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A Weekly Newsletter about Decorative Concrete               April 2, 2009
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Video Series: Maintaining Concrete Floors

Video: Maintaining Concrete Floors

In this series of how-to videos, Bob Harris of the Decorative Concrete Institute explains what you need to do to maintain  various types of concrete floors and the protective finishes to use to keep your floors looking great. 

Watch the video series now.

See More Fabulous
Concrete Floors
 Richard Smith Custom Concrete
No flooring material can compete with decorative concrete when it comes to the ratio of beauty to low maintenance. Here are some gorgeous decorative concrete floors well worth the minimal effort they will take to maintain.

Q&A: How cost effective is concrete flooring?
Q: Aren't a lot of flooring materials cheaper than decorative concrete, even if they require a bit more maintenance?
 
A: Yes, many flooring options are initially cheaper than decorative concrete, says flooring expert Bob Harris. But concrete will last longer and give you a better return on your investment. When you amortize the cost of a concrete floor over a lifetime, the price can be comparable or even lower than other high-end flooring materials.
 
Watch Bob's video: How Long Does Concrete Flooring Last?




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 Give Your Concrete Floors
a Little TLC

Hi ,

Diamond D Co.One of the huge advantages of decorative concrete floors is how easy they are to maintain compared with other types of floor surfaces. But that doesn't mean you can toss out your broom and mop. No type of flooring material is truly maintenance free -- including concrete. Whether your concrete floor is stained, polished, stenciled or dyed, you can keep it looking as beautiful as it did on day one by following these tips for regular upkeep.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network

SIX TIPS FOR MAINTAINING & PROTECTING CONCRETE FLOORS
  •  Be sure to protect the floor with a good sealer.This will help the floor resist stains, chemicals and abrasion, making your job a lot easier. Another plus: A sealer will bring out the beauty of your floor by enhancing the color and adding sheen.
Artistic Surfaces Inc.
  • Even if your floor is protected by a sealer, you should preserve the sealer by applying several coats of floor wax or floor finish. These products repel scuffs and black heel marks, and they are also slip resistant.
  • How much maintenance your floor will need largely depends on the amount of traffic it receives. In most cases, residential concrete floors experience light foot traffic. In areas of heavier traffic, such as entryways and foyers, you can reduce maintenance and wear and tear by using floor mats, both inside and out.
  • For general cleaning, follow a simple maintenance program of occasional dusting to remove grit and damp mopping with a neutral cleaner to enhance the shine. Read more about caring for concrete floors.
  • Ask your decorative concrete contractor to recommend cleaning products specific for your floor type and the coloring agents used. See the variety of floor finish options.
  • If your concrete floor ever loses its luster or shine, reapplying a coat or two of floor finish will normally bring it back to life. If your floor is not exposed to heavy traffic, it's not uncommon for a year or more to go by before it needs buffing and refinishing.
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