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A lot of people think that the garage floor is just some concrete floor, where you park a car and place all your junk on. This is not entirely true however, because now there is a lot of top notch garage floor coatings available, to make your floor just like any other part of your home.

The first thing you will want to keep into mind of when it comes down to the coatings used on the garage floor is the coatings. The coatings are a lot more than paint, but rather it is an epoxy that will seal with the substrate. There are a lot of benefits from having this epoxy on your floor, because it will protect against chemical spills, solvent spills, and also oil as well. And the best part is that it will keep your garage flooring looking amazing and beautiful no matter what.

Another advantage you will want to consider when using a garage floor coating is the simple fact that it is much easier to clean.  This will help bring your garage into the home, rather than considering it a separate entity. Cleaning up the floors is a breeze when they have some proper concrete floor coating on it.

The garage floor epoxy also comes in a wide range of different colors as well, so you can decorate your garage to your heart’s content. When you are using this kind of coating to paint your floor, it will typically be a two to three step process because you will need to apply the base coat, then the color flakes, then the top coat.  Then when it is finished curing, you can park your car in there and never have to worry about a thing.

Some other options available to you besides floor coating are high density and oil resistant mats. These are great, especially if you are someone that loves to work on your car because they are soft and provide cushion against the hard floor, allowing you to be comfortable when working on your ride.

Your garage is very important, and it serves a lot of different roles for your home, so make sure that you can treat it with the respect it deserves. Give your garage a beautiful coat of epoxy in order to protect that floor for ages, because it is part of your home, so take pride in it as much as you take pride in every other aspect of your house.

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Increasingly, homeowners looking for an inexpensive way to make their home more livable and increase curb appeal with an eye toward resale are embracing the nationwide trend of creating outdoor living spaces.

These areas usually feature spaces for entertaining friends and family while grilling, dining, eating and relaxing. That often means room for a patio, a grill, a sink or a fireplace. Some think of it as adding a family room without the roof.

For many, the building technique of choice when creating these spaces calls for using segmental concrete paving. This technique employs interlocking units-called concrete pavers-that are strong, durable and are growing in popularity worldwide. In Germany, for instance, there are 15 square feet of pavers installed per person annually. In the Netherlands, most of the streets and sidewalks are made of pavers.

Often used in walkways, patios, plazas and historic restoration projects, pavers are manufactured in a variety of shapes, textures and colors and can be easily removed and reinstalled.

One kind of home-improvement project where pavers are increasingly being used is a raised patio. These patios are known for their durability and can create a new sense of space in a yard, particularly when extended to meet an existing deck. Such spaces can be used as an outdoor entertainment area, complete with hot tub or barbeque pit.

There are a number of reasons why pavers have become popular in projects such as these:

  • Their uniform size and quality allow them to fit tightly together for a strong, interlocking surface.
  • Paver joints allow for a small amount of movement without cracking. That means they won’t crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete.
  • Their design makes them easy to install and repair
  • They’re available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures.
  • And they can be installed by either a professional or a skilled do-it-yourselfer.

One of the newest styles offers the high-end look of stone for a more modest price. Called “tumbled” or “antiqued” pavers, they can be used to add a stately look to a walkway, patio or driveway.

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Concrete is a product that is seemingly used everywhere. It is a product that is heavily consumed by different advance and advancing economies as it aids in development and progress. With the use of concrete, there are so many infrastructure projects that you can come up with. With that in mind, you will therefore see a greater picture on how you can put to use concrete so that it will give you so much advantage.

Image Credits: http://www.nixonhire.co.uk/catalogue/images/cat_concrete_large.png

Apart from the use of concrete, you see the fact that different equipment must be utilized in order that the concrete will be put to good use. Thus, choosing the right kind of equipment will certainly bring so many advantages in the event of your ongoing construction.

Get The Facts On Cyclonaire’s Cement & Concrete Solutions

To provide you with a better understanding of how our solutions can fit your application, Cyclonaire has created a Product Guide for Cement & Concrete Applications.

