Blog | Architectural Concrete Supply

Why Epoxy Flooring Is Perfect for Garages

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:55:17 GMT

Garages are an essential part of the home, often used not just for parking cars but also as a workspace, storage area, and sometimes even a hangout spot. Given the heavy-duty tasks that typically take place in garages, choosing the right flooring is crucial. Epoxy flooring has emerged as one of the most popular and practical choices for garages. But what makes it so perfect? Let's delve into the many advantages that epoxy flooring offers for your garage.

1. Exceptional Durability

First and foremost, epoxy flooring is incredibly durable. It can withstand substantial weight and impact, making it ideal for a space where large and heavy items like cars, tools, and machinery are often stored or used. Furthermore, epoxy flooring is highly resistant to chemicals, oil spills, and other substances that are commonly found in a garage. This kind of resilience ensures that the flooring keeps its integrity and pristine appearance over time, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

2. Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility

Another major benefit is the aesthetic appeal of epoxy flooring. It comes in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing homeowners to tailor the look of their garage to match their personal style. Beyond just looking good, epoxy floors also have reflective properties that enhance lighting within the garage. Better lighting can improve visibility, making it easier to work on various projects and also increasing safety. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market for North American epoxy resins is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% globally through 2028, indicating rising consumer adoption and satisfaction.

3. Ease of Maintenance

Maintenance is also a breeze with epoxy flooring. Thanks to its seamless and non-porous surface, dirt, dust, and debris have nowhere to hide, making cleaning quick and easy. Epoxy floors are also highly resistant to stains, meaning that even if spills occur, they can be swiftly wiped away without leaving a mark. This low-maintenance feature is particularly beneficial for busy homeowners who might not have the time or inclination to constantly clean and maintain their garage floor.

In conclusion, epoxy flooring stands out as a superior choice for garages due to its unmatched durability, aesthetic versatility, and ease of maintenance. Its growing popularity, backed by statistics like those from Mordor Intelligence, underscores its effectiveness and homeowner satisfaction. If you are contemplating an upgrade for your garage, epoxy flooring is certainly a worthwhile investment that combines practicality with style. If you're looking for epoxy floor coatings , call us at Architectural Concrete Supply today!

How to Maintain Clean, Beautiful Epoxy Flooring

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:33:12 GMT

Epoxy floor coatings have gained popularity due to the extra layer of protection they provide for solid floors. If you're thinking of making an upgrade this year, make sure you understand how to maintain it. According to Sherwin Williams, sweeping, product application, agitation, product dwell time, and removal are the main elements of maintenance care. Here's a look at how to best care for an epoxy floor.

Do General Cleaning

As you know, the layer of epoxy protects the solid surface underneath from dirt and grime, meaning you must clean that top layer of epoxy so it can keep looking shiny and bright. The basics of cleaning these floors include sweeping and vacuuming. While you don't necessarily need to vacuum them as you would a carpet, if you want to use a vacuum tool to quickly take up dirt, dust, and debris instead of sweeping, it can come in handy. By consistently getting rid of dust and dirt, you can keep the surface looking beautiful. In most cases, simple, regular sweeping will suffice.

Clean Spills Quickly

While epoxy protects the main floor from stains and bacteria, it's important to ensure spills are kept to a minimum and dealt with as soon as possible. Most spills won’t stain the material but can become a safety hazard by causing slips and falls. However, if you spill certain abrasive chemicals, they can damage the epoxy layer if you don't clean it up quickly. When you have epoxy floors in your garage or workspace, don't leave paint solvent or any other harmful chemicals sitting on the surface.

Watch What Products You Use

Like carpets and wood floors, epoxy can withstand a variety of cleaning solutions, but not all of them. While your epoxy floor layer is simple to clean, you should also be careful when using the right floor maintenance supplies. It's best to avoid anything acidic, as these substances can dissolve the topmost part over time. You also don't want to use any product that can take away from the floor's shine.

