Everyone is looking to get the most value out of the things they spend their money on. Flooring is no exception. This is one of the reasons why concrete is such a popular option for flooring; it provides a great value. Not only is it strong and supportive, but it lasts a long time.

In fact, a concrete floor can last over a hundred years when properly taken care of.

However, you can’t simply ignore you concrete flooring and expect it to maintain a pristine appearance. Concrete is considered low maintenance, but it is not maintenance free. To truly get the full value out of your concrete, here are a few things you should do.

General Concrete Maintenance

Like anything else, concrete should be cleaned periodically. This doesn’t just apply to interior concrete but exterior concrete as well. Regularly sweep you concrete to remove dust and debris. For interior concrete, you should also mop it from time to time. For exterior concrete. It’s good to power wash it once a year.

However, you should be careful on how much pressure you use. Blasting your concrete with too much pressure can damage the surface.

If anything is spilled on your concrete, you should clean it immediately. Concrete is very porous, and darker liquids and chemicals can stain the surface if they’re not taken care of. Additionally, you should avoid salt and deicer compounds if possible. These products can cause ice to melt and seep into the surface of your concrete only to refreeze, causing damage. They also tend to contain corrosive chemicals that can damage the surface of the concrete.

Concrete Repair and Resurfacing

As concrete settles and the ground beneath it shifts, some cracking can start to occur. Though a little cracking is natural, excess cracking can become a problem. Thankfully, this can be addressed. If the cracks are small enough, they can be filled and repaired. Though concrete crack repair doesn’t completely restore the appearance of your concrete, it can prevent the cracks from getting worse while leaving you with a smooth surface.

For more aggressive cracks and notable surface damage, concrete resurfacing might be a better option. Concrete resurfacing uses a special compound that goes right over the existing concrete foundation. It bonds with surface, creating a cohesive, like-new finish.

Concrete resurfacer can also be stamped and sealed, allowing you to add a fresh design to your flooring.

Sealing or Coating

If you really want to get the most out of your concrete flooring, you should consider finishing them with either a sealer or an epoxy coating. Applying a sealant or an epoxy coating not only extends the life of your concrete, but it also improves its appearance. Which option you should choose depends on your situation.

Concrete sealer penetrates the surface of the concrete, filling in pours and making the surface more resistant to moisture. Concrete sealer can be utilized with concrete staining and concrete stamping, creating a beautiful and unique finish. Concrete sealer can be used just about anywhere including kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, patios, gardens, driveways, and more.

Epoxy coating, on the other hand, uses a resinous compound that creates a new, strong layer on top of your concrete.  Like sealer, it can also be used with staining materials, and it can be used on stamped concrete. Epoxy coating is generally a little thicker and tougher, making it great for garages, showrooms, office buildings, and more.

Though epoxy coating by itself is glossy and slippery when wet, additives can be put in the mixture to change this.

Whichever option you choose, it’s best to utilize a professional.  Staining, sealing, and coating all involve complex chemicals that can cause a lot of headaches if they’re not applied correctly. The good news is, even with professional installation, concrete finishing is surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider how it lasts.

For concrete staining, epoxy coating, concrete repair, and concrete resurfacing in Ohio, contact Select Flooring Systems today!