When you think of concrete floors, you probably consider them incredibly durable. This durability is what makes them such a popular choice for a variety of residential and commercial spaces. However, while concrete is strong, untreated concrete floors are prone to various types of damage over time.
Understanding these common problems, from cracking and staining to moisture-related issues, is essential for ensuring the longevity of your floors. If you’ve recently installed a new concrete floor in your space and want to learn about the most common damage and how to avoid it, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
The Most Common Damage to Untreated Concrete Floors
Cracking
One of the most common problems with untreated concrete floors is cracking. Concrete naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes, leading to hairline or even significant cracks over time. These cracks can worsen due to heavy loads, impact, or further temperature fluctuations, making the floor unsightly and less structurally sound. In addition to impacting the appearance of your floors, cracks can also create a tripping hazard.
Prevention Tip: While reinforcement during installation can help, a high-quality concrete floor coating adds an extra layer of protection. This coating can act as a barrier that minimizes the effects of temperature changes and impact, reducing the risk of cracks.
Staining and Discoloration
Untreated concrete floors are highly porous, which means they absorb liquids quickly. If you use a garage as a parking spot or workshop, it is more likely to be exposed to abrasive chemicals. Spills from oil, chemicals, or other substances can lead to permanent stains and discoloration, which not only affects the floor’s appearance but can also weaken its structure over time.
Prevention Tip: Concrete floor coatings create a non-porous surface that resists staining and makes it easy to clean up spills before they can seep in. To ensure your floors don’t discolor over time, you should avoid epoxy coatings, as excessive UV exposure causes these coatings to yellow over time.
Moisture Damage
Moisture is another major problem for untreated concrete floors. Whether from a leaky pipe, high humidity, or ground moisture seeping up through the slab, water can penetrate concrete and cause long-term damage. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which may cause health concerns and further floor deterioration. This moisture damage is especially common in the lower parts of a building, including basements and garages.
Prevention Tip: Applying a moisture-resistant concrete coating can seal the surface, preventing water from infiltrating and causing damage. This is especially critical in areas prone to high moisture levels or where the floor is exposed to water frequently. If you’ve dealt with flooding in the past, it is essential that you consider investing in a concrete coating.
Surface Erosion and Dusting
Over time, untreated concrete floors may erode or show signs of dusting—when fine particles rise to the surface and create a powdery residue. This can make the floor slippery and contribute to poor indoor air quality, as concrete dust can become airborne. Additionally, concrete floor dusting can lead to long-term and, in some cases, irreversible respiratory illness, like silicosis.
Prevention Tip: A durable concrete coating strengthens the surface and prevents erosion and dusting, creating a safer and cleaner environment. Installing a floor coating is especially important if this is a high-traffic space, like an entryway to your home, as it prevents damage from constant friction.
Avoiding Damage with Concrete Floor Coatings
If you’re tired of dealing with damage to your untreated concrete floors, investing in a floor coating from a reliable coating company is the best investment you can make in the space. An increasingly popular floor coating among homeowners and businesses is Polyaspartic. These coatings are the strongest coating on the market, resistant to chemical damage, sun exposure, and constant friction. There are many benefits to investing in these coatings, including:
- Enhanced Durability: Coatings make concrete more resistant to wear and tear from heavy foot traffic and equipment. These coatings have an expected lifespan of up to 20 years, ensuring your floors look their best for decades.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Concrete coatings come in various finishes and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your space. No matter what your home or business looks like, you can trust that there is a floor coating that matches the space.
- Long-Term Savings: A concrete coating prevents damage, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. With concrete costing $4 to $8 per square foot, you’ll want to avoid replacing this for as long as possible.
- Easy Maintenance: Coated floors are easier to clean and maintain, saving time and effort. To keep them looking their best, you should sweep and mop them once a week and spot-treat any chemical spills.
Protecting Untreated Concrete Floors Across Denver
While concrete is sturdy, untreated concrete floors are vulnerable to cracking, staining, moisture damage, and surface erosion. Applying a concrete floor coating is a proactive step that ensures lasting protection, improved appearance, and peace of mind. Investing in this solution will safeguard your floors from common damages and keep them looking great for years.
If you’re looking for a team in the Denver area to help you care for your untreated concrete floors, turn to our team at Solid Garage Floor Coatings of Colorado. For years, we’ve provided reliable floor coatings to residential and commercial spaces across the area. With this experience, you can trust that we have the perfect coating for your space as well.
If you want to learn more about our floor coatings or are ready to schedule an installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.