For business owners who run facilities where they have platforms or flooring made from concrete exposed to the elements, providing an effective form of protection for the exposed surface offers several benefits, such as fire retardant paint. This is why many businesses choose to use exterior concrete floor paint or coating products to cover the exposed area, primarily so that it will last longer.
Concrete is a very strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive material that has been used in construction for thousands of years. However, its one vulnerability is the air pockets that are created when it is poured and shaped. When the concrete dries, the air pockets make the surface porous and vulnerable to staining, chipping, and ultimately wearing down prematurely.
However, a coating of exterior concrete floor paint offers a potential solution that provides several benefits to the business owner.
Benefits of Exterior Concrete Floor Paint
Resists Erosion
Because the paint acts as a barrier to the wind, rain, sleet, and snow, it provides a level of protection that protects the concrete surface from the natural erosive elements. Until the paint wears away, the surface underneath remains protected.
Prevents Staining
Staining is one of the most common detriments to any concrete surface. The paint fills up the air pockets and small cracks in the surface so that any spilled substance can be quickly cleaned away. This means that paint will prevent staining from all types of material for as long as it remains intact.
Longer Durability
Because the concrete now has a layer of surface protection thanks to the paint, it will last far longer as a result. If the paint is reapplied when needed, it is possible that the flooring will last for many decades of normal use.
Protects Value
Exterior concrete floor paint can also help protect the overall sale value of your property. When compared to unprotected concrete flooring that shows signs of aging, stains, and discoloration, a properly protected floor will still appear solid and new. This creates a positive impression for the potential buyer when looking over your property.
How the Exterior Paint is Applied?
First, the floor is properly cleaned so that no dirt or debris is present. At this point, the paint is applied to the surface one coating at a time. Depending on the use of the flooring itself, several coats may be needed to help protect from foot traffic. Once applied, the paint dries fairly quickly as it is absorbed into the surface of the flooring.
Because the concrete is porous, the paint will penetrate the surface which creates a strong bond. This also means that the paint will be less prone to wearing or peeling away from the surface as you might find with other materials. The paint should only be re-applied when it wears down to the point where you can start to see that underlying surface of the concrete.
In addition, using green sources for exterior concrete floor paint products can considerably reduce the number of toxins present in the environment. You can learn more about floor paint and protection from Hybrid Coating Technologies.