How You Can Enhance The Look of A Plain Concrete Floor
Whether you are building or renovating your structure, updating the floor is a great way to enhance your space. While there are plenty of options, one trend that’s been taking off over the last few years is choosing a simple concrete floor. Whether it be for the kitchen or the garage, a concrete floor is a great choice for several reasons.
Firstly, it’s a sleek, classic look that never goes out of style. Choosing a plain floor allows you to be more creative when it comes to choosing paint colours and decals. Leave the floor bare and let the walls take centre stage. Additionally, a concrete floor is relatively easy to install and even easier to maintain. Concrete is easy to clean with soap and water, doesn’t soak up oil-based spills, and is strong enough to maintain its integrity no matter what is laid on it whether it be vehicles stored in the garage or the many feet that travel across it in your front entrance. When concrete cracks- which can happen from time to time, filling the crack can be done in a single afternoon which you can even do yourself! In addition to indoor installation, concrete floors are also a great choice for your patio, pool deck, and basement.
Also Read: Concrete Floor Grinding Prepares Your Floor for Coating
However, if you’re planning to lay a concrete floor in your home, there is one downfall. Without a proper coating, a concrete floor can look dull. An unsealed floor is also prone to a dusty coating. If you choose a simple concrete floor, you can enhance its appearance and longevity by adding a layer of coating.
In addition to adding a nice sheen to your floor, adding a coating protects your concrete floor even further from chips and cracks. The process of adding a concrete floor coating is so easy you can even do it yourself in a single afternoon. Adding layers of polyurea is the most popular method for sealing a concrete floor, but there are plenty of options to suit most needs and budgets. Some other choices available include epoxy, polyurethane, PUC, or a decorative or quartz finish. The drying process is also quick usually only around 24 hours requiring no need to close off the room for days on end waiting for it to dry. This is great if you’re sealing the floor of your business because you likely won’t need to lose a day, rather, just schedule the floor to be sealed on a day that your business is closed. If you would like to add a simple design to your concrete floor, that’s something best left to the professionals. You can easily customize your concrete floors with designs, logos, and even different colors.
Adding a coat to your concrete floor also helps keep you and your family or business safe. The coating makes the floor less slippery and prevents the growth of mold and bacteria in the tiny crevices that exist on uncoated floors.
Concrete floor coating is not only an easy way to enhance your floor, but it also contributes to the look and longevity of your flooring. If you need concrete floor coating in Vancouver, then look no further than Canadian Floor Coatings. They have been the trusted flooring professionals for the lower mainland for years and have an impressive online portfolio you can take a look at. Click here to see how great your floor can look. They are the best choice for concrete floor coating in Vancouver.
Original Source: How You Can Enhance The Look of A Plain Concrete Floor
A Garage Doesn't Have To Be Boring!
The garage. It's on most people's must-have list, but very few use theirs to its fullest potential. Yes, your garage may never be as attractive as your kitchen or as necessary as a washroom, but it nonetheless serves a valuable purpose and should be given the respect it deserves.
Therefore, it's time to invest back into the space that just keeps on giving with a makeover worthy of the main bedroom. Starting from the ground up, here are all the ways you can liven up your garage and have it feel like a proper living space.
FRESH GARAGE FLOORING IN VANCOUVER
There is nothing about bare concrete that says warm and inviting, but newly coated concrete flooring is just begging to be walked on. There are tons of garage floor coverings to choose from but resin coatings are among the most practical and functional options.
Unlike paint or even a sealer, a resin garage floor coating like polyurethane or epoxy is made for Vancouver life. Once cured, these resins form an impermeable layer overtop your concrete floor and no amount of rain or weather can hurt it. Resin flooring is strong enough to resist the weight of regular 737 traffic so you can rest assured it can handle whatever tools and toys you keep in your garage.
Aesthetically, resin garage flooring in Vancouver can be tailored to match just about any colour, combination of colours, or design that you may have in mind. Favourite sports team? Nothing says die-hard fan like a team logo plastered on the floor of your would-be man cave.
KEEP IT ORGANIZED WITH KILLER STORAGE SOLUTIONS
You can never have too much storage in your garage. When everything has a place, it all gets put away. That makes sense, right?
