates, and carpeting can peel up, warp, or mildew, costing the homeowners more to rip out and replace.

When decorative concrete coatings are compared with ceramic tile, slate, and marble, concrete coatings are a better economical alternative. In addition, decorative concrete is also very low maintenance, needing only an occasional sweeping and damp mopping to keep the floor looking like new for many years. Decorative concrete coatings also resist staining, chemicals, and abrasion.

Myth: Homeowners have more designer options with carpet, vinyl tile, and wood laminate flooring.

Fact: This is possibly the furthest from the truth, as concrete coatings are available in nearly every color available. Concrete coverings provide the most decorative versatility than any other option. Some of the concrete options available include stampable, self-leveling overlays, chemical stains, epoxy coatings, paints, dyes, and stenciling with many of these treatment options having the ability to be combined to create an original decorative finish with unlimited possibilities.