Concrete Designs

Contact Perfect Polish for professional concrete repairs at (877) 91-SHINE

Whether or not your existing concrete flooring can be repaired correctly will depend on a number of factors. First, the actual extent of the damage must be assessed. If the entire floor has erupted with dents or low spots, the damage might be secondary to a much larger problem and the cause should be determined immediately. Any damage that shows up overnight should also be investigated. You should never go to sleep one night and wake to find a seven inch gash in the middle of your floor, as this would indicate a serious problem with the foundation.

If the damage is gradual and fairly contained, then repairing the concrete floor should only be a matter of deciding the method that you want to use. If the damage is only in the form of unsightly staining, you can mend the damage by using a skim coat or simply by restaining the floor to hide the blemish. You could also sand the surface to below the level of the stain and then refinish. If the damage is more serious, for instance in the case of spalled concrete, you would have other options to consider, such as using a polymer overcoating; however, if the damage is really bad, you should consider using a new slab on top of the existing one. This is the most expensive and difficult of the options, so it should only be considered as a last resort, especially in a residential setting. Once you bring in a new slab to fit on top of the old one, you will also have to reseat all existing doors and cabinetry as well.

Maintenance will not prevent all forms of damage to your concrete floor; however, much of the staining damage can be prevented by making sure that the sealant is in good condition and reapplied at the directed interval. Make sure that you are not cleaning with harsh abrasives or chemicals so that the floor is not weakened in any way.

To have your concrete flooring professionally repaired by Perfect Polish, the nation’s choice when it comes to concrete polishing and repairs, call (877) 91-SHINE.

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

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 provides patio installation, concrete retaining walls and stone work for the residents of Nashville, Franklin, Bentwood and surrounding cities. When you want to complement the exterior of your dream home, let Custom Hardscapes, LLC apply the finishing touches. As a member of the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute), as well as NCMA (National Concrete Masonry Association), this well-established company is sure to design and install an outdoor living area that will be enjoyed by you, your family and friends for years to come.

You have a plenty of options when it comes to building materials for your patio: stone, concrete, slate, brick, gravel… Almost too many options! So let an expert handle the decisions for you. Custom Hardscapes, LLC has been in the Franklin area for years, so they understand the climate and ground conditions, as well as the durability of one material over another. Each project is unique, but one thing is for sure: Custom Hardscapes, LLC will work with you from the design stages all the way through project completion, and also keep your budget and time frame at the top of their priority list.

Besides concrete retaining walls and custom patios building, Custom Hardscapes, LLC also specializes in these areas for home and business owners in the Nashville area:

• Stone Masonry
• Outdoor Fireplaces
• Courtyards
• Pergolas
• Driveways
• Landscape Lighting

For a no-obligation quote for your project call Custom Hardscapes, LLC at 615-887-5554.

If the polish has worn off of your concrete flooring or it has other signs of wear and tear, like pitting, dents or even spalled sections, it is time to consider either replacing the whole floor and starting over or redoing the flooring that is already in place.  If you do decide to restore your concrete flooring, you can choose to restore it to its original condition, or you can opt to make it look new with a different color, finish or design for far less time and expense than it would cost to lay a new floor.

The Natural Wonder flooring system by Perfect Polish can be put into place and used immediately. Even in commercial applications there is no need to shut down and clear out, as the floor can be put into place while people are still present. The cleaning process, which does not use any toxic or hazardous chemicals, can even be applied  in food manufacturing facilities or hospitals that are fully occupied. These floors meet OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace.

For more information on The Natural Wonder by Perfect Polish

Add Some Shine with Polished Concrete

Are you building or designing a showroom for cars, household appliances, clothing, or other products?  You will need a floor to show off what you are selling.  Polished concrete can be the best type of floor for your kind of space, because its intense, glowing shine makes your products gleam even more brightly.  Polishing concrete can be much less expensive than putting in a new floor, because it is likely that your building lies on a concrete slab anyway, so that is one less element you will need to install during your construction.  Polishing concrete is done rather quickly and efficiently with no hazardous chemicals or materials, so if you are simply re-doing your floor, you can continue to use your space while the floor is being put in.

Americas leading concrete polishing company

You may be asking, “What is polished concrete, and how is it done?”  Polished concrete is either the concrete base of your house or building, or a thin layer of concrete installed over the base of your room grinded and shined until it is flat and smooth.  Whether the concrete has been in place for years or is newly installed, it can be smoothed and evened with a concrete grinder to produce a pleasing finish.  Concrete grinders can be electric or propane  powered; the type that is used is based on the size of the room and outlet accessibility.  Grinders are equipped with vacuums to get rid of the concrete dust that is produced by grinding, so it lessens the hassle of cleaning up those tiny dust particles.  After the concrete is ground, you have the option of adding a stain or color for aesthetic effects, which is then polished and can be sealed and hardened.

There are countless benefits to choosing polished concrete flooring.  First of all, it is incredibly durable.  Unlike weaker materials, polished concrete is not likely to scratch or dent with age and wear, and its shine lasts for a very long time.  Polished concrete is also environmentally sustainable because it makes use of products that are already there, eliminating the use of excess materials and the energy used up in the manufacturing and installation other kind of floors.  Concrete is very easy to care for, requiring only the occasional mop-up with soapy water.  It reduces dust and allergens, isn’t slippery, and improves the effect of natural light.  Most of all, polished concrete is beautiful to look at and will greatly improve the appearance of your show room.

