With a concrete overlay, you might be able to hide flaws in a concrete floor that has already been laid. Almost any concrete slab can be entirely redone by adding one of the many decorative options available for less than the cost of removing and replacing the slab. At this point, choosing a decorative finish and type of overlay from the massive number of options will be the most challenging part of the process. With concrete overlay flooring, you can get almost any look because you have many options.
Different kinds of concrete lay
Here’s a look at some of the different overlays and how you can decorate with each one. We also give you some rules to follow so that you can pick the best solution for the job at hand. Because there are so many options, you should be able to find at least one system that meets all of your needs in terms of cost, durability, appearance, and maintenance.
Cement overlays have been used for a long time. Still, many systems used today combine polymer resins with cement, sand, and other additives to make the cement overlay work better, last longer, and look better on concrete overlay flooring. Depending on the layers’ thickness, polymer-modified overlays can be as thin as a credit card or as thick as several inches without breaking or coming apart. They stick well to concrete already there and are not damaged by abrasion, chemicals, salt, ultraviolet light, or freezing and thawing.
Even though most polymer-modified overlays improve performance, in the same way, each system has unique features that make it stand out from the others. Overlays are made with various polymer resins, often mixed to make unique products with different physical and chemical properties. Acrylics and acrylic blends make many decorative overlays because they have a strong bond and don’t break down when exposed to UV rays.
How does the floor look that’s already there?
Choose a material with a higher build, like an underlayment or a self-levelling overlay, which can be laid at a thickness of at least 1/4 inch.
Too much moisture in the concrete substrate could also be a problem for some overlay systems. This is especially true for technologies that stop concrete from being able to breathe or let water vapour out as needed. Simple experiments can be done to find out how fast concrete gives off water vapour. If it is too high, you should use an overlay system that lets moisture vapour escape if it is.
What kinds of things will the overlay have to deal with?
Make sure that the overlay system is strong enough to handle all of the situations it will encounter. Is it a floor surface in a high-traffic area where chemicals, grease, and oil are likely to spill? Some systems are better prepared than others for times when the environment is terrible.
What kind of look do you want to make happen?
The most important and apparent reason to use a concrete overlay is to fix and improve the look of the concrete already there. Find a system that can give your revitalised surface the colour, pattern, and texture you want, and then look for a system that can help you get that look. It is best to get advice from the person who made the overlay and put it on. Ask for examples of the different finishes, colour choices, and a portfolio of finished work.
How easy is it to mix the parts and use the product?
Another thing to think about when choosing an overlay is how easy it is to use, especially if you are the one putting it on. Some things, like cake mixes, already have all ingredients combined. All you have to do to use them is add water. Some recipes say to mix the polymer addition with the cement and any other dry ingredients, as well as any pigmentation or colouring that may be needed.
Some overlays can be put on top of properly prepared surfaces without a primer or bonding agent, while others need to be put on top of a primer or bonding agent. Pourable, self-levelling solutions often cover floors faster and require less finishing work than materials that are applied with a trowel or a spray gun.
How much and what kind of maintenance does it need?
Most decorative overlays resist stains, dirt, and oil when sealed with a protective coating on concrete overlay flooring. But they will need to be cleaned daily to keep their perfect look. Depending on how many people walk on them, floor overlays may need to be swept regularly to remove any rough particles and mopped with a light detergent when they get dirty. Before committing to a specific care plan, it is essential to ensure that all the cleaning and maintenance methods and the goals for how well the item will work over its lifetime.
