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Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

Protecting concrete
A few of the best reasons for making use of concrete coatings include shielding a slab from deterioration, appearance, chemical resistance, non-skid performance, and ease of upkeep. No matter what sort of coating you choose, your concrete surface will need to be structurally sturdy and free from any contamination that can impact the ability of the coating to adhere to the concrete.

The next job is to determine which types of mistreatment your concrete will almost certainly be exposed to, since this will impact which kind of concrete coating will be most effective. A few of the major problems experienced by concrete include chemicals, abrasion, impact, and thermal shock. Additional aspects that could affect which kind of concrete coating is appropriate for you include appearance, installation requirements, and the expected life span of the surface.

You have many distinct options when it comes to installing a concrete coating. The most commonly used polymers are polyurethanes and epoxies. While each product possesses its own pros and cons, in general urethanes have a reputation of providing superb scrape and wear resistance, good luster preservation, and good resistance to both stains and chemicals. Epoxy concrete coatings will be solvent-free and work great for chemical and abrasion resistance. They can be a good pick for fixing cracks, for toppings, and for overlays. Newer formulations of concrete coatings are made from an epoxy urethane mixture which gives excellent thermal and stress reduction and excellent impact resistance. Once you have chosen the right material you will need to figure out the adequate thickness, which ranges from a thin covering to a complete topping. Additionally it is essential to settle on whether you want the floor to be attractive and if you desire a smooth or textured finish.

After assessing your budget you should be aware that often cheaper systems tend not to supply the kind of protection you will need and may wind up being more expensive in the long run. Care for your concrete and it will give you many years of enjoyment.

Concrete steps
Concrete steps can be the most efficient and cost-effective way of entering or leaving a multi-story home or building for the reason that they require the least amount of maintenance, and when they do crack, it is relatively inexpensive to fix them. You make them by initially building a frame out of wood, putting gravel in the filler space and then filling the wooden frame with concrete. Doing the work yourself will be uninteresting and exhaustive, but is a good skill to acquire. Tools and materials you will need to perform this job include a concrete mix, gravel, 2x4s and 1/2 inch plywood, an edge and a finishing trowel, a shovel, a tamper, a hammer, and cooking spray. You will also need a wheelbarrow to mix the concrete, or you may rent a portable cement mixer. To prevent potential hazards such as the buildup of water, which might create slippery or icy conditions, you will want to be sure the steps are leveled and surfaced correctly. They can be painted, although only certainkinds of paint must be used for this purpose, and therefore slip-proof paint is advisable.

Protecting your home’s concrete
The ideal concrete sealant agents are made of epoxy resins which water-proof the surfaces of driveways, patios, floors and even counter-tops. As soon as you see a minor crack in concrete anywhere on your property you should apply as many coats of sealant as necessary to protect it from any more damage. Large cracks in your home’s foundation may signal a more serious problem, in which case a sealer is inadequate and you need to bring in a professional. Epoxy resin sealers also make the surface of concrete easier to stay stain-free and make it simple to clean. You might need to put on a few coats of sealant and give it a week to dry, but after that you don’t have to worry about ongoing maintenance. If your house has a basement it is especially important to seal small cracks so that you can stop mold from getting a toe-hold in your house.