A bare concrete floor below grade can create an unsuitably damp environment. Above grade, a bare concrete floor will generate particles, likely contributing to constant contamination and poor air quality. That's why concrete is almost always sealed.
If you are pouring concrete floors in any type of warehouse or heavy commercial setting, leaving them bare is asking for trouble. Vehicle traffic, chemicals, temperature changes, and other common industrial impacts can quickly damage bare concrete floors. If appearances are a concern, bare concrete is the wrong choice.
When you leave your concrete warehouse floors unsealed, the concrete will produce flecks of concrete dust that can coat machinery, create a dirty work environment, wreck havoc on manufacturing, and even cause health issues. It's simply unavoidable and a very real issue unless you seal the floors.
Porous by nature, unfinished concrete often retains dirt, debris, and other contaminants as touched on above. In addition to these impurities, unfinished concrete may also hold unwanted moisture - especially in basement settings.
Plain concrete slabs have served as the flooring material for basements, garages, patios, and utility areas for many years, but concrete is now also a viable material in home interiors, where it can be polished, etched, or stained to serve as the finished flooring surface.
Covering your concrete basement floor with a different material can be detrimental to its longevity and condition. This is because the concrete needs exposure to air in order for it to breathe properly.
Cons of Concrete Floors
Hardness: There's no denying that concrete is hard underfoot, a quality that some find uncomfortable. It's also unforgiving — a dropped glass definitely won't survive — and it may be a concern if there are small children or elderly folks in the household. Area rugs can help alleviate concerns.
The hardening, or curing, continues as long as moisture remains in the concrete. If too much water is lost from the concrete through evaporation, the hardening process slows down or ceases.
You can pour slabs in sections, you just need to pin them together with rebar so that they stay in alignment. This is how concrete road surfaces are done.
If the moisture is lost too quickly from the concrete, it could lead to the development of cracks and loss of strength. Ideally, you should keep the concrete damp until it becomes strong enough to resist cracking and acquires a sufficient level of toughness.
No matter if your concrete flooring is in your office, domestic kitchen, living area, or commercial space, it needs to be sealed properly. In this article we will be discussing concrete flooring sealers, what they are, how they work, and why they are so important.
If the concrete is still fresh (around 2-4 hours after pouring), it's important to cover the surface to protect it.
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio.
For large scale projects like buildings, concrete should last up to 100 years if it's properly cared for. Concrete projects that experience more wear-and-tear like sidewalks and driveways have an expected lifespan of about half that—50 years.
A pH-neutral cleaner is always a good option for a final cleanse or to routinely mop with. No matter what is used to clean, it's crucial to allow the unsealed concrete to fully dry.
Moist curing is a common method of concrete curing. It involves wetting the concrete slab often with water (5-7 times per day) for the first 7 days. This method ensures your concrete slab will be extremely strong and durable, because it allows the moisture to evaporate slowly, preventing cracks and shrinks.
DO spray new concrete with water. One of the most common methods for curing concrete is to hose it down frequently with water—five to 10 times per day, or as often as you can—for the first seven days. Known as “moist curing,” this allows the moisture in the concrete to evaporate slowly.
Your concrete should be solid enough to walk on, without leaving footprints, after anything from 24 to 48 hours. By seven days, your concrete should be cured to at least 70 percent of its full strength.
Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.
How long does four to six inches of concrete take to cure? As stated previously, concrete takes approximately 26-30 days to reach its full strength. If the concrete is professionally poured and floated, the curing process should be sound and ensure proper hardening of the concrete base.
You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on your freshly poured concrete. However, make sure not to drag your feet, twist around on it, or let your pets with claws walk on it until later. Bikes, toys, and skateboards should also be kept away from the driveway.
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.
Cracking is one of the most common issues regarding concrete. If your concrete is cracking outside of the control joints—joints intentionally placed in concrete to control cracking—don't be alarmed.