Concrete Floor Sealers 101

Concrete is a very porous material. Leaving it unsealed makes it vulnerable to damaging elements such as water, vapor, gas, dirt, and more. If any of these would seep into the slab, the concrete could weaken and disintegrate. If you want your concrete floors to stay appealing and functional, sealing it is a necessity. To achieve success, you must first know which of the many concrete sealers in the world would be appropriate for your floor.

Two Types of Concrete Sealers

• Topical

When we say topical, it means it is applied at the top of the concrete slab and stays there. Topical sealers need to be applied on dry, well-cleaned surfaces to increase proper adhesion. These are great for adding shine and protection on concrete floors. This is more ideal for interior floors where damaging elements are few. It would be ideal to reseal every year or so to maintain protection and shine.

• Penetrating

This type of sealer penetrate past the surface and into the slab. This requires a professional install because the sealer must be appropriate for the substrate porosity of your specific floor. It should be match for the sealer to penetrate the slab efficiently. Because it embeds itself deep into the slab, this usually lasts about 5 years or more.

Common Concrete Sealers Used Today

• Acrylic

This type of concrete sealing agent is the easiest and most affordable today. It comes in water and solvent-based types and can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces to enhance shine and prevent scuffs and ugly stains. Although it has a thin consistency, it is durable enough to protect the slab from moisture absorption. However, it is also its thinness that makes it wear out easily.

• Epoxy

Epoxy is a two-part material that is highly durable and resistant to most types of damage. This, however, is best used indoors because it has a high sensitivity to UV rays, causing it to discolor to a yellowish hue. This is often used on garage, basement, and commercial floors.

• Polyurethane

Polyurethane sealers are applied twice as thick as an acrylic type. It provides more protection and is resistant to abrasion and impact. This can be used both indoors and out and it also comes in both water-based and solvent-based form. This needs to be installed on dry concrete surfaces. Any presence of water or moisture will make it adhere poorly.

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From Dull to Wow: 5 Driveway Transformation Ideas

The driveway is an important part of any property, be it a residential or commercial type. Not only does it serves as a means of getting and out of the property in a car, it also plays a huge role in creating a good first impression. A well-designed concrete driveway needs to also be durable, functional, and safe. Here are some cool ideas in transforming the driveway from disgusting to mind-blowing:

Stamped Concrete Driveway

Decorative concrete resurfacing is one of the most popular solutions to ugly, old, or slightly damaged driveways. Concrete stamping or stamped overlays are highly recommended for improving the look and function of an outdoor space. It features a broad range of patterns and designs for property owners to choose from. A set of stamps in the chosen pattern is stamped on a newly-poured slab or on a concrete overlay. Depending on the pattern, it is stained to acquire the desired look.

Illuminate the Way

Instead of opting for the traditional lamp posts, why not get creative lighting features? One of the newest trends is pen lights on either side of the driveway, but instead of installing them facing upwards, install them pointing towards the driveway. Install the lights alternately so that the light kind of creates a zigzag pattern at night.

Personalize the Driveway

Professional concrete contractors can apply decorative patterns, images, graphics, or house numbers on the driveway with coloring agents. You can have an intricate pattern on the driveway or the number of your house, making it easier for mailmen to identify.

Add Plants

Plants are always reliable decorative elements. Line either side of the driveway with potted plants to make it attractive and refreshing to look at. You may also use succulents on islands or curves. Opt for plants that require minimal maintenance and those that can withstand direct exposure to sunlight.

Accessorize

Even the smallest details matter, even on a driveway. Put some low fencing on either side of the driveway. It can be wrought iron, wood, stone slabs, or small pebbles. Some homes spray their pebbles with glow-in-the-dark paint to make them glow in the evening. This makes the driveway a lot more interesting while providing the right illumination to guide the driver. You may also add a gate, an arch, or a trellis on the entrance of the driveway. These make the property look more distinguished and valuable.

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Leave Your Concrete Resurfacing Project to the Experts: Here’s Why!

Oftentimes, do-it-yourselfers become pretty fearless. They tend to think that they could do anything and all they need is a “for dummies” book and a video tutorial. However, there are projects that are better left to the pros. Decorative concrete, for example, will turn out better and quicker if done by an expert. Here are other good reasons why you should just sit back, relax, and let a pro handle it.

They Know Better

Licensed contractors are highly-trained specifically for concrete work. If someone knows about concrete, foundations, footings, curing, mixing, and reinforcements, it is the concrete contractor. Because they have in-depth knowledge of stained concrete and epoxy flooring, to name a few, they commit zero to very minimal mistakes. They also have more experience in resurfacing concrete patios, driveways, pool decks, walkways, and more.

They are Skilled and Equipped

Experienced contractors underwent training and certification to do concrete work effectively. They have the proper tools and equipment needed to yield great results. Plus, they are also trained to use such tools and equipment efficiently. They are trained to replicate patterns for a stamped concrete overlay project. They are also trained to use a hopper gun and a trowel to acquire a quality spray knockdown finish.