Epoxy floors are a great choice for any homeowner or business that wants beautiful floors that are easy to maintain. This coating can protect any hard surface, from stone to tile to hardwood. When you need the right floor maintenance supplies or recommendations for flooring contractors, contact our team at Architectural Concrete Supply for more information.

Different Types of Concrete Floor Finishes

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:40:58 GMT

There is a popular misconception about concrete that says concrete is fully cured for 100 years. That is not the case, but concrete can indeed last almost that long. Concrete flooring is a popular flooring option that is now being used in a variety of applications. In the past, concrete was primarily only used for industrial applications, but now it can be found in commercial and residential areas as well. According to the CCAA, over 70% of the world's population lives in a structure that contains concrete. It's good to know the different finish options that are available if you're considering concrete floor products. Here are a few of the finishes to choose from.

Troweled

Troweled is a very popular finish option for concrete flooring. This method smooths concrete so that it attains a polished and sophisticated look. This is a popular option for flooring that will be used in residential or commercial settings. You can work with professionals to obtain the correct concrete floor products and achieve this look for your concrete flooring.

Brushed

If you want some texture to your concrete floor, you might want to use the brushed technique. A brushed finish will add texture and visual interest to what would otherwise be considered a boring concrete floor. A stiff broom is used to work the surface of the wet concrete. Circular patterns are often used which generates an intricate web of lines on the surface. This look is best achieved after allowing the concrete to cure for a few days and then further enhanced with a sealing product.

Exposed

Exposed aggregate concrete finishes is a decorative technique that is often used in driveways, patios, and sidewalks. This look is popular as it creates a decorative look. It can create unique textures as the aggregate materials are exposed and visible. Depending on what types of aggregate are used, this could become a very stylistic choice using varieties of colors and textures.

The Right Option

With different options available, you'll want to talk with a team of professionals to find out which type of concrete flooring product is right for your home and needs. The type of finish you choose will have a huge impact on the final visual product that is created and the durability of the floor.

These are just a few finishes that you can choose from. If you'd like to learn more about our concrete floor products , please contact Architectural Concrete Supply today. We can provide the right equipment to help you complete your flooring projects.

Tools You'll Need for a Garage Epoxy Coating

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:19:17 GMT

Epoxy coating is a great garage flooring solution. According to Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, over 70% of the world’s population lives in a structure that contains concrete. That being said, your concrete needs to be protected. This solution protects your concrete floor, is slip and fire-resistant, and prolongs the life of the flooring. If you are applying epoxy coating on your own, you need to find a reputable supplier. Equipment rental will be your best option for this project. Read below to discover the epoxy floor supplies you will need.

Epoxy Rollers

This tool is essential to completing your epoxy floor coatings. Epoxy rollers make the resin application easy and painless. Rollers distribute the perfect amount of resin to the floor as you roll. They reduce drips and bumps to provide you with a seamless epoxy coating.

Brushes

Brushes are essential for those hard-to-reach corners and edges. Precision brushes for small spaces can provide a seamless epoxy finish. If you have someone assisting you through the epoxy coating process, you will need to rent a few brushes. Requesting an equipment rental for brushes will ensure you get the exact finish you want.

Aluminum Squeegee Frames

Another equipment rental you need for epoxy flooring coatings is an aluminum squeegee frame. This tool will further eliminate any drips or bumps and create a uniform, smooth surface. A smooth surface not only looks great but it will reduce slips and trips in the future.

Epoxy Coatings

Not necessarily a tool, but still something you will need to complete the project is the coating. Epoxy coating suppliers usually have an array of options to choose from. At Architectural Concrete Supply, we offer metallic marble, graniflex, and resinous epoxy coatings.

The team at Architectural Concrete Supply offers an array of equipment rentals for epoxy floor coatings and more. Any person who wants to create functional and visually appealing epoxy floors needs the right tools on hand. As a bonus, we offer free hands-on training and technical support. Make the right choice by choosing Architectural Concrete Supply for all concrete and epoxy supply needs. If any questions or concerns arise, do not hesitate to contact our team of epoxy experts. We look forward to helping you get the tools and equipment you need!

