After a new concrete floor is poured, you may feel excited over being one step closer to having a finished (or refinished) garage floor, porch or basement. However, here are 3 quick tips to keep in mind even if you invest in professional epoxy floor coating services.
Stay Away from Metal Expansion Joints
When working with control joints on the main slab, a common mistake is using expansion joints or metal strips. This material can actually cause lasting damage to your newly poured concrete floor – damage that may force you to start over and/or waste valuable time to restore before proceeding. Using zip strips made out of plastic is just as effective without the adverse reaction.
Never Pressure-Treat Wood
As mentioned above, you need to be mindful about what can cause lasting (or even irreparable) damage to your concrete construction project. For instance, when applying coating, you can do so freely with concrete steps or even wooden steps. However, when working with those wooden steps, avoid pressure-treated methods to prevent excessive damage.
Pay Attention to Curing Timeline
Just because it may look cured does not mean that is the case. You must remember that a standard curing process of a normal concrete mix lasts a minimum of 28 days before the coating process. Most experts recommend waiting at least 45 days – a timeline that is strictly contingent on weather conditions. You could possibly invest in specific concrete mixes designed to cure much faster than normal mix if you are crunched for time. However, it is highly recommended for you to consult with a professional epoxy floor coating services expert or team to explore applicable options. Following these tips may seem tedious at first, but can actually save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
