Installing Concrete Floors

Before you make your flooring plans concrete, you should know some of the benefits and drawbacks - and amazing design possibilities - of this versatile material.

Durable, cost- effective and low-maintenance

Proponents of concrete point to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness for a variety of applications, including floors, walkways, patios and driveways. They talk of concrete's low need for maintenance, which does not mean maintenance-free. Concrete needs to be cared for and repaired in the event of cracks, spills, chipping and scaling.

Concrete can simulate the look of other materials

Now more than ever, concrete's versatility is being touted as a main benefit. Concrete can be colored, textured and stamped in endless ways, and can even resemble a wide variety of materials, including flagstone, brick, marble, wood, slate and granite at a fraction of the cost!

Although different mixes of concrete allow its use in a wider variety of climates, concrete is still prone to cracking, flaking and chipping. No matter how well concrete is poured, cracks will likely appear due to shrinking as it cures. And temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction can almost guarantee some cracking of concrete flatwork. Tiny surface hairline cracks are quite common, but they won't affect the strength or performance of finished concrete.

Fix cracks promptly

Especially for outdoor concrete flatwork, cracks should be repaired promptly with waterproof concrete caulk. Otherwise, soil erosion under the concrete can occur, resulting in further damage to the concrete surface. Untreated cracks can be particularly damaging in the winter, during freeze-thaw cycles. When water gets into the cracks and freezes, it expands, causing the cracks to worsen. Concrete can be colored, textured and stamped to resemble flagstone, brick, marble, wood, slate and granite - at a fraction of the cost.

Keep surface free of chemicals Concrete is a porous material, and will absorb petroleum-based products (i.e. motor oil), solvents and paints and can cause damage and staining. Chemicals, such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator over-flow, and road salt that drips from vehicles can all cause spalling, or chipping of the concrete surface. Therefore, care should be taken to keep the surface clean.

The strength and durability of concrete are very desirable, but some people find concrete floors are cold, hard and uncomfortable compared to materials like carpeting and vinyl flooring. However, concrete is not subject to damage from tears, stains, wear or flooding, and it doesn't trap allergens and dirt like wall-to-wall carpeting does.

Radiant floor heating keeps it warm Area rugs or runners can be used to soften a concrete floor - to protect dropped objects from shattering, and children who are prone to falling or crawling on the hard surface. They also improve warmth and sound absorption. But perhaps the best way to warm up a concrete floor is to install a radiant floor heating system that warms the floor and conditions the entire space.

Whichever route you choose with your concrete flatwork, it must comply with applicable building code requirements for thickness, composition, strength and slip resistance on exterior walkways. Your contractor will know the codes and is required to follow them.