What Are Some Tips When Laying A New Concrete Floor?
Concrete floors are great because they last forever and look amazing. They also require very little maintenance. But there are things you should know before starting the project.
Concrete is a strong, durable material that has been around since ancient times. In modern days, concrete is used for building roads, bridges, sidewalks, buildings, etc.
There are several ways to lay a concrete floor. The method you choose depends on the type of concrete surface you want to create. For example, if you want to install a tile or stone floor, you’ll need to use a grout sealant. On the other hand, if you want to lay a wood floor, you’ll need a special adhesive.
In this article, we will discuss some tips when laying a new concrete floor. We hope these tips help you with your next concrete flooring project.
- Choose a good quality concrete mix
The first thing you have to do is choose a good quality concrete mix. This means choosing a mixture that’s right for your specific needs. You can find different types of concrete mixes at home improvement stores.
- Mix the concrete properly
The second step in laying a concrete floor is mixing it correctly. If you don’t mix it properly, you won’t get the desired results. To make
- Use a trowel
After mixing the concrete, you’ll need to spread it out using a scoop. Make sure you use a scoop that’s made specifically for concrete. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have as long as you use the correct tool.
- Wait for the concrete to dry
Once you’ve pre-mixed the concrete and applied it to the area where you plan to lay it, wait until it dries completely. This usually takes about 24 hours. After that time, you can start applying the floor finishing touches.
- Apply the final coat
Once the concrete has dried, apply one more coat. This helps give the concrete its final shine.
- Let it cure
You’ll need to let the concrete cure for at least 48 hours after applying the final coat. During this period, the concrete will harden and become stronger.
- Clean up
When you’re done, clean up any leftover concrete debris. Also, sweep away any dirt or dust from the area.
- Seal the concrete
You may not think of sealing concrete as something important, but it actually makes a big difference. Sealing the concrete prevents moisture from getting into the pores of the concrete. Moisture causes cracking and peeling.
- Finish the floor
If you want to add additional features like tiles or stones, you’ll need to finish the floor. This involves adding a layer of mortar between the concrete and the feature. Once the mortar sets, you can begin installing the feature.
- Add colour
Adding colour to your concrete floor is an easy way to change the appearance of the room. There are many colours available, including white, black, grey, blue, red, green, brown, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and more.
- Consider the environment
Before you start laying down the concrete, consider what kind of environment the concrete will be exposed to. For example, if the concrete will be used outdoors, you should take precautions to prevent water damage.
- Keep the concrete clean
It’s essential to keep the concrete clean to look great. Sweep away any dirt or dust before applying the final coat.
- Avoid cracks
Cracks can appear on concrete floors over time. They can also occur during construction. To avoid them, install expansion joints around the perimeter of the room. These allow the concrete to expand without breaking.
- Don’t walk on the floor
Walking on a freshly laid concrete floor can cause damage. Instead, use rubber mats or non-slip pads.
- Be patient
Laying on new concrete floors isn’t always easy. But with proper preparation and planning, you can create a beautiful and durable polished concrete floor.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a gorgeous concrete floor.
What should we expect after concrete floor installation?
- The first few days
The first day or two after concrete installation is when you see the most activity. You might notice some minor imperfections such as unevenness or small cracks. However, don’t worry too much about these issues because they will disappear within a few weeks.
- After a month
After a month, you’ll notice that the concrete looks even better than it did right after installation. It will have hardened and set completely. At this point, you’ll no longer need to seal the concrete.
- After 2 years
After 2 years, the concrete will still look good. However, you shouldn’t expect it to last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to reseal the concrete.
How do I maintain my concrete floor?
- Regular cleaning
To remove stains and other impurities, just wipe off the floor with a damp cloth.
- Waterproofing
Concrete needs regular waterproofing so that it doesn’t get damaged by rainwater. Use a quality waterproofer for this purpose.
- Resealing
Over time, the concrete will lose its shine. So, it’s best to reseal the concrete every 5 to 10 years.
- Sealing
You can easily seal the concrete yourself using a concrete sealant. Simply apply the product directly onto the concrete and wait for it to dry. If you’re not sure how to properly care for your concrete floor, ask someone who knows.
- Staining
For a more dramatic effect, you can stain your concrete floor. Many different types of stains are available. Choose one based on the type of floor you have.
- Moisture control
Moisture can cause problems for concrete floors. Make sure to use well-fitting doors and windows to reduce moisture from entering your home.
- Prevent cracking
If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are common, you should add insulation to your walls. This will help prevent cracks in the concrete.
- Wear shoes
When walking on cement, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that won’t slip.
- Sealants
Some concrete products include a sealant. These protect the concrete against water penetration.
- Cement replacement
If you notice that your concrete has started to crack, then it’s probably time to replace it.
What is concrete flooring made from?
Concrete is the most popular material used to build residential and commercial structures. Concrete is composed of Portland cement (the key ingredient), sand, gravel, stone aggregate, water, and admixtures.
There are many different types of concrete. Each type contains a different mix of ingredients. For instance, one type may contain less water while another contains more.
There are three main categories of concrete:
- Ready Mix Concrete
- Self Leveling Concrete
- Slab On Grade Concrete
Ready-mix concrete is also known as precast concrete. Precast concrete comes in various shapes and sizes.
The advantage of ready-mix concrete is that you don’t need any special equipment to install them. All you need is a mixer and a place to pour the concrete. You can mix the concrete according to the specifications provided by the supplier or you can customize the recipe.
Self-levelling concrete is similar to ready-mix concrete but instead of being poured into forms, self-levelling concrete is poured directly into the formwork. Self-levelling concrete requires a bit more skill than ready-mix concrete because you must be able to pour it without creating air pockets. Air pockets weaken the concrete and lead to structural defects.
Concrete slab on grade concrete is poured over the top of a prepared subgrade. It is usually installed during new construction or rehabilitation projects. Because it is poured over a prepared base, floor slab-on-grade concrete does not require any additional work after installation.
What are ways to prevent cracks from forming on your concrete floor?
Cracks appear when concrete expands and contracts due to changes in temperature. Cracking can occur if the floor is exposed to extreme heat or cold. In addition, cracking can develop if the concrete shrinks more than it expands. Cracks can also develop if there is an excessive movement within the concrete.
The best way to avoid these issues is to keep the concrete cool. To do this, you’ll want to insulate the wall studs with fibreglass batts or rigid foam board. If possible, try to install the insulation before pouring the concrete.
You can also use a product called “slip-resistant” tape to reduce the amount of movement between the concrete and the floor joists. Slip-resistant tape is available from most building supply stores.
These tips for concrete flooring will help make sure your floors last for years to come. Professional Polishing Corp will also provide you with quality concrete floor care services.
We offer professional cleaning and maintenance services for all kinds of floors including concrete polishing, tile, marble and etc. Our goal is to ensure our clients receive the highest level of service and satisfaction. You can contact us for more information about our concrete flooring services at 0481-216-083.