Industrial Flooring Options in Ottawa

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Floors in industrial premises undergo considerable amount of wear and tear so they need to be resilient and durable. Concrete is a great option for industrial flooring but these surfaces do need finishing for added protection. There are many options available to you and some finishes are better than others in an industrial setting. At The Floor Company, we recommend the finishes listed below.

Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is very popular because it is affordable and relatively easy to apply. Epoxy floors are also quite durable and won’t damage easily with chemical spills. The surface is also very easy to maintain so you just need to sweep and mop it up to make sure it’s clean and presentable. Epoxy coatings need proper surface preparation before application because you can’t apply the epoxy over uneven or damaged substrate. The concrete underneath should be in good condition.

The application also takes a little time because the epoxy needs to cure between coatings. Once it’s completely cured and installed, you can expect the flooring to last for 3 to 5 years without problems.

Concrete Polishing

Concrete polishing is also a very popular way to finish a floor in industrial properties. It’s much more durable than epoxy coatings, though it’s also more expensive to install. Polishing hardens the surface and makes it very dense. This ensures any chemicals or oils don’t sink into the surface. The concrete just isn’t porous or soft enough to sustain stains.

There are many levels of polishing; so you can choose from a matte finish to a glossy shine based on your requirements. The higher grade of polish would require finer grits and more time so it can be more expensive. Polishing floors also takes time because the surface must first be prepared and all cracks must be patched before a contractor can polish it.

The time and labor involved makes concrete polishing a more expensive alternative to epoxy floorings. However, polishing lasts much longer and is more durable. It’s also more suitable for industrial environments. The upfront cost might be high, but the cost of maintenance is very low and the floor can last for a very long time.

For information on industrial flooring options or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Bellevielle, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Concrete Surface Preparation Services

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

A concrete subfloor needs to be prepared and primed before any treatment can be applied to it. If you want to add stains, etching, or polish to the floor, the surface must be without cracks and flaws, because stains will only emphasize them. At The Floor Company, we offer comprehensive concrete surface preparation services that will ensure any finish you apply shines and looks perfect.

Ways to Prepare a Concrete Surface

We use many different tools and prepare the concrete surface and our process depends on the condition of the floor. The first thing we do is inspect the concrete for cracks, water damage, and weak spots. Our experts will recommend a preparation method only after they’ve surveyed the floor thoroughly; these are the different methods used:

Diamond Grinding – If your floor doesn’t have any visible cracks, we can use the diamond grinding process to polish it and make sure the surface is even. We can change the grinding grits during the process to add more polish to the floor and bring it to a glossy sheen. This technique is often used to remove old coatings and glue.

Shot Blasting – This is a very commonly used technique to clean and prepare an old concrete floor. During this process, the shot blasting machine shoots tiny steel beads at the floor that blast the surface and make it even and clean. It’s great for removing glue and concrete sealer and will create a textured surface ideal for thick epoxy coatings.

Scraping and Stripping – This technique is used to manually remove carpets, vinyl, tile, wood, and other such flooring materials. We use scraping blades and similar tools to ensure the concrete surface is completely ready for other treatments. This speeds up the process of removing old flooring materials.

Scarifying – This is one of the most versatile techniques to prepare different kinds of surfaces, including concrete, steel, and asphalt. It’s dust-free and will remove all kinds of grease, oils, and debris from the surface easily.

These techniques are highly effective and will ensure that your concrete floor is ready for stains, coating, or seals.

For information on concrete surface preparation or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

What is The Difference Between Concrete And Cement?

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

The words concrete and cement are often used interchangeably but most people don’t realize that there are a number of significant differences between them. Our experts at The Floor Company have put together a brief explanation of the two terms to help you understand what they are and how they function.

What is Cement?

Consider the word cement for a moment, and think of what it means. It means to bind or unite something and that’s an appropriate name for the material. Cement is essentially a binder. It has been around for over a thousand years and has been used as a building construction material for a long time.

This binding agent is rarely used on its own and is often combined with sand, gravel, or other such substances. In a mix, the cement binds all other materials together and makes the overall solution stronger. Today, there are two types of cement available in the market- Hydraulic and Non-Hydraulic.

The former is more popular and slightly more expensive as well. It’s called hydraulic because it uses water to trigger the binding chemical reaction and harden. This material will become water-resistant after it’s dry. On the other hand, non-hydraulic cement is more affordable but not as efficient or durable.

What is Concrete?

