Maintaining your home is important — not only the structure of it but also the foundation, the walls, and the roof. But what about the concrete floorings? At first, homeowners love to see their concrete floors, but once it becomes old and worn, they are hesitant to do anything about it.
Concrete is a durable flooring option that requires little upkeep, but it does need some attention to stay in good shape. This flooring lasts many years and can take a lot of abuse, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. But once it starts to show wear, it can be difficult to know how to maintain concrete floors.
Here are five ways to keep your concrete floors looking their best:
Seal it with a concrete sealant every few years
Concrete sealant is vital to maintain the look of your concrete flooring. But if it’s not applied correctly or often enough, your floors may start to show wear and tear. Concrete is a permeable material that readily absorbs liquids. Its surface can be damaged by the growth of frozen fluids in freeze-thaw regions. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other home chemicals can discolor and harm concrete.
To avoid this, it’s important to seal your concrete floors with concrete sealers every few years. These are available in both solvent-based and water-based formulas. Sealing your concrete prevents dangerous chemicals and pollutants from entering the ground and polluting our water supply. Furthermore, keeping the concrete on your driveway intact protects our natural resources by avoiding deterioration and cracking of the material.
Clean it with a concrete cleaner as needed
Like any other flooring, concrete needs to be swept and vacuumed regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. But when cleaning concrete floors, you must be careful about what cleaners you use. If you don’t use a concrete cleaner to clean your concrete, it may start to look stained and dirty.
The concrete may also become slippery and dangerous to walk on if it’s not cleaned properly. To clean your concrete floors, sweep them with a broom or vacuum them with a HEPA filter to avoid spreading dust and allergens around your home. Harsh chemicals can damage the concrete, so it’s important to use a concrete cleaner specifically designed for this type of flooring.
Polish it with a concrete polish every few years
If you don’t polish your concrete, it may start to look dull and faded. The concrete may also become rough and scratched, making it difficult to walk on. If you want to maintain the shine of your concrete floor, you should polish it with a concrete polish every few years. This will keep the floor shiny and new and make cleaning easier.
Concrete polishing is a process that uses a concrete grinder to grind down the top layer of concrete to reveal a new, fresh layer. This process can also remove stains, scratches, and wear marks. This maintenance is a great way to refresh your concrete floors and make them loo new.
Crack Repair
If you notice any cracks in your concrete, it’s essential to repair them as soon as possible. Concrete may fracture or chip under excessive strain or high temperatures, causing it to expand. To prevent the growth of fissures, you should repair them as soon as possible.
Repairing cracks in concrete is a simple process that can be done with a few tools and materials:
- You’ll need to clean the area around the crack to remove any dirt or debris.
- You’ll need to fill the crack with a repair material, such as epoxy resin or polyurethane.
- You’ll need to apply a sealant to the area to protect it from weathering and further damage.
Avoid Deicing Chemicals
Deicing chemicals can damage concrete and cause it to degrade over time. When these chemicals are used on concrete, they break down the structure of the concrete and cause it to crumble. In addition, deicing chemicals can also cause the concrete to become slick and dangerous to walk on.
The solution for these problems is to use an ice melt specifically designed for concrete. Many types of ice melt available are safe for concrete and will not damage the surface. It’s important to read the labels carefully to ensure that you use the right product for your concrete.
Etch the Concrete
If you want extra protection for your concrete, you can etch it. Etching concrete is the process of applying an acidic solution to the surface of the concrete to eat away at the top layer. This creates a rougher surface that is more resistant to staining and wear.
It is applied before painting or coating a concrete floor with an epoxy covering. This will help the new coating to adhere better and last longer. Etching loosens up the concrete’s pores, allowing for a closer bond between the paint and the concrete.
Maintain Your Concrete
Concrete is a durable material, but it still needs to be maintained. Following these simple tips, you can keep your concrete looking its best for years. Just make sure to consult a professional if you’re unsure about how to care for your concrete. With a bit of care, your concrete floors will last a lifetime.
