HOW TO FIX UP OLD CONCRETE FLOORS

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2019/11/15 Read:338

Concrete flooring is a budget-friendly, durable option that works in a variety of spaces, including basements and garages. But over time, concrete can become stained, cracked, gouged and otherwise damaged, so its appearance is compromised. If you have old concrete flooring that's seen better days, there are ways to fix it up. The most effective method depends on the extent of the damage — and how much you're willing to spend.

Patch It

If your concrete floor has a small gouge or hole that's marring its appearance, you may be able to fix it up with a simple patch. But in order to create a smooth, flawless patch, you need to prepare the floor properly and use the right materials. The hole must be level at the bottom and its sides should be undercut so the patching material doesn't come loose. Use a cold chisel and hammer to chip away any necessary concrete and vacuum any debris. A concrete bonding liquid is an effective adhesive for holding the patch in place, but the right patching material depends on the depth of the hole. If your hole is extremely shallow, you should use a sand-mix concrete. For holes that are 1 inch or deeper, you'll need to use a coarse mix with crushed-stone aggregate.

Paint It

If your old concrete floor is stained or just looks drab, painting it is an inexpensive way to fix it up. But because concrete is such a porous material, it's important to use paint designed specifically for use on concrete or you'll wind up with an uneven, splotchy finish. You must prepare the floor properly before painting as well. Patch any holes and clean it thoroughly to ensure that the paint can adhere effectively. Once the floor is ready, you can cut in the edge of the room by hand with a brush, but use a roller with a telescopic handle for the center portion to make the job go more quickly.

Resurface It

For an old concrete floor with serious cracks, gouges, stains and other imperfections, patching and painting alone may not be enough to fix it up. If you're dealing with more significant damage, a concrete overlay is usually the most effective option because it can make your floor look like new. With a concrete overlay, a new, thin layer of concrete is laid over the existing floor to create a smooth, flawless surface. You can have the overlay stamped with a decorative pattern that resembles brick, slate, tile, stone or wood. Stain the overlay in a warm, earthy color so you aren't dealing with the usual drab, gray concrete. If you add a protective sealer to the overlay, your floor will be more resistant to dirt and stains so you'll be able to preserve its appearance longer.

Cover It

If your old concrete floor is beyond the help of patching or painting but you don't have the budget for a concrete overlay, self-stick vinyl tile is an easy, inexpensive alternative. Vinyl tile is available in a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, so you can find an option that complements the rest of your decor. Before applying the tile, you'll need to clean and patch your concrete floor so the surface is smooth. While the tile already has adhesive on the back, you should apply a floor primer recommended by the manufacturer to seal the concrete's pores so the tile adheres more effectively. Once the floor is primed, you simply peel the backing off the tiles and stick them into place. If you have a slightly higher budget, you can also use ceramic tile or laminate flooring to cover the concrete, but those installations are usually more complex.