Their Work Comes with a Warranty

When doing a DIY, there is only a self-proclaimed guarantee to oneself that the project will turn out good. If it does not, then you would have to redo everything, still with no guarantee that it will be better this time. A licensed pro provides a written warranty that in case it does not work as it should, they will come back and fix it at no extra costs. Some are so good that they won’t have to come back and do repairs because the first job was already perfect.

More Cost-Effective

One of the reasons why property owners opt for a DIY is that it will help save money. This is the biggest misconception of all. A DIY actually demands more from you. Imagine the amount of money, time, and energy you have to invest to acquire resurface floors that are not yet guaranteed to be perfectly installed. Hiring a pro, you get to spend time with family and other important matters. You also spare yourself from exhaustion and the body pain caused by strenuous concrete work.

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5 Ways to Have a Summer-ready Pool Deck

Summer is coming. What better way to enjoy the season than to hang out in the pool area? The climate provides the best setup for taking long dips and swims, even at night. The pool, however, may not be as ready as you are for Summer. So, how to go about having a Summer-ready pool deck?

Clean the Water

It is important for homeowners to have pool covers to keep the water clean until it is ready for use again. If your pool doesn’t have one, chances are the water is filled with leaves and what nots that the wind might have blown in so might as well drain and fill it with new water. For covered pools, make sure to clean the water before use. You can do this yourself or you can hire a professional pool cleaner.

Balance the Chemicals

Most pools require chlorine to keep the water sanitary and to balance the pH level. If you are not experienced with this, have a pro do it for you. The amount of chlorine should be appropriate for the amount of water the pool has. If not, swimmers could acquire illnesses from exposure to the chemical.

Do Repairs on the Pool Deck

Take a walk around the pool deck and check for damage. Even the smallest crack or hole can be hurtful underfoot. Don’t worry, there is no need to replace the concrete pool deck. Just have spray knockdown finish installed on it. A knockdown finish covers up minor damage and gives the pool deck a brand new surface. The knockdown texture on concrete makes the surface slip-resistant and cooler to the touch. Besides, a spray-down concrete resurfacing procedure is more economical than replacing the whole deck.

Prepare for Danger

Make sure you have a first-aid kit accessible from the pool area. People are prone to slips and falls so pool deck texture coatings would be a highly recommended addition to the pool deck. A spray texture increases traction, making the pool deck slip-resistant. If you have kids, make sure to have at least one adult watching over them.

Take Out the Summer Toys

Pool fun isn’t complete without summer toys. But make sure that the toys you include are those made specifically for pool use. You may have swim rings, inflatable beach balls, and stuff like that. It is also important to check if the inflatable toys are not leaking air out. Kids in swim rings that deflate are exposed to the dangers of drowning.

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Garage Floors Nashville, TN | (615) 822-7134

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5 Versatile and Organized Garage Workshop Ideas

A garage’s purpose is not solely to house the car when not in use. It is also an ideal spot for a workshop, whether your passion is woodwork, mechanics, or handicrafts. From the garage flooring up to the walls, what can be done to make it a versatile and organized workshop? Here are 5 cool ideas you should take advantage of:

1. Wheels

Wheels make almost anything portable. Attach chair casters, the type of wheels you find under swivel chairs, under heavy tool boxes, organizers, cabinets, or equipment that you use a lot. This way, you can have easy access to any tool you need without having to go back and forth. Make sure to apply concrete sealers on the floor to protect it from scratches and wheel marks.

2. Epoxy Flooring

Believe it or not, garage floors play a huge role in making the room look organized. Messy, stained, and damaged floors will make a room look messy, no matter how every single item is placed in its rightful spot. The epoxy coating can be applied on existing concrete floors, giving it a more durable, damage-resistant surface that can be customized to your liking. Epoxy floors are easier to clean and maintain, too. This way, you get to spend more time doing your work rather than spending countless hours cleaning the floor.

3. Pegboard

This type of wall organizer is very versatile. The holes allow you to customize where you attach hooks and what not. Unlike pre-made organizers or containers which have fixed spaces for stuff, a pegboard gives you the freedom to make use of all available space efficiently. You may also want outline an item, scissors for example, on the pegboard to give anyone an idea where it belongs on the wall.

4. Foldaway Workbench

A workbench is a very important element in any workshop. To prevent it from eating up too much space in the garage, why not make it a foldaway? This is often connected to a wall and then just pulled and propped up when it is needed. It easily folds and lays flat against the wall when not in use, freeing up much-needed space especially in small garages. Just make sure that the foldaway workbench is durable enough to stay upright when in use. Put a locking mechanism to keep it up or down when it needs to be.

5. Labels

Whether these are pieces of paper and tape or pre-made label stickers, these are extremely helpful in making a garage workshop versatile and organized. Make sure that the font used is large and clear enough to make it easy to read. Labels help make it easier to find items and to put them back where they belong.

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Concrete Patio Nashville, TN (615) 822-7134

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