Flooring is one of the most important parts of a new construction project. The floor will be used daily and must be strong enough to put up with wear and tear. The flooring of a building should be functional for the space and can add a certain feeling to the interior. If you are building a home, apartment, or commercial building, concrete might not be the first material you think to use for floors. However, there are many reasons to consider using concrete for flooring. If you’re trying to find the perfect material to use for floors, here are the pros and cons of concrete flooring.
Pro: Variety
When you think of concrete, you probably think of sidewalks and concrete blocks. There are many types of concrete to choose from when thinking about using it for a construction project. If you are looking to create a smooth surface for a building, you can consider using polished concrete flooring. If the project you are working on is for industrial use, you can consider using epoxy concrete which is more resistant to chemicals and is easy to clean. There are many varieties of concrete to choose from depending on your flooring needs. If you aren’t sure which type you can learn more about commercial concrete and buildings from FMP Construction.
Pro: Durability
It’s no secret that concrete is a very durable material. This is one of the reasons why it is such a popular material option for industrial and commercial buildings. Concrete is very hard to damage and can hold up against machines and equipment. If you are considering concrete flooring for a residential or retail environment, you won’t have to worry about scratching the floors with furniture or other daily wear and tear.
If a concrete floor becomes cracked badly over time, you won’t have to replace the whole thing either. It is relatively easy to fill in and polish a crack in a concrete floor. All while keeping its strength throughout everyday use. Properly maintaining a concrete floor will help it last for a very long time even with small repairs from time to time.
Con: Hard and Slippery
Concrete is an incredibly hard surface and when it’s polished can become very slippery. Having a very hard floor is great if you need something very strong, but concrete floors can be dangerous in other circumstances. If you decide to use concrete floors in residential or retail settings, you must make sure the floor isn’t too slippery. Those in your home or store could easily slip and endure injuries due to the hardness of the floor.
You can still use concrete flooring in these situations for a modern industrial look but may want to consider adding carpets to make it more comfortable for people using the space. A hard floor can also be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. So if you know people using the floor will have to be on their feet for a long workday, you may want to try a different material.
Pro: Sustainability
Concrete is a much more sustainable material than other popular flooring materials. Using concrete can help regulate the temperature of a building and in turn, bring down the cost of electricity. Concrete is an energy-efficient material. When building a commercial construction, you’ll want to be mindful of your energy consumption. Using concrete can help minimize your consumption and keep the costs of electricity, cooling, and heating to a minimum.
If you pour your concrete flooring correctly, it can last for decades. You won’t have to worry about redoing the floor or having to do a lot of maintenance for a long time. Since it lasts so long and requires minimal maintenance, it can be much more sustainable than some of its popular counterparts.
Con: Susceptible to Moisture
When concrete is used correctly, it can last for a long time without problems. However, the process of pouring concrete is very specific and if done incorrectly, leaves the floor susceptible to moisture issues. If moisture gets into a concrete floor, it can begin to crack and require many repairs. A concrete floor will require very meticulous sealing after it’s poured to minimize the risk of moisture. You must work with a team of professionals so your floor doesn’t experience erosion or moisture damage over time.
Conclusion
Concrete flooring won’t be the right fit for every project. But if you’re able to consider using concrete in your construction projects, you can rest easy knowing you are using a durable and sustainable material. Not only that but it is easy to customize and install with little long-term maintenance required. You may run into some trouble if you do not properly seal the floor, but if you work with professionals you can enjoy a long-lasting concrete floor.
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