Concrete is Versatile
Concrete is so versatile there is no question of
whether you can get it the way you want, but rather
where you would like to put it.
Concrete is Durable
The number one reason why anyone should use concrete
is durability. If concrete is installed and maintained
correctly there is no reason why it would not last
thousands of years. Concrete is primarily comprised
of rock, which if you remember back to those grade
six science classes, comes from the earth after
being formed over billions of years. What better
material to use when protecting your investment.
Concrete is Strong
In
its most basic form concrete's compression strength
is 4,000 lbs per square inch and with toda'?s admixtures
and coatings you can even reach strengths of up
to 16,000 lbs per square inch. That's like having
a parking pad for a jumbo jet in your backyard.
But what we like most about concrete's strength
is that it actually continues to get stronger as
it ages. What most people don't know is that concrete
will continue to get harder over the years. The
bond between the aggregates and the cement will
gain strength, making it even more durable. And
let us not forget about rebar, this is reinforcing
steel rod set in the concrete to securely lock the
concrete structure. Rebar will prevent cracking
and heaving, further enhancing your concrete's life
span.
Concrete is Easy
to Maintain
Concrete
is truly a low-maintenance product. In most cases
it will only need to be treated once every two to
three years. Although for decorative applications,a
yearly sealant to preserve your artwork is recommended.
A sealant is a coating that absorbs into the concrete
protecting it from any contaminants. Not only does
it make your concrete more durable but it makes
it stain resistant resulting in an easy to clean
surface. For literally pennies per square foot per
year, your concrete can maintain its resilience
and never have to be replaced!
Concrete is Affordable
The Decorative Concrete Realm is only limited by
your imagination. Concrete is a medium that can
easily take on any shape, colour, or texture. Because
concrete begins in a liquid state, it conforms to
the shape of its container, resulting in limitless
designs. This is nice when it comes to having something
the way you want it. Yet another beautiful characteristic
of concrete is its ability to be coloured. Concrete
can be coloured in a number of different ways. Replicating
the natural looks of stone, slate, even wood can
create the look you want with the durability you
need outdoors while giving you a high end look on
a budget. There is no other product as capable,
versatile, or beautiful but concrete.
Whether
it is a new patio, driveway, fireplace surround,
furniture, countertops, or even wall feature, concrete
will out perform any other material both structurally
and financially. All the reason why concrete is
both the design and construction material of choice.
Benefits of Using
Decorative Concrete
• Concrete is easy to maintain
• Concrete helps to will rid environments
of dust mites, mold, and allergy or asthma causing
particles.
• Concrete staining and engraving will enhance
surroundings and increase property values as well
as the quality of life.
• Because concrete is slow to heat and cool,
concrete flooring can help reduce energy bills.
Are
there any drawbacks associated with Concrete?
Even with its impressive features, concrete is not
a flooring solution suitable for everyone. Because
concrete is a natural product, even when sealed,
it can show signs of stain and wear over time. For
many, this natural patina is a desirable effect
and adds beauty and warmth to the concrete floor.
Also, in areas that are prone to have foundation
problems, a concrete floor can develop cracks that
would be typically be hidden under a carpet floor.
The cracks can be repaired with resin colored to
match the concrete.
How is Concrete Maintained?
Proper maintenance and upkeep is imperative with
concrete. Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored
concrete should be done on a regular basis just
like any other floor maintenance. The frequency
will depend on the amount of traffic an area gets
from cars, people, pets, and water, as well as any
chemicals to which the concrete is exposed.
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