Best Solutions for a Resistant Floor

Typically, a resistant floor is required in a garage, workshop, or industrial facility where there is significant traffic. If you are in the market for a floor like this, it is important to choose the materials wisely and to have the installation performed by a well-respected company, like Concrete Coatings Unlimited. That way, the finished project will look great and last for years.

Metallic Epoxy Coatings

Metallic coatings are great for producing a resistant floor. You can choose from different glistening patinas, giving your floor a gorgeous and one-of-a-kind aesthetic. The appearance can be further enhanced so the effects are heightened or made to look three-dimensional.

This flooring solution offers other benefits, such as being seamless, low odor, and insensitive to moisture, and low or no viscosity. Metallic epoxy also bonds well to properly prepared concrete surfaces. These floors are also used in homes and an array of business settings, including restaurants, retail shops, hair salons, hotels, and spas.

Best of all, this resistant floor is perfect for areas with high traffic because it wears incredibly well. Metallic epoxy is also impact, abrasion, and scratch resistant. With a small amount of care and maintenance, this resistant floor will provide you with years of outstanding service.

Concrete

Of course, there are other flooring options that offer resistant qualities. Concrete floors are also highly resistant. Whether choosing stamped, stenciled, polished, or some other decorative concrete solution, this material is naturally resistant to a number of things. The experts with Concrete Coatings Unlimited can apply unique formulas, making the floor’s surface nonslip or nonskid.

Concrete is resistant to UV rays, corrosion, and heat/cold. When properly sealed, concrete flooring is resistant to moisture, cracks, and scratches. For a resistant concrete floor, unique formulas can be applied that make it even more resistant to corrosion, acid and other chemicals, and cracks.

New Designs for Pool Deck Coatings

Regardless if you use your swimming pool just a few months out of the year or all year round, you want an outdoor space that is beautiful and inviting. One way to accomplish this is by hiring the experts with Concrete Coatings Unlimited to create the perfect design using pool deck coatings. For existing pools that are being revamped or new pool installations, the right coating will completely transform both the aesthetics and function.

With the right decorative concrete finish, you will use any excuse to be outdoors by the pool. In fact, you will enjoy the space more when gathering with family or entertaining friends. With such a broad range of designs for pool deck coatings, any look can be achieved.

One of the most popular pool deck coatings is a stamped overlay. This particular process offers all of the same aesthetic benefits as conventional stamped concrete. However, the overlay is applied over an existing surface. The result is a pool deck that looks like genuine slate, stone, brick, wood, or another natural material.

One of the new ideas in pool decks is to combine several stamps. Rather than have a pool deck designed to look like just one natural material, your contractor can use several stamps. For example, something that many people love consists of a single pattern for the primary area and then a second pattern to create a unique border effect. To further enhance the pool deck, an additional stamp can be used in the overlay around a connected spa.

Mixing and matching unexpected yet balanced colors has also become popular. Whether you want the experts at Concrete Coatings Unlimited to use stamped overlays, stenciling, or some other decorative process, take advantage of the exciting color options now available for pool deck coatings.

Trendy Ways to Upgrade an Old Concrete Floor

If you have an old concrete floor, there are some incredible ways that you can change the aesthetics. Rather than have the existing floor ripped out, you should consider some of the options that come with coatings. With so many possibilities, you can easily create the exact look you want.

Incredible Ideas for Your Old Concrete Floor

For a vibrant look, have a decorative coating applied to your old concrete floor. One option involves choosing a rich and sophisticated color. Regardless of the style of your home, such as old world charm, modern, rustic, and so on, you can have the floors in your home changed to a burnt orange, deep amber, or brown. This adds warmth that makes your home more inviting.

You might consider using two complementary colors. In this case, the primary area of the existing floor is one color while a second color is used to create a border. Because of the vast amount of options, you can achieve virtually any look. A floor with a complementary color combination is interesting and fresh.

