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The Process of Polishing Concrete in Ottawa

Concrete is a very versatile flooring material, which is why it has become so popular with residential and commercial property owners in the recent years. It’s a low-maintenance, resilient, and durable surface that can easily be customized according to the property owner’s requirements and preferences. One of the most popular ways to customize this surface is concrete polishing in Ottawa. At The Floor Company, we follow the process described below to get the best results. polish concrete floor ottawa

  1. Determine the Condition of the Concrete

The concrete surface needs to be in good condition to ensure that the polished floor will look good. The polishing process tends to amplify any cracks and dents on the surface so it’s important to repair the existing concrete before attempting to polish it.

  1. Prepare the Surface 

The surface needs to be clean before polishing so technicians will remove all traces of sealers, coatings, carpet glue, etc before they start the process. They’ll also remove any debris like loose stones and dirt from the surface. This isn’t a concern with newly installed concrete floors as contractors only need to add densifiers to the surface to make it ready for polishing.

  1. Rough Grinding

The next step is to rough grind the surface to ensure the floor is completely level and doesn’t have any bumps and dents. As mentioned before, polishing will magnify any flaws on the surface, including unevenness and rough grinding can eliminate most of this. 1 – 5 rounds of the grinder will help to ensure that the floor is ready for the next step in the polishing process.

  1. Hardner

 After rough grinding, the technician will apply densifier or hardner to the surface to ensure it is solid and dense. Concrete surfaces can be porous and soft and won’t accept polishing easily. A hardner will ensure the polish is even and clean without any patches of dents. It will also ensure the floor is resilient enough to not break under pressure.

  1. Final Polish

After the hardner sinks in and cures, the technicians will apply the final layer of polish. The concrete polisher will move from one grit to another in a step-by-step process until they achieve the desired level of polish. You can choose between flat, satin, semi-polished, and high gloss finishes for the concrete surface. View our gallery here for more details and images of the different kinds of finishes you can have.

After the floor is completely polished, the technician will apply a coating to protect it from scratches and damage. Concrete polishing in Ottawa will leave the floor more susceptible to scratches and coatings will provide an essential layer of protection. After the coating dries, your floor is ready for use.

If you would like to get a free estimate, contact us today!

 

 

 

Architectural Concrete Floor Finishes

Concrete floors have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. They are relatively affordable, durable, low maintenance, and very versatile. You no longer have to deal with the drab grey look that’s only suitable for warehouses and roads because there are different kinds of architectural floor finishes available now. At The Floor Company, we customize the floor finish according to the preferences of our customers. Here are some of the more popular finishes available to you.

the-floor-company-ottawa-concrete-floors-architectural-concretePolishing

Polishing is one of the most popular finishes for concrete because the resultant floor can look stunning. There are different levels of polish available and they range from a flat matte finish to a mirror-like gloss. We can also add aggregates of natural stone to the concrete mixture, which can create a beautiful pattern to the floor.

–>Check out our Gallery Here<—

Stains

Concrete stains are the easiest and one of the most affordable ways to customize the look of the surface. They’re also very durable because the acid stains sink into the concrete and bind with it. The colour won’t fade, chip, or stain easily, especially if you apply sealers and concrete floor wax on the surface. You can transform the look and feel of the floor in a matter of days.

Coatings

Coatings are similar to a layer of paint on the walls but they’re specially formulated for concrete floors. You can choose between latex, epoxy, and polyurethane coatings; latex being the cheapest and least durable; and polyurethane the most durable and expensive. They can be applied quickly and easily in a matter of days with no effort. In fact, many DIYers apply epoxy coatings on their floors during weekends.

Stamping

Stamping is more common in outdoor installations than indoor floors. They add design and texture to the surface and ensure they it’s not slippery when wet. With stamping, we can mimic the look and feel of different materials like brick, natural stone, and even concrete pavers. We can also create unique designs that’ll make your property stand out. These architectural floor finishes can only be applied when the concrete is wet and hasn’t cured.

