Concrete Flooring Textures

If you’re looking to install or repair concrete flooring, you may be wondering which texture is right for you. Certainly, you have a variety of options that are available to you, and you’ll definitely be able to find a style that suits your personal taste. With the incredible versatility of textured concrete, the main difficulty you’re going to encounter is narrowing down your choice to one out of so many possibilities. You can find ideas online, and concrete contractors can always show you examples of various treatments. Approaching the decision armed with a bit of theory behind the offerings that are available to you may help you to make the decision.

Stamped and Patterned

Stamped concrete is one of the hottest design trends in the building and renovation industry today. This is because so many different styles and textures can be created. Practically the only limit is your imagination, because stamped concrete can mimic so many other building materials. You can have the look of marble, slate, cobblestones, and even wood. Unique patterns like leaves, vines, or seashells (to name just a few) can be incorporated into the design, for a look that you won’t see duplicated at your neighbor’s home. Stamped, patterned concrete also reduces the danger of slipping.

Etched

Etching is another technique that allows the homeowner a virtually unlimited selection when it comes to designs and patterns. Acid etching roughens the surface of the concrete, and when combined with stain, the process can deliver visually stunning effects.

Polished

Polished concrete is exactly what it sounds like – concrete that’s polished to a sheen. This method of texturing is often used when the intent is to replicate the appearance of highly polished stone or marble. It’s perfect for interior or exterior use, and can be custom-colored.

Why Texture is Important

Texture determines how slip-resistant the floor will be. Polished concrete, for example, wouldn’t be a good choice for pool decking, but it’s perfect for a kitchen or bathroom floor, or for a business’s showroom. In industrial settings or around your pool, obviously you’re going to want to go with a rougher texture. If the texture of your concrete floor isn’t suited to its current purpose, you can always change it by resurfacing. So, think about the function that you want your floor to perform, and then choose the texture that’s right for you.

What Causes Concrete Damage?

Concrete is an extremely durable material, but it’s not entirely invulnerable to damage. Once damage occurs, obviously, it has to be evaluated and then repaired. Repairs are often minor, but can sometimes be more extensive and may require the installation of a concrete overlay to adequately deal with the damage.

The most common type of damage to concrete is cracking. Not all cracks are created equal – there are different kinds of cracking, including:

Crosswise or slanting cracks: This type of cracking can be due to the concrete contracting with heat and cold, poor joint placement, or shrinking during the drying process.

Diagonal or random cracks: These cracks are due to plastic shrinkage as a result of too much evaporation after the concrete has been poured.

Reinforcement corrosion: These are cracks that occur above the reinforcement. The cause is improper pouring depth.

Cracks in line with or above reinforcement: This type of cracking usually happens when too much water has been used in the mix. It can also be attributed to caving in around the rebar.

Concrete damage can also occur as the result of creep – this is a problem when the concrete has been under continuous heavy loads. Even something as strong as concrete can bend under constant pressure, and when this happens, the points that are taking the heaviest loads can begin to crack. Creep can also happen when the soil underneath the concrete can no longer support the weight.

When concrete is continuously subjected to compression, tension, bending or twisting, it can end up developing fatigue. This can happen often in places like Minnesota. Large and small cracks will begin to appear. Fatigue can be difficult to diagnose, and may require the assistance of an engineer.

Scaling is another common problem with concrete. With scaling, small areas can begin to flake off the surface. Scaling has a number of causes, including repeated freezing and thawing, over-finishing, improper curing, finishing before the bleed water is gone, use of de-icing salts, or poor draining. The problem has to be corrected, or the small patches will get bigger.

In the hands of a professional, concrete repair is a highly desirable and cost-effective alternative to complete replacement. Depending on the type of damage, various techniques can be used, ranging from simple patching to installing concrete overlays. Replacement is hardly ever the best option, since even with brand new concrete; you can expect to develop issues that will require maintenance, likely within a few years.

Make Your Minneapolis Business Shine with Polished Concrete

Having a durable and attractive flooring system for your commercial business is vitally important. That’s one of the reasons why so many businesses have been opting for polished concrete in Minneapolis. It offers them the attractiveness, durability and affordability that they’re looking for. We know, because Concrete Coatings Unlimited has installed many of these polished concrete floors!

