There are various options for finishing concrete floors and the primary functions are rendering superior aesthetics and protecting the concrete floor. For designers and homeowners, concrete floor finishes offer great benefits. The foremost benefit is design versatility. You may stain or color concrete floors in order to match up with any hue. When it comes to finishes, the finish can resemble slate, tile or marble. By using stenciled borders, you may boost the curb appeal of the finish. Choose medallions or custom graphics to add to the curb appeal. Floor finishes for concrete surface give you a chance to customize the floor.
Use of Concrete Material for Both Domestic and Commercial Purposes:
The use of concrete floor may be noticed in the trendy restaurants, retail stores, homes, and offices. No matter what kind of floor it is, concrete floor offers a look which no other flooring option can compete with.
- Although referred to as cement floors, the concrete floor need not be drab, dull and gray in color. You may apply textures or color the concrete floor to infuse a fresh lease of life into the floor.
- When you compare other flooring options, concrete floors are cost effective.
- The versatile construction material called concrete is used worldwide. It is used in a number of industrial, commercial and residential applications. Concrete has its own strength, but you can always enhance the beauty with concrete floor finishes.
What Is the Most Basic Kind of Concrete Finish?
Concrete finish is that smooth surface which is created with the help of trowels and screeds. When you place concrete material on the surface, concrete finisher uses screed in order to level up the surface. Screeds refer to a long piece of wood or metal which is pushed to the concrete surface to remove excessive concrete material from the surface. It also fills up the gap that remains in between.
The Process of Floating or Trowelling
After you tool the concrete with the help of a screed, the concrete finisher makes use of trowel to smooth up and finely level up the surface of the concrete. This kind of leveling may be attained either by mechanical means or manually also. If you want to level the surface manually, use a hand trowel constituting of a steel blade attached to the handle. You have to push and pull the trowel across the surface.
What Kind of Trowelling Needs to Be Used for A Commercial or Industrial Unit?
If it is a large commercial or industrial unit, you may use power trowel. In large spaces, it is not possible to level the surface manually. Power trowels do look like large fans carrying blades directly sitting against the concrete material.
The Need for Edging the Surface
The surface of the concrete is edged to reveal beveled or rounded edges. Edging also helps to create joints on the surface wherever needed. Edging can help in minimizing cracking. To use the edging tool proficiently, one needs to practice a bit. After this, broom finish is applied to make the surface of the concrete slip-resistant.
The Process of Concrete Colouring
Colours are added to the concrete material so that it fits the architecture of the structure. This may be done either by adding pigment or by post-curing staining. You may avail concrete pigments in liquid form. For a polished and glossy surface, one can opt for concrete polishing. It is not only slip-resistant but also it is easy to maintain.
It is important to use corrosion-inhibiting admixture to prevent the corrosion of rebars. Concrete reinforcing bars have the tendency to corrode when it comes in contact with moisture.
