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Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

Sealing concrete
Many distinct reasons exist for why one would want to apply a concrete coating for their garage floor, patio or driveway. Before putting on a concrete coating you will want to patch and repair any sections that need fixing and to thoroughly scrub all spills or stains.

The next job will be to ascertain what kinds of abuse your concrete will most likely be exposed to, since this will impact which kind of concrete coating will be most effective. A few of the primary issues faced by concrete include chemicals, abrasion, impact, and thermal shock. Additional elements which could affect which kind of concrete coating is appropriate for you include appearance, installation requirements, and the desired life expectancy of the surface.

You have several different options with regards to installing a concrete coating. The most commonly available polymers are polyurethanes and epoxies. Urethanes have a very low permeability and will make a great choice whenever you desire waterproofing abilities. Most urethanes will incorporate solvents. Epoxy concrete coatings will be solvent-free and work well for chemical and abrasion resistance. They are a good choice for repairing cracks, for overlays and for toppings. Newer formulations of concrete coatings are made from an epoxy urethane hybrid which offers superior thermal and stress reduction and exceptional impact resistance. The best thickness will depend on the product you choose and the purpose. It is also important to settle on whether you prefer the floor to be decorative and if you want a glossy or textured surface.

While calculating your budget you should be aware that frequently low-cost treatments do not give the kind of protection you may need and can wind up being more expensive later on. Look after your concrete and it can give you many years of enjoyment.

Using a concrete sealer
Any concrete surface is subject to cracking and as a homeowner you will want to water-proof such surfaces with an epoxy resin sealer. When minor cracks appear in your patio or driveway you should move quickly to seal the concrete to stop further damage to the slab. You need to be careful with major cracks in your foundation as they could indicate serious structural problems due to shifting, and may need more involved effort than simply applying a sealant. Another advantage to sealers is that the surface is easy to clean and maintain, such as any stain on a concrete countertop or grease on a garage floor. It may require a week to put down two or three coats of sealant, but after that there is not much maintenance needed and just about anyone can do this. Down in the basement where you might have condensation issues it is important to seal up any cracks where mold can develop.

Building concrete steps
Concrete steps can be the most economical and cost-effective way of getting in or exiting a multi-story home or building as they need the least amount of maintenance, and in case cracks develop, it is relatively inexpensive to repair them. To get started, you must put up a frame made of wood, pouring in a layer of gravel, tamping the gravel down, then fill the frame with cement. As a do-it-yourself project, it will be uninteresting and tiresome, but is a skill well worth developing. Equipment and materials needed to perform this job include a concrete mix, gravel, 2x4s and 1/2 inch plywood, an edge and a finishing trowel, a shovel, a tamper, a hammer, and cooking spray. You will also need a wheelbarrow to prepare the concrete, or you may rent a small cement mixer. To avoid potential hazards such as the buildup of water, which may create slippery or icy conditions, you will want to be sure the steps are leveled and surfaced properly. Once finished, they may be painted, however only with special paint made for this purpose, and therefore slip-proof paint is suggested.