Perfect Polish has been providing concrete polishing services with glowing reviews for over seven years.  They pride themselves on being efficient, knowledgeable about your needs, cost-effective, and highly experienced.  They have installed floors in spaces that range from warehouses, to hospitals, to households -“getting our work done with minimal or no inconvenience to the business in the building.  Perfect Polish will make your renovation or building process a lot simpler and more enjoyable with a wonderful finished product after it is over.  If you choose polished concrete as your new floor and allow us to do your installation, you will doubtlessly be pleased with the results.”

It used to be that when we thought of concrete, we thought of just a few things, such as sidewalks, driveways and cement slab house foundations.  Most of the time the concrete used has been a pretty dull gray.  Once in a while, for instance, in some southwestern towns, we could find some sidewalks that were various shades of rust and orange that mimic the beautiful mountains in their midst.

In the past decade, however, concrete has changed from a basic utility to a decorative enhancement, a creative and artistic essential in creating the mood of resorts and homes throughout the world.  Decorative concrete has become an integral part of the planning for many building plans – whether commercial or private.  The colors and textures of decorative concrete have become so important that often they are the centerpiece or focal point of a floor plan.

This phenomenon has changed the way that homes are created and office buildings, malls and other buildings are created.  Imagine your basement floors being the color of your choice, sealed to keep out mold and setting the tone for everything from the color and texture on your walls and the furniture you buy.

Think about your kitchen counters being custom poured and cured right in your home in the color and texture you want – at about the same cost as a pre-made countertop.  Think of the hundreds of ways you could plan your decor around your custom countertop and matching or complementing floors.  Decorative concrete can do all this and more.

If you are planning to build or remodel a home, office, mall or any other type of structure, landscape, patio or pool, take the time to look into decorative concrete.  You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Anyone who has a basement knows that basements start out with a slab of concrete – after all, they are the foundation of the house they are in – and they are dull, gray and , well, boring.  They are usually the last place in the house to be decorated, and, until recently, most people used carpeting, pre-fab wood or pressboard products and very little else to create a floor for the rooms in the basement.  In addition, most people believe the myths that basement floors are cold and damp, and that concrete can’t possible be as beautiful or inviting as carpeting.

These are truly myths.  There is a lot more to choose from now, and using decorative concrete can make basement floors colorful, creative, warm and inviting – and at a cost comparable to that of other floor coverings, such as carpet or wood.

One reason for the comparatively affordable cost is that you are using the concrete floor that is already poured.  You have your foundation, which was poured with the building, therefore, the most expensive part of the job is finished.  The next part of the job is to determine the type of decorative concrete to be used and how to use it as a foundation or enhancement to the décor.

For instance, many people have created a game room in a basement, complete with antique or modern pool table and/or a bar and other amenities, such as a very large screen TV.  One concrete treatment that has been used a lot in these types of décor has been stained or polished concrete.  Either way, the existing concrete has been colored – often in rich colors such as cordovan – and after it has been colored, it is sealed.  Some coloring techniques leave the original texture of the concrete, blending it with the furnishings in the area.  Other people have used polished concrete which also can create rich colors to cover the concrete, then polishing the top – almost like a top coat of nail polish or varnish.  Either way, the floor has now become an artistic enhancement or foundation to the area, and it is not only beautiful and creative, it is durable and easy to clean.

If you are thinking of doing something beautiful with your basement floor – even if there is carpeting on it now that needs to be removed, explore the various types of decorative concrete.  You will be surprised at how stunning you can make a room by making your concrete floor the center of attention.

It wasn’t too long ago the most driveways were gray, dull, and pretty much the same. It wasn’t much different with sidewalks, patios, pool decks and basically everything outdoors. You would drive through neighborhoods with beautiful homes in rich earthy hues with lush landscaping and they were surrounded by dull concrete.
All that began to change within the last decade or so, and these days, unique and decorative concrete provides the backdrop and the framing that enriches and completes the beauty of homes and the landscape around them. There is no limit to the creative ways that concrete can be used to enhance a home (or library, office building, boutique, airline terminal, and more).
I have been on a mission to discover some of the unique ways that concrete is being used. A few of these have included:
• In basements of new and old homes to provide durability, color, warmth, longevity and ease of care, plus to created atmosphere;
• In entryways to create a mood and atmosphere from rustic to modern to elegant, which sets the tone for the entire home;
• In kitchens – poured directly into custom framing and built on site – to provide a durable, yet creative and colorful centerpiece to decorate the room around. I have even seen some counters with lights in the concrete!
• Around pools and landscaping, often stamped or stained concrete blends right into the outdoor theme and looks like anything from hand laid Spanish tile to hand carved rocks – which set off a pool, waterfall and lush plants in a stunning, yet economic way;
• In garages – where different colors and styles not only add a different look to a workshop or storage area but also provide durability and a long-term easy clean and upkeep area for cars and everything else that goes inside;
• To color and texture walls creating looks that range from pueblo and southwest styles to stunning Italian terrazzo and inlaid tile, in muted and earthy colors that relax visitors to bright colors that excite and stimulate both he décor and the mind.
These are just a few of the decorative concrete presentations I have seen, but there are many more. Decorative concrete is easily available, extremely versatile and affordable. It will maintain its durability for years and add value to your home or any other property it is used to enhance.
If you are looking for a unique way to create a distinctive look to a home that you are remodeling or to a home, office or other structure you are building or landscaping, explore the variety of ways concrete can be used to create a style and an ambiance that shows your creativity and your personality.