For information on architectural floor finishes 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

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Concrete Garage Floor

Concrete garage floors are quite easy to maintain and don’t require much care and attention from property owners. However, you can extend the life of your garage floor with a little TLC, and in turn save some money in the long run. At The Floor Company, we recommend that you take the following steps to clean and maintain your concrete garage floors.concrete garage flooring maintenance ottawa

Use Recommended Cleaning Solutions

It’s easy to be careless with concrete garage floors because they’re very resilient and durable. However, some coatings and finishing wax on your floor aren’t as resilient as the original concrete surface itself. When you clean your floors, you need to use agents that are recommended by the contractor or the coating and wax manufacturer. This will preserve the coating and seal for a long time and ensure you won’t have to reapply them too often.

Proper Cleaning Process 

Garage floors can become dirty very easily because of chemical spills and oil stains. The grease can accumulate over time and cause permanent damage to the surface. One of the best ways to avoid this is to clean the floor thoroughly. You won’t be able to do a thorough clean as often as you like, but two to three times a year is ideal.

Summer is a good place to start because the weather is very favourable. You can remove all of the unattached items present on the floor, and sweep and scrub the surface. This will remove all of the accumulated dirt and grime from areas that you didn’t have access to before.

Floor Sealer 

If your floor isn’t polished, you need to apply a floor sealer to protect the concrete from stains and grease. Sealers, even impregnating sealers, can erode over time and need to be reapplied. Summer is a great time for this because no moisture will be trapped underneath the sealer solution and it will dry quickly.

You can also apply wax over the sealer as an added protection against grease and oil stains that are prominent in garages. These coatings will wear off based on the quality of the product so you should choose something that’s long lasting.

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

Polished Concrete Vs. Tiles – Which is Better?

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.

polished concrete vs tile flooring ottawa polished concrete floors

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

How to Find Garage Flooring Contractors in Ottawa

Garage floors need to be tough, durable, and resistant to considerable amounts of damage. They should be able to handle oil and chemical stains, high traffic, impact from tools, etc. Not all floors can endure this amount of wear and tear. However, to get good results, you need right garage floor contractors in Ottawa. We at The Floor Company have put together a small guide to help you choose the best possible contractor.garage floor ottawa colour flakes

Decide What You Want

Before you hire a contractor, carefully consider what you want. You should determine your budget, research the variety of coatings available, and decide just which coating and floor you want for your garage. That would help you narrow down the list of garage floor contractors in Ottawa and save some time on the search.

Ask Around 

If your friends or neighbours have recently remodeled their garage, you should ask them for suggestions and recommendations. Because they have personal experience with their chosen contractors, they can give you an honest opinion. You can note down the names of contractors they recommend and mark contractors they disapprove of. This will help you stay clear of bad experiences and low quality work.

Look Online

Most garage floor contractors in Ottawa will have their own websites or listings on platforms like Yelp and Google+. You can add the highest rated contractors to your list and research them. Be sure to read the online reviews and explore their website because that would help you shortlist the best contractors.

Get Quotes

After you’ve shortlisted all contractors, call them or contact them through their online forms for quotes and details. You can also prepare a list of questions that would address your specific concerns and requirements. Most contractors would be perfectly willing to answer your questions and provide estimates. They’ll also provide references to previous clients if you ask.

At this point, all you need to do is study the quotes, compare different contractors, and make your decision. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to hire the best garage floor contractors in Ottawa.

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, 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

Are Concrete Floors Pet Friendly?

Pets bring happiness to the lives of their owners. They’re wonderful companions and can be very entertaining as well. Most pet owners want their faithful companions to be comfortable in their homes. That’s why when you’re choosing a floor system for your home, you might want to consider a pet-friendly option.

