There is no such thing as maintenance-free flooring, but concrete floors in Charlotte come pretty close. They may need the odd touch-up now and again, but they are easy to clean and hold up well with a bit of care. This article will look at how to care for your concrete floors so they last for decades.
Why is Concrete So Low Maintenance?
Concrete floors in Charlotte are easy to clean because they have no joints, fibers, or grout lines that trap dirt. You can clean them with a damp mop or sweep away the dirt. Add a sealant, and they’re impervious to stains and resist scuffing and scratching.
If you select the correct concrete coating and maintain it, it can last ten years or more without needing replacement.
How to Clean Your Plain Concrete Floors in Charlotte
How you clean the floors depends on the finish. Always ask your contractor what they recommend to maintain the shine. There are, however, a few definite things to avoid, including:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Citrus cleansers
- Harsh chemicals
- Acidic cleaners and degreasers
- Pine detergents
- Abrasive cleaners or cleaning pad
You might try vacuuming loose dirt with the bristled attachment of a vacuum or using a microfiber pad to sweep it up. With stubborn dirt, dampen a mop with warm water and use soft soap only if necessary. You can also use a steam mop to tackle stuck-on dirt.
Alternatively, a mild degreaser and soft-bristled brush will eliminate any hard-to-remove marks.
If you have polished concrete floors in Charlotte, always use pH-neutral cleaners or plain water to keep them spotless.
General Maintenance Tips
Fixing Minor Flaws
It’s natural for concrete to crack over time. The concrete shrinks as it dries and water evaporates from the mixture, leading to cracking. However, a good pouring job will minimize these fissures.
Hairline cracks are more of a nuisance than a danger, but dirt can accumulate in them. If you have a bare concrete floor, you can quickly patch these cracks and sand the surrounding surface. It will take a while, but eventually, the fixed area will blend in.
If you have any special coating or have polished concrete, leave the repairs to the experts. DIY can result in having to redo the entire floor as it’s almost impossible to match the repairs to the original flooring without the proper expertise.
Fixing Discoloration
Dying concrete is not rocket science, but there is an art to it. Understanding how each type of dye reacts to the surface and any spills gives you a better idea of how to prevent discoloration.
If it is already too late and you now have a multi-colored floor, the remedy is to reseal it or redye it. Resealing using a tinted sealant is the easiest way to go. You may also opt to redye the concrete, but the results may differ in the discolored areas.
Recoating the floor with a layer of concrete and then sealing it is one way to overcome this, although it is more expensive than using a tinted sealant.
Make Maintenance a Breeze
Polished concrete looks impressive, is hard-wearing, and will maintain its finish for a long time. However, it requires much care, as acidic compounds can damage the finish. It’s an expensive finish for a high-traffic area with specific cleaning requirements and potential for damage.
Your typical concrete sealant works well for waterproofing concrete and preventing stains from penetrating the deep layers. However, you must also be careful about which detergents you use. Plus, the sealant isn’t permanent; you must refinish the floor every few years as it flakes off.
TAGG Concrete Coatings presents a far simpler solution with epoxy coatings. We use a polyurea base to protect the concrete underneath and create a smooth foundation for the hard-as-nails polyaspartic topcoat.
The Benefits of Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings have several benefits. They:
- Chemically bond with the floor, so they won’t flake or lift
- Last at least five years in high-traffic areas and upwards of 15 years in low-traffic ones
- Are easy to clean with warm water
- Are chemical, scuff, chip, and scratch resistant
- Can distribute the weight of heavy machinery, protecting the floor beneath
- Have a polyaspartic topcoat that strengthens the underlying base and provides UV protection
- Are versatile in terms of decoration, as you can add flakes, dyes, and various other aggregates
Would you like to learn more about reducing the maintenance of your concrete floors in Charlotte? Contact TAGG Concrete Coatings at (919) 439 8879 today for advice or a free estimate!