Concrete isn’t a binding agent and is considered a finished material. It contains a significant amount of cement in it, along with sand, small rocks, and gravel. Cement works to bind these materials together and ensure the concrete dries down to a solid, resilient substance.

Concrete is essentially a mixture of 60% to 70% aggregate, some water, and some cement. It’s used in roads, flooring, pathways, patios, buildings, sports fields, and other such structures. The composition of concrete depends on the kind of finish and resilience you require.

If you want to install a concrete floor, you might want to choose larger aggregates to ensure the design of the floor pops. So, cement is present in concrete, but the two of them aren’t the same materials and they serve different purposes too.

For information on concrete flooring or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Polished Concrete Vs. Tiles – Which is Better?

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Greg Bell in Blog, Concrete with Comments Disabled

Both polished concrete and tiles are great options for residential and commercial flooring. Both are hard, relatively low maintenance floors and can be very versatile. We at the The Floor Company have polished concrete in many projects and our clients have always asked us how tiles compare to polished concrete floors. Hopefully this post will answer your questions on the matter.

Durability

Polished concrete floors are very durable and with proper maintenance will last you a lifetime. Tiles are also durable but they’re a little more fragile in comparison to concrete. If you drop something heavy on a tiled floor, it’s likely to crack and chip. With proper maintenance, tiles are quite durable as well but you need to be careful and make sure nothing heavy falls on the floor (this is something to keep in mind for industrial and commercial locations.

Design

Both tiles and polished concrete some in a variety of colours and finishes but polished concrete can actually be customized to your preferences. You can choose any colour or design you want because your options are unlimited. With tiles, you can only choose from the inventory the seller might have. A good contractor will be able to add any design or pattern you want to your concrete floor so all you need to do is explain your preferences to them.

Sustainability

Both tile and concrete floors are quite eco-friendly and sustainable so you can install either of them in your property without guilt. Concrete flooring can be constantly refinished to improve its looks after the polish has somewhat faded. But the tiles need to be replaced if the finish has worn off or they’ve cracked and chipped. That has a greater impact on the environment than concrete flooring.

Maintenance

Both are low maintenance floors but polished concrete requires a little more care than tiles, especially in high traffic areas. Polished concrete doesn’t require sealers or waxing, but it’s a good idea to dust and wet mop the surface regularly. You need to make sure that there’s no dirt or grime build-up on the floor. Tiled floors are relatively easily to maintain but you do need to carefully clean the grout to maintain its looks.

For information on polished concrete or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Polished Concrete and Grinding – What You Need to Know

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Concrete is a very durable, low-maintenance, and versatile flooring option. Until recently, it was considered by some to be dull and boring. While it was often used in commercial or industrial applications, concrete floors were rarely found in homes and offices. Thanks to the evolution of finishing technology, this trend has changed.

Now the polish concrete and grinding process provides excellent floors that add to the beauty of any property. At The Floor Company, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of concrete, because people prefer low-maintenance but attractive floors.

Levels of Polish

The polished concrete and grinding process will remove the topmost layer of concrete to get the best finish. Because of this, it’s possible to polish old concrete and get good results. However, a professional would still assess the condition of the floor thoroughly before they polish it. The process depends largely on the kind of finish you want. There are four different levels of polish and they include:

Flat – This requires less than 100-grit resin bond and the result is hazy but clean. There’s no clarity or reflection.

Satin – This requires 400-grit resin bond and gives you a low, soft sheen that looks like satin. You might see some reflection and clarity, but it’s still slightly hazy and matte.

Semi-Polished – This requires 800-grit diamond abrasive and gives a muted shine to the surface. The floor will reflect light well and there will be come clarity. The floor looks clean but doesn’t have a completely mirror-like finish.

High Gloss – This is the final level of gloss and requires up to 3,000-grit resin bond diamond or high speed burnisher. The floor will have near-total clarity with a mirror finish and high reflectivity. This is a very glossy floor but it looks stunning under the right light.

The Process

We grind the surface roughly to remove any dents and unevenness from it.
Our experts will then use progressively finer grit-polishing grits to achieve the desired level of polish.
During the process, we apply impregnating sealer that sinks into the concrete, hardens the surface and densifies it. This allows us to grind it without causing any damage.

For information on polished concrete and grinding or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Bellevielle, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

Concrete Floor Crack Repair Techniques that Work

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

It’s not that difficult to repair a concrete floor. In fact, concrete is a popular flooring choice because it’s easy to repair and maintain. You can handle small repairs as a DIY project and fix the problem in a single day. At The Floor Company, we’ve listed some concrete floor repair techniques that work really well and can be done easily. All you need to do is follow the right steps.