Protect Your Bloomington Garage Floor with an Epoxy Coating

It’s possible you don’t often think about your garage floor, except maybe when you drop your keys on it. But, you should. You garage floor has to do a lot of work, with cars constantly driving on and off of it, and with all of the oils, chemicals and other liquids that leak out of your cars engine onto it. Over time, all of these things are going to take their toll, and then you might end up having to have your garage floor repaired or even replaced.

Can I DIY an Epoxy Floor?

You’ve heard the stories about epoxy floors. Bob down the street says he installed an epoxy floor in his garage and he’s never been happier. Jim on the next block says “Oh, man, don’t do that, you’ll be sorry!”

So, what’s the truth?

Bob and Jim are both right. But we’re betting that Bob had his floor professionally installed, and Jim tried to do it himself.

Epoxy floors are usually installed over existing concrete, and if done properly, can enhance the appearance of the floor in your garage, your basement, or wherever else you happen to install it. Done wrong, and you’ll be like Jim – sorry.

The thing about epoxy floors is that there are two types – the kind that’s installed by professional contractors, and the type that you do on your own with supplies and assistance from places like Home Depot. The DIY version is nowhere near as durable as the professional grade – it’s actually more of a paint that you put over your existing concrete, whereas professionally installed epoxy floors bond with the concrete to create a surface that’s incredibly durable. It’s not apples to apples.

You could do it yourself, and you’d save a few bucks. Or you could bring in a contractor, pay a bit more, and not have to look at your floor in a few years and think to yourself, “I really should do something about that.”

A professionally installed epoxy floor will serve you well for a long time, even if it sees a lot of heavy traffic. So if you use your garage to park your car, as opposed to having it serve as a man-cave, you’ll be glad to know that professionally installed epoxy garage floors will withstand the heat from your tires. A DIY floor might peel, but when installed and prepared correctly, a professional epoxy floors will stand up to peeling, cracking and staining.

You’ll also find that with the DIY variety, you won’t get a whole lot of choice when it comes to color. With professionally installed epoxy garage floors, you can select from a virtually limitless variety of designs and patterns. You can even add flakes and chips if you want a flecked effect. You can also stain or stencil (and that’s DEFINITELY not a job you want to try on your own).

The final word? Do it yourself if you’re feeling adventurous. But if you want a floor you’ll be proud of, leave it to the pros.

Pool Deck Repair

You’re the proud owner of a backyard pool. As such, there’s a pretty good chance that you spend a lot more time lounging at poolside than you actually do in the water. What does that mean? It means simply this – keeping your pool deck in good repair may actually be more important to you than what goes on with your pool.

That’s not to say that we don’t think you should keep your pool in good repair – obviously, if you don’t, you could end up with a ton of problems. However, that’s between you and your pool contractor. At Concrete Coatings, we’re more concerned with what happens with the pool deck.

Chances are, if you have an in-ground pool, the decking is made of concrete. And if it’s old and been exposed to weather, it could be suffering from cosmetic problems like cracking and discoloration. Fortunately, there’s a fix.

You could, of course, just have any concrete contractor come out and apply another coat of concrete to seal the cracks. Or, you could take the opportunity to go to the next level, with attractive stamped concrete. This is your chance to create an outstanding visual effect at poolside – stamped concrete can mimic high-end building materials like field stone, brick, granite, tile and more. It’s surprisingly cost-effective, so why not consider it for your pool re-do? After all, something has to be done to repair your damaged concrete, and when you consider how easy and how cost-effective it is to switch it up, why wouldn’t you?

Can you imagine your neighbors looking at your new pool decking, and marveling at how you’ve managed to achieve a million-dollar look on a thousand-dollar budget?

With stamped concrete, you can resurface your tired, damaged pool deck without breaking the bank. Pool deck repair couldn’t be easier. And once you see how attractive your new pool decking looks, you might want to take stamped concrete a step further. Why not redo your entire patio area? You could incorporate fire pits, seating areas, planters, and more. If people love socializing around your pool now, imagine how they’ll flock to your back yard once you’ve done a total makeover.

