If you’ve recently peeled back the carpet in your home, you might consider using the concrete underneath rather than adding a new flooring option. Concrete flooring is one of the most stylish options for modern homes, and it’s growing in popularity over time.
Concrete floors are loved because they’re incredibly durable and attractive. They go with just about any decor style, and the options for concrete finishing are practically limitless. But can your concrete floor be saved?
Read on for the best concrete floor restoration advice from our ACT Restoration team in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Examine the Floor for Spalling
Concrete floors can develop spalling – a condition when concrete breaks apart into smaller pieces. Spalling is a natural part of concrete aging and will happen to just about every concrete floor over time.
Many forces can cause spalling, including impact, weathering, friction, or even corrosion. If spalling occurs, the floor may be repairable with patches or restoration.
Look for Structural Breaks
If there’s a significant crack in your concrete, examining it is a good idea. Structural breaks in your concrete floor may mean the floor can’t be saved, but getting a professional opinion is always recommended.
In some cases, the floor can be saved by adding concrete to the damaged area.
Be On the Lookout for Glue
It’s not uncommon to find adhesive all over a concrete floor. At some point in the floor’s life, someone thought the carpet was better than concrete and used adhesive to cover the original floor.
If you’ve got glue on your floor, don’t despair. It might be tempting to think this means the floor can’t be used, but glue is a pretty common problem that our professionals can handle.
The three main adhesives that ACT Restoration will see on concrete floors include epoxy, carpet glue, and mastic. We start by scraping every bit off the floor using our equipment to remove the adhesives from your concrete floors. After that, we will use the wet-grind method on your floors to give them a shine.
Determine if the Floor Just Needs an Upgrade
Concrete floors are relatively easy to maintain, but even with the best care, they can lose their shine over time. If your concrete floors look dull, they must be polished and sealed. Or, if you’re ready for a change, consider adding a concrete stain or dye.
Either way, there are many benefits to exposed concrete flooring. Concrete floors are much more durable, low maintenance, and better for the environment. Staining or dying your concrete floors to give them a nicer look is much more eco-friendly than adding old layers of flooring to a landfill.
That being said, check out some ways to enhance concrete floors.
Polishing
Polishing is a great way to renew old concrete floors and doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Polishing is a long-lasting solution to beautiful-looking floors.
Staining
Concrete floors can be stained in just about any color. ACT Restoration has many colors that can match your home or business’s interior.
Sealing
Sealing your floors helps to stop concrete from absorbing spilled liquids and oils, which can cause stains. Depending on traffic, your floors should be sealed every 6 to 9 months to keep them looking great.
Grind and Repair
It is not advisable to try and repair a crack in a concrete floor yourself. An improperly patched crack can end up popping off if the conditions aren’t right and can also cause a trip hazard. Let ACT Restoration grind and repair your cracked concrete floors.
Patching
Similar to patching a crack, patching holes or divots in your concrete floors should be done by professionals, if possible. An incorrect patch can cause a trip hazard and end up causing more problems down the line, particularly if you have heavy machinery driving over it.
Can Failed Concrete Staining Projects Be Saved?
Applying a stain to concrete floors is a little more difficult than you might expect. Several factors must be considered when staining a concrete floor, such as chemical stains, flaws, and blotches that could mess up your stain.
Other problems that can arise when staining concrete include uneven staining, which causes discoloration, failure to properly seal the floor upon the initial application, and marks or flaws on the concrete, which can affect the final look of the floor.
So, can a failed concrete staining project be saved?
Yes! Expects like those at ACT Restoration have seen situations like these and can come in to rescue your concrete floors.
Contact Our Twin Cities Concrete Flooring Specialists
Concrete is a durable and timeless flooring option. It looks fantastic with just about any architectural style and decor. If you’re unsure whether your concrete floor can be saved, call us for a professional opinion.
Speak with our team of floor specialists to find out more by calling us at 612-750-5360 or contact us online to schedule your estimate.