There are three opportunities to maximize your garage storage- cabinetry, wall storage systems, and overhead storage. At the top end of the budget, you have garage cabinetry systems. They are pricey, but get what you pay for-a sleek, modern solution with all the organization you'll ever need and a wow factor for days.
Also Read: Provider of Epoxy Flooring in Coquitlam
Another option is a Slatwall system. This affordable wall organization system provides ample options for configuration so you can choose the look and layout that work best for your needs while maximizing your wall storage and floor space.
Don't forget about your ceiling as all that free storage space is just begging to be used. Overhead storage racks give you the perfect opportunity to keep lesser-used or bulky items off your garage floor. Think seasonal tires, paddleboards, kayaks, and the family Christmas tree.
FINISH OFF YOUR MAKEOVER WITH A NEW ENTRANCE
Once you've prettied up the inside of your garage with storage and new garage flooring, all that's left to do is make the outside aesthetics match the interior. Your garage door is one of your home's most noticeable features so switching it out for a new one will make your garage more attractive and enhance the curb appeal of your entire home.
Garage doors come in virtually every colour, shape, and style you can imagine, and the prices can range from modest to monstrous. When choosing the right garage door for your home and budget and consider your home's style and the finish you prefer, and then think about the details, like material, whether you need an insulated door or any windows.
Updating your garage is a very cost-effective way to gain usable, functional space within your home's existing footprint. And with these tips, it's too good to waste!
Original Source: A Garage Doesn't Have To Be Boring!
Epoxy Flooring is Perfect for Industrial Spaces
Industrial epoxy coatings can make for beautiful, polished, and professional-looking floors. Like many processes, the application of industrial epoxy coatings is best done by experts. When looking for the best person for the job, there are a few things to keep in mind and to look out for.
A quote and consultation are two great places to start, but there are some other important questions you should be asking. Once you have narrowed down your flooring options and decided on industrial epoxy coating, the first step is to choose a contractor that installs industrial epoxy coating systems. Look for a contractor that is certified, has a solid reputation, and has several years of experience.
Doing your research and looking for reviews online is a good first step. You can also ask for references and referrals. Google, Facebook, and Yelp can all be good places to look for reviews. Looking at the contractor or companies’ website is another place to find reviews and see their work. Do not be afraid to ask your contractor directly for references or to see portfolios of past work if they are not posted on their website.
During your first meeting with a potential contractor, don’t be afraid or hesitant to ask about their credentials and experience. A contractor’s license number, documentation, and contact information for liability insurance are not usual to ask for. It is easy to check if their documentation is valid and current.
Also Read: Concrete Floor Grinding for Beginners
While epoxy is a relatively fast treatment to apply, get a clear understanding of the installation timeline. If your concrete floor has cracks, stains, or erosion of any kind, repairs can be done before the installation of the industrial epoxy coating is applied. Make a list of the areas that need special attention or treatment and ask your contractor if they can repair the floor before they do the installation work.
Floors in industrial environments deal with a lot of high traffic types, from foot traffic to vehicles, and machineries such as forklifts, counterfeits, and other industry-specific machinery and equipment. Depending on the type of industry sharp objects and their movements, and accidents can damage concrete floors. Concrete floors are very porous and spills can seep onto the surface of the floor which can cause staining and cracks.
Industrial strength epoxy floor coatings can seal the floor making liquids easy to spill and clean up. Epoxy can also have an anti-slip coating applied, making the floor grippy, and the workplace safer. Industrial epoxy coatings can also save the floor from being easily damaged or scratched during daily use and wear and tear. Applying epoxy floor coatings on concert both protects the surface and makes it safer for working on. Epoxy floor coatings can be installed quickly over clean, well-prepared, smooth concrete slab floors. There are many customizable options available in epoxy floorings, such as colour, and texture.
Epoxy floors can be beautiful as well as durable floor finishes for warehouses, showrooms, and other industrial spaces. Epoxy coatings can add years to the life of commercial floors because they are very durable. They are also an excellent option for safer workspaces as they can make floors slip-proof and chemical proof making them ideal for hospitals, breweries, and a variety of other workplaces. Industrial epoxy coatings do not have to stay on just the floors of buildings. They can also prove to be a durable, weather-proof, and colourful material to install on the outsides of buildings, both commercial and residential.