We’d love an opportunity to discuss your outdoor living ideas with you, and help you to create the ultimate backyard oasis for your family. Bring us your ideas, and we’ll offer you some of ours. Let’s work together to make your outdoor living dream a reality.

Tips for Pool Deck Repair in Eden Prairie

Your family’s swimming pool is an oasis of calm in a hectic world. It gives endless hours of fun and enjoyment for kids and adults alike, and can become a central focus for spending time together. Of course, you need a pool deck to help keep dirt and debris out of the water, and to give you a place to lounge in the sun, but if your deck is in bad shape, it can detract from the experience of owning a pool in the first place. Pool deck repair in Eden Prairie can give you the means get back to using your pool regularly.

Potential Pool Deck Damage

When you think about it, your pool deck has to deal with a lot throughout the course of the year, more even than the pool itself. While your pool is covered during the harsh winter months, your deck is bare. It has to deal with scorching sunlight, freezing temperatures, snow and ice accumulations, rainfall and foot traffic. Over time, that takes its toll, leading to cracking, pitting, chipping and discoloration. Pool deck repair for Eden Prairie homeowners can transform that eyesore into something as elegant or festive as you like, and ensure that you’ve got a weatherproof surface that provides both safety for wet feet and a place to gather and soak up the sun.

Know Your Options

When it comes to pool deck repair, Eden Prairie residents have access to a range of different options. It doesn’t have to be boring and plain unless you want it to be. With the services of Concrete Coatings, you can transform that dull surface into something fun, colorful and lively. We offer a range of solutions that will both repair the cracks and chips in your deck and reinvent the look and feel. Not wild about the look of your deck? We can use stamping and staining techniques to give you the appearance and feel of any other material, from wood to brick and even cobblestone. Want something a bit more colorful? We offer staining and dying techniques to help you achieve a customized color, whether you want something bright and lively or something calm and soothing.

Pool deck repair in Eden Prairie is really as simple as choosing the right company and knowing your options. It’s more affordable than you think, and achieving a custom look has never been easier.

What Business Owners Should Know about Concrete Repair in Minneapolis

There are plenty of reasons that concrete is the world’s most frequently used building material, including its resilience and its affordability. However, despite its strength, concrete does age and if not properly maintained, it can age poorly. Cracks, chips, stains, pitting and worse are possible. The good news is that concrete repair for Minneapolis businesses can give you a brand new surface without the price tag that accompanies a new concrete slab. What should you know?

The Many Resurfacing Options

When it comes to concrete repair for Minneapolis businesses, there’s really only one process, although there’s a great deal of variation, too. The process is called resurfacing, and it generally involves cleaning and preparing the old concrete surface, and then applying a new coating atop it. This is an overlay – it’s a thin layer of concrete (often mixed with other materials), epoxy or a resin. It’s liquid when it’s applied, so it penetrates deeply into cracks, chips and pits, and then forms a smooth, unblemished surface above it. Concrete overlays are just as durable as new concrete, often more so.

Of course, you have plenty of resurfacing options when it comes to concrete repair in Minneapolis. Business owners aren’t limited to boring, gray, flat surfaces. In fact, there’s a wider range of options available than most realize.

Stamping – Stamping is the art of transforming the concrete overlay into different shapes or patterns. It can be used to give the overlay the look of another material, such as stone, brick, tile or wood. It can also be used to create geometric shapes in the material.

Staining and Dying – Staining and dying can be used either with stamping or on its own, and allow you to create stunning colors, and blends in the floor. Virtually any color and color combination can be created, and because the dyes and stains react differently with each floor, even two floors that use the same dyes will look completely different. It’s an ideal option for custom flooring.

Polishing – Polishing can be done with staining and dying, or it can be done on standard concrete. It results in a mirror-like finish and a surface completely impervious to moisture, dirt and stains. It’s an ideal solution for a wide range of needs, particularly where ease of cleaning is necessary.

Concrete repair for Minneapolis businesses gives you plenty of options – Concrete Coatings can help ensure you get the professional quality you deserve.