4 Myths (and the Truth) about Caring for Concrete Floors

Concrete is a worthwhile option for homeowners and commercial property owners looking for new flooring options. Concrete floors, of course! Due to today's solutions and techniques, this material is highly adaptable and attractive for a wide range of applications, including flooring.

What's holding you back from investing in concrete floors? This low-maintenance, long-lasting option may have a few misconceptions about its versatility and appeal. Concrete is well worth investing in for your floor surfaces for a number of reasons. At Cloud Concrete, our Concrete contractors Seattle WA are always committed to giving our best because customer satisfaction is very important to maintain our goodwill. Our Concrete services and repairs are available for both domestic and commercial customers.

Concrete: What people don't know

The reason property owners don't give concrete enough credit is that they make some misconceptions about its capabilities.

Is there a myth about this material that you have believed in the past?

Myth #1: Concrete is just cement gilded up

Considering concrete and cement to be the same thing? Don't believe it! Unlike cement, which binds materials together (such as bricks or stones), concrete is much more than that.

All sorts of durable surfaces can be built with concrete, which consists of gravel, sand, and crushed stone. You can actually customize it to create a unique look for your flooring by using various types of stones.

Myth #2: Concrete will crack eventually

Concrete can crack, but there are ways to reduce its likelihood. The area where the floors are to be laid will be assessed and leveled out by a reliable, knowledgeable concrete company.

As soil expands and contracts, buildings also settle and shift, resulting in cracked concrete. Depending on your circumstances, there are solutions - from crack-filling sealants to a whole new pour.

Myth #3: Special treatment isn't necessary for concrete

Concrete surfaces don't need to be maintained once they've been poured and hardened, according to some property owners. That's not true. Concrete needs to be cared for just like any other material.

Concrete flooring lasts longer and requires less maintenance than other flooring materials because it is more durable. Linoleum wears down faster than wood and doesn't rot like wood.

Concrete's life can be extended by sweeping and mopping dirt rather than constantly polishing, staining, and replacing broken parts. Stains can be removed with gentle cleansers.

Myth #4: Concrete floors are all the same

Concrete and additives can be used to create different types of flooring. The sealant and finish can also be applied in many ways.

Take time to learn about your concrete flooring's specific maintenance needs as you plan to care for your floors. Your concrete surfaces will perform better if you use the right treatments for your unique property.

How to Take Care of Concrete Floors

Let's talk about how to ensure your concrete floors last the longest now that you know the myths property owners fall prey to when it comes to concrete maintenance. For simple, effective upkeep, follow these steps:

1. Every day, tidy up gently

As with any material, concrete requires care just as much as any other. Regular cleaning, however, makes maintenance easier.

Keep your concrete floors clean by sweeping them daily to prevent scratches and stains.
Immediately clean up spills.
Avoid tracking in ice-melt (which bores into concrete).
Concrete floors should be cleaned using environmentally friendly cleaners.

2. Once or twice a year, polish

It is inevitable that your concrete flooring will lose its attractive sheen over time. Work with a concrete polishing company experienced in handling concrete to solve this problem.

Select a cleaning company with the right expertise and equipment.
Ask your concrete installer (like us!) for recommendations on how to properly polish your floors.

3. Every four to seven years, apply sealant and refurbish

Concrete can be damaged by heavy foot traffic, which wears away the protective finish. Minor scratches can be smoothed out with a fresh coat of sealant.

To be effective, sealant applications require expertise and proper technique.
Concrete companies (like ours) can handle this care professionally with special equipment.

Concrete Flooring Benefits for Your Property

From commercial buildings to creative residential properties, concrete floors are attractive and easy to maintain.

We at Cloud Concrete will be happy to assess your property and provide a clear proposal for concrete pouring services in the Seattle area.

The Risks of Doing It Yourself When Pouring Concrete Patios

You're ready to make this summer the year of outdoor fun in your backyard, and you've got your eye on a new concrete patio. When pouring concrete yourself, keep in mind the practical, aesthetic, and safety concerns that come with it.

