When Is It Time to Repair Your Concrete Floor?

Concrete floors are known for their extreme resilience and durability, which is part of the reason they are so popular. Despite their abilities, concrete floors are not perfect and will eventually become cracked or stained. In some cases, you may not notice the damage to the floor, such as when it does not reach the surface. Most of the time, however, damage will be obvious in the form of spalling, pitting, or cracks, which indicate the need for concrete repair.

Obvious Damage

As mentioned, there are some obvious signs that concrete repair is necessary. An example would be when a crack appears on the surface of the concrete or you notice pitting. It is always ideal to fix these issues as soon as possible in order to prevent the damage from spreading. In some cases, you may be able to wait a short amount of time to make the necessary repairs, but it is not wise to put off concrete repair.

Adding a Layer on Top

If you have been putting off concrete repair, then you will definitely need to take care of it when you plan to add another layer on top. This is true whether you are planning on resealing the surface, painting it, or adding a concrete overlay. In order for these new items to correctly bond with the existing concrete, you will need to make sure that it is in good shape, meaning that all cracks are filled in

Times to Evaluate for Repairs

In addition to situations where there is obvious damage to the concrete or you plan on adding an overlay, you will want to at least consider concrete repair at other times. One example would be if you are planning on selling your house; in this situation, you should have a concrete expert, like those at Concrete Coatings Unlimited, evaluate your concrete surface for weak points that may decrease the value of your home. They may do so by checking for hollow points or searching for fine cracks and will recommend repairs if necessary.

Concrete Resurfacing Can Improve the Value of a Fixer Upper

At times, it makes sense to buy a home that needs repairs, as it is a great way to save money. If the home features concrete floors, driveways, patios, or pathways, then simply resurfacing these surfaces can dramatically improve the value of your new property. Concrete resurfacing is an affordable and fast alternative to completely replacing existing concrete and can pay for itself in terms of home value.

Repairs Cracks and Damage

The process of resurfacing concrete involves first removing sealants and other similar products, then repairing cracks, and finally adding the new surface. As such, when you resurface the concrete, it will improve any small cracks or other damaged bits of the floor or driveway. This act in itself is enough to boost the value of your property, even if the rest still needs repairs

Looks Like New

One of the key considerations in determining property value is its appearance. Areas that look new increase its value, even if they are not actually new. Concrete resurfacing adds a new top layer to the concrete, which gives the entire area the appearance of having been replaced, even if the underlying concrete is from a decade ago. Resealing the concrete after resurfacing it will even add to the durability of the surface, something that typically only happens with new cement.

Updates the Appearance

Many fixer uppers will have outdated appearances and features, but concrete resurfacing can help to update these. You can install a decorative or stamped concrete overlay to create a more elegant look. Resurfacing is also the perfect opportunity to change the color or colors of the concrete so it matches the decor of the home. The result is a more durable, modern-looking concrete surface that has extended durability, and each of those factors will increase the value of the building.

Understanding How Concrete Resurfacing Works

If you have concrete on your property, then you are already aware that this surface is highly durable and able to withstand everything from harsh weather to constant foot traffic. Eventually, however, the concrete will begin to develop cracks or other minor imperfections that require repairs. Instead of wasting a great deal of time and money to have a contractor completely rip out the existing concrete and replace it, you can save money by resurfacing the existing structure. This process is an option provided that all cracks are minor and don’t run through the entire concrete. Resurfacing can also be used to help faded concrete or to simply give a driveway, floor, or sidewalk a new appearance.

Getting to Know Concrete Resurfacers

Resurfacers are the mixes used in the process of concrete resurfacing, and they contain nearly identical components as any standard concrete mix, such as sand and Portland cement. The difference is that during resurfacing, contractors from Concrete Coatings Unlimited use a mix that also has a polymer bonding agent, which can prevent shrinkage and fill in pitted areas or divots. Resurfacer is typically dark gray in color, and your contractor will need to coat the entire surface, including the areas in good shape. This is necessary as it is unlikely to find a resurfacer that exactly matches the existing concrete in color. A 40-pound bag of resurfacer will typically cover between 40 and 50 square feet.

