Concrete Designs

To slap the title of “green” on something, you simply have to say it is so. However, for a material to be truly green in an official sense it has to be certified. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification can be very important, especially in terms of tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives that encourage more people to use green building materials, techniques and practices. The certification itself is based on a number of points, of which polished concrete flooring typically scores between 19 and 28.

Some of the points that are considered for the material include reduced operating costs and increased asset values, the reduction of waste being sent to the landfills at the end of a project for each material being used, the conservation of energy and water, the increased health and safety for the proposed occupants of the finished building, reduced harmful greenhouse emissions and reduced maintenance. The more green materials that are used in a project, the more the owner or project developer is showing a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Polished concrete flooring, especially in commercial facilities, does many of these things, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The less travel that is needed for a project to be completed, the better it is for the atmosphere. Concrete can be brought and mixed at the site, reducing the need for huge trucks. Because it is locally made and created, there is no expensive and harmful importation travel. It is also made-to-order, reducing the need for huge storage facilities and warehouses. Maintenance of polished concrete flooring is simply a damp mopping once a week, along with the application of the sealant every year (every other year at the most). There is no need for harmful chemicals or heavy duty floor machines that use electricity, water and solvents to accomplish their cleaning task. All of these factors make concrete flooring the perfect eco-friendly building choice for your industrial facility, warehouse or commercial building.

To contact a nationwide commercial concrete contractor call Perfect Polish at (877) 91-SHINE.

for quotes call: (877) 91-SHINE

Flooring for Lowe's by Perfect Polish

When choosing a floor system for an industrial facility, such as a government building, warehouse, large retail space or educational institution, you have to consider the benefits each flooring option has to offer. Think about durability and longevity, as well as appearance. Which material will last the longest? Which flooring system is the easiest to maintain?

Concrete is the answer.

A polished concrete floor is a green building choice, which happens to be one of the most important benefits associated with concrete flooring. Not only does the floor reduce the need for endangered hardwoods, but also eliminates the need to import stone from foreign countries; and concrete does not use or release harmful chemicals or toxins. Accepted for LEED certification, polished concrete flooring is a great choice not only because of the eco-responsible aspects, but because of its versatility. Polished concrete floors are able to take on the look of virtually any other material, making them a lower cost option than others, giving concrete an economical advantage. You could have the look of marble, for instance, without having to pay the cost of importing a slab and cutting it to fit.

Polished concrete flooring’s biggest benefit to industrial facility owners might be its ease of use. There is little maintenance needed for this flooring choice, which is perfect for large areas. A damp mopping is needed only once a week or so. A sealer should be applied every year to keep stains and other damages at bay.

To contact a nationwide polished concrete company about your industrial flooring project contact Perfect Polish, the most respected name in the concrete flooring industry.

for quotes call (877) 91-SHINE

A concrete floor is tough and durable; however, it is not impervious to all assaults or stains. Concrete can pit, chip or spall. Because it is a porous material, the concrete can also suck up stains, especially if it is not sealed or the sealant has flaked off. Regular maintenance can slow down the appearance of some damages, but eventually you will find yourself facing more than minor problems.

To repair damaged concrete, your first option is to conduct a simple spot repair. This is smart if it is a very small area and your floor color can be easily matched. However, if you have a custom finish that has been in place for a while, matching the color, design and texture perfectly may be nearly impossible. For better results or for slightly larger areas of damage, consider using a skim coat. A professional concrete contractor will hand trowel a very thin layer of concrete onto the existing surface. New color can be mixed in or can be applied as a regular stain. The existing flooring must be in relatively good condition, meaning that while a skim coat might work for very minor dents and staining, it will not be good for spalled concrete or other damages.

Another option is to use a polymer overcoating process, which is used to resurface and level low spots. The material is applied on top of the concrete and will be around ¼ inch thick. This option is good for dents and pits as well as for spalling concrete and extensive staining. Once this process is completed, the materials can be stained to take on the correct color and other techniques such as stamping, etching or scoring can be used to give the floor new design and style.

This posting is sponsored by Perfect Polish, the national choice when it comes to concrete repairs and polishing.

