Professional Answers You Can Rely On
Homeowners everywhere experience the beauty and functionality of residential concrete floors. We always get feedback on how amazed they are at the benefits this type of flooring provides. Even with all the praise, questions abound as to its practicality within the home. Aesthetically, they’re beautiful, but is it a long-term answer?
By understanding that residential concrete has several different polishes, stains, epoxy and other treatments that help give your indoor space tons of character, you can see that concrete is no longer just for garages.
We get asked many questions about appearance, performance, and maintenance of indoor concrete flooring surfaces. Below are a few of the common questions we get asked. These will help you decide if it is the right surface for your home.
Are They Cold and Damp?
Concrete floors are no colder than tile or natural stone floors. If you don’t like that temperature on your feet, opt to embedded radiant heating elements in the flooring. Sunlight through windows and glass doors also warms concrete floors.
When a concrete floor is insulated properly and has a well-drained subgrade foundational slab, there is no need to worry about dampness. Building codes in most areas require a vapor barrier that prevents moisture.
Are They Rough on Feet?
Some may think the surfaces of concrete floors are bumpy or abrasive when they are quite similar to ceramic tile floors. You can always lay area rugs for cushioning if you find them too hard.
Are They Slippery?
Let’s face it, MOST floors are slippery when wet, especially those with a high-gloss sealer. Before staining, add a non-slip additive to help. Also, keep your polished floors clean and dry. Concrete is just as safe as any flooring when it comes to slip-resistance.
Do They Have an Industrial Appearance?
When thinking of a garage floor, the answer to this question is emphatically yes! By getting rid of the ugly steel-gray and choosing earth-toned stains, your home will look warm and inviting. Brown is a very popular color choice.
Are They Noisy?
Just as hardwood, natural stone, or ceramic tile, concrete floors may cause an echo. To reduce the sound, use materials such as wall fabrics, area rugs, drapes, and pillows.
How Durable Are They?
Concrete surfaces are resistant to stains and scratches. With proper surface preparation and maintenance, they last for decades and are considered to be one of the most durable flooring materials.
Will They Crack?
As in ceramic tile, for instance, concrete can develop hairpin cracks. These concrete cracks however, can be hidden by using micro-toppings which create a smooth surface. Micro-toppings include staining, stenciling, or stamping. Depending on the look of your home, you may actually like the rustic look of cracks.
Are They Easy to Maintain?
The answer is YES! Maintenance needed depends on whether or not they are in high traffic areas. Again, protecting concrete with a high quality sealer and a coating of wax will help with abrasion and stain resistance along with chemical reaction.
Here at B & W Custom Concrete in Buffalo, NY we can help you make wise decisions when it comes to your next flooring project. Call or go online today for a free quote.