Is There a Difference Between Interior and Exterior Concrete?
There are very few building materials that offer the same level of durability, reliability, stability, and versatility, as concrete. For this reason, this commonly used material has been used for thousands of years by general contractors in Ohio for a multitude of applications.
Concrete can be used in both interior and exterior applications. Indeed, concrete holds up in many types of environments — that said, getting the most out of your concrete surfaces depends on understanding the differences between interior and exterior concrete usage.
In this post, we will go over the key differences to be aware of when using concrete both inside and outside your home.
The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Concrete
When you think concrete, your mind might immediately envision industrial flooring, garages, parking lots, and other commercial applications. These are all common uses for concrete, but really just the beginning.
Many times your home will be outfitted with a concrete lower-level floor and kitchens can have concrete countertops. Pool decks, walkways, patios, and more are all excellent locations to use concrete in a variety of ways.
Although concrete is extremely strong and durable when compared to almost any other building material, it does have its weaknesses. These weaknesses are usually exposed in certain environmental conditions.
Exterior Concrete
Exterior concrete is going to be more vulnerable to weather and regional climates. It will be exposed to rain, wind, temperature changes, pests, dirt, and debris.
Interior Concrete
Interior concrete comes with its own set of vulnerabilities. A concrete garage floor, for instance, must undergo pressure from large, heavy vehicles, and regular foot traffic which tracks in the dirt, dust, oil, and other debris. Concrete countertops are bound to experience their share of moisture, impact, and scratches as well.
Choosing The Right Coating For Concrete Location
The key to getting the most out of your concrete surfaces whether they are in your home or outside your home is choosing the right protective coating for its location. A quality concrete protective coating will act as a safeguard against the things that commonly damage concrete and will help it last for years to come.
These coatings and sealers penetrate the concrete’s pores, preventing moisture, debris, and other harmful contaminants from entering, expanding, and damaging the material.
There are various types of coating products available, and some are specifically designed for interior or exterior applications. These products differ in a number of ways, but the main distinction between indoor and outdoor coatings has to do with their resin, the ingredient that binds the pigment to the surface.
If you are ready to explore the countless ways concrete could enhance your exterior or interior living spaces, contact our team at Select Flooring Systems. Our flooring general contractors in Ohio have years of experience in concrete application both inside and outside your home and can help you get the most bang for your buck by making sure they are properly protected and will last for years to come.