Concrete Flooring: Selecting the Best Coating
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world for a number of reasons. It can It can be formed into different shapes, it’s very durable and it requires little maintenance to withstand damage from ultraviolet radiation (UV), mold or insects. It’s non-combustible, strong and it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other building materials.
What Is Concrete?
While the words “cement” and “concrete” are often used interchangeably, they are different. Concrete is a blend of cement, water and coarse and fine aggregate. When these components are mixed together at the proper ratios, a chemical reaction takes place. Water reacts with the cement particles to form a paste that binds the blended aggregates together to form a stone-like substance.
Why Does It Need to Be Coated?
Using polymeric coatings or additives or even latex paint can significantly improve the durability, adhesion or appearance of concrete. Mistakes in the selection of coatings can lead to catastrophic (and very, very expensive) coating failure. Coatings are also a good idea for decorative options.
What Are the Best Coatings?
Epoxy floor coating systems make concrete more wear- and chemical-resistant. They can also dramatically alter the look of concrete, as they’re available in a wide variety of color options, and can be accented with decorative quartz or multicolored chips to emulate the look of granite or other more expensive building materials. Metallic epoxy coatings can give concrete a “gilded” appearance, emulating gold, silver, copper and bronze and giving floors a more classic and updated appearance.
Coatings Help Hide Stains
For concrete surfaces such as garages, epoxy coatings can help hide oil and grease stains and spruce up the look of the floor. (This is particularly compelling if you’re converting a garage to living space, for example).
Consult the Professionals
Elite Concrete Systems, a division of Asolare LLC, can provide you with custom solutions to all of your decorative concrete and epoxy flooring needs. From exterior decorative concrete finishes and surface restorations of existing concrete to beautiful, unique, and affordable interior flooring alternatives, we have an option that is perfect for your home or business. Contact us for more information.