Fixing Concrete Cracks

Cracks on the concrete surface can look unsightly and messy. Fortunately, they’re very easy to fix and the floor can be made to look as good as new. Here are the steps to deal with the problem:

Remove the debris in and around the cracks as much as possible.
For narrow cracks, you can fill the gap with masonry crack filler or a patching compound.
For wide cracks, you need to chisel around the crack and widen it. Make sure to use the uncut method to keep the crack wide at the base and narrow at the surface.
After the crack is open, clean it thoroughly before you apply a vinyl patching mixture and pack it into the crack carefully.
Once the surface is completely level, add finishing touches to make it match the surrounding concrete.

Edges and Corners

It’s not uncommon for corners of concrete flooring or or edges to chip off. You can repair this problem easily as well.

Chisel the area around the damaged edge or corner with the undercut method.
Clean the surface and remove any loose portions of concrete.
Wash the area to ensure the concrete is wet and clean.
Place planks of wood along the edge and secure them in place with bricks or heavy objects. Make sure the wood is flush against the concrete edge.
Mix the vinyl patching compound and pack it into the gap between the wood and damaged concrete and tamp it down to remove air pockets.
Let the patching compound set a little and then finish the surface to look like the surrounding concrete.

As you can see, some concrete repairs are very simple to do. For information on concrete garage floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Common Questions about Concrete Floors ANSWERED

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Concrete floors have been around for a long time, but only recently have they become more popular. An increasing number of people are installing these floors in their commercial as well as residential properties. That’s because the technology has evolved. Concrete floors are no longer dull and boring.

They can be stained, etched, stamped, and polished to a glossy shine. These treatments have made concrete floors very popular. However, people are still uncertain about this flooring option and have questions. We at The Flooring Company have put together a list of some common questions our clients ask us.

Do Concrete Floors Crack?

Concrete can develop minor cracks, especially if it’s not installed carefully. These cracks usually add to the aesthetic beauty of the concrete. However, if you want a smooth, flawless finish, there are several topical treatments available that will hide the cracks. Overlays and coatings will also give your floor an even finish.

Do Concrete Floors become Cold?

This is a major concern for people in Canada. Yes, concrete can be cold because it has the ability to absorb the temperature of its surroundings. So, in cold environments, it’s cold and in warm environments it can be warm. It has the ability to store and retain heat that can easily help you keep your home warm. You can keep the windows and doors open to let sunlight in or install radiant heat cables under the floor. These steps will keep the floor warm and comfortable.

Is Concrete Hard on your Feet?

Concrete is a hard floor so it can be hard on your feet. You can resolve this problem by adding area rugs and other such floor treatments. Area rugs wouldn’t cover the entire floor but would offer your feet some comfort. Hard floors are actually preferable for commercial use. After all, they provide a smooth, even surface for heavy foot traffic and vehicles like forklifts. The hardness of concrete is the reason behind its durability and resilience. It’s also the reason why these floors are easier to maintain.

If you have any more questions on concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Bellevielle, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Concrete Repair in Ottawa

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Concrete flooring is very resilient. It will last for several years with little care and maintenance. All you need to do is refresh the coating on your commercial location floors every few years and they will last for a very long time. However, in all its resilience, concrete can still get damaged. At The Floor Company, we’ve seen several different kinds of damage on concrete floors; but most of these can be repaired by concrete professionals. the floor company concrete repair ottawa

The Most Common Problems with Concrete Floors

There are different kinds of damage that can occur on concrete floors. If we don’t understand the source of the damage, we may not be able to repair it fully. In some cases, you need to address the underlying cause of the problem before the surface can be prepared. Here’s a list of the most common problems.

Cracks and damage caused by freezing, thawing or moisture.
Dents caused by heavy objects falling on the parking garage floors.
Staining due to oil spills or chemical spills on floors without the proper coating.
Scaling caused by inefficient sealing or curing in freezing temperatures.

The Process of Repairing Concrete Flooring

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can move onto repairing it. You should be very meticulous in your repairs if you want to make sure the results last for a long time. Here’s what you need to do:

Measure the damaged area carefully and make sure that you don’t miss any spots. If the concrete surface isn’t level, you don’t need to mark and chip away at the floor. You should use a floor leveling compound for that.

You need to remove the damaged surface with a chipping hammer. If the damaged area is large, you might need professional tools to remove it.

The surface needs to be rough and clean so that the repair mixture will bond correctly. You should brush away the debris and wipe it with a wet cloth.

