Tuesday, June 4, 2013

How To Apply A Decorative Concrete Overlay

By Lora Jones


Concrete surfaces are subject to harsh weather conditions and other effects that cause damages. New constructions also require a finish that gives the floor or wall a pleasant outlook. To achieve this, a decorative concrete overlay may be placed in order to give the surface a new look. It also helps in maintaining the durability by improving its water and chemical resistance.

Resurfacing is done to both interior and exterior concrete surfaces within a premise. Floors, walls, parking and driveways are therefore among the areas that can be redecorated. The mode of applying a concrete overlay on these surfaces and the materials used also vary accordingly. Also the colors to be used differ depending on the location of the surface being applied.

Before the surface is applied with a concrete overlay, various measures need to be undertaken. Among them is cleaning the area using appropriate detergents and equipments. Debris, dust and any loose concrete should also be completely removed from the floor. Oily substances and grease that are prevalent on driveways and parking need to be cleaned as well.

Effective repairs should be carried out on areas with extensive cracks and deformities before the application is done. Once cleaning and repairs have been done, a polymer is applied. This is an adhesive that ensures easier bonding. The concrete is then applied by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. To increase the strength and durability of the application, a sealer should be added to the mixture.

Materials used for the process differ extensively. This is mainly due to the different components that the products are made from. This variation is further based on the intended area of application. Products used for exterior application need to be of higher resistance to adverse climatic conditions than those used on interior surfaces. Choice of color also differs on the basis of the area being applied. Dull colors are ideal for parking and driveways while the bright ones for interiors.

Materials and the mode of application used are the ones that determine the cost of the process. A contractor will therefore first assess the kind of work that needs to be done and then prepare a quotation for the same. The total area to be covered also affects the overall cost. For large areas, the average cost per foot is much lower compared to small areas due to the equipments to be used.

Durability is a key factor in the application process. To enhance this, proper and efficient maintenance procedures are required. These entail regular and adequate cleaning of the surfaces that have been worked on. Floors and other surfaces within the building also require dusting and mopping on a daily basis. On the parking and driveways, pressure washing should be done with non-corrosive detergents.

There are a number of companies that undertake decorative concrete overlay projects. These firms are run by qualified and experienced builders who have the necessary skills for such undertakings. Some can be found locally through references in local directories or online by use of search engines.




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