Sealers for acid-stained concrete are thick, dense, and hard, making it very difficult for the untrimmed claws of even the heaviest dogs, and most active cats, to penetrate or do any damage at all.
Spread The Love! Concrete floors that are stained and sealed don't just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you don't take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time.
Concrete floors, stained with nontoxic pigments, do not release VOCs that can be harmful to you as well as your pets. 5) They are scratch resistant.
In 2021, the average cost to refinish a hardwood floor is between $6 and $8 per square foot. Polished concrete floors don't scratch from pet claws or require frequent maintenance, so there's no flooring repair cost when selling a house or turning over a rental property.
Polished concrete floors are not bad for dogs. Concrete is a durable material that's resistant to scratches and moisture, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also doesn't retain odors, stains, or pet dander, and is uninhabitable for fleas and mites.
It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch. Life-Span. A properly installed, sealed and maintained polished concrete floor can be expected to last a hundred years or more in even the harshest commercial environments.
Concrete is actually porous like a sponge. If liquid is allowed to sit for a period of time, it will absorb most anything. This is why it's hard to get stains out of concrete. When urine is introduced to concrete and allowed to dry, the uric acid crystals present in urine bond tightly to the concrete.
Harsh liquids such as solvents, soft drinks, vinegar or corrosive acid based liquids may eat away at the floor's protective finish. Left untreated, these liquids will continue to damage the floor even after the affected spots feel dry to the touch.
Generally speaking, the disadvantages of polished concrete floors are very few. They involve things like discoloration, stains that are deeply embedded in the concrete, or imprints made when the concrete slab was initially poured.
So generally speaking, your polished concrete should not get stained easily. But please keep in mind that when spills occur, the more quickly you clean up the spills, the less likely the spills are to stain your floor.
Cons of Outdoor Concrete Staining
Transparent: The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. DIY is not easy: Staining concrete is the not the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior. Using a professional contractor ensure best results.
Stained concrete can be an excellent choice for your residential house. Due to light foot traffic experienced in residential stained floors, a simple cleaning may renew their fresh look for many years.
Stains are effective in restoring glaze to dull, shabby concrete surfaces. Slabs with none to minimal cracks, blemishes, and other flaws are ideal for staining. Stains enhance the appearance of the surface; they don't conceal defects.
Depending on the concrete sealer used, it's usually recommended to seal the concrete every couple of years to keep the color from fading. If you choose a high-quality concrete stain and sealer, you may be able to shorten the period between resealing to every 3-5 years.
An attractive and expertly finished garage floor can greatly improve the aesthetics of your home's interior and add to the overall appeal. It not only increases the functionality of your property but also maximizes the resale value when you decide to sell your home someday down the road.
When properly designed and installed, acid-stained concrete and decorative concrete overlays are almost completely unaffected by water.
Getting concrete floor coatings or a decorative concrete overlay is not a luxury – it's an investment that can pay off over time. Not only will the investment improve your enjoyment of the home and reduce your maintenance, but it will also improve the value of your home.
Mechanically polished concrete can last up to 10-12 years without any major maintenance if it is appropriately installed and maintained during that time.
Discoloration – Moisture can cause discoloration of stained, decorative concrete. In unsightly contrast could be the result of excess water. It is not uncommon for moisture to produce lighter or darker variations of a selected color.
Although a polished concrete floor isn't a “No-maintenance” flooring option, they are certainly “low-maintenance.” That's why when it comes to teaching new clients how to maintain a polished concrete floor that's installed in their home or business, we typically offer the following advice.
Concrete is porous. When urine lands on a concrete area, it bonds tightly to the concrete as it dries, penetrating deep within its pores. This can make odor removal particularly difficult. That terrible stench lingers long after the liquid has been absorbed, and can last months unless treated properly.
So, a non-breathable coating like Poly Shine or Sweet & Easy Sealer can also be used to prevent urine smell by not allowing any liquids to penetrate due to their hydrophobic nature. These sealers leave the concrete with a beautiful finished look.