There are hundreds of products with various brand names and manufacturers. However, you want to answer what finishes are best for a concrete flooring slab according to the concrete floor’s requirements.
How does a concrete floor prolong its lifespan? What conditions are the best for concrete?
What would be the number one deal breaker for concrete?
Two factors and finishing requirements make the cut for concrete flooring requirements.
One is its moisture resistance.
A perfect fit with concrete is one that repels the damaging effect of moisture and water presence.
The second is the flatness of appearance.
Concrete itself would result in a flat, even surface. However, not all finishing can create a consistent evenness on the entire surface.
Finishing Factors: Qualities that flooring finishes must have
Now that you got a review of the two must-have qualities in concrete finishing. Take a closer look at them in the following discussions.
“Moisturebearance”
The best finishing material for concrete is those that bear the presence of water without damaging the surface.
You can include under this type the concrete coatings with resin. Acrylic-based coatings would also be included here.
Concrete floors are cementitious without other materials to coat or seal their surface. So, they are highly vulnerable to moisture and water damage. Finishes that mitigate this effect would be best for concrete floors.
You would later read a specific type of finishing that acts as a moisture-resistant sealer.
For now, let’s define and describe the second factor: flatness.
“Flatterers”
As the name suggests, these flooring finishes will make your concrete flooring appear flat than other materials. They even out the surface, giving it more consistency in appearance.
Topping compounds are the usual type here. They can be a self-leveling material, or you can trowel it to achieve the evenness you want.
Another group would be the microtoppings. They are latex-modified cementitious materials that give new life to old concrete flooring. You can use either trowels or spray them on the surface.
The last type would be the grinding and polishing methods, which are more common on newly poured concrete floors.
Contractors at Concrete Floors Kansas City would use this to achieve a high sheen and consistent appearance for the floor.
You can use these three types of flooring finishes for your concrete floor. They are all effective in their ways and would give you the desired results for your concrete floors. Choose the one that best fits your needs and the conditions of your concrete floors.
Reasons for Floor Finishing
The importance of applying finishing coats and topical sealers on concrete floorings can never be overemphasized.
A properly applied finish will not only improve the looks of the flooring but will also protect it from stains, dirt, and other elements that can damage it.
Two main types of finishes can be applied to concrete floorings: topical sealers and film-forming sealers.
Let’s uncover each.
Two Typed of flooring finishings: The Best Choices for Concrete
Topical Sealers. Topical sealers are either clear or tinted coatings that form a protective layer on the surface of the concrete.
They protect the flooring from stains and dirt but must be re-applied periodically to maintain effectiveness.
Film-forming. On the other hand, film-forming sealers are thicker coatings that form a protective film on the surface of the concrete.
This type of sealer is more durable and does not need to be re-applied as often as topical sealers.
Final tip: How to choose the best for your concrete?
When choosing a finish for your concrete flooring, it is essential to consider the environment where it will be used.
For instance, if the flooring will be exposed to high traffic or heavy equipment, a film-forming sealer would be a better option than a topical sealer.
It is also essential to consider the type of finish compatible with the concrete mix used in your flooring.
For instance, some finishes are incompatible with certain types of concrete mixes and can damage the flooring instead of protecting it.
If you are unsure which finish using, it is best to consult a professional contractor specializing in concrete flooring.