Concrete is one of the most common flooring materials in use. There are a number of reasons that can influence the choice for this kind of floor. It is, however, a personal choice whether to use or not use it as your flooring material. Of course, your decision must be an informed one based on the associated advantages and disadvantages of these floors. The following are the most important pros and cons of concrete flooring that you ought to know:
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The benefits of concrete flooring are as follows:
• Concrete floors last long
Since they are made of a very hard concrete material, these floors can withstand pressures resulting from very heavy equipment including trucks, stacked crates, cars or forklifts. Accidents resulting from falling materials can never cause a significant damage either. The resilience and extreme toughness of these floors are the aspects that make them very durable. This is one of the reasons that make them very common for warehouses and garages.
• Ease of maintenance
When used for flooring, concrete requires very minimal maintenance practices in order to stay attractive and intact. Depending on the usage, 3 to 9 months waxing or sealing will do just fine in keeping its layer of protection.
• Environment-friendly
Often, the concrete floor is installed below another flooring material. So, making it essentially means removing any materials that were installed above it. As such, there is no production of a new material. Hence, there is no footprint for carbon or the overuse of any resources.
• Flexibility of design options
Traditionally, there were limited decorations that could be made on the concrete floors. This is, however, a problem of the past since there are a number of effects on colour and texture that can be achieved today. These colours can either be introduced before slab placement or on floors that have already been established. Paints, dyes or staining agents can help in the latter cases. Patterns can also be made on the cement floors after installation.
• Affordability
In comparison to other materials, concrete is a very cheap option. Its popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is affordable to most people.
• Resistance to stains, fire, and bacteria
In case of any spills on it, all you need to do is wipe it clean as soon as possible and no stains will stay on the floor for long. It is also resistant to fires and bacteria cannot survive on the floor for long, making it a good cover for the floor.
The following are the disadvantages associated with concrete floors:
• Causes damage
Though it is durable as a result of its hardness, a concrete floor can hurt your feet or any part of your body when you fall. It, therefore, requires one to be careful.
• Susceptibility to moisture
Without proper sealing and pouring, moisture may build up, leading to mildew and mould which are hazardous to you and your family.
• May cause a lot of mess during installation
Although simple to install, you require a professional who will help with cleaning to avoid any mess as a result of the installation.
• Cold and uncomfortable
The level of heat retention of these floors is not very high. You cannot therefore comfortably walk on the floor during cold conditions. It’s hardness also make it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. It hence requires you to use a rug or carpet.
Conclusion: Concrete flooring is a good idea
These are the downsides and the upsides of concrete flooring that will inform your decision on to use it or not. As you can see though there are a lot more positives to concrete flooring then there are negatives. Especially if you get a professional company in to do the installation, once they leave your floor will be ready to use without some of the downsides meaning it is an even better choice.