The guide provides an overview of our top quality cement industry solutions, including:

  • Blower Packages: Cyclonaire’s custom-built intermediate pressure blower packages power both vacuum loading and pressure conveying applications.
  • Bag Dump Stations: Our bag dump stations feature self-contained fan and self-cleaning pulse jet-style filtration dust traps for recycling.
  • C&C Dust Reclaim System: The automated C&C Dust Reclaim System preserves air quality and conserves valuable material by capturing dust from silo-filling operations and automatically returning it directly to the source silo.

From railcar and silo conveying to cement blending — to convey systems and portable conveying systems — Cyclonaire has a solution for your cement and concrete application.  Read more here…

At home, you can benefit so much from the innovation that has been infused in the concrete of today. Such that there are DIY projects that you can come up with, so that you can fully maximize the concrete and put it to good use in beautifying your interiors per se. Concrete now is being utilize in broad spectrum, and has brought benefits to many homeowners.

Concrete Countertop DIY

When you come to a right angle (like where the backsplash meets the counter) it helps to use a wide putty knife and pull the wet cement up from the countertop on the backsplash part and towards yourself away from the wall on the countertop. Pulling the cement in the opposite directions helps give the corner a cleaner look.

The hardest part of this whole job was the rounded angle on the top of the backsplash. I had to use the small putty knife to put small amounts of wet concrete on the rounded edge, smooth it out the best I could, but honestly, I shaped most of that area during sanding. If you’re ever in doubt, put too much concrete on-you can always sand off excess later, but you can’t add more without mixing another batch. Read more here: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/01/concrete-countertop-diy.html.

These things will essentially guide you to fully make sure that as you use concrete, it will not only improve the aesthetics of your house, but more so of its functionality. The concrete that you are seeing are being further researched and innovated so that more and more homeowners will get to enjoy the many kinds of benefits that it has for everyone.

Image Credits: http://www.nixonhire.co.uk/catalogue/images/cat_concrete_large.png.

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stamped concreteStamped Concrete, also known as imprinted or textured concrete, is a form of concrete that resembles stone such as flagstone, tile, brick, wood or slate. It is suitable for beautifying driveways, decks, patios, courtyards, and entries. It is one of the best paving choices, when it comes to enhancing the outdoor space. This style of concrete is particularly popular in Texas.

Why Choose Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete has recently become popular with many homeowners because it provides a wide range of options in terms of concrete colors and patterns. Its affordable price is another factor, why it has become so popular. It is often cheaper than the materials it mimics, thus a very economical way of decorating exteriors. Aesthetically, it is hard to beat, compared to other materials used for paving.

Its maintenance needs are also minimal, compared to the actual materials it resembles. It does not have joints where weeds can grow. Another thing that adds to its value, is its durability and longevity. With proper installation and maintenance, it can serve you for many years, without the need for replacement.

Installing Stamped Concrete

Despite being more convenient and faster to install than stone or brick, installing stamped concrete is an involving process. It requires the right materials, jobsite conditions, expertise, and tools to make sure the outcome is successful.

There are several steps involved in the installation of stamped concrete. The installation crew also has to work with a small window, before the concrete starts hardening. On top of impressing and placing each stamp, color hardener must be broadcast on top of the surface. A release agent is also applied on the stamps, to ensure they don’t stick.

Even after the concrete has set, additional work needs to be done that includes joints installation, detailing, and sealer application. Good preparation and planning are necessary, before the actual work commences. This is very crucial, especially on large projects.

Maintenance

Sometimes stamped concrete tends to last longer than conventional concrete, especially if its surface has a color hardener. On top of imparting color, the hardener makes the surface more resistant to wear and tear and stronger. Some of the maintenance tips to observe include:

  • Sweeping and washing the surface occasionally to prevent build up of dirt
  • Avoid using harsh cleaning detergents, since they can wear out the surface
  • Recoating with sealer can be done, if the surface starts becoming dull to restore its luster.

Bottom Line

The endurance and inherent strength of stamped concrete, is something that adds to its value. Just like normal concrete, stamped concrete will provide years of service, with proper installation and maintenance. It is hardly affected by harsh weather conditions, including the freezing temperatures in winter.