A professional contractor can even create beautiful patterns and emblems. Depending on the size of the room, your personal preferences, and the space itself, a pattern can cover the entire old concrete floor or just a portion of it. Emblems look amazing in foyers and entryways. The exact emblem design, size, and color palette will depend on the same factors as for patterns. When finished, this trendy coating will impress your family and friends who come to visit.

Another popular option is to have a beautiful coating applied to an old concrete floor and then a coordinating color or pattern added to the front of steps leading from the flooring upstairs. Based on the look that you are going for, this can be subtle or bold. In either case, this coating option will set your home apart from similar homes in the neighborhood.

Health Benefits of Using Concrete as a Flooring Material

Specific to new concrete floors, most people focus on aesthetics. While appearance is important, as is functionality, there is something else that you should consider. Floors made of concrete offer numerous health benefits not associated with other flooring materials, such as carpeting, hardwood, and so on.

Top Health Benefits

Especially if there are people living in the home who struggle with allergies and/or asthma, a new concrete floor is the perfect solution. When properly installed and sealed, concrete is extremely easy to clean and maintain. For that reason, you would not have to mess with the buildup of dust and pollen. In addition, a concrete floor does not provide an environment where dust mites thrive. Concrete also does not trap allergens, helping eliminate allergy-related symptoms, like sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, and coughing.

Even the air quality in your home will improve with concrete flooring. When there is mold in a home, people experience headaches, respiratory infections, compromised immune systems, and more. Remember, mold thrives on organic material, like carpeting and hardwood, but not on concrete. Therefore, concrete flooring does not support mold growth.

One issue that you may not be aware of is that indoor air pollution ranks as one of the top five environmental dangers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you and your family spend a great deal of time indoors, everyone will be healthier overall by having concrete flooring instead of carpeting or hardwood.

Another health benefit has to do with mental attitude. It has been proven time that a bright room with a lot of natural light helps brighten a person’s outlook. Choosing the correct color or finish for your floor, such as polished concrete, will brighten the room and can make your family feel happier.

One additional health benefit has to do with having an energy-efficient radiant-in-floor heating system installed with your concrete floors. With this combination, there is less risk of people becoming sick due to cold rooms during the winter.

What Type of Sealant Offers the Best Protection for a Hotel Pool Deck in Minneapolis?

For hotels to attract customers, they offer an array of amenities, such as swimming pools. For this to be effective, Minneapolis hotel owners must keep the pools in pristine condition. To accomplish this, they can have the pool deck sealed.

With the right sealant, the deck will have an amazing aesthetic that makes the entire pool area far more inviting to hotel guests. However, there are other benefits. Because the sealant creates a protective layer, the pool deck will last for many years without showing wear and tear, even with excessive use and being exposed to direct sunlight and other environmental conditions.

One option for a hotel pool deck in Minneapolis is penetrating sealers. These include siloxanes, silanes, siliconates, and silicates. After penetrating the concrete, these sealers have a chemical reaction to the capillaries in the concrete. As a result, the invisible layer shields against certain chemicals. Being breathable, the sealant also protects against moisture penetration.

An acrylic sealant can also be used to protect a hotel pool deck in Minneapolis. Available in both water- and solvent-based formulations, acrylics are thin protective films that look great and require very little maintenance. Although a reputable contractor should do the work, acrylics are relatively easy to apply, and they typically dry within one hour. Both formulations are excellent choices, but for enhanced color, the solvent-based formulation is best.

A hotel pool deck in Minneapolis can be protected with polyurethanes, as well. In this case, a high-build protective film forms. Available in water- and solvent-based formulations, this sealant is preferred for pool decks that see significant foot traffic. In addition to resisting stains and scuffs, polyurethanes can be enhanced with stamped, colored, or exposed-aggregate concrete. Hotel owners also have a choice of different sheen levels based on the desired outcome.

Tips for Keeping Concrete Basement Floors Clean and Well-Maintained

Although concrete basement floors are not 100 percent maintenance free, they come close. When compared to other flooring systems, concrete floors are relatively easy to clean and maintain. For that reason, as well as the beautiful aesthetics and incredible design options, concrete has become an incredibly popular choice for basements.