After this, you need to apply the repair mixture onto the damaged area of the the concrete flooring.

For more information on repairing your commercial concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Shot Blasting Services in Ottawa

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Concrete is porous and vulnerable to the elements just as several other flooring materials are. While concrete flooring is more resilient than other options, you still need to make sure it is properly prepared before applying a sealer or coating to it.

When the time comes to finish a concrete floor, you need to completely strip the concrete surface to ensure that the new coating will properly adhere to the surface. Shot blasting is one way to achieve this and we at The Floor Company feel that it’s the best option for preparing concrete floors in commercial locations.

What is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a one-step method of removing surface coatings and debris from the concrete and prepare it for coatings and overlays. This process will strip, clean, and profile the surface, making it ready for whichever treatment you wish to use. Shot blasting machines will often have a wheel with paddle-like blades that propel steel shots towards the concrete surface. These shots travel at high velocity and will forcefully remove the surface layer of dirt, grime, residual coating, and other debris.

Shots used in the process come in different sizes, depending on the kind of profile you want on the surface. Bigger shots will penetrate deeper and have a much more powerful effect. Conversely, smaller shots won’t penetrate as much and will just remove a thin layer of the surface of your commercial concrete floors.

What are the Advantages of Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a very convenient way to remove the surface layer of concrete. There are several advantages of using this as opposed to other techniques, such as:

The surface profile is generally very rough as a result of shot blasting. This leads to better adhesion as the coating with penetrate the rough surface and settle in securely.

There’s no water or liquid involved and the surface is dry and clean. Because of this, we can immediately start working on the surface after the blasting is done.

There’s no dust as our vacuum attachments immediately direct dust and debris away, leaving behind a clean surface.

For more information on shot blasting and preparing your commercial location concrete floors or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company. If you’re calling from Ottawa and surrounding areas, dial 1800 461 3121. If you’re calling from Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough and Durham, dial 1877 277 9877. You can also email us at info@thefloorcompany.com or fill in this contact us form.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Decorative Staining For Indoor Concrete Flooring Systems

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Greg Bell in Concrete with Comments Disabled

Decorative staining for indoor concrete flooring systems make room for a wide range of designs to be achieved when it comes to both interior and exterior spaces. These floors come with the look of natural stone, and they have an attractive and interesting high gloss finish. You can choose from a wide array of colouring options and design possibilities when it comes to decorative concrete flooring systems.

How Does Decorative Staining Work?

Decorative stains for indoor concrete flooring are applied after the concrete has been cured. It is possible to apply stains to older concrete, yet repairs and cleaning may be necessary. The colour of your choice and its intensity determines the stain mix. You, or the project manager, will have to decide on a colour and how intense it will be. After the chemical reaction that makes the colouring possible has taken its time to complete, the floor then gets washed and left alone to dry. After this step, a protective resin has to be applied on top. This is what gives the glossy look to the concrete floor.

The Finished Look

The finished look of decorative staining is indeed very stylish and classy. While it is glossy, it is also non-slip which makes it an ideal solution for homes and commercial shops. Depending on your preferences, indoor concrete flooring systems and their decorative designs can be textured or flat, and have many different colours and patterns. Decorative stained concrete is the one feature that will make your home, office or shop stand out from the crowd. You will surely get many compliments and questions on your stunning new space and floor.

How to Maintain Stained Concrete Floors

In case you are looking for low maintenance alternatives to other flooring options, you can’t avoid concrete floors. Everything is easy to clean and maintain with these kinds of floors. No matter where the indoor concrete flooring system is being placed, whether the home or workplaces, harsh chemicals and cleaners are no longer required. You can just clean your concrete floor with warm water and a mild soap.

Indoor concrete flooring systems can be applied in both your home and workplace. It doesn’t matter where you would like this type of flooring, it will look sleek and modern.

If you would like more information about concrete flooring systems, contact one of our installers today for a free estimate or for any questions you may have. Be sure to also check out our concrete flooring gallery to view many more options available to you.

The Floor Company

Address: 1117 Newmarket Street, Unit B, Ottawa, ON K1B 4N4

Phone:(613) 706-6664

Blog

All posts in Concrete

What is Cement?

What is Concrete?

Do Concrete Floors Crack?

Do Concrete Floors become Cold?

Is Concrete Hard on your Feet?

The Most Common Problems with Concrete Floors

The Process of Repairing Concrete Flooring

What is Shot Blasting?

What are the Advantages of Shot Blasting?