Original Source: Epoxy Flooring is Perfect for Industrial Spaces
Industrial Floor Coating: The Most Useful Material
Industrial concrete is known to have a long-staying power, especially when coated with a chemically bonded polymer coating. Concrete uncoated is very poured and can develop cracks causing uneven surfaces and stains. Over time if left untreated, these cracks can cause severe structural damage.
Industrial floor coatings in Vancouver ensure that concrete floors do not absorb substances like water, oils, grease, and other chemicals. This means that liquids dropping or spilling on the floor don’t seep into the concrete and cause cracks. Having coated concrete floors makes for easier cleanup because of this. It is very easy to customize industrial floor coatings in Vancouver to suit your needs, wants, and style.
For warehouses, having a durable and strong floor that will not crack or cave under a lot of foot traffic and heavy machinery and equipment is vital for the longevity of both the floor and facility. Industrial floor coatings such as epoxy help protect concrete floors from everyday use.
Epoxy floors are also very customizable and can be as beautiful, shiny, glossy, and bright as you like, or muted and simple. Having an epoxy floor can also make spaces look completer and more intentional than having unfinished and uncoated concrete. A coated sealed concrete floor can also make spaces look more appealing for potential buyers and tenants. Epoxy floor coatings are very cost-effective and do not cost a lot to install.
One of the perks about epoxy is that it is both easy to install and maintain. When installing an epoxy floor, the concrete needs to be well cleaned and repaired. Epoxy needs to be installed on a clean, smooth, event, and flat surface in order to adhere properly and last as long as possible. The installer does not need to rip up old flooring when installing epoxy floor coatings. This makes epoxy flooring a great economical option that can be both practical and stylish.
Epoxy flooring is made of substances like epoxide resin, polyamine hardeners, and other materials such as pigments. Epoxy can also be used as an adhesive and can be poured clear over polished concrete. As epoxy dries, it seals the surface of the floor creating a firm bond. When installed properly, epoxy flooring can last for decades. This makes epoxy a great low-maintenance choice for floors for all types of use whether it be residential, commercial, or industrial spaces.
Due to it requiring fewer materials than other floor installation options and not needing replacement, epoxy flooring is eco-friendly. As it is easy to maintain, epoxy floors can be cleaned easily with water, a mop, and some soap. Economically speaking, epoxy is a smart industrial floor coating choice because it does not take a lot of labor and time to maintain, fix, or install.
Epoxy floors are very cost-effective and can maintain their shine, unlike hardwood floors who do not require special treatments to ensure their durability and longevity. Although certainly a low-maintenance flooring choice, epoxy flooring should be installed by professionals. This will ensure that no mistakes are made during the installation process. If the epoxy coating is not installed correctly, it may not adhere to the floor as required. This can give the appearance of dust or bubbles to appear on the floor. This will ensure that your industrial coated floor will last for decades to come.
Original Source: Industrial Floor Coating: The Most Useful Material
Concrete Floor Coatings: An Up-and-Coming Vancouver Design Trend
Design trends often focus on aesthetic appeal over innate functionality; however, one of 2021's biggest trends offers both. Concrete floors are making an appearance in more and more Vancouver homes, which is something to get excited about.
NOT JUST FOR THE GARAGE ANYMORE
Modern design has been on trend for a few years now as people move toward more sophisticated, streamlined styles. Underrated and underutilized materials like concrete will feature heavily throughout homes in the coming years, popping up in all kinds of unexpected places, including floors, countertops, and room accents.
SO, WHY CONCRETE?
At first glance, concrete may not come off as overly inviting – it's cold, rough, and really grey. However, concrete floor coating in Vancouver transforms this utilitarian material into something elegant and original, lending texture and visual interest to any space. Polished concrete is also a versatile design trend that can pair with nearly any furniture or colour scheme, either on its own or as an accent.
Concrete works well with radiant floor heating systems thanks to its inherent thermal properties, while a concrete floor coating delivers a watertight, seamless finish. These features make concrete an excellent option for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
OPTIONS TO FIT IN WITH ANY DESIGN
The design flexibility of a concrete floor coating cannot be overstated. Vancouver homeowners have their choice of finish, colour, and texture.