What's the Best Coating for Industrial Concrete Floors?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:04:19 GMT

Industrial flooring is far different from residential flooring, so different finishes are needed. Options for industrial floor coverings are extensive, but you want to ensure you get the right covering for your particular industry and needs. The floor covering you choose will be based on many factors, including your industry, level of traffic, and what chemicals the floor might be exposed to on a regular basis. How you choose to cover industrial concrete floors matters. Let’s look at a couple of options.

Epoxy Floor Coatings

According to Grand View Research, epoxy coatings account for more than 40% of the revenue in the concrete coating industry. That's because this is one of the most popular coating options. Epoxy resin is a commercial-grade concrete floor covering that is generally suitable for industrial floor protection. This type of coating is very durable and also UV stable. Floors finished with epoxy are easy to clean and stain resistant. This is important if your floors are often exposed to oils and chemicals.

If you have polished concrete floors, this type of coating will greatly increase the durability of the floor over time. During the coating process, an engineered coating will be applied that is made of resin and a hardener. This creates a strong and long-lasting surface that can endure industrial traffic and use.

Slip Resistant Coatings

It’s often necessary in an industrial setting to provide slip-resistant floor coatings. Many industries are under compliance regulations that require a slip-resistant workspace is provided for employees. Slip-resistant additives can be used in epoxy floor coatings to make your workspaces and walkways safer. Companies often like to utilize these coatings in areas that often become wet or areas where staff and customers are required to walk a lot. Slip-resistant coatings are used in manufacturing plants, machinery storage areas, warehouses, garages, or any area that needs a tough coating while minimizing slipping.

Slip-resistant coatings must be applied to properly prepped concrete floors by professionals. This is definitely not a DIY project. If epoxy floor coatings are applied improperly, it can become a huge waste of time and money. Plus, it’s possible that your workspace will not meet safety compliance guidelines without the help of a professional team.

If you are in need of concrete floor coverings, please get in touch with Architectural Concrete Supply today. We will be happy to discuss your needs and go over the different options available.

What Are the Benefits of Polishing Your Concrete Floors?

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:45:24 GMT

When it comes to flooring choices for properties, you have many options. One underrated choice is concrete. Having a concrete floor on any property can be a great asset to the owner. It is a versatile material, suitable for residential and commercial properties. It's also easy to maintain and keep clean. With regular polishing and upkeep, the surface of your concrete floors can remain smooth and attractive. Let's discuss the benefits of having your concrete floor polished and looking its best and why it's worth the investment.

Maintenance Is Much Easier

When concrete floors get polished, it involves using a machine that grinds down the surface layer. As a result, a smoother and shinier finish shows on the surface. After polishing, it's much easier to clean and maintain than unpolished concrete. It's also more resistant to scratches and stains that are common in areas with high foot traffic. The durability is hard to match, and you'll be glad you chose a material that can handle heavy use.

Polishing Is Affordable

Polishing concrete floors is cost-effective and can breathe new life into tired and old surfaces. One of the main advantages of polishing concrete is its affordability. It is typically less expensive than tile or hardwood, and the upkeep is far less expensive than what other materials require. More people who consider concrete floors are considering installing the polished variety. In fact, according to Concrete Decor, an online magazine dedicated to decorative concrete, polished concrete floors comprise 15% to 20% of total flooring installed yearly.

Increased Aesthetic Appeal

There's no doubt that polished concrete can make the interior of any space look much better. The smooth and shiny finish enhances the look and feel of any room or hallway. Whether you have a large industrial setting or a residential home, concrete floors can make the interior of any space look more elegant and professional. It can also help your business increase sales because it can help you present your business as a modern, upscale operation. One of the most common uses for polished concrete floors is in retail stores. Polished concrete can reflect light, which makes spaces appear brighter and more spacious.

