Concrete remains one of the cheapest and best building materials, especially for flooring. It can resist many stains, is very easy to maintain and clean. In the past, many people were reluctant to use concrete due to its unattractive appearance, but since the invention of decorative concrete, more people have been open to the idea of installing it on their residential and commercial buildings.
Regardless of the business type, shop floors need to look attractive while also being durable enough to accommodate the traffic of customers coming in every day. Using concrete can ensure that not only will your shop floors look gorgeous, they will also be strong and easy to maintain. This article provides information on everything you need to know while adding new concrete to shop floors.
Adding Concrete to your Shop Floors: Pros and Cons
Concrete floors are durable, thus they are best for areas where there will be a lot of heavy traffic. Unlike vinyl, ceramic or wooden floors that are susceptible to cracks and tears, concrete floors can withstand more stress without getting ruined. In addition, concrete floors require minimal maintenance, stains and dirt can easily be removed by sweeping and mopping. Thanks to innovative techniques, concrete can now look as attractive as other flooring options. It can be stained with the use of dyes, painted, and stamped to make it look much more attractive.
On the other hand, concrete is very hard. It is thus not a great option for shops where the elderly or little children frequent as falling on concrete can cause great injuries. In addition, concrete can collect and retain moisture from both beneath the slab and above it, this can cause paint to peel off and affect any other designs on the floor. This makes concrete a bad choice for areas where water and other liquids are likely to pour on it.
How to Add Concrete to Your Shop Floors
Below are steps to take while adding concrete to your shop floors:
- Remove old floor if applicable
- Using lumber strips, dam the area. This will help to keep concrete only where you want it
- Mix the Concrete using the appropriate measurements
- Pour the concrete
- Using a scraper, smooth out the concrete. Make sure every area has the same amount of concrete.
- Wait for the concrete to dry, then you can add decorations.
Tips to Consider When Adding Concrete to Your Shop Floor
The following are important tips to consider while adding concrete to your shop floors:
- Thickness: The thickness of your concrete slab varies according to the amount of stress it may have to withstand. A standard concrete for a mechanic’s garage should be about 6-8 inches thick
- DIY or Expert: It is advisable to hire the help of a professional while attempting to add concrete to your shop floor to ensure that it is done properly and for longevity
- Replace or Repair: If you already have a concrete floor, it is better to remove it completely and then install a new floor rather than just adding new concrete to the old one.
Conclusion
Concrete is likely the best option for shops especially due to its ability to withstand stress. Using appropriate techniques while laying concrete floors is important to fully ensure its benefits and although these benefits are many, there are also some disadvantages of using concrete floors. Contact Concrete Services Denver for more detailed information.