Before a concrete floor coating gets installed, the slab can be painted in any colour or combination of colours that complement the space. Fresh concrete can be poured and pressed to give a unique textured finish, and flecks can be added for a subtle design element. And, while high-polished concrete has been a popular option, matte finishes have a design moment in 2021, so expect to see more sleek concrete floors and countertops.
QUICK TO INSTALL, EASY TO CLEAN, AND SIMPLE TO CARE FOR
Concrete floors provide the best of both design features and functionality, which is great in a place like Vancouver, where we need both. A concrete floor coating renders concrete impermeable; there is no need to worry about wet boots, umbrellas, or kitchen spills ruining expensive wood.
Families with small kids and pets will appreciate that a concrete floor coating is extremely durable; it takes a lot to put a scratch in it, and it's virtually impossible to dent or chip. Remember, this type of flooring is meant to withstand the kind of traffic experienced in commercial warehouses and manufacturing facilitates; there is very little damage dog paws can inflict that a machine can't.
When it comes to cleaning sealed concrete flooring, a simple soap and water solution or store-bought pH-neutral cleaner is enough. If abrasive cleaners are a concern, concrete floor coating could be your answer.
Despite all the benefits they offer, concrete floor coatings are much more affordable than comparable flooring solutions and can be installed in a much tighter timeframe. And unlike other types of flooring, a concrete floor coating in Vancouver actually protects the floors underneath from moisture and impact damage.
Whether you are looking to enhance the look of your home, improve functionality, or simply want to be on-trend, concrete floor coatings should be a part of your next renovation.
Original Source: Concrete Floor Coatings: An Up-and-Coming Vancouver Design Trend
Commercial Epoxy Flooring That Suits Any Business!
Many industries can benefit from commercial epoxy flooring in Vancouver. Not only is epoxy flooring in Vancouver affordable, but also durable, protective, and strong, making it the perfect flooring for many commercial industries.
Commercial epoxy flooring can be easily customizable to suit numerous businesses. Mechanical workshops such as aircraft hangars and mechanic shops deal with a lot of oils and chemicals. Conventional concrete floors absorb liquid, making it impossible to ever have a perfectly clean floor. Liquids can also seep into the floor and eventually cause cracks. Any damage to concrete needs to be dealt with as soon as possible or it will only worsen leading to structural damage. Epoxy flooring Vancouver is a great solution for this problem because epoxy flooring is chemical resistant. Instead of seeping into the floor, liquids stay on the surface. This means that commercial epoxy floors are also very easy to clean.
The floors at auto shops take a lot of abuse. There is a lot of mechanical damage that can happen on automotive shop floors. Commercial epoxy flooring Vancouver offers protection from heavy tools being dropped, machinery marks from being dragged, and oil and chemical spills. Concrete can chip and crack due to scratches, gouges, and heavy objects being dragged or dropped. Commercial epoxy flooring in Vancouver can help prevent minor damages and can increase the longevity of concrete floors.
Regular cleaning of epoxy flooring in Vancouver can be accomplished with soap and water and a mop. While deeper cleans may be part of routine maintenance, nothing will get past the epoxy coating. For safety reasons, all liquids should be cleaned right away, as the build-up is not good for the flooring long-term and is create a risk for an accident. Commercial epoxy flooring in Vancouver can have a traction layer added in high-traffic areas, which will reduce the chance of people slipping or falling, even if there are spills on the ground.
High-traffic work sites such as warehouses can also benefit from commercial epoxy flooring in Vancouver. Any space that experiences heavy traffic such as forklifts, tractors, and other heavy vehicles and machinery needs protection from the natural wear and tear these machines will cause over time. Other wear and damages, like pitting, spills, and cracks will also be prevented by epoxy flooring.
Commercial epoxy flooring Vancouver can also be suitable for workspaces that have high foot traffic, but not heavy machinery. Pharmaceutical floors get used a lot by patients, customers, and staff. While heavy automobiles and other machinery are not generally used, epoxy coating is perfect for sterile and sanitized environments. Epoxy resin is anti-microbial and resistant to dirt, dust, and bacteria. Epoxy flooring Vancouver is also highly chemically resistant, as well as waterproof, thereby offering protection to the floor and that of the employees.