If you're considering polished concrete for your home or business, it's always an excellent investment. If you're looking for concrete polishing supplies or rental equipment, we're the team to call. Get in contact with us at Architectural Concrete Supply to get started!

Signs Your Concrete Floor Needs Maintenance

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:39:04 GMT

Concrete floors require consistent maintenance to ensure they're in good shape. But do you know what this maintenance entails? Most people have concrete on the lower levels of their houses, in their garages, or in their driveways. According to Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, more than 70% of people live in a structure that has concrete. Yet many homeowners might be stumped when it comes to the proper maintenance and upkeep of their concrete floors. Here are some signs your concrete floors need maintenance.

Water Pooling on the Floor

If you see water sitting on top of the floor, it's a surefire sign that you need to repair your concrete floor. This is commonly seen in basements and garages. The water seeps underneath the structure and then pushes up into the foundation. If there are small cracks in the floor, they need to be patched using specific concrete floor products . You should call a professional right away.

Large Cracks

Seeing large cracks in concrete is another clear sign that repairs are in order, even if you don't see water pooling. Large cracks will continue to spread, resulting in large chunks of the floor requiring repairs. The sooner you contact a professional for concrete floor repairs, the cheaper it'll be to fix the floor. Concrete floor products, such as concrete bonding adhesives, are cheap and easy for professionals to fix large and small cracks.

Bulges

Seeing large bulges on your concrete floor signifies that you need to speak with a professional. When the ground absorbs rainwater, the ground under the house swells and pushes up on the floor. This is likely why the floor has large bulges. Concrete floor products will fix cracks that appear, but you'll need to speak with a professional to determine how to fix the underlying issue.

Spalling Concrete

Symptoms of spalling concrete include flaking and chipping. In the worst cases, large chunks of concrete may be missing. Spalling concrete is usually caused by a freeze-and-thaw cycle or too much moisture. It's most common in outdoor concrete installations, such as sidewalks, but it can happen in your basement if there's too much moisture. A professional can figure out the cause of the spalling and recommend products or services to restore it.

If you notice any of these signs in your concrete, get in touch with Architectural Concrete Supply today. We'd be happy to take a look and provide some suggestions for the best course of action.

Why You Should Use Epoxy for Your Garage Floor

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 03:07:58 GMT

According to Grand View Research, epoxy floor coatings account for more than 40% of the revenue in the concrete coating industry. This is because epoxy coatings are durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for commercial and residential applications alike. They're most commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, but their many benefits have led to people using them for their garage floors as well. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an epoxy coating for your garage.

Chemical Resistant

Epoxy floor coatings are very strong, and many people choose to use them in their garages because of their durability. Unlike other coating and materials, epoxy won't break down in the face of motor oil, gasoline, bleach, or other abrasive solvents. No matter how long that oil leak has sat on your garage floor, epoxy coatings ensure you can wipe it away without damage or stains.

For those who enjoy working in their garage on various projects, epoxy coating is perfect for you. There's nothing you can drop or spill that will damage your floors. Even heavy equipment like car jacks won't scratch epoxy, so you can work without having to worry about harming your garage floor.

Slip-Resistant

Another reason epoxy is commonly used for commercial purposes is that it's slip-resistant, which protects companies from slip-and-fall liabilities. Garage floors can become slippery for a number of reasons. Whether it was a spill, or just some rain or snow, you don't have to worry about injuring yourself. This is especially useful for those who are already at high risk for slip-and-fall injuries, such as an elderly family member. Considering many people use or at least walk through their garage every day, epoxy coatings are a great way to increase safety in your home.

Easy to Install

Epoxy coating is very easy to install, you can even do it yourself! All you need is epoxy floor supplies from a distributor, and you can paint it right on top of any existing concrete floors. If you do decide to hire a professional, they can most often complete the project within a day or two. Even then, most of this time is dedicated to waiting for the coating to dry.

These are only a few benefits of applying an epoxy coating to your garage floor. Give Architectural Concrete Supply a call today for your epoxy coating supply needs today!

