Do you have a concrete floor at work and need to ensure that you keep it in good condition so that your business can continue uninterrupted? If so, it may have been some time since you paid any attention to its upkeep, and although it was carefully installed in the first place, you will definitely need to take some action. Why is this so important, and what do you need to do?
Substrate Penetration
As you may know, concrete is a very porous material that can retain water and other contamination which, over time, can lead to damage. You may well have sealed the surface carefully when you first laid the concrete, but if it's been a long time since that happened, you may need to perform the job again.
If water or any other liquid is spilled onto an unsealed or partly sealed concrete surface, most of it will penetrate into the substrate. While some of the water may evaporate in the days ahead, much of it will be retained down below, and this can lead to a build-up of mould or algae out of sight.
This can also lead to problems with the steel reinforcement if it becomes exposed due to wear and tear. The metal may begin to rust, and this could lead to concrete spalling or other unsightly issues.
Bigger Issues
You may have an even bigger problem if you store vehicles in this area and they may have developed a leak or two. If the seal is no longer efficient, then this oil could penetrate into the substrate, and even though you may clean the remnants from the surface, this will be not good enough. Over time, the oil will simply rise to the surface again and repeat the contamination. In short, this can make it very difficult for you to keep the place as clean as it should be.
Resealing
To be most effective, you should reseal the surface of the concrete as soon as possible by using a solution that also impregnates the surface. The resealing product will then seep into the substrate and help to fill any cracks or imperfections that may have developed.
Taking Action
Always make sure that you clean the surface very carefully before you reseal it and bring in contractors who will apply the solution correctly. If you do this properly now, then you can look forward to many years of uninterrupted work ahead.
Share23 October 2019
Pouring concrete isn't necessarily as straightforward as it looks. Depending on the land, you have to make multiple adjustments ranging from laying a layer of gravel to putting in moisture barriers. Then, depending on the size of the concrete pad, you may need to add steel reinforcements. After the concrete has dried and cured, you may decide to add sealants, do an acid wash or play with other finishes. Then, of course, there are differences between pouring concrete inside or outside. In this blog, I hope to cover all those issues and more. If you're looking for tips and ideas, take a look at these posts. Whether you plan to hire a concrete contractor or do the work yourself, it can help to know this information.
