How to improve the look of your garage floor
How To Improve the Look of Your Garage Floor
Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Atma
When we think about concrete floors we tend to remember Dad’s garage floor — all gray and boring except for the oil spills where the automobile was parked. But with some imagination and the use of modern treatments for concrete, it is now a glamorous alternative to other types of contemporary flooring.
Concrete Polished is a suitable product for all types of applications. Domestic uses include patios, external courtyards, entertainment areas, rumpus rooms and garages, while in the commercial arena the uses are almost endless. Showrooms, restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses and factories, instead of using the traditional tiles/carpet combination, are discovering the delights of glistening polished concrete floors.
What are the advantages over traditional flooring?
Concrete is already one of the most widely used building materials, and can be customized to suit any environment. Once concrete is polished many other advantages become evident. It is:
— Hard wearing.
— Resistant to heat, UV rays and discoloration from oil and hydraulic fluid spills, tyre marks etc.
— Abrasion resistant — especially useful in industrial applications.
— Light reflective, thus creating a light and bright environment for work or play.
— Dust resistant, making it essential flooring for asthmatics and hay fever sufferers.
— Glossy without being slippery.
— Easy to clean — no rugs, mats or carpets to store dust and dirt.
— Extremely low maintenance — concrete polished once, just clean and forget.
— Energy efficient. It is cool in summer as the concrete absorbs ground moisture, keeping it cool — during the winter months, once heated the thermal mass retains heat for longer periods than other surfaces such as tiles ot timber.
How is polished concrete made?
When you take normal concrete and apply a special finishing process which results in a glossy sheen this is called ‘Polished Concrete’.
How long does it take?
Depending on the size of the area, and the condition of the concrete, it takes 3 to 4 days for a typical domestic application. Getting a great result for the new polished concrete floor is a bit like getting a great result when painting a house. It all depends on the preparation, and if the concrete is in good condition, the first day may be taken up diamond grinding to expose stone or salt and pepper look. Over the next two days expect to see uv polyurethane top coats with non slip if required.
For some minor disruption to the usual routine, the reward on the final day will be a glorious polished concrete floor — gleaming, clean, easy to maintain, very long wearing. and be the envy of family, friends and neighbors alike.