Resurfacer Application Tips

Experienced contractors will tell you that concrete resurfacer is much easier to work with than standard concrete, particularly when you work in small sections. The compound is easy to spread with long-handled squeegees and levels by itself. The area should still be pre-cleaned using a pressure washer and allowed to dry for at least six hours. Your contractor can even give the resurfaced concrete a slip-resistant finish by brushing the surface using a broom with nylon bristles while it is wet. For the best results, contractors will apply the concrete on a mild day and early in the morning.

Improving Your Home’s Value with Concrete Repair

As a homeowner, you want to do whatever you can do to boost the value of your home, particularly if you plan on selling it in the near future. No matter your future plans, there are plenty of simple things you can do to improve your property’s value. Most people focus on repairs and renovations to the building itself, but the property can be just as important. The concrete around the exterior of the home, in particular, should never be overlooked, as it can make a significant difference with little time, effort, and money.

Small Investment

In terms of home renovations that improve its value, concrete repair requires a minimal investment. This is especially true if your outdoor concrete is already in good shape, as a contractor will not need to tear it up and install a new slab from scratch. If there are only minor cracks or pits, an expert from Concrete Coatings Unlimited will be able to resurface the concrete surface or make other needed repairs. Although the process can be cost efficient, it can also dramatically boost the value of your home. Best of all, if your concrete can be resurfaced, the project will only take a day or two as opposed to several days of hard work.

Improves Safety, Curb Appeal, and Connectivity

Concrete repair has such a comparatively large boost to your home’s value because of the multiple benefits associated with it. The sidewalk is your means of walking around your neighborhood, so maintaining it lets you and future homeowners easily get to neighbors’ homes and nearby locations. Because of this element of transportation, a well-maintained sidewalk keeps you, your family, and your neighbors safe. There is no risk of tripping over a crack or uneven pavement, and you aren’t forced to walk or bike in the street among traffic. A sidewalk that looks new, such as one that was recently resurfaced, will even boost your home’s curb appeal, helping you attract potential buyers.

Cleaning Stained Concrete Floors

Many people choose to install concrete flooring as opposed to using other materials because of the easy maintenance associated with it. Stained concrete is a versatile option that can be used almost anywhere, offering you a range of shades and colors so you can customize the appearance of your concrete. There are a few special concerns when cleaning stained concrete as opposed to untreated concrete, but it is very similar. If you are confused, you can always ask the team at Concrete Coatings Unlimited for maintenance tips when we install your concrete. Otherwise, follow this simple advice.

Cleaning and Removing Scratches

You will probably want to dust mop your stained concrete floors on most days just to keep it clean. This will not take a great deal of time, as you don’t have to be thorough. You should also wet mop the floor regularly, and if it is in an area with high traffic, you will want to do so daily. Every once in a while, you will need to wet scrub the surface for a deeper cleaning. After several years, you should expect to reapply the finish coat, and this may be necessary sooner if the concrete is in an area with high traffic.

Making Maintenance Easier

Although stained concrete maintenance is simple, there are some things you can do to make it even simpler. When having the concrete installed, try to avoid patterns with saw cuts in the concrete, as these will provide nooks and crannies where dirt can hide. You will also want to have your installation professional seal the stained concrete unless he or she polishes it instead. If the floor is in an area with very heavy traffic, consider placing floor mats in strategic locations to reduce wear and tear. Remember to always listen to the advice your installation professional gives you concerning cleaning your stained concrete floor.

Understanding How Concrete Color Is Used for Floor Restoration

There are numerous reasons to restore concrete flooring, including aesthetics and function. In many cases, simply adding a concrete overlay or extra layer will be enough to restore a surface to its former glory. Restoration can be expensive, but it will almost always be cheaper and less time consuming than completely tearing out and replacing the concrete. Unless damage to a surface is severe, restoration will be an option. A great way to take concrete restoration to the next level is with color, as it is easy to apply and can completely change your business’s flooring.

