Beautiful, Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Ordinary Flooring

Decorative concrete flooring is concrete treated in a variety of ways to increase aesthetic appeal. The treatment includes color hardening and chemical staining to increase the durability of the surface and create artfully uneven, variegated, or translucent colors similar to natural stone. So, what are the benefits of having decorative concrete for your home or business?

1. Increased durability

You can add Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) to your decorative concrete. SCMs react with calcium hydroxide in cement to form calcium silicate hydrate that expands and fills capillaries within your concrete, thus reducing permeability and increasing durability.

Unfortunately, increasing the durability of concrete by filling capillaries comes with its own set of demerits. It hinders the addition of color since stains remain on the surface and can easily be washed away. However, manufacturers have come up with an ingenious way of staining concrete by using acid etch stains that combine with calcium hydroxide to form permanent colors.

2. Decoration

It goes without saying that decorative concrete flooring plays an essential role in the decoration of your compound. Decorative color contractors offer an unlimited color palette that is customizable to meet the desires of the home or business owner. Decorative concrete makes the driveway to your office or home stand out with stunning design looks and attractive paths. Surely, this goes a long way in influencing a positive perception of your customers.

3. Cooling aspect

If you are interested in cutting the cost of your air conditioning during the hot, sweltering summer, then decorative concrete is the way to go. Adding lighter colors to your concrete increases its reflective properties. Consequently, your floor absorbs less heat, thus remaining cool during high temperatures of summer and significantly lowering air conditioning costs.

4. Improved health

Decorative concrete offers a good alternative for carpets, especially for people with respiratory allergies. With a smoother surface, decorated concrete is not likely to harbor dust and other allergens as compared to carpets. Also, any dust, dirt, or pollen that settles on decorative concrete can easily be swept away, thus improving air quality.

5. Environmental friendliness

Decorative concrete can easily be manufactured from recycled materials. With improved durability, decorative concrete can last longer than ordinary concrete without replacement. Additionally, concrete floors reduce energy use for air-conditioning by absorbing heat or cold and releasing it slowly to regulate the temperature in a room. These properties, coupled with the fact that decorative concrete is cost-effective, make decorative concrete environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts

It is easy to dismiss your flooring when it comes to the improvement of your home or office. However, with so many advantages of decorative concrete over ordinary concrete, you may want to rethink your improvement strategy. Reputable contractors are always available to provide recommendations and advice on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information on how to install or maintain decorative concrete.