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Constructing Your Concrete Countertop

Concrete countertops are a newer fashion in interior design, but one that has caught on and spread rapidly. It is easy to see why; a concrete countertop offers the ultimate combination of practicality, aesthetics, and affordability.

How to concrete countertops

Coloring and surfacing effects on the concrete can give it the look of polished stone, which is a much more traditional counter material. The concrete countertop can then stand up to water, stains, fading from sunlight, and more. Last but not least, a concrete countertop allows the homeowner to get sensible counters without completely emptying his or her bank account. These countertops are much less costly than the actual quarried stone that they emulate in appearance.

Constructing your concrete countertop is not exactly easy, but it can certainly be chore. If you have the right supplies, you’ll be able to create customized concrete counters that look great and can be used for any type of food prep or bar area.

Z Counterform Concrete Countertop

First, you will need to plan out your counter. This is so that you can purchase the right  amount of molds and product to make the shape you want. You also need to make sure to grab dyes or integral colors and the sealers so that when you do arrive at later steps, you’ll be able to move on as quickly as possible. You also need a great deal of concrete countertop mix, which is usually specifically designed concrete that takes on a special strength that helps keep the concrete strong and gives it flexural strength.

Instructional how to concrete countertop videos can help as well. For example, Concrete Countertop Solutions offers many videos that can help you understand the tools you will be using over the process of construction. If you are completely unsure, you can try and look up even more information or ask a contractor a few questions. Don’t move forward too quickly – make sure you know what you’re doing, first!

You may be wondering where to purchase all of these supplies that you’ll need.  Concrete Countertop Solutions has you covered. This online store offers so many different concrete tools, mixes, dyes, and finishes that you’re certain to be able to find the materials that will create the look you are going for.

In addition, because it is an online store, you will get the materials delivered to your door, rather than having to transport them, which can be a major pain. And you’ll be able to order them all at once and know they’ll be compatible!

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Polished Concrete Flooring is the Look of Choice; Here’s Why

Did you know that polished concrete flooring contributes towards sustainable living? With polished concrete flooring, you get good looks, long-staying power without constant cleaning, vacuuming or waxing. By using beautifully polished concrete flooring which is both the foundation and the finished floor, you eliminate the use of carpeting, expensive wooden flooring.

Benefits of Polished concrete Flooring

You also get tremendous environmental benefits from polished concrete flooring. You don’t have to worry about out-gassing from carpeting materials and you get better air quality. By using dyes or stains in the polished concrete flooring, you get high-style while going green.

Polished concrete flooring is fast becoming the floor surface of choice and is replacing expensive marble and tiling, and offers more flexibility in design than tiling. Whether you are a homeowner interested in DIY weekend projects, or a restaurant owner looking for a stylish look, you’ll find that it is flexible, easy on the eye and on the pocketbook.

A Hard-Working Concrete Floor Finish for Polished Concrete Flooring

To find a high-strength concrete floor finish which gives excellent adhesion without out gassing, your best choice are the epoxy primer and sealers from Düraamen. Not only do its products give you exceptional results, you get unstinting technical support at every step of the way.

You can count on Düraamen’s concrete floor finish to give it little or low odor during use and curing, so it’s absolutely safe in occupied properties, be it a home, an office or a high-traffic public area. With Düraamen’s products for polished concrete flooring, you get fast drying time and easy clean-up. You can even use the epoxy concrete floor finish onto recently poured concrete for maximum adhesion.

Polished concrete flooring is a trend that’s here to stay. It is now popularly used in retail stores, offices, warehouses, homes, showrooms, shopping malls, homes. You get a unique look, style, comfort, savings and you contribute positively to the environment. WIth so many choices, you can have low-sheen satin or high-sheen gloss.

Going Green With Polished Concrete Flooring

By using Düraamen’s products, you get points towards LEED credits. Further, you can count on top-quality product, customer-focused service and top-notch technical help whenever you use polished concrete flooring or other Düraamen products such as decorative concrete, self-leveling concrete, color makers such as overlays and micro-toppings, sealers, resin chips, crack, moisture vapor treatments.

As a customer, you can sign up for workshops to update your skills and to gain new ones, get their newsletter to find out about industry trends, sustainability ideas, inspiration for your projects or find out about upcoming trade shows.

