When homeowners experience the beauty and functionality of concrete floors they are amazed at the many benefits it provides. Nonetheless, residential concrete floors spark many questions about their practicality inside the home. The aesthetic attributes are obvious, but many homeowners wonder if this flooring material is beneficial in the long term.
To answer common questions, we have gathered information about the benefits, maintenance, appearance, and performance of residential concrete floors to help you determine if it is a good option for your home. We Do Concrete Cheap are the leaders in concrete floors in Raleigh NC. Our experts guide you in getting inspired to discover the possibilities for your home’s flooring.
More About Residential Concrete Floors
To understand residential concrete, you must know that this material’s surface is finished with various polishes, stains, epoxy, and other decorative treatments that make the floor merge into the rest of your home’s décor.
Let’s explore some common questions homeowners have about residential concrete flooring.
Do Concrete Floors Become Damp and Cold?
Concrete floors are not colder than natural stone or ceramic tile floors. To keep your floors warm during cold winters, you can install embedded radiant heating elements or design your home in such a way that sunlight is maximized through windows.
Dampness is not a problem with concrete floors because they are insulated properly and their foundational slab has a well-drained subgrade. Most cities require all constructions to meet particular building codes that call for a vapor barrier to be installed under concrete slabs, which prevent moisture migration.
Are Concrete Floors Tough on My Feet?
Concrete floors are no different than tile when it comes to firmness. Their hardness is what makes them so durable and resistant to abrasion. Area rugs are a great way to cushion your flooring so that they are easier on your feet. This is especially the case when the concrete is polished or has a smooth finish.
Do Concrete Floors Become Slippery?
When floors are wet, they can become slippery whether they are concrete, tile, laminate, wood, or other materials. When a high-gloss sealer is applied, it decreases traction, but a non-slip additive can be applied to the stain or sealer to make your concrete floors less slippery.
When polished concrete floors are kept dry and clean, they are less slippery than polished marble floors or waxed linoleum. Therefore, concrete is considered a safe material for flooring where people can confidently carry out a variety of activities in the home.
Are Concrete Floors Excessively Industrial in Appearance?
If you install gray plain and unadulterated concrete flooring it may remind you of an industrial setting. To avoid this sterile look, many people choose earth-toned stains that enrich the appearance of your home making it look inviting and warm. Brown is one of the most popular color choices for concrete floors to enhance the interior design of homes.
Are Concrete Floors Noisy?
Concrete floors can produce an echo effect, but they are no different than ceramic tile, hardwood floors, or natural stone. To reduce the echo produced, you can muffle the sound by using materials in your home that absorb sound. Wall fabrics, curtains, area rugs, and pillows are all great options for this purpose.
How Durable Are Concrete Floors?
Residential concrete floors are highly durable because of their hardness and strength. When properly installed and sealed, they are also resistant to stains and scratches. They can certainly last intact for decades with proper maintenance. To further protect your flooring as you would do with any material, you can place area and entry rugs to prevent damage. However, once you experience concrete floorings, you will realize why they are considered to be one of the most durable materials for floors.
Will Concrete Floors Crack?
One of the most frequently asked questions about residential concrete floors is about their potential for developing cracks. Some concrete floors do develop minor cracks, but these can be hidden by utilizing micro-toppings which create a smooth new surface with a variety of decorative finishes. These include stamping, staining, and stenciling. However, some homeowners like the rustic and organic look of random cracks, leaving them exposed and enhanced with dyes.
Are Decorative Concrete Floor Finishes Easy to Maintain
Absolutely! Compared with other types of flooring, concrete floors are extremely easy to maintain. The amount of maintenance residential concrete floors will need highly depends on the amount of traffic to which it is exposed. Most homes experience light foot traffic compared to commercial settings, which only requires a simple cleaning regimen. Protecting concrete floors with a good sealer and coating with wax will make them very resistant to abrasion, stains, and chemical damage.
Connect with Residential Concrete Flooring Experts
With durable concrete flooring, you can give your home a stylish new look that will increase your property value!
Once you are ready to explore this flooring option, our experienced residential concrete experts at We Do Concrete Cheap in Raleigh NC will explore the various choices available. When searching for concrete floors in the Triangle Area, you will find us to be a trusted company that provides quality installations at affordable prices.
Want to know more about how concrete floors can enhance your home? Call us today for a consultation!