Commercial spaces that need to be eye-catching and beautiful instead of hardwearing can also benefit from epoxy flooring. Showroom floors can benefit from being eye-catching and attractive to match the interior of cars and vehicles. Commercial epoxy flooring in Vancouver is very customizable and can be made to be versatile and stylish. There are several different textures, colours, and styles that can be achieved with epoxy flooring.
Epoxy comes in metallic flooring, solid colours, decorative flake, glitter, and other textures and patterns. While also being attractive, all of these floor coatings are also resistant to liquids, spills, dust, dirt, and bacteria. They can also be customized to be anti-slip, making them both fashionable and functional.
Original Source: Commercial Epoxy Flooring That Suits Any Business!
How To Prevent Your Epoxy Flooring From Peeling
If you are considering an epoxy coating, you’re probably already aware of the numerous benefits they provide. Epoxy flooring is durable, resistant to water and damage, extremely low maintenance, and highly cost-effective. Correctly installed by an epoxy flooring contractor, an epoxy floor can last upwards of 20 years. Few other flooring options can even come close to standing up to the kind of abuse epoxy flooring can withstand, while still looking as good.
However, the single largest complaint people have regarding epoxy flooring is their tendency to peel, often within the first few years. Undoubtedly frustrating, no home or business owner wants to invest in repairs soon after installing their epoxy floor. But why is it that epoxy flooring peels, and what can be done to prevent it?
THE PRODUCT (USUALLY) ISN’T THE PROBLEM
In most cases, peeling epoxy flooring has little to do with the product and more to do with the installation. Or, more accurately, insufficient floor preparation before the installation.
It’s probably not surprising to hear that most folks who experience issues with their epoxy peeling did not use an epoxy flooring contractor; instead, they took the project on themselves. There is nothing wrong with that; however, many DIY epoxy kits sold in-store sell people on the ease of application – just roll it on like paint – without spending enough time covering the importance of preparing concrete for the epoxy application.
And here are fours reasons why that can lead to problems:
#1: Poor Surface Profile
Epoxy needs a rough, porous surface to bond correctly. There are several ways to get this done right, however, many of them are outside the scope of the average DIY project, and missing this step is the number one reason epoxy flooring peels. Without a suitable surface to adhere to, peeling is almost inevitable.
An epoxy flooring contractor will typically shot blast or diamond grind the concrete to get the right profile.
#2: Moisture
As we mentioned before, epoxy is virtually impervious to moisture. But that works both ways. If your concrete slab has any below-grade moisture issues, that water vapour will become trapped underneath the epoxy and could eventually lead to peeling and cracking.
There are ways to get around moisture issues, but they require professional help.
#3: Oil and Contaminants
When is squeaky clean not clean enough? When it comes to an epoxy flooring installation. Even if you have thoroughly washed and sweep your surface, any residue chemical, oil, or other contaminate left behind could spell doom for your project. This is particularly evident in garage epoxy floor installations where motor oil and other fluids may have seeped into the concrete.
While acid etching is often recommended to remove surface stains, it rarely goes far enough. Grinding is the only way to remove any trace of surface containments and to ensure a lasting epoxy application.
#4: Previously Sealed Concrete
Unless you have just poured your concrete slab, there is a very good chance it’s been sealed. And unfortunately, epoxy will not adhere to previously sealed concrete, and acid etching will not be enough to remove the sealer. If you are unsure whether or not you have a concrete sealer, any easy test is to sprinkle a few small drops of water on the surface. If the water forms droplets on the surface, you have a sealer; if it gets absorbed into the concrete, you don’t.
The only way to fully remove a concrete sealer, and get good epoxy adherence, is by grinding the concrete surface.
At the end of the day, if you have a high traffic area and want a high-end finish, using an epoxy flooring contractor is the smartest way to have your epoxy flooring installed. It may cost a little more, but you’ll end up with a superior finish that will last.
Original Source: How To Prevent Your Epoxy Flooring From Peeling