For quotes on concrete repairs or polishing nationwide call Perfect Polish at (877) 91-SHINE

When installed properly, a polished concrete floor should last virtually forever, making it an optimal building material to consider not only from an economical standpoint, but from an ecological standpoint as well. Concrete’s lifetime cost will be substantially lower than that of other materials, especially in a commercial setting, due to low maintenance costs. Polished concrete flooring also qualifies as a LEED certified application in most settings.

Let’s look at the alternatives: Many businesses will replace their carpeting every 3 – 4 years.  During the carpet’s lifespan, it will need cleaning on a regular basis, further driving up the lifetime cost. You could go with tile or hardwood, but these floors also require maintenance and deep cleaning, which will increase costs over their functional lifetime. Hardwoods are also becoming more and more expensive because the trees needed are becoming rare, and tile can be a problem because of the many chemicals that are used to create it.

Polished concrete flooring will only need a semi-annual or annual reapplication of its sealant in most cases. Repairs can be made to the floor if damage or excessive staining does occur. Instead of reapplying a whole new floor, the existing floor can be remodeled to look brand new, further reducing the costs. A damp mopping is the only maintenance needed in a residential setting and may be all that is needed for commercial applications as well, depending on the foot traffic and the weather conditions of the area.

This posting is sponsored by Perfect Polish.

for quotes call Perfect Polish at: (877) 91-SHINE

Custom Hardscapes, LLC: (615) 887-5554

Decorative concrete for exterior patios, driveways, pool decks and retaining walls is a hot trend that is catching on in Nashville for both businesses and residences. Most Central Tennessee folks love nature and would rather spend their time outside engaging in activities like sunbathing, reading a book, entertaining guests or dining poolside than be stuck indoors. That’s why so many of them have opted to enhance their properties with applications such as concrete stamping, ornate overlays and elaborate stonework to beautify their property and, in many cases, increase the market value of their homes.

Custom Hardscapes, LLC is a decorative concrete contractor in the Nashville area who can help liven up your existing concrete or implement a brand new outdoor design feature with their know-how and skillful craftsmanship when it comes to decorative concrete techniques. Haven’t you always wanted a custom stone courtyard or a paver patio? What about rock features or a waterfall? Or maybe you would just like an attractive retaining wall for privacy purposes. Custom Hardscapes, LLC specializes in outdoor living spaces and can design and install a completely customized concrete or stone oasis that you’ll be sure to enjoy year after year.

Custom Hardscapes, LLC is a locally owned and operated concrete contractor serving residents and business owners in Nashville, Franklin, and all of Williamson County. They are proud to be certified members of the National Concrete Masonry Association, as well as the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. Owner Brien Degryse is happy to provide answers to your specific questions regarding decorative concrete and outdoor living space designs. References and portfolio available upon request.

To request a free estimate from Custom Hardscapes, LLC call 615-887-5554.

Custom Hardscapes: (615) 887-5554

If you are in the Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood or surrounding Middle Tennessee areas and looking for a professional landscaper, or need a patio or a retaining wall built, contact Custom Hardscapes, LLC. This company was established to provide outdoor concrete and stone features to enhance commercial and personal properties. Services begin with a complimentary evaluation of your space. If you are happy with the evaluation, Custom Hardscapes, LLC will start designing the outdoor area of your dreams and install it as though it was their own: professionally, efficiently and affordably.

Thinking of Doing-It-Yourself?

You may want to think again. To create and install professional-looking landscape features requires the skill of an actual professional. Yes, you can do research online and find articles with titles like: “DYI Patio Building” or “How to Build the Perfect Retaining Wall,” but take a look at the ads surrounding those articles…. Think of those articles as bait, trying to reel you in to buy advertisers’ products. But in actuality, buying the products and all the necessary tools and equipment is not the most cost-effective route. Why not? Because unless you have years of construction and landscaping experience, you will ruin the project and then you’ll have to call the contractor you should have called in the first place!

Save yourself headaches and money by contacting a professional landscaping company that specializes in patios and retaining walls in the Franklin and Nashville areas.

Contact Custom Hardscapes, LLC at 615-887-5554 to see what they can do for you and your property.