There are several types of flooring systems available in the market, some of them are ideal for households with pets and others are not. At The Floor Company, we believe that concrete floors are great for homes with pets and here are some reasons why.are concrete floors pet friendly ottawa

  • Easy to Clean- One of the best advantages of concrete floors is that they’re very easy to clean. All you need is a broom, a rag, or a mop and your floor will be clean within minutes. That can be very helpful to pet owners because pets have a tendency to shed fur, drag in mud and dirt and litter the floors.
  • Pet Stains and Odors- Even a well-trained pet can cause a mess inside the house. Unfortunately, some floors can absorb these pet stains and develop odor over time. Most concrete floors have a seal over them that prevent liquid and stains from sinking into the surface. You can be certain that the odor or the stains will be easily removed. If the floor isn’t sealed, you can use products available in the market to remove the stains.
  • Won’t Trap Fleas, Mites and Dander- Unlike carpet or wood flooring, concrete flooring has a sealed and smooth surface that won’t trap fleas, mites, and dander. These things can create an unhealthy environment in your home. Pet dander can be easily cleaned and the fleas and mites won’t have any place to hide on concrete floors.
  • Scratch Resistant- Pets are fond of running around and being active. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm can be very apparent on some floors.  Claws can scratch the surface and leave behind unsightly marks. However, this isn’t the case with concrete floors. They’re naturally scratch resistant and some seals and coatings can make them scratch proof.

As you can see, concrete flooring is ideal for your pets. For more information 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, 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

Self-Levelling Epoxy Floor Makeover

In the world of decorative concrete flooring and concrete floor rejuvenation, it would be a challenge to find a more drastic change in less time than getting a self-levelling epoxy floor installed.

It might seem almost counter intuitive that a mix comprised 50% of sand would be self-levelling but that is exactly the case here. Sand is added to epoxy in order to allow it be installed up to 20 times thicker in one go compared to liquid applied epoxy alone.

The sand serves as a “motivating” factor in the process. As the sand settles, it displaces liquid epoxy to the surface where it lays out and flattens, creating a near perfect level surface. The sand also creates an aggregate matrix within the coating. This piled up sand results in a highly impact resistant concrete floor. 

Given the fact that so much thickness can be added to the floor in one go, we will often find ourselves installing it on surfaces that, just days before the building owner was considering ripping out and replacing. Doing so would have resulted in a much higher cost. Not only that, what you end up with when you replace a concrete slab is a smooth surface, however, one that is unprotected and will end up just the same as the one that’s just been replaced.

In the end, save for any contamination or structural issues, coating a floor with a self-levelling epoxy is by far the best choice for the long term because of; less interruption to room access but also financially short term and long term.

Check out the photos below for a better understanding of just how far you can take a floor from beatdown to new. 

BEFORE:

ottawa good time centre before concrete floor patch

AFTER:

ottawa good time centre before concrete floor patchTo ensure your concrete and coating contractor is able install self-levelling epoxy, test your floor for compatibility before making an investment. While epoxy is usually a great way to go, it takes a professional to ensure that you aren’t better served with one of the many other materials out there today.

 

The Floor Company

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

4 Most Common Causes of Damaged Concrete Flooring

Concrete is a very resilient flooring material. It can bear a considerable amount of wear and tear. It’s low maintenance and can come in a variety of forms and designs. But it’s not perfect. Concrete, while resilient, comes with its set of problems. These problems can turn something pretty and alluring into a mess. At The Floor Company, we have found that some problems are more common than others. These are listed below:custom concrete floors polished concrete

Cracks 

This is the most common problem with concrete. It’s especially true for the poured-in concrete floor. Like several materials, concrete expands and contracts on the basis on temperature variations. If the variance is extreme, the concrete is liable to crack. Concrete can also crack if the ground underneath it isn’t even.

There are several reasons behind cracks but repairing them is usually easy. Most cracks are just on the surface, though some can be a symptom of deeper structural problems. You need to inspect the crack thoroughly to avoid future problems. 

Dusting

 If you spot a fine layer of dust on your concrete floor, you face a problem called dusting. This is essentially concrete particles that haven’t mixed in with the rest of the material completely. This can happen if there’s too much water in the mixture or not enough cement on the surface.

High traffic areas are more prone to dusting than other places. To avoid this, the concrete should be allowed to cure completely during the installation process. You also need to ensure that the mixture of cement, aggregate, and water is ideal for proper curing.

Spalling or Scaling

 If you notice a white, flaky patch on your concrete floor, you should immediately call a professional. This is a sign of scaling. While sometimes scaling is just a cosmetic problem, it can also result from structural damage. If a professional looks at it, they’ll be able to determine if it’s just a problem with the surface or something more serious. Scaling should be addressed as quickly as possible because there’s always a chance that large chunks of concrete will separate from the surface.

