Installing a Concrete Floor: The Importance of Hiring a Contractor
Concrete flooring is cost-effective and durable and a good choice for many
homes. It is important, however, to have a professional help you with the job,
as an improperly installed concrete floor runs the risk of cracking, a flaw that
can cost you time, trouble and money down the road. An experienced concrete
contractor will make sure the job is done properly the first time, giving your
concrete floor a lifetime’s worth of wear.
In order to pour a concrete floor properly, you must understand soil quality.
Proper drainage is essential and clay and solid rock can seriously damage your
concrete floor. Sandy soil or gravel will allow proper drainage, as water can
filter down almost three times farther in sand than clay, protecting your
foundation.
Clay, on the other hand, consists of very fine, flattened particles that are
packed tightly, leaving little room for air or water. You can determine if you
are dealing with clay by picking up a handful of wet soil and squeezing it. Clay
will ball up. If you squeeze the soil through your fingers, clay will hold
together in clumps. Some clays will actually expand when wet so you can imagine
the problems this could cause on your concrete floor. In these same tests, sand,
with its large, round particles, will not hold together, but will simply
crumble. Water percolates quickly through sand and is therefore better for your
concrete foundation or floor.
A good concrete contractor will help you determine the quality of your soil and
recommend drainage systems, if necessary. Protecting the concrete floor with
special finishes will also lengthen your concrete floor’s life span, especially
if the soil quality is not ideal.
Finally, a concrete contractor will suggest ways to help you beautify your
concrete floor. Paints, stains and textures are all techniques to turn your
concrete floor from simply functional to a decorative accent as well. Perhaps
adding gravel to the finish, which will help with traction is required. This job
is easy enough with the help of a professional. Customizing will often help
improve concrete floor's durability as well.
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