Pouring concrete requires a great deal more knowledge and skill than other exterior projects. In order to avoid weakened concrete and an inevitable do-over, careful planning is required, as well as the proper materials and tools. A concrete patio should not be poured in the wrong way. Concrete contractors Seattle explain what to avoid when pouring concrete patios for safety reasons.

Being unprepared

Do-it-yourselfers are most likely to fail when pouring concrete if they do not prepare thoroughly. It's just the first step to pull out the shovel and clear a spot. Everything depends on whether that spot is ready to receive a ton of concrete.

Many DIYers are inexperienced and overlook many things, This includes not packing the soil with a plate compactor, not leveling the area properly, or not setting up forms for a smooth, even pour. Pouring concrete property involves a lot of steps.

Concrete not being enough

Underestimating the thickness of the concrete slab is another mistake homeowners make when pouring concrete patios. Concrete patios should have a minimum thickness of 4 inches to ensure safety. It may be necessary to have a 6- to 8-inch thickness if it will support heavy furniture or features. A 2- to 3-inch base of gravel, sand, or limestone is also required.

There is only one pour in the end. Don't be afraid to order slightly more than you need. You can always return extra bags if you have any.

Not knowing what concrete type to use

Concrete comes in literally thousands of types. For your patio, what kind of concrete will you use? Isn't it all the same? Actually, no.

Cement that sets quickly, cement that sets slowly, or cement that resists sulfates might be a good choice for you. Would blast furnace slag, high alumina, or air entraining be best? Cement serves a variety of purposes. You should keep in mind the importance of a strength of 4,000-4,500 psi (pounds per square inch) after a one-month cure.

Forms not being set up properly

Concrete forms are wooden frames into which fluid concrete can be poured. Until the wet concrete hardens and dries, these forms should hold it in place and maintain its proper shape.

Watertight joints are essential for preventing concrete from leaking out of forms. Additionally, they should be rigid enough to prevent concrete from bowing outwards. Concrete slabs perform better or worse depending on the formwork used. It is a recipe for disaster if you use a bad concrete form for a patio.

Ignoring the weather

Concrete pouring is best done on warm, dry days without rain. Weather forecasts that call for extremely hot temperatures, freezing temperatures, or rain are the worst times to pour concrete. This is why:

The curing process can be ruined by too hot weather that causes the cement to dry out too quickly. Concrete's strength is weakened if it's too cold. Any good concrete mix should not be mixed on a rainy day since the extra water interferes with the proper water-to-concrete ratio.

Sight-only mixing

Concrete mix water-to-cement ratios shouldn't be estimated. You will undermine the concrete's workability, setting time, strength, and durability if you don't strike this delicate balance. If you don't want to spend twice as much time and money, you only get one shot at this.

The concrete can crack if there is too much water in the mix, while too much cement can make it impossible to smooth out. The instructions for the mixture you choose should be understood and followed precisely.

Concrete overworked

Overworking concrete before the bleed water has risen to the surface traps too much water, weakening the slab and causing it to crack. In addition, too much fine material can settle near the surface, marring the appearance of the slab.

Choosing the wrong tools

When working with concrete, you must always use heavy-duty tools. Concrete slabs that are constructed with the wrong tools look shoddy.

Prepare the following tools before mixing concrete: a pressure washer, safety goggles, large wheelbarrow, an electric concrete mixer, a bull float for flattening the surface, a magnesium float for bumps, tools for creating the concrete form, gloves, buckets, a brush, an edger, an edger, a finishing trowel and gloves.

Inadequate safety precautions

Safety precautions should always be considered when undertaking a serious DIY project. Mixing and pouring concrete is a fairly safe process, but there are a few precautions you should take to remain safe. Make sure you wear long pants and sleeves. Wear safety glasses and earplugs. Wear rubber boots and gloves that are alkali-resistant.

Working alone

It is impossible to pour and finish a concrete slab on your own. In order to avoid having to do it over, ask as many family members and friends as possible to help you. Make sure you have people present before you start the job.

Year-round enjoyment of a perfectly poured concrete patio

Call our professionals for a beautiful, smooth patio surface and avoid the stress of home improvement. Choosing a tint or stamp decoration will create a stunning, low-maintenance design you'll love. Get a free consultation from Cloud Concrete in Seattle WA.