Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.
Until a few years ago, concrete floors were considered dull, cold, industrial, and unsuitable for residential applications. People preferred warmer tones provided for wood or the elegance of stone to concrete. Over the years, concrete has become the most popular flooring choice for commercial as well as residential use.
So, concrete isn’t a bad choice for your home or even your kitchen. At Custom Concrete Floors, we recommend that you consider what’s mentioned here before you install a concrete floor in your kitchen.
There are several finish options available to you. You can choose one depending on the effect you wish to achieve. The most popular finishes for kitchens are:
Sealing and Maintenance
It’s important to regularly seal and maintain the concrete in kitchens. Kitchen floors are usually exposed to moisture and stains. If you want to ensure that the floor isn’t permanently damaged, you need to seal it every 1 or 2 years. This will ensure your concrete floor continues to look great and is well protected. As long as the floor is sealed, it will be a stress-free and easy to maintain choice for your home.
Concrete floors can be a little hard on your feet so we recommend that you place an area rug near your cooking station to cushion your feet. If you have any questions about concrete kitchen floors or want a free, no-obligation estimate, give us at Custom Concrete Floors a call at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
Decorative concrete floors come in a variety of colours and finishes and can enhance the look and feel of your home. However, moisture can ruin these floors. If it gets trapped between the concrete and the sealant, you can see a visible white cast on the floor that scars the look of the surface.
If you want to avoid moisture problems, careful application is key. At Custom Concrete Floors, we take every precaution possible during the application process to ensure that the sealers sit well and there’s no moisture trapped underneath. Some other things that can be done to avoid moisture-related problems are:
The sealer shouldn’t come in contact with moisture during application. Every seasoned contractor is aware of this fact. That’s why it’s important not to apply sealers when it’s raining or if there’s a large amount of moisture in the air. If the sealants are applied during such weather conditions, there’s always a chance that the moisture will be caught between the sealant and the concrete floor and that can cause a white film on the surface.
Different types of sealers have different responses to moisture. Curing and sealing compounds are much more resistant to moisture than decorative sealers. The cure and seal can be applied to green concrete, which has high levels of moisture. There would be no film of white on the surface.
Decorative sealers aren’t as resistant to moisture. The concrete floor needs to cure for a full 28 days before the decorative sealers can be applied. If these sealers are applied before the concrete is completely cured, you’ll soon see the white film that ruins the design of your decorative finish.
Some sealers are more permeable than others. They allow more moisture to pass through the membrane and into the concrete. This makes them vulnerable to moisture-related problems. The permeability of the sealer depends on the solids content and the thickness of the sealer.
If the content and thickness is right, the sealer is more resistant to moisture. If it’s low, it’s more vulnerable to it. It’s a good idea to apply a thick coat of sealer with adequate solids content to keep moisture problems at bay.
If you have any questions about concrete sealers or want a free, no-obligation estimate, give us at Custom Concrete Floors a call at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’re reply as soon as possible.
It’s always a challenge to find the right flooring for commercial or industrial applications. In residential
applications, the requirements are modest and the floors don’t endure much wear and tear. The foot traffic is moderate, the maintenance and care is usually consistent, and the floor isn’t exposed to abuse.
The conditions are drastically different in commercial and industrial applications. At Custom Concrete Floors, we’re often asked which kind of flooring is ideal for industrial applications and our answer is almost always concrete. Here are some suggestions that would help.
Our first suggestion is always coated concrete floors, especially if you’re on a budget and need the surface ready quickly. There are several different kinds of coating available in the market. For industrial applications, we believe that polyurethane coatings are the best. This coating will withstand chemical and oil spills, high foot traffic, and vehicular movement easily. Polyurethane coatings will also last for about 5 to 8 years.
However, this coating is a little expensive. A more affordable alternative is epoxy coating. It’s easier to apply and will offer some level of protection against chemical and oil spills. It’s very affordable and relatively easy to apply. Epoxy coatings will also last for about 3 to 5 years.
Polished concrete is one of the most common floors found in industrial properties. In fact, polished concrete was popular in such properties well before it became chic to install in residential applications. This is an excellent industrial flooring option. The polishing process ensures that the surface isn’t very porous. The densifiers applied during the polishing process harden the surface of the concrete to make it more resilient.
Polished concrete is highly resistant to stains caused by oils and chemical spills. It’s also very easy to maintain as it requires just an occasional wet mop. The surface can have a matt/high gloss finish, depending on your requirements; it can also handle considerable amount of foot traffic.
Polished concrete floors will last for a very long time and won’t need to be polished for a number of years, based on your use. These two flooring options are ideal for industrial applications. They look attractive, are low-maintenance, and resilient.
Custom Concrete Floors LTD.
Concrete is no longer considered to be an “industrial looking” or “boring” material. As a matter of fact, it has shed that reputation long ago and is now used in a variety of beautiful finishes for flooring applications. Today, professional custom concrete floors in Ottawa have become a popular interior design trend and are found in upscale homes and commercial establishments as well.
Why Opt for Professional Installers?