Corroded Concrete from Winter Salt

 The City of Ottawa has switched to a new chemical base for it’s road salts in recent years. The result is less corrosion to our cars but more to concrete. With our concrete systems you can protect your concrete as well as repair damage previously done. 

For more information on concrete flooring damage or to get an estimate, you can contact us today.

 

The Floor Company

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

Decorative Chip Concrete Garage Floor Finishes

Your garage floor is likely the last place you thought you’d renovate in your home. Lately, in the last 10 years or so, decorative chip finishes for garage floors have been popping up everywhere.

Many contractors in various fields have been adding garage chip flooring to their repertoire. The thought process is often “well I’m already doing their central vac, I may as well do their garage floor while I am there!” While this is sound business thinking, it may not be the best for the consumer at the other end of the transaction. flake floor garage finish chip floor ottawa

Decorative garage chip floors go much deeper than the surface you walk on. There is a very specific and technical method that must be followed to ensure the longest lasting decorative chip coating possible.

Concrete flooring contractors know that when it comes to any kind of chip floor, surface preparation is key. You don’t want to hire a contractor who doesn’t have concrete grinding or shot blasting equipment for surface preparation. You want a contractor who has the know how and equipment to properly abrade your floor to ensure the entire decorative chip system is able to seep into the concrete garage floor and expand into it’s pores. This is key for a long lasting and durable installation.

You can read more about surface preparation and the perils of skipping steps or attempting a DIY decorative chip floor elsewhere on this blog.

On the topic of decorative chip choices: There are MANY. Rest easy though, usually a concrete flooring contractor will provide a basic book of samples of decorative chip options. There are always custom blends available of course.

Decorative chips are essentially smashed up little pieces of vinyl. They are available in sizes from 1/32 all the way to 1 inch. The most common, and in my opinion the nicest, are 1/16″ and 1/4″ flakes.

If you have a floor that isn’t quite perfect in terms of smoothness or levelness, a 1/4″ chip is your best bet. 1/16″ chips show more imperfections. However, there are base coats that are self-levelling which can be applied prior to installing a decorative chip floor.

If you level out and smooth your floor with self-levelling epoxy first, you can easily go ahead with 1/16″ flakes for a super rich and less busy look.

Contact us today to discover your options in decorative chip concrete garage floor finishes.

Are Concrete Floors Cold and Damp?

Concrete can be a very cold material, as the material itself is smooth and unforgiving…however, concrete is no colder than ceramic or stone, so why give concrete the cold shoulder?

Unlike other materials, with concrete, you have the ability to install radiant heating cables, which are special cables that give off plenty of heat. By putting these in your concrete floors, you will experience heated flooring with concrete!

are concrete floors warm

Concrete floors end up being warmer with this method, and if you are designing a home as opposed to simply re-flooring a room, see about allowing as many windows as possible, so that the concrete can take in the heat from the sunlight and hold it in, thereby making the floors even warmer (wintertime would be a nightmare without any sort of heating for your concrete floors).

It can become a terrible hassle if a concrete floor is built on a subgrade that does not drain accordingly, as this will cause your concrete floor to become awfully damp. Dampness can also occur from not having insulated the area properly enough, as moisture and water will then seep into the concrete and cause inevitable dampness.

So, for ensuring that your concrete floors are warm and dry, you must make sure that your floors are laid and installed correctly, and a bit of research on your own time would not go astray, as it would be in the greatest of benefits to you to know about concrete flooring installation beforehand, that way you can make sure the contractor is doing things correctly (if it’s a younger contractor, you run the risk of him not knowing any “tricks of the trade” or whatnot).

In today’s society, methods are being used to help stop moisture and water from getting in and under your concrete floors (besides insulation), and that is through contractors and carpenters placing a vapour barrier within the concrete slab, in order to protect from the invasion of moisture.

You see, at the end of the day, if your concrete floors are put in correctly, and they are heated properly, you would not have much to worry about in the way of walking on a stone-cold floor in the wintertime.

If you have any questions for a concrete professional, contact us today!