Bring Back Character

Concrete is highly durable, and this means that most of the time restoration work will be for aesthetic reasons as opposed to a fault in the concrete itself. In this situation, concrete color can be an excellent tool to bring back character. Sometimes restoration may be as simple as adding a new sealer coat to the concrete and mixing some color into it. Other times, it will be necessary to add a thin layer of concrete on top of the existing surface. In this case, there is the option of various stains, dyes, and integral color choices from Concrete Coatings Unlimited. By simply refreshing the color on a slab of concrete, you can take a floor or other surface that is a decade old and make it appear completely new.

Using Color Restoration Materials

In addition to simply adding a new surface to the existing concrete, restoration can also involve specific materials that bring back original colors. There are various stains, color refreshers, and even antiquing washes that the team at Concrete Coatings Unlimited can use. This gives you a great deal of versatility, as they can return your old surface to its original appearance or change its color pattern through concrete restoration.

Concrete Repair Is More Cost Effective Than You Think

Wear and tear of concrete surfaces is a natural occurrence, especially when installed in high-traffic areas. The best solution is concrete surface repair, which can actually save you money.

Benefits of Concrete Floor Repair

The cost savings of having a concrete floor repaired as opposed to a new floor installed is significant. Repairs can be completed for all types of damage. For example, the professionals with Concrete Coatings Unlimited have the expertise and systems to repair chips, cracks, and more.

A repaired concrete floor will provide long-lasting service and beautiful aesthetics. In addition to you paying less, a repair job is completed quickly due to advances in concrete technology. For the home, this equates to less disruption; for the business, this means less downtime.

Cost-Saving Methods

In addition to concrete floor repair being more economical than a complete new floor, you will save money since no high-dollar equipment is required for the job. As an example, with professional restoration service, the use of equipment such as, jack hammers, concrete pumping, and large screed equipment is eliminated. Instead, the use of hand mixers, sprayers, hand trowels and squeegees are commonly used.

You definitely want your concrete floor repaired by a professional who offers years of experience. All too often, companies make repairs by using multiple patches. The problem is that these “fixes” are just temporary. Therefore, each time a new patch is added, the cost of repair increases. However, when you choose a company like Concrete Coatings Unlimited, the work is performed correctly from the beginning.

Professional Services

To determine the type and severity of damage, a representative from Concrete Coatings Unlimited will conduct an evaluation. From there, the best repair solution will be recommended.

Polished Concrete Offers More Than Just Beauty

One of the most beautiful flooring options available is polished concrete, but aesthetics is just one of the many benefits of this type of flooring. To ensure your new polished concrete floor exceeds expectations, it is imperative to choose a company like Concrete Coatings Unlimited for installation.

Durability

Polished concrete is an extremely durable material. Not only is this a popular flooring choice within homes, but it is also a top contender for warehouse facilities and businesses. When high-quality concrete is used and the installation process is done correctly, your new floor will provide years of superior service.

Versatility

Polished concrete floors are also highly versatile. As mentioned, this flooring solution is ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Due to the process used by Concrete Coatings Unlimited, you have the ability to choose the exact level of sheen. Some of the more common places where polished concrete floors are installed are retail stores, hotels, restaurants, automobile showcases, warehouses, office buildings, and, of course, homes.

Cost-Effective Solution

Polished concrete is one of the most economical flooring options. This cost savings comes from the materials, installation, long wear, reduced maintenance, and saved energy.

Low Maintenance and Repair

You will also discover that polished concrete floors are low maintenance. Because the material does not harbor dirt, dust, or allergens, cleanup is a breeze. Even when installed in high-traffic areas, maintenance is never a problem. Requiring only an occasional damp mopping, there is no need to use heavy coatings or messy waxes on the surface.

If your polished concrete floor experiences wear and tear, cracks, or chips after years of use, the professionals with Concrete Coatings Unlimited possess the expertise to make repairs. These repairs are done quickly without the use of large equipment and leave no huge mess. When finished, your polished concrete floor will look brand new and be just as strong as ever.