The Brighter Side of Concrete: Why Light Reflectivity Matters
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Hi ,
This week we're going to reflect
(excuse the pun) on a benefit of concrete that many people overlook: How it can
brighten a room or outdoor space with its high light reflectivity. Why is light
reflection such a big deal? Well, for one, installing light-colored concrete floors
in your home or business can help save energy and reduce your lighting bills. But
there are other benefits as well. Learn a few ways you can take advantage of
concrete's bright side.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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Cut your lighting costs with concrete floors
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 Concrete floors
with high reflectivity amplify the amount of natural light entering your home during
the day and reduce the need for artificial light at night. Factors such as the color and sheen of the
concrete surface will determine how much the reflected light contributes to
brightening the space. In general glossy surfaces and concrete floors in lighter colors will result in the greatest savings in lighting costs.
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Install a concrete driveway
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Outdoors, light-colored concrete driveways are brighter and more light reflective than asphalt, saving
energy by reducing the need for lighting at night. Up to 27% of light
falling on a concrete surface will be reflected, compared with as
little as 5% of light from asphalt pavements, according to the American Concrete Pavement Association. In addition, light-colored concrete will absorb less solar radiation during the day, reducing
air conditioning demands in the summer. Learn more about going green with concrete driveways. |
Project a shining image with polished concrete
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 Bright, shiny polished concrete floors simply look better than a dull, drab surface. More public facilities such as office buildings, stores,
restaurants and schools, are using polished concrete to project a bright, clean,
professional image. In a home, polished concrete floors will be easier to maintain and will make rooms sparkle.
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