How to Properly Care for Your Concrete Flooring

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:14:26 GMT

Concrete is very common around the world. In fact, according to Equipment Share, over 70% of the world's population lives in a home or other property that contains concrete. Concrete is extremely durable, cheap to install, and can also be completed relatively quickly. However, even though concrete is durable, you'll still need to use concrete supplies to care for your concrete flooring properly. Here are tips to help you improve and maintain the look of your floor.

Dry Dust Your Floors Regularly

Dry dusting your floors is one of the best ways to clean up debris and prevent scratches on your floor. Debris, such as dirt and other contaminants, are abrasive and can lead to duller floors. It's best to use a microfiber cloth or another dry dust cleaner that won't leave lint behind. Don't use a brush and broom. Instead, use a dust mop or vacuum for better cleaning.

Use a Neutral pH Floor Cleaner

Use a wet mop to sanitize your floors and keep them clean. Sanitizing your floors is also a great way to prevent your family from possibly getting sick. To sanitize your floors, use a wet mop, warm water, and a neutral pH floor cleaner. These cleaners are not acidic, meaning they won't wear away your concrete or any polish, color stains, or other finishes on your concrete. You should also try and purchase a cleaner specifically made for concrete floors. A professional contractor can let you know the best concrete supplies to buy for your floors.

Clean Any Spills Immediately

Oil, vinegar, wine, and soap stains can quickly seep into the concrete floor and leave behind a permanent stain. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to remove this stain without costly repairs. It's best to clean up spills as soon as possible using a napkin or soft cloth. There are also concrete supplies such as sealers that can help add a layer of protection against stains. Ask your contractor for advice on which sealer is best for your flooring.

In addition to following these tips above, you should also get the help of a professional concrete floor inspector to can check your floors for damage. It's best to get your floors fully inspected once every two years and serviced once every six years. However, if you notice any discoloration or damage to your floors, don't hesitate to contact a professional concrete paving contractor for help. Give Architectural Concrete Supply a call today for more information on our concrete floor products.

The Top Benefits of Concrete Flooring

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:59:22 GMT

Whether you're installing a new floor or replacing an existing floor, one option that comes highly recommended is concrete flooring. According to Concrete Decor, industry statistics indicate that polished concrete comprises 15-20% of total floor installations per year. If you're wondering whether concrete is the right flooring material for you, read on to discover the potential benefits.

It's Strong

Thanks to its strength, concrete is also a building material that's used to construct driveways and sidewalks. That means that it can withstand a high amount of traffic. Another property of concrete that makes it ideal for your flooring is that it has a high amount of stiffness. Your concrete floor will be able to bear heavy loads while retaining its structural integrity. If strength is high on your list of priorities when choosing your flooring material, then concrete should be at the top of your list.

It's Durable

Installing a new concrete floor is a valuable investment. As such, you'll be pleased to know that you can get better value for your money since concrete is highly durable. The important thing is to ensure that your concrete floor is properly installed, and chances are that it will serve you for many years to come. One reason why concrete is so durable is that it also has high damp resistance.

The Installation Is Quick

You can get your new concrete flooring quicker than anticipated. Generally, the installation of your concrete flooring tends to be quite speedy, especially if you end up choosing precast flooring systems that reduce the amount of labor at the site of the project. With your installation over, your concrete flooring continues to offer value for money. For instance, the cost and time investment for maintaining your concrete flooring in good condition is pretty low. In addition, quality concrete flooring may help to improve the overall energy efficiency of your building due to the fact that concrete possesses a high thermal mass.

There Are Many Design Options

Aesthetics are important when choosing the right flooring material. The good news is that concrete flooring doesn't have to be boring since it can be mixed in with dye. Surface treatments and stamping can also be used to provide a wide range of design options.

These benefits of concrete explain why it's a commonly used building material. In addition, any floor can be a concrete floor including garages and kitchens. Once you choose concrete as an option for your flooring construction, don't hesitate to contact us at Architectural Concrete Supply for professional help.