Homeowners in Wisconsin use concrete floors more than they realize. And the more homeowners use concrete floors, the more they need to be recoated.
Think of your concrete floor like a road. The more traffic it deals with, the more often it needs to be paved to remain smooth.
As the highest rated concrete coating company in Waukesha, few know more about when concrete floors need to be recoated than we do. So in this article, we’ll break down the signs that your concrete floor has reached the end of its life and needs to be recoated for Wisconsin homeowners.
- Visible Cracks and Chips
Concrete floors are prized for their durability and strength, especially the ones we make for Wisconsin homeowners. But even the toughest surfaces are not immune to damage over time.
One of the most apparent signs that your concrete floor may need recoating is the presence of visible cracks and chips. But how exactly do these imperfections form, and why is recoating the solution?
Concrete is a porous material, which means it can absorb moisture. Over time, exposure to water, temperature fluctuations, and heavy loads can cause the concrete to expand and contract.
This natural process, known as thermal expansion and contraction, can lead to the formation of cracks. Heavy impacts from dropped objects or constant foot and vehicle traffic cause chips and surface damage over time.
- Discoloration and Stains
Over time, concrete floors develop discoloration and stains from various sources like spills, chemicals, and exposure to sunlight. If your concrete floor has lost its original color or has unsightly stains, it’s a clear sign that it needs recoating.
This is fairly self explanatory. If your concrete floor has obvious, big stained – it should probably be recoated.
For example, a Waukesha homeowner faced a common issue with their basement floor: unsightly stains and discoloration. Years of use, combined with occasional spills and exposure to cleaning chemicals, had left the floor looking dull and stained.
It was at this point they realized the best solution was to call us and get it recoated.
Concrete coatings typically last between 15-20 years if they’re being taken care of properly, and discolorations and stains is a good sign that your floor should be recoated.
- Peeling or Flaking Coating
Concrete floors are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but the coatings that protect them can sometimes peel or flake. Here’s why this happens:
Improper Application: If the original coating was not applied correctly, it might not adhere properly to the concrete surface.
Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: Certain chemicals can weaken the bond between the coating and the concrete, leading to peeling.
Moisture Intrusion: Moisture can seep into the concrete from underneath, causing the coating to lose adhesion.
Natural Wear and Tear: Over time, heavy use and abrasion cause the coating to deteriorate and start peeling.
As an example, a commercial kitchen outside of Waukesha experienced significant peeling and flaking of its concrete floor coating. The frequent use of harsh cleaning chemicals and constant foot traffic had taken a toll on the coating, making it unsightly and potentially hazardous.
- Loss of Gloss and Shine
Most homeowners don’t care if their garage floor is shiny, since that’s where they store their cars. But it’s a different story for kitchens and patios.
Residential concrete floors are chosen for their sleek, glossy appearance, which adds an element of sophistication to any space. However, over time, this gloss and shine diminishes due to various factors. Daily wear and tear from foot traffic, moving furniture, and other activities can gradually wear down the shiny finish.
The use of harsh or inappropriate cleaning products can strip away the protective glossy layer, leaving the floor looking dull. Additionally, exposure to UV rays from sunlight can degrade the coating, causing it to lose its luster. Aging of the coating itself can also contribute to the reduction in shine.
- Increased Dust and Debris
Concrete floors are generally easy to maintain, but as they age, you might notice an increase in dust and debris accumulation. This can be a sign that the surface is deteriorating. Concrete is a porous material, and as the protective coating wears away, the exposed surface becomes more susceptible to dusting.
The constant abrasion from foot traffic or machinery can cause tiny particles of the concrete to break away, leading to increased dust. This not only creates a cleaning challenge but can also affect the indoor air quality and overall cleanliness of the space.
For example, a workshop in Milwaukee was facing issues with increased dust and debris on its concrete floor. The floor’s surface had become rough and porous, leading to constant dust accumulation that affected the workspace environment.
We were called in to tackle the problem. The team began by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the floor. They then applied a new layer of epoxy coating that sealed the surface, reducing the dust and debris significantly.
The result was a cleaner, more pleasant workspace with improved indoor air quality, much to the satisfaction of the workshop owner.
- Uneven or Rough Texture
There’s nothing worse than feeling like your floor is uneven. A smooth, even texture is a hallmark of a well-coated concrete floor. But over time, the surface can become rough and uneven, indicating that the coating has worn down in certain areas.
This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including heavy foot traffic, moving furniture, or machinery that causes abrasion. A common mistake which leads to uneven floors is the improper application of the original coating or using low-quality materials can result in an uneven surface.
An uneven texture not only affects the floor’s appearance but can also pose a tripping hazard and make the surface harder to clean.
- Difficulty Cleaning
One of the most common signs that your concrete floor should be recoated is how long it takes you to clean it. As your coating degrades, the concrete surface becomes more porous, allowing dirt, grime, and spills to penetrate and become ingrained.
This makes routine cleaning tasks more difficult and less effective. This is because the roughened surface traps more dust and debris, requiring more effort to keep the floor clean.
If you find that your concrete floor is becoming harder to clean, it may be a sign that it needs recoating.
- Moisture and Water Damage
Your concrete floor is susceptible to moisture and water damage, especially if the protective coating has worn away. Moisture can seep into the porous concrete, leading to issues such as dark spots, efflorescence (white, powdery residue), and mold or mildew growth.
This is particularly problematic in basements, garages, and other areas prone to damp conditions. Water damage not only affects the floor’s appearance but can also compromise its structural integrity over time. Identifying and addressing signs of moisture damage early is crucial to maintaining a healthy and durable concrete floor.
For example, a homeowner in Waukesha noticed dark spots and a musty smell in their basement, indicating moisture damage to the concrete floor. Concerned about potential mold growth and further deterioration, they contacted us.
Our team conducted a thorough inspection and confirmed the presence of moisture issues. They recommended a recoating process that began with cleaning and drying the floor. A moisture-resistant epoxy coating was then applied to create a waterproof barrier. The result was a dry, clean basement floor that was protected from future moisture infiltration, giving the homeowner peace of mind.
Does your concrete floor need recoating?
While these are signs that you should consider having your concrete floors recoated – it also means you should get a 2nd opinion first.
It may be that your concrete floor is new and just needs to be cleaned more. It might also be because the previous concrete coating company did a poor job originally.
If you’re in South-East Wisconsin and want us to take a look at your floor for you, please give us a call at (262)-683-5381!