Concrete basement floors need a quality sealant. With this protective layer, both the color and sheen will remain gorgeous. The sealant also protects against wear and tear, which extends the life of the floor. Specific to maintenance, you want to avoid designs that have sawcut patterns. The reason is that the narrow cuts are notorious for trapping dirt.

Polishing concrete basement floors is highly recommended. If you decide otherwise, at a minimum, the floors should be sealed. For an unpolished floor, a commercial-grade sealant formulated specifically for concrete will help protect against abrasions, dirt, and stains. For the areas with the greatest amount of foot traffic, throw rugs and mats will prolong the life of the floor.

Another tip for maintaining unpolished concrete basement floors is to always follow the schedule recommended by the contractor. Typically, all you need is a broom and wet mop. For extremely dirty and stained areas, you will need to use a cleaning solution that is approved by the manufacturer of the sealant or the contractor doing the installation. Unfortunately, harsh cleaners can do serious damage to the floors.

As far as cleaning polished concrete basement floors, the amount of work involved is minimal. The key to maintaining the aesthetics is to establish a maintenance regimen. Beyond a broom and damp mop, you might also consider a special cleaner and conditioner for polished floors. Not only will these special products thoroughly clean the surface, they produce a fine film that is resistant to dirt. If the sheen begins to fade, a commercial polishing compound works great.

Building a Hotel Pool Deck in Burnsville that Entices Customers

When a person is looking for a hotel, one of the first things he or she looks at is the pool. Potential guests want to know if it is indoor or outdoor, heated, and looks clean and attractive. Having a pool deck that Burnsville hotel guests find attractive can increase the number of guests that a hotel checks in. People will look at the rooms and the pool, and then they will check out the other amenities and nearby restaurants.

Pool Deck Styles

There are many different pool deck styles. No hotel is limited to the same style as all of the rest. Each hotel chain is known for its different design and brand. For instance, the design of the hotel pool may compliment a plain tan decking with some tile around the edges. If the hotel’s brand and design is something fancier, a style that mimics natural stone may be a great option. It is good to opt for a hotel pool deck that will coincide with the style of the hotel.

Pool Deck Safety

One thing that you can do to ensure the safety of the area is to have it coated to promote slip resistance. You can also have the surface textured. Your contractor can add a variety of textures to your pool deck and make it look great. The area doesn’t have to be completely flat or in flat slabs. There are different shapes and designs that you can opt for that help ensure everyone stays on their feet. This is important since most hotel pool areas are very wet and no lifeguards or hotel staff monitor the area. Most Burnsville hotel pools are “swim at your own risk” areas, which is why it is imperative to have a safe pool deck.

Creating a Stained Basement Floor in Bloomington That Your Kids Will Love

The basement can be a great place for the family to gather. It doesn’t have to be an area where you store the things that you don’t use. It also doesn’t have to have a drab floor, especially if you want to use the basement for more than just storage. A stained basement floor will add personality to the room and even make it brighter. When you have kids, it can make the basement a great place for them to play.

Many Color Options

When you opt for stained concrete, there are different color variations. You can go for a tiled look that uses two different colors every other tile. You can opt for one color or a two-tone effect that will stimulate their minds. A stained basement floor can also have lines and various patterns integrated into them. Concrete stains and dyes can be used together to create different shapes and patterns to make the floor fun. When you have children and you plan on using your basement a lot, it is good to make sure the floor is attractive and stimulating.

You Will Love It, Too

Another aspect of having a stained basement floor is that it will be easy to clean up spills and those messes that children make. This will make you love the floor as well because you can deal with the messiness and the floor will still look great. Because these floors can be protected with commercial grade sealer, the basement floor will last a long time no matter how rough your kids are on it. The coating is scratch resistant so that it lasts as long as possible. The color will continue to look great because of the fact the floor can withstand the abuses that kids can unleash on it. This is an ideal way to have a great floor without the worry that it will need to be overhauled in a couple of years.