While some property owners feel that it’s possible to turn concrete flooring installations into a DIY weekend project, the fact is that this is a specialized job and not one that a novice would be able to handle; this is because it needs:
Hire the Experts
If you are considering getting a concrete floor installed, it’s best to opt for the services of a company that provides professional custom concrete floors in Ottawa services. If you have any questions related to this service and want a no-obligation estimate, simply call Custom Concrete Floors at 613 327 9127. Alternatively, you can use this contact us form to send us your queries and we will respond without delay.
There’s a general, completely false belief that concrete is dull, grey, and boring. Yes, it might be all those things if you just pour out plain concrete, let it dry, and do nothing. In fact, some might argue that it’s urbane, industrial, and edgy. The fact of the matter is that concrete is one of the most versatile surfaces available today.
With just a few different treatments, it can transform your floor and turn blah into wow. Our clients here at Custom Concrete Floors always wonder just how to enhance the look of concrete, so here are some ideas.
Stained Flooring
Most people are aware of stained concrete but they don’t really comprehend just how versatile you can get with it. You can add conventional colors to the mix to create gray, brown, or cream coloured floors. However, some homeowners and designers are becoming adventurous and use the versatility of concrete to the fullest extent. From jet black floors that look decidedly stylish and French, to jewel-like turquoise flooring that looks like ocean water. There’s no limit to the effect you can achieve with stains.
Etched Concrete
Etching concrete requires specialized tools that slightly cut into the surface of the floor to create designs. You can add geometrical shapes, borders and lines, or hand-etch beautiful patterns. Again, there’s very little you can’t achieve. Etching needs considerable effort, especially hand-etching, but the end results are worth it. A combination of staining, etching, and clear-coating can create a stunning floor that’ll be unique to your home and great to look at.
Polished Floors
Polished concrete is very versatile. It’s low-cost, easy to maintain, and can look amazing. The polish is usually achieved through machines with different levels of grinding bits, sealants, and densifiers. You can achieve a mirror-like sheen the floor. While plain concrete floors will look grey and glossy with polishing, you can actually improve the appearance.
You can add natural stone aggregates of any size and colour to the concrete mixture. When polished, these aggregates are exposed. Some people also use recycled glass aggregates. The result is often outstanding as these floors look grand and unique. Some people use a combination of different aggregates to create a colourful effect.
If you have any questions about concrete floors designs or want a free, no-obligation estimate, give us at Custom Concrete Floors a call at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’re reply as soon as possible.
For decades, concrete floors were tagged as ‘boring’ and ‘industrial’; however, that is no longer the case. Today, concrete has broken through those shackles and has evolved and emerged into a trendy flooring material that is used in a range of settings. It can be stained in any colour, embedded with glass, stone etc and polished to a sheen and can give any high-end natural stone flooring, a run for its money.
Despite this, many people have a number of questions about concrete flooring. Here are three common ones answered:
1) Do Concrete Floors Crack Easily?
It’s a fact that some concrete floors will develop cracks over time; but in most instances, this is because the material isn’t of a good grade, the floor hasn’t been installed correctly, or it hasn’t been sealed and polished well. While some people find the minute cracks to have a very rustic appeal, others prefer the flooring to be seamless. If you fall in the latter category, the one way to ensure that your concrete floor stays crack-free is to treat it with decorative overlays or treatments such as stencilling, opaque epoxies or staining.
2) Are Concrete Floors too Cold?
Concrete is a cold material, but that’s how natural stone or ceramic tile flooring is too. The distinct advantage of getting concrete floors installed on your property is that they have an inherent capacity to store & radiate heat. Installing heating cables within concrete floors can help keep them warm in the colder months. It’s also a good idea to design windows in such a way that they let in more sunlight and allow your concrete flooring to hold and radiate the heat.
3) Are Decorative Concrete Floors Heavy on the Pocket?
In comparison to materials such as marble, slate and tile, concrete flooring is actually a far more economical alternative. Skilled floor installation personnel can replicate the look of these expensive and exclusive materials, in decorative concrete installations. Concrete also lasts much longer than floor coverings such as vinyl, carpeting and wood laminates; this provides you high value in the long-term.
The Low-Maintenance Flooring Option
Decorative concrete flooring is low-maintenance, and all it needs is a simple vacuuming/sweeping and an occasional damp mopping. As long as the floor has been sealed well and has been coated with wax or a good quality floor finish, it resists stains, abrasion and chemicals. What more could one ask for?
If you have any queries about concrete floors call Custom Concrete Floors at 613 327 9127. Alternatively use this contact us form to send us your questions and we will revert within the shortest possible time.
In flood prone areas, using construction materials that are less vulnerable to water damage is always a good idea. This is especially true for flooring, which usually sustains the maximum amount of damage. Wood can become irreparably damaged during a flood, while other materials can become water stained and downright ugly.
In such cases, concrete flooring definitely performs better. Architects and experts in the field agree that concrete is very resilient in floods and a better material to use in flood prone areas. Here are some reasons why:
Water Damage
Concrete isn’t vulnerable to water damage. It doesn’t get stained or cracked because of water. Concrete has a very low rate of water absorption. That is, it absorbs water very slowly over long periods of time. As long as it’s not able to become too dry, it’ll actually strengthen in the presence of water.
