Thursday, June 6, 2013

Application Of 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.

Adequate preparation of the concrete surface should be done. This involves the removing of dust and dirt particles that might be on the surface. Parking spaces and driveways are exposed to grease and other oily substances. They therefore need to be also cleaned thoroughly using the appropriate detergents to enhance easier and better bonding. Loose concrete on the surfaces should also be removed completely.

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.

Adequate maintenance procedures need to be carried out thereafter to ensure durability of the overlay once it has been installed. Regular mopping and dusting of the interior floors and walls is an ideal maintenance procedure. For the exterior surfaces, pressure washing using mild detergents may be ideal. Regular inspections and repairs are also recommended for areas with heavy traffic as they are bound to cause damage.

Decorative concrete overlay process should be undertaken by a qualified individual. There are various companies with persons having the relevant skills to offer these services. Information on these companies can be sourced by use of internet search engines. From their websites there are details on capabilities of the company. Local companies can be sourced by use of directories or directly from their local offices or agents. From there you can get quotations for the whole process.




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