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bathroom floor concrete resurfacing
Concrete contractor doing a bathroom floor concrete resurfacing

A lot of homes these days have certain parts of their homes that they have constructed out of concrete. This could be the garage, the sidewalk or the patio in your residence. Just like any part of the house though, they are subject to age and to wear and tear. So, if these fixtures are starting to show signs of aging, then this would be a good time for you to consider calling the concrete resurfacing contractors in.

Ideally, concrete fixtures like your driveway are built to last for a life time. However, there are a number of instances when its lifespan may be shortened. Exposure to the elements and the ever changing temperature levels can be among these reasons. This can then cause the surfaces of these areas to be unsightly as they can crack, can get discolored, can settle, and in some cases scaling will occur as well.

There are also instances when this happens due to the manner in which these driveways have been built and constructed. For instance, the subgrade upon its installation was not properly compacted. The concrete mix that was used can be inappropriate as well. There are concrete surfaces that get damaged easily because of poor placement procedures. Since ripping off the concrete and reinstalling it from scratch is going to be too much work and will cost a lot of money, many homeowners would opt for repair procedures instead so the surface can look nice and good as new again.

These are the professionals that you need to be calling in to help you in getting back the youthful look and appeal of your concrete fixture. You might be considering the possibility of doing the job yourself this is more than possible especially if you have some knowledge on concrete works and you have the tools to use and the time to spare. But if you are not too keen on doing the job, the best solution would really be to call the experts in and let them do the work for you.

What the concrete contractors will do is use concrete resurfacer to make it possible for them to get the roughened surface of your pavers or patio smoothed out again. It can be a slightly expensive route though especially when compared to how things would be if plain concrete is going to be used. It is definitely costlier, but it is worth it due to the fact that it is going to have the necessary bonding elements that will be able to bond to old and cured concrete to give it a smooth look again.

With the help of the concrete contractors, you will be able to get the surface fixed through the use of overlaying techniques. The best thing about this method is the fact that you will be allowed to choose from varieties if options on who you want the resurfacing procedures to be done. For instance, you can choose from various patterns and color options to get a new and upgraded look. Do find the right contractors with the right experience and the necessary tools of the trade though to get a very satisfactory result.

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Why Concrete Repair Training Is Important?

Even the highest quality decorative concrete products are ineffective without a well-trained person to install them correctly. The ThermoConcrete, in Chicago, IL, provides expert training in a variety of decorative concrete techniques and specialty products. These hands-on training seminars show how to use products available at ThermoConcrete to produce flawless results in many different types of concrete applications.

The classes are available on a regular basis and are usually one or two days, depending on the subject matter. Expert instructors provide training in areas like concrete countertops, vertical concrete, coatings and sealers, stamping, overlays and so much more. Contact ThermoConcrete today to find out more about their impressive concrete repair training programs.

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Stamped Concrete Driveways: A New Twist on an Old Building Material

Most houses have a driveway, but few houses have one with curb appeal. Generally, driveways are made from plain asphalt or concrete. Although they are used each day, many people do not notice driveways until they become cracked or filled with weeds. The assumption is that driveways have to be plain and unappealing.

While this might have been acceptable in the past, there are decorative elements changing people’s perspective of a construction staple. Today, you can enjoy both the benefits and physical attributes of your driveway. With stamped concrete driveways, you have inexpensive options to improve the entrance to your home.

Add Curbside Appeal With Stamped Concrete Driveways

Stamped concrete driveways are one of the best ways to add curb appeal to any home. There are a number of benefits to using concrete that does not come with other paving materials. Regardless of the home’s style, this is a decorative option to add color, texture and patterns to your driveway. You can customize it to imitate natural materials that cost much more to install and maintain.

Another benefit for using stamped concrete is that it can be applied to an existing or new driveway. Different methods and products are available to rejuvenate an existing driveway. With a new driveway, the contractor can add color and patterns during the initial installation.

Stamped concrete driveways can make a prominent statement about your home and the first impression can be either good or bad. At a minimal cost, you can have an eye-catching upgrade from a plain material. Stamped concrete provides a surface that is long-lasting and requires very little maintenance.