It’s Resilient
Concrete is very resilient, even in flood conditions. As we mentioned before, concrete doesn’t sustain water damage. Using this as a construction material would reduce the amount of property loss in the aftermath of a flood. This is one of the primary reasons why the material is used in the construction of dams. If your concrete flooring is installed properly, it’ll withstand flood conditions for a long time. It’s vital to ensure that there are no gaps or air pockets in the concrete. These can trap moisture and that can lead to cracks or damage.
Trapping Moisture
You need to be careful not to trap moisture between the concrete floor and the material laid on it. For example, if you have a carpet over your flooring, it’s vital to dry out the concrete before placing the carpet on it once again. If you don’t do this, you’ll have to deal with issues like mold. The concrete flooring itself isn’t affected by the moisture. However, it can lead to damp conditions if it’s not dried properly.
Low Repair Costs after the Flood
A concrete floor reduces the overall expense of repairs after the flood. As long as it’s not covered with impermeable material, concrete will eventually dry. If there is any damage, it can be repaired easily without too much expense. There’s no need to replace any tile, wood, or carpet.
If you have any questions about concrete floors or want a free, no-obligation estimate, give us a call at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’re reply as soon as possible.
Polishing concrete floors can increase their life and aesthetic appeal. If you have an old concrete floor, you might want to use modern developments to make it more attractive and enhance the look of your property. However, most people wonder if all concrete floors can be polished. The prevalent concern is that polishing might damage old floors. That’s simply not true.
Polishing Old Surfaces
It’s always a good idea to consult a contractor before planning anything. While most sound concrete surfaces can be polished, you might need to prepare the surface before moving ahead.
In most cases, polishing older concrete floors is actually possible, even if it might require effort and expense. In others, the surface is perfectly suitable for a great glossy finish and needs only a little preparation. You need to consult your contractor to get accurate information about your floor.
Polishing New Surfaces
If you intend to polish your floors, it’s best to let your contractor know even before the concrete is laid on the ground. That way, the contractors would make sure that the surface of the concrete is as smooth as possible. This reduces the initial preparation time and saves effort and money.
Newly laid concrete floors need a minimum of 28 days to cure before they can be polished. Attempting to do so before the surface is ready might damage it and lead to further expense.
A good polishing contractor will always study the floor keenly before attempting to polish it, whether it is old or new. We at Custom Concrete Floors have the experience and the knowledge needed to make sure that your floor can be polished without causing any damage.
If you have any questions about crack repair or want a free, no-obligation estimate, give us a call at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’re reply as soon as possible.
The garage floor sees a lot of traffic and it’s also one area that people didn’t really pay much attention to up until recently. Today, people want to add the wow factor to their garages as well. They want to show off their classy cars and have garage flooring that’s equally fancy. However, very few understand what really goes into resurfacing the garage floor.
We at Custom Concrete Floors always advise our clients to consider the available options before starting any project. Here are some points for you to consider before you start resurfacing your garage floors.
Textured vs. Smooth
Consider what you’re going to use your garage for. If you aim to just keep your cars in there and show them off to your entire neighborhood, you can opt for smooth surfaces. There are three coatings that’ll give you a smooth, nearly glass-like surface-epoxy, latex, and polyurethane.
If you actually plan to work in the garage, tinkering with the engine, conducting repairs, etc, a textured surface would be a better option for you. With oil spillage, a smooth surface can be problematic and slippery.
Exposure
If you want to show off your garage and are likely to keep the door open, you need to pick coatings that would withstand sunlight. As mentioned earlier, Epoxy coatings – when not installed properly, might tend to fade and latex can peel if it gets hot. Exposing these surfaces to the sun isn’t a good idea. You might try a textured surface or a polyurethane coating in such cases.
At Custom Concrete Floors, we believe that choosing a simple coating over expensive finishes is the best idea. A large portion of the floor is going to be covered by your vehicles, after all. If you have any questions about garage floor repair or want a free, no-obligation estimate, call us. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
It’s a common misconception that if there are cracks in a concrete surface, you need to replace the slab entirely. Sometimes, an expert might recommend that you replace a large section of the concrete floor if the crack is long enough and deep enough, but you rarely need to replace the entire floor. At Custom Concrete Floors, we only recommend a full replacement when there are deep structural issues to be addressed.
Concrete crack repair can be a quick and easy process and the results will last for a long time if it’s done by a skilled and careful hand.
The Concrete Crack Repair Process Explained
The first step is to examine the crack and determine the reason why it exists. As mentioned earlier, some cracks might be an indicator that something’s wrong with the structure. Applying a concrete patch is one of the simplest ways to handle concrete crack repair.
In case of large concrete crack repair, we first chisel out the cracks and clean the debris as mentioned above. After that, sand will be poured into the crack and it will be packed lightly. We then prepare a sand-mix concrete, add a concrete fortifier to it and pour the mixture into the crack. The surface will then be smoothed and allowed to cure for a while before it can be used.
If you need more information, or want a free, no-obligation quote, call Custom Concrete Floors at 613 327 9127. You can also fill in this contact us form and we’re reply as soon as possible.
